Fight on for Frankford
Come on Hit that Line
Go, Go, Go
Fight on for Frankford
Victory every time
Rah, Rah, Rah
All hail her colors
see them in the sky
Red, blue and gold we're with you
Fight Frankford High
Dada, Dada, Dada, Dada
Hurrah
Dada, Dada, Dada. Dada
Hurrah
dada, dada, dada, dada
Repeat First Stanza
Frankford High "Fight Song"
Many of you are aware that "My Faithful and Obedient Companion " and I attended my 50th High School Reunion last Friday at the VFW Post in Warminster Pa. It was the first reunion I attended since my 20th back in 1989. We attended due to the persistence of one "Linda Schroder" who was a member of our reunion committee. She told me she had the dogged sense that I did not in fact "die" back in February of 1997 as shown on various "friend finder" sites (which have incorrectly associated my Father's death with my profile). As she told me on the phone she kept insisting that "Jimmie Roberts" cannot be dead!
I was frankly a bit leery of dragging poor Barbara back for the event, since I have not kept in touch with any High School friends (except two guys who I exchange Christmas cards with...and they were no shows) but what the heck, who could turn down a $35 per head buffet featuring Polish Kielbasa and $ 3.50 Yuengling drafts at the cash bar! So down to Pennsylvania we went.
I must admit I was surprised by the turnout, about 110 Grads attended out of a class of about 450.
Before making my "Observation" I will mention a few highlights from my perspective.
First, only a few of my fellow "football" teammates attended. But it was great to see Micheal Ray, our starting quarterback, and the first "Black" quarterback in Frankford history. When Linda contacted me about the reunion she had told me that Michael had surgery a few months ago that "left him paralyzed". I was relieved to learn from Michael that like my death" his paralysis was only "temporary" and that he was getting around ok with a walker and was likely to recover further. Michael and I chatted for quite some time reminiscing about our team. We recalled that we were "co-game captains" in our win against Edison and we each got a game ball afterwards (I still have mine in Winter Park). Also in attendance was Norm Armstrong his backup. Micheal got a kick when I mentioned how he was the starter because he was a lot smarter than Norm. As many of you might recall that at a sadder time in our social history "blacks" were often considered "not smart enough" to play quarterback. Michael certainly proved that was a crappy racial myth. It was for me a reminder that Michael was indeed a groundbreaker in his own right. Of course we talked about the highlight of our year - the "big" upset by Frankford in our Thanksgiving Day game against our neighborhood rival North Catholic High. They were going into the game "Catholic" League champions and went on to win the a title game two weeks later. We on the other hand had a dismal 3 -5-1 record going into the game. Of course neither of us choose to discuss some of our less "stellar" performances. in Public league play that year.
Of course not all was roses at the reunion.
First up was a girl I dated once in high school who followed my "Faithful and Obedient" around all evening. Shw continually shared tales of her daughters music career as church music director in Carlisle Pa. and how she and her husband could not afford to retire. At first this was all OK but really, not over and over again.
Then there was the rendition of the Frankford Fight song by aging cheerleaders that was both inspiring and yet a bit depressing.
Finally, like at all reunions everywhere I am sure, came the "guy" who now resides in Texas. He was dressed in a Cowboy hat and a spiffy three piece suit highlighted by a rhinestone "pistol" tie tac. He was accompanied by a much younger "asian" bride who smiled and giggled at his stories about elementary and high school. In retrospect I am not sure she even spoke english. Upon arrival -literally -he asked me to sign his yearbook-which I guess I failed to do when we graduated. Apparently he had harbored that bad memory for years!
But my real surprise memory story of the evening was by a guy I did not recall at all and who was not even in our graduating class, but which leads me to my final "Observation" about memories. This one harkened way back to an incident in elementary school.
At the very end of the evening as people were beginning to leave my "Faithful and Obedient Companion" said "Jim...you remember David Mullen and Mary Flanagan don't you"? I did remember Mary, she was a classmate of mine, but no one I was ever really "friendly" with. Barbara then said "This is her Husband David" who was a classmate of mine (Meaning Barbara's), and he also dated your sister Ethel for awhile". Frankly I did not remember him at all. Apparently he was a couple years behind me at both Frankford and at my elementary school H.R. Edmunds. My sister Ethel I guess dated him after I went away to college.
OK so where does this lead??
Well suddenly "David" proceeds to recall an incident I had long ago forgotten ...from 6th grade at "Edmunds" elementary school. He said one of his best memories from there was the day I fought "Jimmy Reggierio (sp?) in the schoolyard and I left him a very bloodied nose and lip and maybe a shattered ego? I forgot that Jimmy was always a wiseass bully everybody (especially younger kids like David) had hated. I then indeed remembered that whole scene when Jimmy decided to punch me in the gut for just "being" around his favorite spot. I hauled off and proceeded to land a few very effective punches back. I guess several younger kids had happily witnessed that scene. Who would have thought?
So my final Observation is this. Like stones throw in a pond that leaves ripples... one never realizes that even the strangest incidents can leave a lasting impression on others. Whether it be an unsigned yearbook slight or an elementary schoolyard brawl. Incidents we have long forgotten but have left memories that last a lifetime to those we meet along the way.
With that I bid you
Adieu
Monday, September 30, 2019
Monday, September 16, 2019
True the Vote
When I first started to "Blog" Observations I stated the following in my very first blog:
"At least a few of you may want to join me in some interactive discussion with others via the blog.
So some of you are probably still thinking.......OK but can you give me some additional "meat" to these 4 bullets because if you find "interesting" a discussion of soil dynamics and fungal infections of the Brazilian rain forest you are likely "out (and if that prose is not witty to you consider that as well). So what does interest me? What is "Topical" Let me try to frame this out in a specific way.
What I find interesting includes social, economic, demographic and religious trends, and (yikes) of course politics.
Topical means my subject matter will be stimulated by something that catches my eye. While it may be a "news" item I hope it is more often from a specific personal observation that is stimulated by a personal event, or correspondence. Goodness knows we all get bombarded by news items on TV in newspapers and blogs even Facebook." from my introduction first blog post.
So, today's "Observations" have been stimulated in just such a way, prompted by a "Notice of Jury Duty" my "Faithful and Obedient Companion received last week from the Vermont District Court in Burlington to report for jury duty....despite the fact we left Vermont in several years ago to move to Salt Lake City. See notice:
Barbara proceeded to call the Jury Clerk who explained they used voter registration records to select jurors. She agreed to release her from serving but suggested we notify our Stowe Town government to "take her off" the registered voter list. Barbara explained that we were already taken off the resident tax rolls so we had to pay higher local real estate taxes but apparently that was not "good enough" . It seems these two local bureaucracies apparently do not talk to each other. So, for fun I checked some voter registration records on both of us.with similar results. I found we are currently registered to vote as follows:
Stowe Vermont-Yes
Winter Park Colorado-Yes
Utah- No we have been removed
Hmmm, how can this be?
Well I first remembered that in a previous post from way back I noted that when applying for a Utah Drivers License I was amazed at Utah's efficiency in virtually all things of governance, while I also mocked the Vermont DMV which "forgot" to give me a basic eye test. Kudos to Utah once again.
Then I started to wonder: "is there something about Vermont's voter rules that would be something besides pure incompetence"?
Now here is Vermont's actual voting rules on "voter ID"
If you’ve voted in Vermont before or if you’re voting for the first time and provided ID when you registered, you do not need to show ID to vote.
So it seemed clear to me that both of us could in fact vote here in Vermont still...despite having residence elsewhere. In fact maybe we could vote both in Colorado and Vermont in the next election. Hah but really...who would be so devious.
Well it so happened that this week we had a dinner at our Stowe place with several friends (one couple staunch Republicans-he is a town selectmen in Norwich Vermont, the other staunch Stowe democrats-remember my faithful and obedient and I thrive on diversity when we host dinner because despite our differences we are all friends). The Democrat gentlemen was born in Vermont and lived here his entire life, while his wife has lived here since 1972. When I broached this subject this couple immediately chimed in....first the wife who believed she knew where I was going and said "oh boy here goes our republican friends with the their usual complaint". Now actually my intent was to start a discussion about my favorite topic- Vermont's incompetence, not one about voter fraud. However suddenly (and I would add, interestingly) the husband got a sly smile on his face and proceeded to tell us he used to routinely vote twice, both in the City of Burlington where he was a resident and in his old hometown of Winoski . Now maybe he was kidding because he quickly added that all us Vermont Democrats know this loophole. However it was out of his revelation (kiddingly or not) that I began to wonder.
So I started some basic research on voter ID' laws around the country versus Vermont.
First here is a sample of from one of my favorite Vermont politicians on voter ID
Senator Bernie Sanders stance on voter ID laws:
So I started some basic research on voter ID' laws around the country versus Vermont.
First here is a sample of from one of my favorite Vermont politicians on voter ID
Senator Bernie Sanders stance on voter ID laws:
Voter ID Laws Bernie Sanders
"The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Tuesday said a new state law must be voided if would-be voters are denied easy access to photo ID cards needed to cast ballots. Sending the case back down to a trial judge, the justices said the law could stay in force only if the lower court finds there is no voter disenfranchisement. The Pennsylvania statute was one in a wave of voter ID laws intentionally designed to keep voters away from polls. Sen. Bernie Sanders has asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate what he called an "alarming number" of new state laws that would make it "significantly harder" for millions of eligible voters to cast ballots this November.
The GAO plans to release a report later this month detailing current voter registration requirements and voting laws in all 50 states and how these laws have changed over the past decade. A second GAO report will be issued next year analyzing the impact that these changes have had on voters' ability to exercise their voting rights."
Hmmm.Utah has voter ID requirements to help prevent fraud. For Senator Sanders this is a travesty. Now Utah may be "backwards" to Senator Sanders but for sure there is no doubt that people cannot vote "twice" for their favorite candidate.
OK so we know how Bernie feels versus Utah.
For those interested here is a website I could not cut and paste on: Voter ID Laws .
So now why is it that Republicans do tend to be "suspicious" about voter fraud and voter ID?
Hmm it seems that states like California, Oregon, New York and Illinois, and many "progressive states" have liberal ID laws. They like Vermont tend to elect Democrats.
So today's Observation is to simply ponder this, do such rules make a difference in our democracy? If so how? After all we all know how our political parties differ on this topic.
I, who tend to think the "best" of most of my fellow countrymen never really thought about it much.. But now that friend, a lifelong Vermonter, has made me wonder (even if he was just "pulling my chain") yes maybe it does. Perhaps Barbara and I should even start requesting a absentee ballot just for to "fun "! Unlikely for sure. Why? Well not only would it not change Stowe's (and certainly not Vermont's) results in any meaningful why , and we would also be obligated to report for Jury Duty when called!
For the rest of you I will let you ponder the issue and maybe share your thoughts as you see fit.
With that I bid you
Adieu
Hmmm.Utah has voter ID requirements to help prevent fraud. For Senator Sanders this is a travesty. Now Utah may be "backwards" to Senator Sanders but for sure there is no doubt that people cannot vote "twice" for their favorite candidate.
OK so we know how Bernie feels versus Utah.
For those interested here is a website I could not cut and paste on: Voter ID Laws .
So now why is it that Republicans do tend to be "suspicious" about voter fraud and voter ID?
Hmm it seems that states like California, Oregon, New York and Illinois, and many "progressive states" have liberal ID laws. They like Vermont tend to elect Democrats.
So today's Observation is to simply ponder this, do such rules make a difference in our democracy? If so how? After all we all know how our political parties differ on this topic.
I, who tend to think the "best" of most of my fellow countrymen never really thought about it much.. But now that friend, a lifelong Vermonter, has made me wonder (even if he was just "pulling my chain") yes maybe it does. Perhaps Barbara and I should even start requesting a absentee ballot just for to "fun "! Unlikely for sure. Why? Well not only would it not change Stowe's (and certainly not Vermont's) results in any meaningful why , and we would also be obligated to report for Jury Duty when called!
For the rest of you I will let you ponder the issue and maybe share your thoughts as you see fit.
With that I bid you
Adieu
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Book Clubs
You May live in a marble palace dear
on a throne that was built just for you
you may live in a tent in the far Orient
or a vine covered cottage for two
You may spend your life as a gypsy's wife
Or live in a French Chateau
but the love that is true
is waiting for you
In a Phi Delt Bungalow.
Phi Delta Theta "Love"Song
Song at all Phi Delt weddings...including ours
A few years back my Faithful and Obedient Companion along with three other couples formed "Chapter 2 Book Club". Like most such "Clubs" we agreed to each read several books per year and then we would meet and discuss at two dinner meetings held during those months we all would be back in Stowe.
Recently, over two seperate nights, we gathered for drinks, dinner and discussion at two of the couples homes the four books assigned for 2019. These books were Bunker Hill, South Sea Vagabond, A Gentlemen from Moscow and Brave New World.
Now this blog post is not meant to be a review of our discussions of these books . Instead it is an Observation about how people with divergent life experiences, world views and even strong differences in political thought, can sit down and share their experience in meaningful ways. Of course it is also fascinating to just to learn just how interesting and different all our lives have been. One such story from our book club comes to mind.
In discussing Bunker Hill we got into the subject of how "Unique" the American experience is based on those who first settled our country. We explored the difference between the British settlements in Canada and the 13 colonies and how different the governance of those two British settlements had been. We then discussed the British Military mindset versus the Colonial Militia. Which leads me to share a most fascinating experience of one of our group, who wanted to specifically relate to the British Military mindset. Interesting particularly since three of our eight members were once Canadians (including "Peter" who moved to Canada before becoming a US citizen).
Peter was originally a Brit whose Father had been a Mason on the Suez Canal when WW 2 broke out. When the Germans threatened North Africa he, his brother and his mother fled to safety in South Africa, traveling overland through Africa to escape the German Invasion., a story I had known from past golf discussions. What I did not know is that he ultimately joined the British Military at age 19, was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and was immediately stationed in the British colony of Gambia to head up a garrison of Gambians. He told us how one of his duties was to head up the motor pool despite the fact that he had never driven a car. In fact his Gambian troops had to teach him to drive!
Apparently in the waning years of British Colonial rule in Africa two Gambian tribes got into a conflict and Peter was dispatched to somehow settle the dispute at that ripe old age of 19. He proceeded to explain how he had no idea what his small group of troops could do to prevent an open conflict but it was his "duty" to travel up-river to the town where this conflict was breaking out and stop potential bloodshed. (Apparently one tribe wanted to grow rice in the river while the other tribe wanted the river for fishing. and open warfare was about to break out.) When he arrived with his small contingent of troops he simply decided that he and his Gambian recruits would march back and forth through the town, band playing and banners waving in a show of "force", which he admitted he had no idea would work. Fortunately for him (and his troops) this show of "force' was enough and he went on to spend some interesting times living a life of leisure in a bungalow by the beach in Gambia during the last years of British rule in Africa.
As I listened enthralled by Peter's story all I could do was remember what I was doing at age 19. Drinking beer and listening to Double Shot of my Baby's Love at Lafayette (or even singing about life in a Phi Delt Bungalow) all while I took subjects like the politics of Sub-Sahara Africa from Professor Glanz. A youthful experience which pales in comparison to the first hand experience of Sub Saharan African Politics Peter actually lived out at about the same age!
Which brings me to today's observation.
All around us are people with who we may disagree with, politically, and socially. Meeting and talking about our own unique human experiences is one real way to bridge our many divides. Each of us approaches life from our particular world experience. Experiences that when shared can help us to better understand where the other is coming from. Perhaps It is also one way we can find some common ground in spite of our own particular worldview.
With that I bid you
Adieu
on a throne that was built just for you
you may live in a tent in the far Orient
or a vine covered cottage for two
You may spend your life as a gypsy's wife
Or live in a French Chateau
but the love that is true
is waiting for you
In a Phi Delt Bungalow.
Phi Delta Theta "Love"Song
Song at all Phi Delt weddings...including ours
A few years back my Faithful and Obedient Companion along with three other couples formed "Chapter 2 Book Club". Like most such "Clubs" we agreed to each read several books per year and then we would meet and discuss at two dinner meetings held during those months we all would be back in Stowe.
Recently, over two seperate nights, we gathered for drinks, dinner and discussion at two of the couples homes the four books assigned for 2019. These books were Bunker Hill, South Sea Vagabond, A Gentlemen from Moscow and Brave New World.
Now this blog post is not meant to be a review of our discussions of these books . Instead it is an Observation about how people with divergent life experiences, world views and even strong differences in political thought, can sit down and share their experience in meaningful ways. Of course it is also fascinating to just to learn just how interesting and different all our lives have been. One such story from our book club comes to mind.
In discussing Bunker Hill we got into the subject of how "Unique" the American experience is based on those who first settled our country. We explored the difference between the British settlements in Canada and the 13 colonies and how different the governance of those two British settlements had been. We then discussed the British Military mindset versus the Colonial Militia. Which leads me to share a most fascinating experience of one of our group, who wanted to specifically relate to the British Military mindset. Interesting particularly since three of our eight members were once Canadians (including "Peter" who moved to Canada before becoming a US citizen).
Peter was originally a Brit whose Father had been a Mason on the Suez Canal when WW 2 broke out. When the Germans threatened North Africa he, his brother and his mother fled to safety in South Africa, traveling overland through Africa to escape the German Invasion., a story I had known from past golf discussions. What I did not know is that he ultimately joined the British Military at age 19, was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and was immediately stationed in the British colony of Gambia to head up a garrison of Gambians. He told us how one of his duties was to head up the motor pool despite the fact that he had never driven a car. In fact his Gambian troops had to teach him to drive!
Apparently in the waning years of British Colonial rule in Africa two Gambian tribes got into a conflict and Peter was dispatched to somehow settle the dispute at that ripe old age of 19. He proceeded to explain how he had no idea what his small group of troops could do to prevent an open conflict but it was his "duty" to travel up-river to the town where this conflict was breaking out and stop potential bloodshed. (Apparently one tribe wanted to grow rice in the river while the other tribe wanted the river for fishing. and open warfare was about to break out.) When he arrived with his small contingent of troops he simply decided that he and his Gambian recruits would march back and forth through the town, band playing and banners waving in a show of "force", which he admitted he had no idea would work. Fortunately for him (and his troops) this show of "force' was enough and he went on to spend some interesting times living a life of leisure in a bungalow by the beach in Gambia during the last years of British rule in Africa.
As I listened enthralled by Peter's story all I could do was remember what I was doing at age 19. Drinking beer and listening to Double Shot of my Baby's Love at Lafayette (or even singing about life in a Phi Delt Bungalow) all while I took subjects like the politics of Sub-Sahara Africa from Professor Glanz. A youthful experience which pales in comparison to the first hand experience of Sub Saharan African Politics Peter actually lived out at about the same age!
Which brings me to today's observation.
All around us are people with who we may disagree with, politically, and socially. Meeting and talking about our own unique human experiences is one real way to bridge our many divides. Each of us approaches life from our particular world experience. Experiences that when shared can help us to better understand where the other is coming from. Perhaps It is also one way we can find some common ground in spite of our own particular worldview.
With that I bid you
Adieu
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Point Counter Point Final Chapter..I hope
Jane you Ignorant .......Saturday Night Live
A clip with
Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtain
Idea from Phil Gocke ...thanks Phil
As you readers know I took a major step by surrendering an entire "Observations" to blog reader John Delnegro. In all my posts I generally have respected my readers anonymity unless it was in a supportive way. My post about "seniors" stated that several seniors at SCC grumbled and that was all true. John elected to reveal himself as one of them - via his comments and I respect his honesty. However his rebuttal needs a response (I think) so here goes....John hang on.
John your opening lead was simply to much of a coincidental ironic "tee up" to resist.
REI is an "upscale" outdoor place known for very progressive management. Headquartered in Everett Washington their sales are centered in SF, Seattle, Denver, NYC, Washington DC, Boston. Their founder and CEO was made Secretary of Interior by President Obama and ironically she likely had a lot to say about National Park pricing. REI for years has refused to do business with any "outdoor" company that has any "gun related" business.
John, In my mind I picture stores filled with MAGA hatted, gun tooting, real down home republicans etc....yeah right. You get the irony.
Now John you told me often that I was misguided for boycotting the NFL for politics. I ultimately conceded and came around to your point of view. So I understand that you would shop at the very upscale REI Stores even if you know their views. However from Wikipedia I simply loved this (I could not make this up after you calculated the cost of that poor "lady clerk" REI employees National Park spending):
"Employees receive discounts on merchandise, may be eligible for free or discounted outdoor classes, and also receive a "Yay day" pass, entitling them to spend up to 6 hours outdoors for pay. [35] REI has been ranked in the top 100 Companies to Work for in the United States by Fortune since 1998, which earned it a place in the Fortune "Hall of Fame". REI ranked as #8 in 2012,[36] #69 in 2014, #58 in 2015[37], #26 in 2016[38], and #28 in 2017.[39]
It sounds like a wonderful company to work for and very likely that time spent in National Parks yielded outdoor time with pay for much of that "clerks" trips to National Parks over the years. So I am not buying your "bleak picture" on the costs of National Park Fees for that poor REI "clerk". It strikes me as humorous since it just might be an upcoming federal mandate for all US companies to provide by our next Democratic President. Who could argue?
John, remember that my blog complained specifically about long lines of seniors in Giant Motorhomes, owned by wealthy seniors, clogging up the roads. Heck they belch carbon for peat's sake! Now I would think that fact alone would have made you support my complaint since I am sure you spend your money at REI specifically because it virtue signals a whole Carbon neutral ethos. Either way I hope you keep shopping there for my sake to help offset my shopping at North Face outlets. I find they offer more reasonably priced products but acknowledge is likely has a greater carbon footprint. We should all shop for values we see as important!
Enough good natured kidding about REI. I am sure it has some nice merchandise, happy content employees and yes solid "corporate values". Diversity maybe not so much if you include say hunting as your "outdoor activity", That is not allowed in the REI outdoor activity.
Let's talk stats about our poor seniors.
I agree stats can be deceiving, and concur that millions of our fellow seniors may in fact be struggling...including some Mooselodgers and REI clerks. Yes it is true one can use statistics to support arguments many ways. However you have conflated income with wealth. As a personal example as a senior I now have less "income" from Pensions and SS than I did when I was age 35! But I am now much, much 'wealthier". But note my stats were clearly based on net worth not income. There is no dispute from any reputable economist that seniors have much greater "net worth" by a huge margin....just think of home ownership. Yes net worth also includes motorhomes worth half a million (even for members of the Moose Club who own Motor Homes). I would also bet that most Moose Lodge retirees near Naples Florida are not reduced to eating Alpo but I concede, and have seen first hand, how they generally drink cheaper "Bud" or "Pabst" rather than more expensive craft beers. So I agree that many are not necessarily well heeled. Still I see no need to feel sorry for the overwhelmingly nice and apparently happy seniors I met at your Moose Lodge. Most, like me, seemed to prefer non -IPA's due to taste preferences not price. I will also not dispute your general observations about the financial status of many of the younger members of SCC, who seem to prefer more expensive beers at the bar there than I do. ( I do like Whistlepig so I concede that before you tell my readers about my beer/whiskey hypocrisy see below). So to save our readers more angina I will concede some seniors are really poor and some Stowe young people are well off. So now let's move on to Stowe CC pricing.
When I published my chart I never really noticed that the pricing on those over 70 actually is much lower than the younger bracket.... a fact you kindly pointed out that I missed! So Seniors at Stowe in fact still have something to cheer about. I checked my old quicken data and would simply say it is much cheaper than I paid when I first joined in 2009, so I have something to look forward to in a couple of years. But for now I still think Barbara and I are better served by having those of our friends who are members "invite" us join them...and get a round for 85 bucks with cart (if I walk it's 55 bucks). The convenience of a short drive allows me to enjoy those Whistle Pigs heck I even walked home week one! OK so another example of price/what one values. A DUI would be costly!
Finally as to demographics, alas John your probably right, certainly for the immediate future. Less children born to golfers means much less future for the sport, at any price. Additionally, golf takes time and patience, both in short supply for most young people these days. One can only hope they learn to develop patience in the coming years with us seniors when the cost of SS and Medicare really hits the fan.
Not just socialism but assisted senior suicide may very well be in all of our cards some day!
So John, you ignorant sl.....
Until next time
Adieu
A clip with
Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtain
Idea from Phil Gocke ...thanks Phil
As you readers know I took a major step by surrendering an entire "Observations" to blog reader John Delnegro. In all my posts I generally have respected my readers anonymity unless it was in a supportive way. My post about "seniors" stated that several seniors at SCC grumbled and that was all true. John elected to reveal himself as one of them - via his comments and I respect his honesty. However his rebuttal needs a response (I think) so here goes....John hang on.
John your opening lead was simply to much of a coincidental ironic "tee up" to resist.
REI is an "upscale" outdoor place known for very progressive management. Headquartered in Everett Washington their sales are centered in SF, Seattle, Denver, NYC, Washington DC, Boston. Their founder and CEO was made Secretary of Interior by President Obama and ironically she likely had a lot to say about National Park pricing. REI for years has refused to do business with any "outdoor" company that has any "gun related" business.
John, In my mind I picture stores filled with MAGA hatted, gun tooting, real down home republicans etc....yeah right. You get the irony.
Now John you told me often that I was misguided for boycotting the NFL for politics. I ultimately conceded and came around to your point of view. So I understand that you would shop at the very upscale REI Stores even if you know their views. However from Wikipedia I simply loved this (I could not make this up after you calculated the cost of that poor "lady clerk" REI employees National Park spending):
"Employees receive discounts on merchandise, may be eligible for free or discounted outdoor classes, and also receive a "Yay day" pass, entitling them to spend up to 6 hours outdoors for pay. [35] REI has been ranked in the top 100 Companies to Work for in the United States by Fortune since 1998, which earned it a place in the Fortune "Hall of Fame". REI ranked as #8 in 2012,[36] #69 in 2014, #58 in 2015[37], #26 in 2016[38], and #28 in 2017.[39]
It sounds like a wonderful company to work for and very likely that time spent in National Parks yielded outdoor time with pay for much of that "clerks" trips to National Parks over the years. So I am not buying your "bleak picture" on the costs of National Park Fees for that poor REI "clerk". It strikes me as humorous since it just might be an upcoming federal mandate for all US companies to provide by our next Democratic President. Who could argue?
John, remember that my blog complained specifically about long lines of seniors in Giant Motorhomes, owned by wealthy seniors, clogging up the roads. Heck they belch carbon for peat's sake! Now I would think that fact alone would have made you support my complaint since I am sure you spend your money at REI specifically because it virtue signals a whole Carbon neutral ethos. Either way I hope you keep shopping there for my sake to help offset my shopping at North Face outlets. I find they offer more reasonably priced products but acknowledge is likely has a greater carbon footprint. We should all shop for values we see as important!
Enough good natured kidding about REI. I am sure it has some nice merchandise, happy content employees and yes solid "corporate values". Diversity maybe not so much if you include say hunting as your "outdoor activity", That is not allowed in the REI outdoor activity.
Let's talk stats about our poor seniors.
I agree stats can be deceiving, and concur that millions of our fellow seniors may in fact be struggling...including some Mooselodgers and REI clerks. Yes it is true one can use statistics to support arguments many ways. However you have conflated income with wealth. As a personal example as a senior I now have less "income" from Pensions and SS than I did when I was age 35! But I am now much, much 'wealthier". But note my stats were clearly based on net worth not income. There is no dispute from any reputable economist that seniors have much greater "net worth" by a huge margin....just think of home ownership. Yes net worth also includes motorhomes worth half a million (even for members of the Moose Club who own Motor Homes). I would also bet that most Moose Lodge retirees near Naples Florida are not reduced to eating Alpo but I concede, and have seen first hand, how they generally drink cheaper "Bud" or "Pabst" rather than more expensive craft beers. So I agree that many are not necessarily well heeled. Still I see no need to feel sorry for the overwhelmingly nice and apparently happy seniors I met at your Moose Lodge. Most, like me, seemed to prefer non -IPA's due to taste preferences not price. I will also not dispute your general observations about the financial status of many of the younger members of SCC, who seem to prefer more expensive beers at the bar there than I do. ( I do like Whistlepig so I concede that before you tell my readers about my beer/whiskey hypocrisy see below). So to save our readers more angina I will concede some seniors are really poor and some Stowe young people are well off. So now let's move on to Stowe CC pricing.
When I published my chart I never really noticed that the pricing on those over 70 actually is much lower than the younger bracket.... a fact you kindly pointed out that I missed! So Seniors at Stowe in fact still have something to cheer about. I checked my old quicken data and would simply say it is much cheaper than I paid when I first joined in 2009, so I have something to look forward to in a couple of years. But for now I still think Barbara and I are better served by having those of our friends who are members "invite" us join them...and get a round for 85 bucks with cart (if I walk it's 55 bucks). The convenience of a short drive allows me to enjoy those Whistle Pigs heck I even walked home week one! OK so another example of price/what one values. A DUI would be costly!
Finally as to demographics, alas John your probably right, certainly for the immediate future. Less children born to golfers means much less future for the sport, at any price. Additionally, golf takes time and patience, both in short supply for most young people these days. One can only hope they learn to develop patience in the coming years with us seniors when the cost of SS and Medicare really hits the fan.
Not just socialism but assisted senior suicide may very well be in all of our cards some day!
So John, you ignorant sl.....
Until next time
Adieu
Discounts a Counter View
A Guest Post by John Delnegro
(Editor's Note: Rather than provide John's comments in three sections I decided to post his entire comment as a "Guest Post" so readers can get the full "flavor" of his his thoughts on my last post. The opinions expressed below are the author's......)
(Editor's Note: Rather than provide John's comments in three sections I decided to post his entire comment as a "Guest Post" so readers can get the full "flavor" of his his thoughts on my last post. The opinions expressed below are the author's......)
Hello Jim,
As always I enjoy reading your Observations regardless of what altitude you are at. And as always I feel you do a very good job of expressing both sides of an argument. Not having the time to dig to the depths you do I would still like to offer a few sprite and opposing thoughts on your last blog, and heaven knows that my verbiage will pal in comparison to yours. Now I think I was the cheap senior citizen that prompted you to write “Let’s Make A Deal.”
- The first example you use is the fees charged at a National Park. The young pay $60 per entry and seniors pay $10 for a lifetime pass. Strange thing, I was at REI last week checking out and I made a statement about being retired to the lady clerk. She responded by telling me she couldn’t wait for next year as she would turn 60 and be able to get a National Park pass for $10 having spent several years paying far more when she, husband and children would visit the Park system. Let’s say the family visited the park annually for 40 years ($2400). I think it is wonderful that having paid in $2400 she now will pay $10 rather than having paid the lesser amount for 40 years$10 ($400). Yes it would have been a great deal for them during the time you state they had less money but I ask you…do you really think this 59 year old lady working at REI will have the discretionary income at age 60 that the family had when two were working. While I know you are fastidious about your stats I really wonder how those income figures were derived. I don’t think the average park visitor fits your stats even though they are correct. The stats don’t look like the average couple from Iowa’s income, yes, maybe Stowe, VT. Let’s also talk about what it costs to operate our national parks. No, I don’t feel sorry for the government but it is heavily subsidized and the $2400 vs $400 sure makes a difference. Let’s talk about the ratio of seniors to young who can take advantage of this offer perhaps 1:10 so I don’t feel so bad about rewarding them. Let me give you one more example from my personal experience. Walk into the any Moose Club in America. Here you will find the majority of members have income of far less than your stats indicate in fact they wait for their social security checks which affords them the luxury of having dinner two beers and getting change back from a $10 yes really change back. But the young who have far more earing power can also join.
- Ok, let’s move on to my second point the crux of the matter, Stowe Country Club and their pricing scheme. I will give you credit for questioning the outcome of this pricing matrix. I ran some quick numbers (nothing like you would do) and based on my figures from what I have been told (unofficial) the revenue picture is probably close to what it was before the low ball scheme. What I think has taken place is nothing more than a demographic shift by moving several members who belonged to less expensive clubs to the more prestigious and better kept SCC. Next year the competition may offer a counter that will challenge Stowe. However SCC has offended many of those who belonged for years and saw no special offers (back to the national park example). Having a different socioeconomic member at the Club I wonder how it impacts the food and beverage business as part of total revenue. One other important fact to remember in this community of high discretionary income, most of these young folks play off of mom and dad’s membership. With the above demographic shift and the family membership, did that grow the sport by increasing the number of youth participants? Swinging all the way back to your income chart I don’t think there are to many age 35 or younger living in Stowe with median U.S. wealth of $11,100 and if they are then it is in their parents basement and that’s their annual stipend from mom and dad. You mention this being a profit center for AIG. You are right, and AIG got all the profit they wanted when (Marriott or Hyatt) won the bid to operate the Club. They could care less about growing the support.
- Golf is not a growth sport. Lowering the fees will not increase youth participants. Furthermore 40 year old’s are not “youth”. I wonder about the marital status of the youth movement. My own thought is they are likely single and once they have family’s they will not have 4-6 hours to play golf regardless of price. Additionally millennials are focused on e-sports which give instant gratification. You ask the question, “when this crop of new golfers ages will they begin to look for senior discounts or remember SCC as having offered youth discounts?” My answer is maybe they will remember having paid $1000 during their youth and now as seniors expect the discount off of this price. “Let’s Make A Deal.”
With that I bid adieu
John Delnegro
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