Opinions Of A Madman

You Are Being Redirected to My New Blog Layout!!

2010-12-14T23:58:00.001-05:00

Please do not panic, you are about to be redirected to my Wordpress blog. This blogger blog has been retired!

Hamtramck Recipe: Poor Man's Peirogi

2010-12-02T01:13:00.001-05:00

Okay, I'll be the first to say that ,y waistline is by no means the smallest of the bunch. One reason is probably this delicious dish. I'm not sure who first created it, but it has been in my family for years.

1 16oz Package of your favorite pasta (we always use either rotini or elbow macaroni)
1 16oz Tub of Cottage Cheese (Small curd is usually better)
1 small onion
4 tbsp Margarine or butter

Prepare pasta according to box directions, cook until al dente. Drain pasta and return to pot. Dice onions evenly and add to hot pan with margarine. Saute until golden brown. Add into pasta with full container of cottage cheese. Mix well until fully blended. Add salt or pepper to taste.

This dish will definitely pack on the pounds, but it is well worth it. I wish I had taken a picture of it before finishing, but it was too good to wait!

Another great variation to this recipe is to make this dish, but substitute the cottage cheese for steamed and buttered cabbage. When steaming the cabbage, be sure to add a full stick of margarine and cook until tender. I also add some garlic and pepper to the cabbage and some sauted mushrooms. This variation is just as delicious, but make sure to take some anti-gas first!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be safe and enjoy the food and fun times! Not much to say today!

Hamtramck: She Is A Changin'!

2010-11-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

Things are changing here in Hamtramck. Whether those changes are for better or worse is dependent on who is reviewing them. Ultimately, with Hamtramck on the brink of receivership, its good to see something different going on. It's also goo to finally have some decent news to report.

First up is the construction in progress on Joseph Campau. For a couple of weeks now, crews have been working to replace water and gas mains under the sidewalk of Joseph Campau. Work has been steady. The work has caused a lot of traffic congestion along Campau, which already sees its fair share of traffic. While it is a driving annoyance, work should be completed in a couple of weeks, and Hamtramck will be better off because of it. All the dust from the cutting of the cement has covered store front windows, which many storowners and building owners have refused to clean. Local kids have been marking their names and phrases on the worst of these storefronts.

While one popular dollar store in Hamtramck closes, another opens! Dollar King on Joseph Campau, across from Gamestop, is closing shop after several years in business. They were one of the most popular of the many dollar stores in the area. During there last few weeks of business, they offered a strange sale. 30% off your purchase of $10 or more. Apparently everything had to go. What kind of sale was that? If everything had to go, why not make everything 30% off? Strange indeed. While we are losing one of our precious dollar stores, another is taking its place. Hamtramck Dollar is opening soon in the former dollar store next to the former Shopper's World. (too many formers...) Whether it will be satisfactory is yet to be determined.

Finally, a new heating and cooling business is in town. Burke Heating and Cooling is on its way to becoming top dog. By the look of its storefront, it's already halfway there. The former Dollar City+ has been remodeled with purple paint and a very "homey" decor. I shall be calling them soon to get my furnace looked at, which hasn't been on in over 10 years (Long story.)

I wish the best to the new business endeavors and I bid farewell to my favorite dollar store. Hamtramck is changing again, hopefully for the best. Change has always and will always be one of the driving forces, keeping this city from ending up like it's neighbors.

Rant Of The Day #1: Some People Should Not Have Kids!

2010-11-08T17:10:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be starting a new article series called "Rant of The Day" in which I rant about things that irk me during my everyday experiences. I'll start off with a juicy one...

It's been said time and time again that some people should not have kids. I'd be tempted to call it a cliche if it wasn't for the fact that it's 100% true. Today, that was proven once again by an irresponsible and uncaring mother.

I was working earlier today when my co-worker came running through the door after taking a smoke break. He told me to go outside and look to my left. I walked outside, looked to my left, and caught a glimpse of something horrible.

A woman was dragging a stroller behind her which carried her baby. The stroller was tipped to one side like it was about to fall and the baby was screaming relentlessly. Here's the worst part. The mother was talking on her cell phone and paying no mind to her screaming child about to fall over. She treated her child as if it were a sack of potatoes that didn't deserve the love and attention of a caring mother. That pissed me off.

I can't ask it enough. What is wrong with people? Seriously, if someone could answer that for me please do. I need it clarified. This woman should not be allowed to have children. Anyone who treats a child as she did is unfit to be responsible for a goldfish, let alone a child.

Holbrook Elementary: 1929

2010-11-01T20:59:00.000-04:00

Hey all,

Our paranormal group, the DAPRS, is currently looking into investigating Holbrook Elementary for possible paranormal activity. Several reports have been floating around about screams, doors slamming, and other wierd sounds coming from the school during the middle of the night.

In preperation for a possible investigation, we are researching the school's history. Here's where it get's interesting.

Holbrook elementary orginially had an ornately decorated third floor. In the late 1920s the fourth floor was demolished by fire. It was never rebuilt, and the school is as we see it today. I have tried my best, but there is one critical piece of information that escapes me.

Were there any deaths in the fire of 1929? Or later in history for that matter?

We need your help gathering information for this potential investigation. Thank you.

In The Spirit: Resident's Get Ready For Halloween!

2010-10-30T19:45:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact that Halloween is only a day away, Hamtramck is looking quite bare. Very few residents have dressed up their house for the fun and frightful holiday. Why? Is the economy to blame? Religion? Disinterest? Whatever the reason, it's a given that at least some of Hamtramck's residents are getting in the spirit!

Of course you have the famous decorations of the "brothers of Lumpkin." This family house has been decorated with ghouls, ghosts, and goblins for at least 17 years. It's a classic of the Hamtramck holiday scene and is a must see for any trick-or-treater!

A house on Yeman's street got into the spirit. From a chainsaw wielding zombie to a hangman's noose, this house is decorated and ready to scare the daylights out of the children. (Look below for pictures of this cool house!)

A house on Edwin street is ready for the younger crowd with its tasteful and elegant decorations. Also a yearly display, these residents always know how to please everyone from the youngest to the oldest of Halloween lovers!

Now, here comes the madman! What if Hamtramck had a holiday decorating contest? What if every resident who participated in said contest sent in an entry form with a small donation. The home that wins the decorating contest wins a gift certificate or product that was donated by local businesses.. Granted, the details need to be worked out; but the idea is sound and doable. It would work for both Halloween and Christmas. Not only would it raise money for a good cause, but maybe it would allow people to get in touch with the holiday spirit again. With the world getting progressively worse, all it takes is a little spirit to bring a happy face to millions!!

DAPRS Featured in "The Hamtramck Review"

2010-10-29T17:09:00.000-04:00

Hey all,

Check us out in this week's "The Hamtramck Review!" You'll find a very nice summary of our history, future activities, and equipment! Remember that the "Call For Content" project is still active!

We need your input about possible paranormal activity in the area! We have contacted the Hamtramck Historical Commission regarding any information about the area. We hope to hear back from them soon.

Finally, Halloween is this Sunday and I just wanted to say Happy Halloween! I hope everyone enjoys a safe holiday!

Smoke Damaged Clothes? Stand in line!

2010-10-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

Hey there,

So two businesses located on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck were recently damaged by smoke and heat from a fire at a related business next door. Today, they display a sign in the window stating that they are selling smoke damaged clothing for up to 50% off. Any takers? I didn't think so...

Who would want to buy smoke damaged clothes? Why is this sort of thing legal in the first place? Quite some time ago I commented on a local business giving out smoke damaged clothes for free, and the ensuing riot of people trying to get it. Free is one thing, but having to pay for something that is damaged and smelly?

I'm no doctor, but isn't there some health hazard to selling things that have been damaged by smoke; especially smoke that comes from an older burning building? What kind of chemicals are attached to these clothes? I'm sure its not as simple as just getting them laundered. Break out the Febreeze!

Also related to this, the area around the store that caught on fire is still not cleaned up! The ground is littered with bits of metal and glass. The burnt sign still hangs precariously. Aren't there regulations or ordinances against that sort of thing? They did board up the burnt out store front, but only after about three days of lolligagging!

These three businesses need to shape up and start caring about their customers and their city.

Pinguy OS: A Very Nice Windows Alternative

2010-10-25T01:40:00.000-04:00

I have always been pretty happy with Windows. Starting with Windows 98 and ending at Windows 7, my various computers have seen the many incarnations of Microsoft's powerhouse. However, recently I've been finding that Windows is simply not providing the kind of applications and development environment I require.
In an effort to find a better alternative, I tried various distributions of the Linux OS. I tried everything from Ubuntu to Fedora, but everything required massive amounts of configuration, compiling, and coding. It's not that I can't do the work, but it simply required too much of my time.
Finally, I discovered Pinguy OS. Pinguy is a heavily modified version of Ubuntu Linux. It comes preconfigured "out of the box." And when I say preconfigured, I mean it! This OS came with most of the programs I needed preinstalled and ready to go. Installing the remaining software I needed was so easy; I hesitate to say it was easier than installing on Windows. Of course, the high standards of security, customization, and development were all still there.
Of all the OSs I've used in the past couple of months, Pinguy blew my mind.
So, from a website developer/blogger to the rest of you, I suggest trying Pinguy OS out. If you have a second computer or would like to try dual booting, I recommend giving it a whirl.
As I type this post, I am using Pinguy on my second desktop. I still have Windows 7 on my design station, but for general computing and anything that requires a higher level of security, I am using Pinguy.
Have a good night now!

America Can't Drive! A Review

2010-10-20T23:21:00.000-04:00

America can't drive. Hamtramck must be the number one ringer of this truth. But I digress. On to the review...

America Can't Drive is a website devoted to photos and stories of people's often frustrating experiences on the road. Whether it be a bad parking job or an extremely stupid person oblivious to other cars and chatting away on his cell phone, this site has it all. You can even find printable fake parking tickets to put on offender's windshields. Pure awesomeness. You can be sure that I'll be printing some out for distribution around the city.

Site founder Kevin Scott mentions that "We believe America can drive...but only if the ones who can't stay home." ACD features a bad driver hotline, a number to text photos to, and a submission email address.

Visit www.americacantdrive.com

Zombie Walk Huge Success + New DAPRS site

2010-10-13T23:23:00.000-04:00

Hey all,

The zombie walk was amazing. At least 400 shambling corpses showed up to the event in Greektown armed with canned food and donations for Gleaners Food Bank. My sister and I were able to collect $25 cash and 49 cans from various sources. The top collector at the event was somewhere around $900. Wow. Just wow.

Anyway, the event was great. My sister and I shambled around with the hundreds of other zombies, scaring lions fans and fighting over the arm that made up our dinner. All in all, it was a great day.

DAPRS Site Redsigned!! New Features!

Our group's homepage, the D.A.P.R.S. is back online and better than ever. Visit us at www.detroitaprs.info

Forgotten Hamtramck Landmarks -- A Madman Project

2010-10-05T18:31:00.001-04:00

Hey all,

I am beginning my first madman project, which is entitled "Forgotten Hamtramck Landmarks." These aren't your normal popular landmarks, though. These are silly, satirical, and strange landmarks that have either been lost to time, or forgotten by most.

I'll be needing some help with this. I'll list a couple of ideas here and I would like it if some of you could let me know about the origin of the landmarks? Okay, here we go:

Hamtramck City Hall: An outhouse structure built across from the former Outer Limits Bar. It was built as political satire by a Hamtramck resident. More info needed please.

Hamtramck, Rat City USA sign: Erected next to the current Glory Foods when it was Farmer Jack's, someone built this very elaborate sign as a homage to Hamtramck's rat problem. Pictures?

Loyal Order of the Ratelope: A small logo on the "Whiskey In A Jar" sign refers to this Loyal Order. The logo is so silly, depicting a rat with antlers.

Apples Galore!: Large red apples were painted all over Hamtramck by someone. I really need more info about this.

The Sticker Transformer: Located on Trowbridge and Joseph Campau, this power transformer was covered with band stickers, homemade stickers, and political stickers. It was quite a sight. Unfortunately, it was recently painted over.

Cement Benches: Everyone remembers the cement benches that could be found all over Hamtramck. Unfortunately, the only one I know of that survives is located on Joseph Campau across from Little Caesars.

There are many, many more ideas that I have brewing, but I need more time to think. This should tide you over 'til then.

ALSO:
Don't forget that Sunday, October 10th is Zombie Day. Come see me walk as a zombie at 3pm on the corner of Beubien and Lafeyette in Greektown. I'll also be seen walking Hamtramck's streets until late Sunday night.

Call For Paranormal Stories

2010-10-01T20:01:00.000-04:00

Hey all,

As you know, I have recently been working on starting a Hamtramck based Paranormal research group by the name of D.A.P.R.S. or the Detroit Area Paranormal Research Society. In honor of the upcoming Halloween Season, we'd like to extend an invitation to share some of your paranormal encounters, or those of your family and friends. Ghosts, UFOs, Cryptids, Pyschical Events, ESP, anything out of the ordinary will do.

If you know of any buildings, parks, or cemetaries that have been known or rumored to be haunted, let us know. We are eager to investigate.

For more information, feel free to visit our temporary website at http://www.detroitaprs.info/. Please excuse the ads, for we are currently utilizing a free web host. We will be transferring soon to a new site design and a new host.

ALSO:
Those of you who have been up early enough in the morning and have driven or walked down Joseph Campau have seen him. Sweeping up Joseph Campau and doing his part to keep the city clean. We are hoping to get an interview with this man in the next couple of days. For now, we would just like to say thank you!

OS Fashions On Fire!! + Ignoring Stop Signs?

2010-09-27T20:21:00.001-04:00

Hey all,

Late Saturday night, OS Fashions on Joseph Campau north of Holbrook was ablaze. Joseph Campau was closed off from Yemans to Holbrook. Two engines responded. The air in the vicinity was thick with smoke.
At the time I talked to a police officer, a cause of the blaze was unknown. Police had the area closed off until at least midnight.

Here's what gets me steamed. The building does have the usual black iron gate covering it, but that's all. No wooden boards, no plastic sheeting, not even a tarp. The building should be closed off to passers by, if only to protect from ashes being blown around by trhe wind. The sidewalk outside the store is covered with pieces of twisted, burnt metal and glass.

I have the say that whoever is in charge of cleaning up after a fire did a horrible job. The building is not only a safety hazard, but an eyesore as well.

Soapbox time!!

I was watching out of my second story window and counted fourteen cars that ran the stopsign in the alley behind the former Miller Funeral Home at Lehman and Campau. It's impossible to see a pedestrian walking along the side of Miller's, and its an accident that will happen if nothing is done. The stopsign is there for a reason but not many people seem to obey it. Only one car in the time I watched, actually stopped and inched forward to look for people. Kudos to you, whoever you are.

UPDATE:
The building has been boarded up and it looks like contractors have already been hired to rebuild. I saw a nice ford truck outside and several people with clipboards.

Detroit 1-8-7 A Huge Success + Zombie Walk Detroit

2010-09-22T13:04:00.000-04:00

Hey all,

Last night was the premier of Detroit 1-8-7 on ABC. I though it was a huge success. 1-8-7 kept me at the edge of my seat all hour. The cliffhanger ending caught me by surprise. There's really not much more I can say. The acting was great, the story was great, and the local landmarks kept us talking all night. Also, the reference to ketchup on a coney is legendary. Detective Fitch's comment that "I think we're that last assembly line left in Detroit", referring to the homicide unit, is so true. I give it two thumbs up.

Also on the radar, the annual World Zombie Day is coming up again. On October 10, 2010, we will be walking around downtown Detroit looking for our favorite meal, brrraaaiiinnnsss. I'll be walking as a zombie doctor, complete with syringes and scalpel. The walk is for good reason. All zombies are asked to donate either food or money to Gleaners Food Bank. Check out Zombie Walk Detroit's website at http://www.zombiewalkdetroit.com/. Maybe we should think of organizing a Hamtramck Zombie Walk for a local charity. Could be fun and productive.

Bible Burning

2010-09-17T18:46:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone,

I'm terribly sorry for the lull. I've been hard at work implementing my latest plans to take over the IT industry.

However, today I come with something very disturbing. Right next to Pope Park (the giant pope statue on Brombach and Jos. Capau) lay two books this morning. One was a badly charred Bible, and the other was a Koran in decent condition. They lay right next to each other as if arranged that way. We flagged down a police officer and alerted her to the find. I could tell that she was disheartened by the books.

Before I conitnue let me state that I am not Christian. I do however have the utmost respect for all religious texts. Why anyone would burn a book confuses me, let alone a Bible! Books are compilations of knowledge, history, legend, and creativity. No matter the content, a book should never be burned, thrown away, or defaced.

I took some pictures of the scene this morning, but I do not wish to post them here. Whoever burned the Bible had an agenda and was obviously looking for attention. The only attention he/she will recieve is my soapbox rant about book burning.

On a side note, I would again like to say sorry. I hope to be able to have a fresh new story or project posted here once a week from now one. I have some great project ideas that I would like to see happen.

If you were at the Labor Day Parade, you might have seen me. I was marching with the fantastic group One Hamtramck, whose goal is to unite Hamtramck's diverse nationalities and provide a common ground for discussion. I hope to work with the group more in the future.

Have You Noticed? Campau's Storefronts Seem Cleaner And Less Cluttered!

2010-08-10T16:13:00.000-04:00

I was walking down Joseph Campau earlier this morning and I noticed that something was not right. Everything seemed brighter, cleaner, and neater. The windows of almost every storefront were washed and free of clutter such as old posters, tacky advertisements, and flyers. Is it just me? Did Hamtramck enforce some sort of ordinance about storefronts being clean? Is someone important coming to town? Perhaps Hamtramck business owners are finally banding together to protect Hamtramck's once thriving business district.

If anyone knows anything, please let this interested party know!

Gamestop: Number One Hamtramck Target

2010-08-03T23:30:00.000-04:00

Early Monday morning, Gamestop once again fell victim to broken windows, and possible stolen merchandise. As I was walking to work, I noticed that both front windows had been shattered, and interior shelves near the windows were knocked down. The emergency window people were already on the scene, putting wooden boards up.

So, here's my humble question: Why doesn't anyone do anything to prevent this from happening. It happens all the time at the same place. You'd think the police would set up one of the new cameras on the traffic pole next door; or maybe the owner would invest in some kind of shatterproof glass. One thing is most clear, something needs to be done about this.

Not only is this a constant blemish on Hamtramck's already shaky crime count, it is bad for business. Hamtramck is about to loose one of its busiest stores due to constant robbery. The worst part? It's not Hamtramck residents doing the breaking and entering, it's Detroit residents coming from across 75 and from Highland Park.

I'm sorry, but I sincerely pissed off. I love this city, but everyday I come closer and closer to packing up and never looking back.

Real Church : Convoy Of Hope August 4, 2010 12-3PM

2010-08-01T18:09:00.001-04:00

The Real Church on Caniff just east of Joseph Campau is hosting the Convoy of Hope organization directly across from them in the city parking lot. Here's a quote from their website:

We will be handing out 1,000 FREE bags of groceries to Hamtramck people in need. Eligible recipients must be at least 18 years old with a valid picture ID.
There will also be FREE haircuts, health screenings, and a concert by local musician Tim West.
We’d love for YOU to join us! See you there!

All Hamtown residents are invited, but please save the groceries for people who really need them.

Also, I just found this picture when I was stumbling earlier and I thought it was so true.

DAPRS Is Now Online -- Call For Ghost Stories

2010-07-31T14:37:00.001-04:00

Hey all,

Our paranormal research group, the Detroit Area Paranormal Research Society has officially launched our website. In honor of this occasion, I'd like to issue an invitation:

Everyone has their own ghost stories. Some passed down from the family and considered true; others are simply stories told the pass the time. We are actively looking for ghost stories of all kinds that are based here in Hamtramck, in Detroit, or Highland Park. We will be working with various people to review, research, and document these stories. If enough info is gathered, we may even conduct an investigation!

As always, we provide help to anyone who needs it. If you are experiencing something you can't explain, contact us at our website, or through this blog. We'd be more than happy to assist you!!!

DETROIT AREA PARANORMAL RESEARCH SOCIETY

What Would You Do? I Cried My Eyes Out!

2010-07-30T22:03:00.000-04:00

Just watched "What Would You Do?" On ABC. I'm crying my eyes out. Summary: Rich woman falls, everyone helps. Homeless man falls, no one helps except another homeless woman. She waits with the man for 20 minutes, comforting him and even giving him a name to keep him with us. She calls out for help so much, but no one listens. After 88 people walk by, finally a woman stops and calls ambulance. Even after all that. The woman walked away without wanting to be on camera. Just the fact that she stayed with the man when no one else would.

Seriously, what is wrong with people? Are people so arrogant and self-absorbed that they are completely unwilling to move their fingers a couple of inches to dial 911? Here in Hamtramck I've seen people fall on the street, and I've seen groups of people calling 911 at the same time. Some people even having no fear of trying to revive a person or make them more comfortable. I believe that people are generally good, but maybe this is changing on a rapid pace.

Golden Hill Reopens: Great Food ... Not So Great Atmosphere

2010-07-29T19:29:00.000-04:00

Golden Hill Chop Suey has officially reopened on July 28. The restaurant has retained its original menu and added a couple of new options. This is the first asian style restaurant we've had here in Hamtramck since the amazing Thai Bangkok closed a few months ago.

Let's start with the positive. The food is great. The has just the right combination of saltiness and sweetness. It reminded me of the Thai restaurant when I first tried it. I had the sweet and sour chicken combo, and Julie had the sesame chicken combo. With each combo you'll get fried rice, your selected entree, and an egg roll filled with sprouts, cabbage, and shrimp.

The prices are reasonable, and the portions are huge. You could eat for days off of one meal.

Now, for the negative. The restaurant has absolutely no atmosphere. If anything, I'd say it has a very negative vibe. The customers in line while I was inside were very unruly and quite uncivilized. I could tell that the employee was annoyed, but he did not want to say anything. Probably to avoid confrontation. There is no music to listen to while waiting the 15 minutes or more for food. There aren't even any interesting pictures on the wall, save for old corporate advertisements for food not sold here.

In summary, the Golden Hill Chop Suey is like the prodigal son. It left in haste, and was welcomed back with open arms despite its shortcomings. It is a welcome addition to Hamtramck's numerous restaurants.

Detroit 1-8-7 Update: Detroit Screws It Up, As Usual!!!

2010-07-28T22:40:00.001-04:00

Detroit 1-8-7 has recently been featured in local and national news, but not for a good reason. Apparently, Detroit city council members are "worried" that the show casts a negative light on Detroit, and falsely claims that Detroit is the "Murder Capitol." The show's producers were asked to attend a council meeting on Tuesday, but were unable to attend due to production schedules.

Now here's the problem I have with this. Most of Detroit is a very very bad place to walk through at night. I wouldn't even walk through during the day in some neighborhoods. I don't know where the council members think they live, but it sure isn't Bloomfield Hills. I'm not saying that Detroit is all bad. Downtown is very nice and is almost on par with Manhattan in New York. But come on, "A negative light?" Please.

My second problem with this is that the producers and actors on the show have stated that the show paints Detroit in a very positive light. They are looking to show both the positive and negative aspects of the city.

Finally, the city council members are forgetting that other cities have featured crime dramas and were proud to show there city. The truth of the matter is that there is crime. It is prevalent in Detroit and this show is just trying to reveal how Detroit's homicide unit attempts to make the city a little bit better every day.

Okay, I lied. One more problem. Did the city council forget all the money that this show's crew is spending here in Detroit? They are staying in hotels, buying food at restaurants, and drawing huge crowds to the shoots. Is Detroit really going to turn away that windfall?

Leave it to Detroit to screw up another good opportunity. That's all I have to say about that.

P.S. I forgot to mention that the show has wrapped up filming here in Hamtramck. They filmed at the former shoppers world, and Three Star BBQ. I was in attendance, but was asked not to post video. It was a fun night. I even got to see Mr. Imperioli from a decent distance. Let me just say that he seems like a very professional man.

Common Courtesy....Or At Least What I Thought Was Common.

2010-07-25T19:39:00.002-04:00

It has been said that the 1987-88 generation was the last generation with common sense, courtesy, and a sense of pride in our culture. I am beginning to see that this statement is true. Allow me to elaborate.

While I agree that your unique upbringing will lead you to a specific mindset, I also believe that all generations have a general mindset that they share. Maybe it's the world events at the time, or some quantum weirdness yet to be discovered by science. Either way, we all share it.

However, it has come to my attention that most of the generation born after 1990 are completely deprived of any sense of decency and respect. Take walking up to counter or cashier, for example. Generation '87 would have no problem hanging up their cell phones or relieving there ears of the strain of ear buds. Generation '90, however, would scoff at the idea; even consider the idea or postponing a meaningless conversation an offensive one.

I've made posts before, challenging someone to tell me where and when the idea of chivalry died. In the last couple of weeks alone, I've seen women having doors shut in there face because the person in front had no concern, I've seen old ladies nearly run over and honked at, I've seen the abomination of the English language in all its putridity, and I've seen more than my share of young men completely disrespecting young women.

I'm sorry. Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe times will always change, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. But I can't help but think that things should be better than this. Our country, our society is following in the footsteps of the ancient Roman Empire.

We are loosing our last great generation to mass media, corporate music, designer everything, and the almighty dollar bill. Dropout rates are at all time highs, science and math class attendance is at all time lows, and our children are growing up empty of useful knowledge. Just look at Facebook; the people who post that reading books is stupid or time wasting are greater in number than the stars on a clear night.

I'm sorry, again. This has got to change.

WPTSJKD64CZS