Ten Interesting Facts

With all the other things going on this week as we speed into the new year, it's not easy to find the time to keep up with blogging, so I decided for today to go simple and dip once again into the list of topics suggested in the 30-Day Writing Challenge. The one I've picked for today directs me to write down ten interesting facts about myself. There are a few problems with a topic like this. One is, of course, oversharing ... there's a difference between "interesting" and "icky"; another is that "facts" nowadays don't mean what they used to; a third is that what I think is "interesting" might not match up with your definition. Nevertheless, I'll press on and present what I think are ten relatively interesting facts about myself that you may or may not already know ...

1. I hosted a radio program on WEBR, Fairfax County public radio, for nine years. It was called "The Audio Attic" and featured music of all genres in playlists built around specific themes for each show. I also did a bogus newscast and had a cast of recurring characters for whom I did all the voices: Wallace Goldersnobble, the Fairfax County Curmudgeon-at-Large*; Wilbur Dweeb, the Executive Assistant to the Station Manager; Spike Bicep, the sports announcer; and several others. People have always told me I had a face made for radio ...

2. I have three children and six grandchildren that I love deeply ... which is one reason why I care so much about good manners, the state of the world, and the condition of American society. I'd hate to leave them stuck with the mess we've worked so hard to create.

3. I speak fluent conversational German, and have studied Russian. I speak German with an accent, but on meeting me, Germans generally think I'm Dutch, rather than American. My old Russian teacher told me that I spoke "a perfect accent without a trace of Russian" ... a measure of her assessment of my excellent pronunciation and terrible grasp of grammar.

4. #3 was a result of majoring in Linguistics at Penn State University.

5. I have lived in two different cities in Germany - Wiesbaden (twice) and Berlin, and have traveled widely in Europe. As you might suspect, Germany is my favorite European country.

6. Agnes and I were competitive ballroom dancers as a Pro-Am couple for about ten years. There's a lot to be said for a sport you can play while holding on to a beautiful woman in a classy gown.

7. I enjoy writing of all sorts, particularly chatty letters to good friends. Some of you already know this from my previous offers of handwritten letters.

8. I have some acting experience as a result of participating in two high school class plays. It helps when entertaining small children.

9. I'm a pretty good amateur gourmet cook. I can't bake worth a darn, but my cooking is quite good, even if I say so myself. Agnes isn't complaining, anyhow.

10. I'm a history buff, with particular interest in the two World Wars and the interwar period.

So there you go ... more than you ever wanted to know about Bilbo in ten items. Now tell me, what should the rest of us know about you? Leave a comment with one interesting fact about yourself.

Have a good day, and be interesting. Everyone has a story.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* If you read the header on my blog, you may have noticed that I style myself as the Fairfax County Curmudgeon-at-Large ... Mr Goldersnobble has retired, and I took his place.

The 30-Day Writing Challenge: All the Places You've Ever Lived

I have discovered that there are several different versions of the 30-Day Writing Challenge out there. There's the one I got from John, and there's the one that Andrea found. There are elements of both that I like, and so for today's 30-Day Writing Challenge topic I've decided on "A List of All the Places You've Lived At." Andrea has had a go at this one, so I thought I'd follow suit ...

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My hometown. I lived there until I graduated from college, got married, and went off on my own in the early 70's. We actually lived in two different locations in Pittsburgh - the house in Bellevue where I was born, and the house in the northern suburb of McCandless where I spent most of my early life. It's easier just to say "Pittsburgh."

University Park and State College, Pennsylvania. University Park is the home of the Penn State main campus. I lived in a dormitory (Stuart Hall, out in East Halls area, to be exact) on campus for four years (and am still friends with my old roommate, Ed, now a retired professor of microbiology), and spent one summer sharing an apartment with my friend Greg in the neighboring town of State College. Someday I'll tell you the story of our downstairs neighbors and their hearse.

Aurora, Colorado. I rented an apartment in Aurora for six months in 1973-74 while I was learning to be a photo interpreter at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver (now closed ... the base, not Denver).

Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. I lived here from 1974 to 1978, and both of my sons were born in the base hospital. Barksdale adjoins the cities of Bossier City and Shreveport, which are nice enough places to live if you like very hot, muggy temperatures and very large bugs.

Wiesbaden, Germany. I lived in a stairwell apartment in the Hainerberg American housing area from 1978 to 1980 before moving to ...

Berlin, Germany. I lived here for from 1980 to 1982, back when the city was still a walled-in island surrounded by Communist East Germany. I had a great, exciting job with some really terrific people, with several of whom I remain in regular contact after all these years. This was where Agnes and I met (another great story I'll tell you sometime if you haven't heard it) and married, and where I had the experience of being called something by a Polish army colonel that my interpreter (a very sweet, middle-aged lady named Teresa) blanched at and wouldn't translate ("Oh, Keptin Beelbo, you should not know vat he called you!").

Woodbridge, Virginia. We came back from Germany just before Christmas in 1982 and bought a house here in January of 1983. It was the first home purchase for both of us, and a rude shock ... not just the cost of the house, but discovering the horror of the agonizing commute to work in NoVa traffic.

Wiesbaden, Germany. We went back to Germany in 1987 and rented half of a beautiful house in the foothills of the Taunus Mountains overlooking Wiesbaden. You may remember that I wrote earlier this year about our adventures with its electrical wiring.

Springfield, Virginia. In 1990 we came back to the States for the last time and settled here in Springfield, about 20 miles south of Washington, DC. We began by renting a house that belonged to one of my co-workers, then found one to buy, becoming once again a wholly-owned subsidiary of a mortgage company. We've been in that house since 1992.

And that's all the places I've ever lived. As military careers go, I made far fewer moves than many others do, and have lived in pretty desirable places. I consider myself lucky.

So, where have you lived? Leave a comment and let's see if we were ever neighbors.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

The 30-Day Writing Challenge: Someone Who Fascinates Me and Why

We return today to my latest stab at the 30-Day Writing Challenge, taking on the topic of "Someone Who Fascinates Me, And Why."

Today is November 4th, and it's the birthday of one of my heroes: cowboy, actor, vaudeville performer, comedian, writer, and political commentator Will Rogers.

William Penn Adair Rogers was born into a Cherokee family in Oologah, Oklahoma*, in 1879. He worked as a cowboy, learning the roping skills that he would later turn into a successful stage act in vaudeville. He travelled around the world, working various jobs from Argentina to South Africa, ending up as a trick roper in "Texas Jack's Wild West Circus."

He was friendly, hard-working, and well-read, and he eventually moved from the circus to vaudeville and then to the movies, where his down-home, folksy demeanor and multiple skills eventually led to a radio program and a wildly popular syndicated newspaper column. He was a master of satirical commentary, with none of the bitter, ad-hominem attacks that are so common today. It was Will Rogers who first made such notable comments as, "I am not a member of an organized political party. I am a Democrat," and, "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."

His humorous, often earthy anecdotes and friendly style allowed him to poke fun at figures across the political spectrum, without personal spite or intentionally giving offense ... his tremendous popularity was a reflection of his easygoing, yet insightful personality.

Will Rogers didn't think much of what he viewed as untruthful and unseemly political campaigning. As a way of lampooning political campaigns, he ran a mock campaign for president in 1928 as the candidate of the "No-Bunk Party" against Republican Herbert Hoover and Democrat Al Smith ... on election day, he grandly declared victory and immediately resigned. When asked if there should be debates between the candidates, he replied, "Yes, joint debates — in any joint you name." He was asked what the nation's farmers needed, and answered, "A punch in the jaw if (they believe) that either of the parties cares a damn about (them) after the election." And when asked about the importance of a candidate's image, he snorted, "I hope there is some sane people who will appreciate dignity and not showmanship in their choice for the presidency**."

Will Rogers was killed in an airplane crash in 1935, along with his friend Wiley Post. His death, in my opinion, marked the end of an era in which good humor and gentle satire could be used to skewer the pompous and the useless. I've often wished I could have known Will Rogers, whose style and demeanor I've tried to emulate with much of what I've written. He would probably thought me to be a bit mean-spirited because of my Right- and Left-Cheek Ass Clown awards, but I'm pretty sure he'd have approved the selections ... and done a better job of satirizing the recipients than I.

Dear Readers, Will Rogers is the person who fascinates me, and he's assured of a seat at the table on my Last Supper List.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* It was called "Indian Territory" at the time.

** You'd think he foresaw the coming of Donald Trump.

The 30-Day Writing Challenge: Does Your Zodiac Sign Fit You?

Today marks the fifth of my posts based on the 30-Day Writing Challenge, in which I tackle the issue of whether I think my sign of the zodiac fits me.

I think the whole subject of zodiac signs and horoscopes is interesting, not that I put much faith in it. It seems to me that most horoscopes are cleverly written so that almost anything that happens can be interpreted to have been foretold, or to be a personal trait of the reader.

I went to a website that discusses the various signs of the zodiac - Zodiac Signs Astrology.com - and checked out what it had to say about Scorpios, since I was born under that sign* ...

According to this website (which is pretty much in line with what all other astrology websites have to say), Scorpios are loyal, passionate, resourceful, observant, and dynamic. On the other side, we're said to be jealous, obsessive, suspicious, manipulative, and unyielding.

Hmmm ...

Loyal and passionate, I can pretty much agree with. Obsessive and suspicious, maybe a little. Here are a few quotes from the analysis in the website:

"Scorpios have an excellent memory and combined with an inability to let things go, they can hold a grudge against someone who did them harm forever, in fact a Scorpio rarely if never forgives and forgets. They will even go as far as get vengeance on the person."  Well, as it happens, my memory is such that I always carry around a small notebook or a few blank index cards so that I can write things down, because I tend to be pretty forgetful. I do, however, hold powerful grudges ... in fact, Agnes has often gently counseled me to ease up on the antipathy I hold for a particular individual, but I'm finding it nearly impossible to do so.

"Scorpios have a very penetrative mind, do not be surprised if they ask questions, they are trying to delve deeper and figure things out and survey the situation. They always want to know why, where and any other possible detail they can possibly know." That's pretty accurate ... I tend to be very skeptical and not to take things at face value without a lot of questioning and study. This is why I tend to enrage door-to-door political flacks who can't answer simple questions about their candidate's positions on issues with anything more than bumper stickers or screeds about how terrible the other guy is.

"Scorpios are very weary (sic) about trusting anyone, a person needs to gain their trust and this gets built up over time and once all the 'trust tests' have been passed, Scorpio loves deeply and intensely." This one's on the money, but I think it's true of a lot of people other than Scorpios as well.

"Scorpios are all about control, they need to be in control at all times. To be out of control is very threatening, even dangerous to the Scorpio's psyche, when they control, they feel safe." Not so much. I don't like to have the sense that I'm at the whim of powers beyond my control, but on the other hand, it's not in me to be a control freak.

Here's the best part ...

"Sex with a Scorpio: Sex with Scorpio is a total emotional and physical experience with passion and intensity. They have amazing stamina and can last all night long, round after round. Scorpio is the zodiac sign that is the most likely to act out a sexual fantasy. Most people will talk about it but the Scorpio will do it, they will fully throw themselves into the role. Do not suggest a fantasy to a Scorpio unless you plan to do it! Most Scorpios are direct and forceful and they seem to be an expert at what they do. They continue to seduce you even as the act continues. A thrilling experience not for the faint of heart!" Ummm ... you'll have to ask Agnes about this one. All I can tell you is that she's one of the rare women willing to put up with my ... quirks. Which leads me to the last zodiac issue - compatibility with other signs ...

The perfect sign for companionship with a Scorpio is said to be a Taurus ... and considering that Agnes is a Taurus and we've been together for more than 30 years, I'd say there just might be something to that.

So ...

Does my zodiac sign fit me? Like most people, I'd say "yes and no." There are elements of the "Scorpio Character" that fit me quite well, and others that don't. The only thing I can tell you for sure is that if you're an attractive lady, I'll never try to break the ice with you by asking about your sign, unless the sign you're holding says something like "Free Hugs" or "Have a Gin and Tonic on Me!"

Have a good day, regardless of your sign.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Actually, the sign I was born under was "Bellevue Suburban Hospital Maternity," but just work with me on this, okay.

The 30-Day Writing Challenge: A Book I Loved and a Book I Didn't

You already know, Dear Readers, that I am a voracious reader. I'll read just about anything, although I'm especially fond of history, social studies, and current events. On the fiction side, I prefer "good" science fiction and fantasy,* historical fiction, and alternative history**.

The 30-Day Writing Challenge topic I picked for today is "A book you love and one you didn't."

This is not an easy topic, as there are very many books that I can truthfully say I love. On thinking about it, I narrowed the choice to about five, then tossed a few mental coins to make a final decision ...

The book I love is The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. It's a complex and beautifully-written story about two magicians who carry on a competition over many years, waged through their proteges, two young illusionists who find themselves in a swirling mix of magic and illusion, love and hate, that they only dimly realize. Their contest is played out in the context of a magical circus that mysteriously appears and disappears on its own mysterious schedule, and is populated by strange and wonderful people. It's difficult to synopsize the complex plot, but suffice it to say that the ending is all one could wish for. This is a great story.

For the book I didn't love, I've chosen the new one by David Lagercrantz, The Girl in the Spider's Web. It's the sequel to the three-volume "Millenium Series" by Stieg Larsson, and features the further adventures of the Swedish hacker and bizarre character Lisbeth Salander. I really enjoyed the original three books and had high hopes for the new one, but was disappointed. I found the plot to be contrived and the characters to be shallow. So much could have been done with the material and plot hooks left in the original stories, but I just don't think it was well executed. What a bummer ... I hope the next one will be better.

So there you are: a book I love and a book I didn't. What are yours? Leave a comment and let me know, or write it up in your own blog. Inquiring minds want to know.

Have a good day. Come back tomorrow for more Great Moments in Editing.

More thoughts then.

Bilbo

* By "good" science fiction and fantasy I mean books with interesting plots and believable detail, realistic dialog, and characters I care about. Too many current sci-fi and fantasy authors seem to think that all you need is characters with weird names, and lots of adjectives to cover up the fact that the plot is threadbare. I like George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" (the "Game of Thrones") series and, of course, Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, both of which are internally consistent, populated with characters you care about (or detest, like Cersi Lannister), and full of detail that brings the stories to vivid life.

** Check out The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove for a good example.

The 30 Day Writing Challenge: A Vegetable I Don't Like

Today, we continue with my on-again/off-again flirtation with the 30-Day Writing Challenge as I take on topic #10 ... sort of.

Topic #10 is "A fruit you dislike, and why," but I'd rather tell you about a vegetable I dislike, because I don't think there are any fruits I dislike.

Actually, I love vegetables from A to Z ... asparagus to zucchini. I love broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnips, kohlrabi, green beans*, spinach, onions, eggplant, leeks, carrots, celery**, peas, lima beans ... you get the idea.

There is, however, one vegetable that I have never liked, no matter how hard Agnes tries to convince me otherwise: beets.

Yes, Dear Readers, despite sharing a common initial consonant, Bilbo and beets do not get along well. I don't like the taste or the texture, no matter how hard I've tried to get used to them. Oddly enough, I like borshch (Russian beet soup) with a nice dollop of sour cream floating on it, but beets themselves ... they're all yours.

Good thing so many people don't like Brussels sprouts ... I can use them to fill the spot on my plate that might otherwise be filled with yucky beets.

Have a good day. Eat your vegetables.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Restaurants call them "haricots verts" in order to charge you double.

** Celery is actually a second-tier veggie ... I can take it or leave it.

The 30-Day Writing Challenge: Five Fears

Last week, I took a stab at one version of the 30-Day Writing Challenge that's been going around the Blogosphere with a post dedicated to a quote that I live by. Today, I decided to pick out another topic from the list of 30: Five Fears That You Have.

We live in a scary world, and there are plenty of things to be afraid of ... here are my big five:

1. Anything bad happening to my children or grandchildren. When you're a parent or a grandparent, there is probably nothing more terrible than the thought of your little ones being hurt. Of all the things that scare me, this is definitely the worst.

2. Alzheimer's Disease. My mother passed away in 2001 from complications of Alzheimer's, and the horror of watching her brilliant mind waste away is truly one of the most frightening things I've ever experienced. If something bad happening to the children or grandchildren is my greatest fear, the slow death of Alzheimer's is a close second.

3. The Internal Revenue Service. Nobody likes to pay taxes, but an agency of the government that has the power to impose huge fines for the smallest of mistakes, or to seize anything you own ... that's really scary.

4. The Republican Party. When a political party is dismissive of facts, logic, and compassion, driven by its most extreme elements, and willing to destroy the government to get its way, it ought to scare you as much as it scares me ... and I say that as a long-time Republican driven away by the crazies.

5. Religious Extremists. True Believers, high on self-righteousness and the belief that they, and only they, know the Real Truth and have the right and duty to impose it on the rest of us, are the last of my five fears. ISIS may be scary, but there are plenty of True Believers here at home who would impose their religious strictures and beliefs on the rest of us, too.

I'm a pretty upbeat person most of the time, but there are things that scare me. Now you know what the biggest of them are*.

Be afraid, but be afraid of the right things.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* I'm also afraid of other things, like roller coasters and open-carry gun nuts, but that's a post for another time.