Category Archives: Positraction

Interesting way to start the week

POSITRACTION: Commuter marriages

Posted on March 4, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.impactlab.net/2012/02/21/commuter-marriages-on-the-rise/

February 21st, 2012 at 11:37 am
Commuter marriages on the rise
in: Analysis, Culture, Latest Trend

*** begin quote ***

Today’s technology is partly the reason. Unlimited cellphone minutes and video chats via FaceTime or Skype mean being apart doesn’t have to feel so isolating. “It can keep you together while you’re apart,” Stafford said. “It keeps you connected.”

But even the best technology is a poor substitute for being together.

Linda Young is a Texas psychologist that does relationship coaching, has lived apart from her husband for several years. She recommends that couples:

– Resist the urge to shelve unpleasant feelings out of fear of ruining the time you do spend together.

– Keep in touch in old-fashioned ways like writing notes and letters.

– Get creative, like watching the same movie so you can talk about it.

Living apart is not all chocolate and flowers and I-miss-yous. Having separate homes often means lonely weekends and having to show up solo at get-togethers with friends and family. And that can wear on a relationship.

*** end quote ***

Luckily, I never had much of that. I did have to go to the USAF survival schools after marriage. Frau Reinke and I hated that. We were never apart for more than a week after that. People used to tease us that we were joined at the hip. We were. I miss her.

This story surprised me, because I didn’t think folks got married much any more.

Except for those folks trying to force a cultural issue.

Seems that the girls and boys don’t see the wisdom of the old ways.

In my case, I was expected to live at home until I went in the service. In Frau Reinke’s case, she was expected to live at home until she wed. That’s just the way life was. There was no discussion. No moving in together.

Common wisdom: It’s not fair to the girl. Why buy the cow, when the boy can get the milk for free.

Less common wisdom: It’s not fair to the boy. Why not get started on your real life? You don’t want an “easy” woman for your wife. It’ll nag you.

So, it’s good to see folks still getting married. Even at a distance.

And, there’s a move afoot to have the Gooferment get out of the “marriage business” and call everything a “domestic partnership”.

Seems like marriage will be left to The People. Sounds a little like the Tenth Amendment.

Hope all my fellow alums find these trends as inspiring as I do.

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POSITRACTION: 26k$ on sale for @123

Posted on February 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.wmctv.com/story/16944877/bartlett-man-finds-26000-in-safe-bought-on-ebay

Bartlett man finds $26,000 in safe bought on eBay
Posted: Feb 15, 2012 5:37 PM EST Updated: Feb 17, 2012 1:38 PM EST
By Nick Kenney

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MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) – UPDATE: The seller has added a new comment to his feedback page claiming that the buyer never found any money: ”He was playing a practical joke the safe was empty there wasnt any money in it.”

A Bartlett man found thousands of dollars inside an item he bought on eBay. James Labrecque sold an old safe on eBay for $122.93. ”I made a mistake, you know, that’s what it boils down to,” said Labrecque.  ”And it cost me dearly.” Labrecque, an eBay user for more than 15 years, said he did not have the combination to the safe and believed it to be just another item to turn around. ”I thought it was empty,” he said.  ”I shook it and I didn’t feel anything inside of it, so I figured, well, maybe it’s just a locked safe, you know.  So I put it on eBay.” Labrecque lives in California.  The person who bought the safe lives in Bartlett.  Upon receipt, the buyer brought the safe to a welder, who cut it open.

Inside the safe was $26,000 in cash.

 

*** end quote ***

[JR: At first I thought this was a finders keepers story. Then, it's a mistake. Then, it's a fraud. I'm totally confused. If it was a sale, then there's no gripe. I like stories like this for the ethical challenges that it makes us consider. In this case, I think the buyer bought it in good faith and it's not like it was the seller's money that he put in the safe and forgot it. I'm interested in the opinions of my fellow alums since their more moral than just a fat old white guy injineer.]

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POSITRACTION: Youngster raises enough to save Granny’s house

Posted on February 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/young-boy-raises-10500-to-save-his-grandmothers-home-from-foreclosure/

US Young Boy Raises $10,500 to Save His Grandmother’s Home From Foreclosure
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:36pm by Billy Hallowell

*** begin quote ***

In a Jan. 5 blog post, Noah described his grandmother’s need as well as her past goodwill in assisting children in her community:
I want to help someone who is very dear to me for my next dream…

My Grandma has fallen on hard times and is going to loose her home. My Grandma in case you don’t know her has a heart of gold. She has given so much to our community since I can remember!!! She has done Foster Care ever since I was born and has helped 100′s of children who would not have had a safe place to stay in the middle of the night when their own parents were not able to care for them. Her home will go for auction on Feb 15th. Please help me save her home so the kids of Portage Cty in need still have a place to go that is safe!!

Checks streamed in from all over the country, inevitably allowing Noah to go $500 beyond his initial $10,000 goal. As can be imagined, his grandmother is elated.

*** end quote ***

[JR: I've always said that we don't empower children. Keep them "infants" until they're 22 and then are surprised at "failure to launch". I always remember being urged to go to work and do stuff. I wonder what the underlying story of the foreclosure is. No margin; no mission. But that's for another day. A good act; a greater one would have been to save a stranger's house. And, of course, the Gooferment is the reason we are in this mess. But applause for a job "well done".]

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POSITRACTION: Separation of School and State?

Posted on February 12, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.mackinac.org/7129

Catholic Schools and the Common Good

Posted by Andrew J. Coulson

*** begin quote ***

One of the first things you learn when you start to study the comparative performance of school systems is this: on average, Catholic schools are much more educationally effective and vastly more efficient than state-run schools. And then you learn that their impact goes beyond the three R’s. I wrote a little about these facts a few years ago, while I was with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, and my Mackinac friends have resurrected the post for Catholic Schools Week. I’ve appended an excerpt below, but you can read the whole thing here.

*** end quote ***

It’s nice to see the positive contribution of Catholic Schools recognized. Shame that we Catholics no longer have First Amendment rights in the USA.

“What!”, you say.

Guess you haven’t been paying attention. Notice that Catholic Schools are disappearing. Why do you think that is?

Because a pay for service can’t compete with the Gooferment, when that Gooferment gives away the same service for free.

And, if you think that is an “unintended consequence” then you are … let’s be charitable … naive.

The Prussians invented the school system to: (1) make good soldiers (i.e., cannon fodder) for the Army; (2) “reliable” factory workers; and (3) citizens who were easily led by the elite.

Doubt it? Where do politicians send their kids to school?

What should you do?

Probably too late. But, you could contribute your attention, time, talents, and money to an inner city school.

Good Shepherd school is fighting back. The Administration has reached out to its alumni and they are giving back.

Perhaps, if everyone fights really hard, then we can overcome the Laws of Economics.

Politically, we might be able to have the Separation of School and State?

All depends upon you.

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POSITRACTION: Tebow demonstrates class

Posted on February 5, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/amid-tebow-mania-a-quiet-dream-come-true-gesture-reveals-another-side-of-quarterbacks-impact/

Sports Amid Tebow-Mania, a Quiet, Dream-Come-True Gesture Reveals Another Side of Quarterback’s Impact
Posted on January 14, 2012 at 11:53am by Dave Urbanski

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With each dramatic, down-to-the-wire win, the unlikely legend of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow increases.

*** and ***

But amid the media hype over his on-field successes—and press-conference declarations of faith—Tebow‘s charitable work and plain ol’ expressions of kindness don’t grab nearly as many headlines.

Like his pregame meeting last Sunday with Bailey Knaub, a Loveland, Co. high schooler who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when she was 7 and has since undergone 73 surgeries, including the removal of one of her lungs.

“[Tebow] just came over and said ‘Hi Bailey. It’s such a great opportunity to meet you.’ And he gave me the ball, and I was so excited,” she told CBS Denver.

*** and ***

“Here he’d just played the game of his life, and the first thing he does after his press conference is come find Bailey and ask, ‘Did you get anything to eat?‘ He acted like what he’d just done wasn’t anything, like it was all about Bailey.” Tebow even added extra star power, calling over receiver Demaryius Thomas (who caught the game-winning touchdown) and uber-iconic John Elway to meet the enthralled 16 year old.

“It was the best day of my life,” Bailey said. “Tim Tebow gave me the greatest gift I could ever imagine…the strength for the future. I know now that I can face any obstacle placed in front of me. Tim taught me to never give up because…today might seem bleak but it can’t rain forever and tomorrow is a new day, with new promises.”

 

*** end quote ***

[JR: That's a class act. In a day when too many of those physically gifted individuals forget "there but for the Grace of God". I'm not a big fan of the MP4B (i.e., “Millionaires Playing For Billionaires”). This story convinces me that at least one of them has his head screwed on straight. ]

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POSITRACTION: Screaming at old folks may be needed

Posted on January 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/everyone-in-your-life-is-you/

Everyone in Your Life Is You
by Julie Hoyle

*** begin quote ***

“You validate people’s lives by your attention.” ~Unknown

When my husband and I lived in New Providence, the capital island of the Bahamas, we rented a charming wooden cottage with a sweeping vista of the ocean from a sweet, elderly man who was 88 years old.

Our landlord Leslie lived alone in an elegant house next door to our cottage and I made it a habit to visit him each day, after arriving home from teaching at a local high school.
Leslie was lonely and my heart would ache for him. Having lost his wife a few years earlier, he was a sad, wistful figure, who would spend the day sitting with the front door open, gazing out at traffic and wondering where all his friends had gone.

While I felt sorry for his situation, I was acutely aware of why people had stopped coming by. Leslie could barely hear a word anyone said and, as a consequence, my visits would consist of raising my voice to the highest level possible, which would leave me hoarse and physically drained.

One afternoon after making tea and settling down to attempt to communicate, Leslie started by labeling himself “a silly old fool” and then related an incident I will never forget.

Over the years I have recalled it many times as a way of highlighting the importance of being attentive and present.

As the story goes, Leslie flew to Grand Bahama Island to spend the weekend with his son Derek. When it was time to leave, Derek took Leslie back to the airport, checked him in, and said goodbye.

In the departure area, Leslie was unable to fully hear an announcement. Rather than making inquiries, Leslie followed a group of people moving toward the gate and, relying on a steward to correctly check his ticket, he boarded the plane.

However, much to his acute embarrassment and dismay, Leslie later realized the plane was touching down in Miami, rather than New Providence.

At different times in my life, I have been each character in this story, deaf to what others have been trying to tell me, unable to articulate my needs, and woefully inattentive and distracted.

*** end quote ***

This story hit a nerve. My Maternal Grandmother RIP was too vain to wear ANY of the many hearing aids her daughters bought for her. Despite being badly deaf. She was over joyed when ever my late wife would come to visit. Frau Reinke would literally scream, using her basketball coach voice, if that’s what was needed to have my Grandmother hear her. And, she knew when to turn up the volume because my Grandmother would just smile when a response was required or say some non sequitur. Frau Reinke put a lot of effort out to communicate with her.

Funny story: we visited Grandma’s sister, who looked like Grandma. During the visit, Aunt Marion went to the head, and I said to Frau Reinke that she didn’t have to yell at Aunt. Her hearing was fine. When Aunt returned, Frau Reinke apologized profusely. Aunt laughed saying she absolutely understood and knew how hard it was to talk to Grandma.

So when you visit with old folks, remember Grandma and being pridefully deaf.

I’m sure my fellow alums don’t need this instruction, but maybe the lesson is not to be too pig headed about vanity. At least, not to the point, where others have to scream at you.

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POSITRACTION: Community comes together for disabled Marine

Posted on January 22, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2012/01/05/the-good-sheppard-is-healing-our-heroes-homes

The Good Sheppard is Healing Our Heroes’ Homes

“Seldom do we hear stories of people who give.  We always hear stories about people who take.  Meet the good Sheppard and learn something.” 
by Ken Smith

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I got an email from someone who knew someone who knew something that they thought might be important to me.  ”You wantta hear a story about how a combat wounded, disabled Marine in California had repairs done to his house by a group of 50 college students he asked?”    Sure I said, what’s the story?   Read the email I am about to send to you.

50 San Diego Students Volunteer 24 Hours of Labor to Renovate the Home of Purple Heart Marine Veteran for Embrace H3 Nonprofit Program on December 10th

Over $30,000 worth of labor and donated or purchased materials went into the restoration of disabled Marine Sgt. Jason Swofford’s Oceanside home

*** end quote ***

[JR: Why don't these stores get more coverage. As opposed to the politicians and bureaucrats who "support the troops"? A good deed is its own reward. ]

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POSITRACTION: Three chidren save; eight lives risked

Posted on January 15, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/passers-by-rescue-children-from-icy-river-crash/

Heroic Passers-By Jump Into Icy River to Rescue Children From Crash
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 5:33am by Mike Opelka

*** begin quote ***

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Former police officer Chris Willden didn’t hesitate when he realized children were trapped in an upside down car in an icy Utah river. He pulled his handgun, pushed it up against the submerged windows and shot out the glass.

*** and ***

But he turned to see up to eight other passers-by had scrambled down the embankment to help after coming upon the accident along U.S. 89 in Logan Canyon on Saturday afternoon.

*** end quote ***

[JR: Now there is "greater love hath no man"! You look at the picture and can see that this was far from a riskless endeavor. Maybe not as obvious as a burning car, but everyone's well aware of the danger of "swift water". Looks cold too! Now I'm sure my fellow alums could tackle such. I otoh would prefer nothing that large. But you have to admire physical courage and a great result. I do. P.S., note the use of a gun as a tool. Without it, there might have been a very different outcome.]

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POSITRACTION: ‘Santa’ Saves Man from Burning Pickup

Posted on January 8, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/santa-impersonator-saves-man-from-burning-pickup-in-real-life-christmas-miracle-7-years-after-tragedy/

Faith ‘Santa’ Saves Man from Burning Pickup — But That’s Not the Whole Story…
   Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:00am by Christopher Santarelli Christopher Santarelli

*** begin quote ***

Incredible video caught one good Samaritan this past Tuesday pulling North Texas man out from his crashed pickup truck just before it was consumed by flames. After the rescue, the good Samaritan directed traffic around the accident until help came. What makes the rescue even more astounding is that the good Samaritan, Brad Luddeke, did it all this while wearing a Santa Claus costume on his way to deliver gifts to needy children.

*** end quote ***

[JR: "Greater love hath no man than ...". Clearly "risking it" it not as high on the mitzvah scale as "sacrificing one's life for another". But saving a stranger, on first blush, from a burning pickup requires far greater huevos than I have. I hope all my challenges are more in line with my minuscule abilities; lest when tested, I'm found wanting. OTOH I'm sure my fellow alum can handle any size challenge. But the picture says a thousand words. Most of us don't get he chance to demonstrate physical courage. Let alone while subbing in for the real Santa. ]

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POSITRACTION: 67 years of love

Posted on January 1, 2012 by | Leave a comment

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/a-daughter-keeps-her-word-as-her-husband-takes-it-one-step-further

A daughter keeps her word, as her husband takes it one step further

By Kevin Kelly

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Kansas City, Mo., Nov 24, 2011 / 01:19 pm (CNA).- Hollywood used to write love stories like this, but a cynical world stopped believing them.

It was around 2 a.m. on June 9, 1944, when 15-year-old Mary Michler and her friends, who had taken the wrong bus on their way home from the movies, walked into Pops, a Kansas City hamburger joint at 44th and Prospect.

Charles Cahill, was celebrating his high school graduation that night, fell in love. At first glance. For both of them.

“I knew the girl she was with, so I had her introduce me,” Charles said. “I told my best friend the next morning that I met the girl I was going to marry.”

What followed was 67 years of love, not just that between a man and a woman, but also between a father and daughter, that survived through hurt, torment, rejection, before finally coming to a place of acceptance and peace, and love between a people and a church always willing to welcome home.

*** and ***

So he took one more step. Charles told Father Davis that he wanted to join Mary as she resumed her practice of the Catholic faith.

On Sept. 27, 2011, 66 years after they stood before a less-than-sober justice of the peace in Paola, Kan., Charles and Mary Cahill received their sacramental marriage.

On Nov. 6, 2011, Charles Cahill was baptized and confirmed during the 11:15 a.m. Mass, then he for the first time in his life, and Mary for the first time in decades, received Holy Communion.

“It’s wonderful,” Mary said. “It’s been a wonderful life with him, even before I made the promise to my father. And it’s wonderful now.”

*** end quote ***

[JR: A great story. And, for New Year's Day, when we get a chance to restart with new beginnings, this has so many lessons for us on many levels. One of which is that you can wait 66 years to get a new start. Dona Nobis Pacem ]

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