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Free Discussion / Re: Burt Reynolds has Died
« on: September 06, 2018, 05:18:33 pm »
Yes- a very versatile talent, with lots of fans.
May he RIP.
May he RIP.
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2
Free Discussion / Re: Boys trapped in Thai cave
« on: July 12, 2018, 06:01:20 pm »
Though I have not done it in years, I am a certified diver and even have teaching creds for it. I recall my first class days in learning the skill, and we heard how dangerous (and frankly, in my view) cave diving was to do. I remember thinking way back then (I was in my late teens) that there was no way in the world I would ever do that sort of stuff.
Several years later, I had an opportunity to spend some time with some highly trained professional divers; they were members of the U.S. Naval Underwater Demolition Team who at the time were based at the Naval Yard that was then in Boston; it is now long gone from there. (This is also an inanely dangerous way to make a living. No way in the world that I would consider doing this stuff, either. But that is just an aside here. I mention it only out of genuine respect for what these men did, and who they were.) We ended up talking about the various experiences they had diving. They told me about some caves that they had explored, and how some of their buddies were with them, and never came back. And, these were very seasoned divers who did this stuff day in and day out!
It is beyond impressive that they were able to bring back everyone from their predicament. I have utter awe for the feat that they pulled off for these boys and their coach. It was truly incredible! Bravo does not begin to cover it. It was absolutely amazing.
Several years later, I had an opportunity to spend some time with some highly trained professional divers; they were members of the U.S. Naval Underwater Demolition Team who at the time were based at the Naval Yard that was then in Boston; it is now long gone from there. (This is also an inanely dangerous way to make a living. No way in the world that I would consider doing this stuff, either. But that is just an aside here. I mention it only out of genuine respect for what these men did, and who they were.) We ended up talking about the various experiences they had diving. They told me about some caves that they had explored, and how some of their buddies were with them, and never came back. And, these were very seasoned divers who did this stuff day in and day out!
It is beyond impressive that they were able to bring back everyone from their predicament. I have utter awe for the feat that they pulled off for these boys and their coach. It was truly incredible! Bravo does not begin to cover it. It was absolutely amazing.
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Bransom Updates / Re: Hospital Again
« on: May 22, 2018, 07:12:14 pm »
I am joining all who are glad you are well once gain, and most importantly, that they determined the cause for this today fairly readily. Having personally experienced a situation where the cause for a medical issue was not able to be definitively determined in the Emergency Department, and that resulted in a long cycle of specialist visits and tests.It was a lengthy, expensive but even worse, worrisome process to rule out each possible issue that I would not wish on my worst enemy. It is truly a blessing that this did not happen to you, Jack, and I am very glad to hear that you are now fine and can address a similar attack in the future, should it occur.
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General News and Announcements / Re: Holiday and Seasonal Picture Parades?
« on: April 15, 2018, 06:04:23 pm »
As I do not celebrate the same holidays as do most folks, I find that I just don't really relate to certain posts, and thus don't comment to/on them. It is not in any way I object, it's more I don't have experience with which to relate, if that makes sense.
Having said that, I do find that I ted to miss a lot of posts here that when I do see them, find I am "late" in coming to the table. And, I don't recall that happening with such frequency in the old format, though I am not sure that I can really cite how or why this is so.
Having said that, I do find that I ted to miss a lot of posts here that when I do see them, find I am "late" in coming to the table. And, I don't recall that happening with such frequency in the old format, though I am not sure that I can really cite how or why this is so.
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Bransom Updates / Re: New BOTD Policy
« on: April 15, 2018, 05:53:38 pm »
I have to agree with Zac.
I find that my most creative thinking to create BOTD scenarios has occurred without looking at any pictures. In fact, when I have looked at any particular picture, it acted to lock-in my thinking to the situation that I seemed to have seen, rather than expanded my thought processes. So, I actually try to avoid going through the pictures in order to let my mind do more roaming. I thank Zac for letting me now think that I am perhaps not quite so unique that I don't find pictures to be that helpful.
I find that my most creative thinking to create BOTD scenarios has occurred without looking at any pictures. In fact, when I have looked at any particular picture, it acted to lock-in my thinking to the situation that I seemed to have seen, rather than expanded my thought processes. So, I actually try to avoid going through the pictures in order to let my mind do more roaming. I thank Zac for letting me now think that I am perhaps not quite so unique that I don't find pictures to be that helpful.
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On Spanking / Re: school CP amd younger children
« on: April 15, 2018, 01:34:48 pm »
As you well know, Jack, not all teaching methods work with all children. The “secret” to successful teaching is the ability to find the right teaching method for each individual child. And, in similar fashion, so is it with discipline. There are some kids, even as young as 5 years of age, who can be brought to tears with a strong telling off, while there are other kids who a parent might talk to until they are blue in the face, and absolutely nothing other than a red, sore bottom will serve as discipline. One needs to learn and match the right discipline with each child.
Now, clearly with this boy the parents have not been doing their job, but in this case, especially given the young age, forcing the swat to take place at that instant was not right, I think. It should have been postponed at least, until such time when the kid might be better able to handle it. This boy certainly does need discipline, but the school cannot and should not be the primary source for that discipline; that role is the domain of the parents.
You very astutely said that all adults were badly behaving here and that is ever so true!
Now, clearly with this boy the parents have not been doing their job, but in this case, especially given the young age, forcing the swat to take place at that instant was not right, I think. It should have been postponed at least, until such time when the kid might be better able to handle it. This boy certainly does need discipline, but the school cannot and should not be the primary source for that discipline; that role is the domain of the parents.
You very astutely said that all adults were badly behaving here and that is ever so true!
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On Spanking / Re: school CP amd younger children
« on: April 15, 2018, 01:01:29 pm »
Jack, I do not dispute that the boy undoubtedly is in need of discipline. And, as in the case of all kids, the discipline should, initially at least, be coming from the home (i.e. by the parents). What I do not agree with is that the school having the right to uise CP on a child as young as this, especially when the child has never before experienced any CP, and then the school uses an implement that is as large as the child is tall. (Lord knows how heavy, too.)
I maintain that the child was terrified and traumatized by the experience and frankly, that was cruel and inappropriate. Now, I guess, to some degree, all CP encounters are a bit traumatic (one might make that point) but I am saying that it was way over the line here. I do not think using that oversized paddle on a child who is not even in first grade is at all proper. And, the kid was so scared at this incident that all he could ideate was that they were going to even take down his pants. (You and I know they were pulling them taut, but he did not know that.)
If they had come to spank the kid with their hand would the experience have been less scary? I am not sure but I am sure that seeing that huge paddle had to be terrifying from his perspective. If this was a kid in the 5th or 6th grade, I would not be rushing to the defense as I am in this instance, Jack. But, I know that it’s very sad that the school put the child through an experience that had the effect of traumatizing him to the extent that he was afraid to return to school. A child as young as that especially, should love coming to school and learning. That this was destroyed for him is pathetic and cannot be justified. Yes, there did need to be corrective measures taken for the child spitting at the teacher. But, as I am sure you learned in your elementary psychology classes, the reason a young child spits is because they lack verbal skills to express their emotional states. The school is where they can get help learning those skills. But now that this child is traumatized by his school, his chances of learning anything is going to be impaired.
I maintain that the child was terrified and traumatized by the experience and frankly, that was cruel and inappropriate. Now, I guess, to some degree, all CP encounters are a bit traumatic (one might make that point) but I am saying that it was way over the line here. I do not think using that oversized paddle on a child who is not even in first grade is at all proper. And, the kid was so scared at this incident that all he could ideate was that they were going to even take down his pants. (You and I know they were pulling them taut, but he did not know that.)
If they had come to spank the kid with their hand would the experience have been less scary? I am not sure but I am sure that seeing that huge paddle had to be terrifying from his perspective. If this was a kid in the 5th or 6th grade, I would not be rushing to the defense as I am in this instance, Jack. But, I know that it’s very sad that the school put the child through an experience that had the effect of traumatizing him to the extent that he was afraid to return to school. A child as young as that especially, should love coming to school and learning. That this was destroyed for him is pathetic and cannot be justified. Yes, there did need to be corrective measures taken for the child spitting at the teacher. But, as I am sure you learned in your elementary psychology classes, the reason a young child spits is because they lack verbal skills to express their emotional states. The school is where they can get help learning those skills. But now that this child is traumatized by his school, his chances of learning anything is going to be impaired.
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On Spanking / Re: school CP amd younger children
« on: April 14, 2018, 06:15:34 pm »
Adric, FYI, the paddle they were swinging at this boy was about the height of the boy himself, if not bigger. From the boy's perspective, it had to be terrifying.
Jack, I certainly have no basis to give any factual support in what I will claim, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that I bet that this may well be the only 5 year-older that gets paddled this whole year. I am guessing that there are very, very few 5 year-old students that end up getting paddled. Thus, your statement that they should not treat him any different than any other child who misbehaved cannot be supported for this age child.
What I am suggesting, Jack, is that rather than doing something that traumatizes the child and makes him hate school, they defer any action for this day and have the parents either explain what will happen to the kid, or else determine what they will do so the boy does not repeat his actions. I think it indefensible that a school do something that would cause such psychological distress that the boy would be afraid to come back there. In an ideal situation, a child should love coming to school every day; I am sure you agree there, Jack.
For whatever reason(s) this boy is so would up at this point in time, that swinging that paddle that is about his height, is going to be counterproductive. It is true that 99 % of the time, they can do all this to all the other kids and it goes “okay.” But, in this particular situation, Jack, clearly, it is not something this boy will accept, no less "benefit from at this point in time.
Let the parents deal with the child and then have them come back with their plan of what happens next. But, under no circumstance should a child be emotionally scarred, and frankly, to force things he will do that. (And, in fact, did to that!)
Jack, I certainly have no basis to give any factual support in what I will claim, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that I bet that this may well be the only 5 year-older that gets paddled this whole year. I am guessing that there are very, very few 5 year-old students that end up getting paddled. Thus, your statement that they should not treat him any different than any other child who misbehaved cannot be supported for this age child.
What I am suggesting, Jack, is that rather than doing something that traumatizes the child and makes him hate school, they defer any action for this day and have the parents either explain what will happen to the kid, or else determine what they will do so the boy does not repeat his actions. I think it indefensible that a school do something that would cause such psychological distress that the boy would be afraid to come back there. In an ideal situation, a child should love coming to school every day; I am sure you agree there, Jack.
For whatever reason(s) this boy is so would up at this point in time, that swinging that paddle that is about his height, is going to be counterproductive. It is true that 99 % of the time, they can do all this to all the other kids and it goes “okay.” But, in this particular situation, Jack, clearly, it is not something this boy will accept, no less "benefit from at this point in time.
Let the parents deal with the child and then have them come back with their plan of what happens next. But, under no circumstance should a child be emotionally scarred, and frankly, to force things he will do that. (And, in fact, did to that!)
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On Spanking / Re: school CP amd younger children
« on: April 13, 2018, 06:41:56 pm »
Jack, I did not finish one additional issue involving the mother's consenting to the schools handling of this matter. The mother, having spent one term in jail, didn't want to return (pretty understandable, IMO), and was afraid that if she did not consent to the school's paddling one time, (with one swat) she could be sent back to jail. Now, I will agree that I, as I wrote, I suspect (don't know) that this boy may be running the family versus vice versa. Let's even take it as a given. The question in my mind is, does the school have a right to force CP as a disciplinary method on a child as young as under 6 (that being the typical age for first grade, at least in most states, as far as I know). I do not think so.
Do I approve of a child spitting at school staff? Of course not. What I think should have happened is that the school should have had a conference with the parents and had the parents impress upon their child the importance of not doing that, because if that were to happen again, the kid gets suspended from school for the balance of the school year, or some other time period.
I also think the school needs to use a more appropriately sized paddle than the gigantic one they use (presumably) on all students, irrespective of size. It did say that the school board there, due to the tremendous response from all around the country, is reevaluating their disciplinary policy.
Do I approve of a child spitting at school staff? Of course not. What I think should have happened is that the school should have had a conference with the parents and had the parents impress upon their child the importance of not doing that, because if that were to happen again, the kid gets suspended from school for the balance of the school year, or some other time period.
I also think the school needs to use a more appropriately sized paddle than the gigantic one they use (presumably) on all students, irrespective of size. It did say that the school board there, due to the tremendous response from all around the country, is reevaluating their disciplinary policy.
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On Spanking / Re: school CP amd younger children
« on: April 13, 2018, 04:31:52 pm »
Respectfully, Jack, I submit that one needs to look at the events from the perspective of the 5 year-old child. His mother was present at the paddling session in the principal’s office and pretended she was texting to be able to video the entire event. Now, the kid had missed some 18 days of school during the year, and that violated the attendance statutes, and she ended up going to jail. At school, this day, the child had run around wild and then, when caught by some teacher, spit on the teacher (may have been the principal). That then brought on the paddling, per school policy.
The mother said that the boy was NOT spanked at home, and when he acted up, the dad just “waved [she made a ‘pfft’ sound] at his leg.” I interpreted this to imply the boy is a single child, BTW, and one who is at least somewhat molly-coddled. But, then again, we are talking about a 5 year-older here!
Now, the paddle they used was like a fraternity paddle; it was about 2 to 2.5 feet long! And, when the paddle was swung, it did make a very loud sound, amplifying the experience for the child’s mind. To a 5 year-older who was never before spanked at all before this, Jack, this had to be terrifying. They also reported that after this incident in the principal’s office, the boy was terrified to go back to that school. They said the boy “hates the school.”
Frankly, I went to school in a state where it is a felony for a teacher to strike a pupil, except, of course, in parochial and private schools. When I met a boy who went to a parochial school, and he told me what went on there, I honestly thought he was pulling my leg. I refused to believe that anyone other than a parent would ever strike a child.
I was never in a school system that allowed paddling, and I won't debate the pros or cons of it. But, if the school does something that causes any child to be so frightened of school that they are unwilling to return, well, something is seriously wrong in that situation. And, in that case, the school has totally failed in its mission, IMO.
I do not recall at what age I was first hand spanked, but I will guess it was age 4 or 5 and was likely a pop or two, where the sound was more than the actual hit. But, again, it was with a hand, and not a 2 or 2.5 foot-long paddle. This 5 year-older had no doubt played with other kids and they had talked about their pants coming down for spanking (at home) and he must have confused the situations. But that does not really matter here. The boy was so frightened of that huge and ridiculously large paddle that he was forever traumatized. IDK, Jack, but if that is not educational malpractice, it is awful darned close!
The mother said that the boy was NOT spanked at home, and when he acted up, the dad just “waved [she made a ‘pfft’ sound] at his leg.” I interpreted this to imply the boy is a single child, BTW, and one who is at least somewhat molly-coddled. But, then again, we are talking about a 5 year-older here!
Now, the paddle they used was like a fraternity paddle; it was about 2 to 2.5 feet long! And, when the paddle was swung, it did make a very loud sound, amplifying the experience for the child’s mind. To a 5 year-older who was never before spanked at all before this, Jack, this had to be terrifying. They also reported that after this incident in the principal’s office, the boy was terrified to go back to that school. They said the boy “hates the school.”
Frankly, I went to school in a state where it is a felony for a teacher to strike a pupil, except, of course, in parochial and private schools. When I met a boy who went to a parochial school, and he told me what went on there, I honestly thought he was pulling my leg. I refused to believe that anyone other than a parent would ever strike a child.
I was never in a school system that allowed paddling, and I won't debate the pros or cons of it. But, if the school does something that causes any child to be so frightened of school that they are unwilling to return, well, something is seriously wrong in that situation. And, in that case, the school has totally failed in its mission, IMO.
I do not recall at what age I was first hand spanked, but I will guess it was age 4 or 5 and was likely a pop or two, where the sound was more than the actual hit. But, again, it was with a hand, and not a 2 or 2.5 foot-long paddle. This 5 year-older had no doubt played with other kids and they had talked about their pants coming down for spanking (at home) and he must have confused the situations. But that does not really matter here. The boy was so frightened of that huge and ridiculously large paddle that he was forever traumatized. IDK, Jack, but if that is not educational malpractice, it is awful darned close!
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Free Discussion / Re: Free Range Parenting
« on: March 27, 2018, 06:22:28 pm »
While one may not like statistics, they are what they are, and Jack is more than correct with his data. BTW- I did have one cousin who sustained a head injury from a bike accident in his 20's. He is the only one I knew who may have benefited from wearing a helmet while riding a bike.
It sure is true that attitudes and practices of child-rearing have changed dramatically over the past fifty or so years. When I was 10 years-old, I used to stay at home by myself (i.e. no baby-sitter) when my parents went out for dinner, and a movie followed by going to someone’s house until about midnight, and they would not be home until about 1 AM. My brother was 4 years older than me, and he’d be out with his friends until about midnight. I would have my dinner to reheat, watch TV and do whatever I wanted until it was time for me to go to bed. My parents would come home, fund me in bed, and go to bed themselves.
We lived in a suburb 21 miles from the state capital, and at 12 years-old, I would get a ride from my mom to where I could meet my cousin who was my age, and we’d take the trolley car into “town.” There, we would go to the Science or Art Museum, using the mass transit to get there. Sometimes we’d go to see the Red Sox play or just tour around the town, having lunch at a restaurant, etc. It was simply expected that I would be independent like this.
However, if a child today were to do this sort of thing, it might be reported as child abuse. This is outrageous; kids in Europe are using mass transit and going about in the city all by themselves at 7 and 8 years of age. Why Americans are so protective of their children is kind of hard to understand. I think it may be partially related to the drop in family size. This has the effect of making each child “more valuable” to the parents, I guess. I suspect that there are more reasons why we are so stiflingly protective of our children, but I can’t figure them out. I will say that I do not think it is healthy. I know I relished my freedom, and felt that it was a reflection of my ability to handle responsibility. When children are always made to behave/act like children, they never will mature into behaving like adults.
It sure is true that attitudes and practices of child-rearing have changed dramatically over the past fifty or so years. When I was 10 years-old, I used to stay at home by myself (i.e. no baby-sitter) when my parents went out for dinner, and a movie followed by going to someone’s house until about midnight, and they would not be home until about 1 AM. My brother was 4 years older than me, and he’d be out with his friends until about midnight. I would have my dinner to reheat, watch TV and do whatever I wanted until it was time for me to go to bed. My parents would come home, fund me in bed, and go to bed themselves.
We lived in a suburb 21 miles from the state capital, and at 12 years-old, I would get a ride from my mom to where I could meet my cousin who was my age, and we’d take the trolley car into “town.” There, we would go to the Science or Art Museum, using the mass transit to get there. Sometimes we’d go to see the Red Sox play or just tour around the town, having lunch at a restaurant, etc. It was simply expected that I would be independent like this.
However, if a child today were to do this sort of thing, it might be reported as child abuse. This is outrageous; kids in Europe are using mass transit and going about in the city all by themselves at 7 and 8 years of age. Why Americans are so protective of their children is kind of hard to understand. I think it may be partially related to the drop in family size. This has the effect of making each child “more valuable” to the parents, I guess. I suspect that there are more reasons why we are so stiflingly protective of our children, but I can’t figure them out. I will say that I do not think it is healthy. I know I relished my freedom, and felt that it was a reflection of my ability to handle responsibility. When children are always made to behave/act like children, they never will mature into behaving like adults.
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Free Discussion / Re: Where has DMK been?
« on: March 06, 2018, 10:07:17 am »
Best wishes for a most rapid recovery to bring you home soon, David!
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Free Discussion / Re: There is an urgent matter to be settled at MMSA Forum (LOL)
« on: January 25, 2018, 03:50:26 pm »
While I did post my reply in the thread at the forum itself, I will duplicate it here, and concur with Adric on this weighty matter. 
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Free Discussion / Re: Happy New Year 2018
« on: January 02, 2018, 05:21:11 pm »
A very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to one and all in 2018.
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Free Discussion / Re: Memories from a picture
« on: January 02, 2018, 05:17:53 pm »
I mentioned to someone a few days ago about how I was dating myself when I said that I remembered when kids rode their bikes with no thoughts of using bike helmets, since no one wore them, then. The person I told this to was amazed, and I guess he could not recall folks driving bikes without wearing a bike helmet.