BS: They said I couldn't

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: GUEST,Steven Read
Date: 19 Sep 05 - 10:52 AM

The movie was "Best Foot Forward."

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: GUEST,Mary V.
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 08:05 PM

Hey Jerry ! Bring the sunshine on up to Wisconsin.
We will welcome the warmth with open arms,
and a happy birthday to your mom too !
My email is [e-mail]
I lost your email address when my computer had technical
difficulties. I think actually ..I am the one with the
difficulties. : )
Thanks Amos ! You made my day !
still pickin' and grinnin' up north !

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: GUEST,Shlio
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 05:53 PM

They said I couldn't sing.

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that they were right.

I think the thing that's worse than encouragement or discouragement is apathy. People letting you know that they couldn't care less if you succeeded in your dreams or not is much more depressing than even Martin Gibson's most acidic posts. At least he cares enough to criticise.

Encouragement makes you want to succeed with a warm glow.
Discouragement gives you something to prove and strive for.
Apathy can make you believe that it really is worthless, or make you bitter.

Ooops - I think I'm letting my bitterness show

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Metchosin
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 01:53 AM

Oh Wow! we have another new Mudcatter! KAEINA!

I thought the bass player story sounded strangely familiar, Surprise, Surprise!

kaeina is my daughter.

Thought you could fool me by changing your name, eh!

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Don Firth
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 10:56 PM

I don't want to keep beating on old Marty, but I did have a bit of inspiration, and it's right on the main subject of this thread.

I offer Marty a challenge:

Although you seem to have the attitude and personality of a wolverine and a mind like a septic tank, I suspect that there may—just may—be a decent human being buried somewhere inside all that bitterness and sarcasm. You seem to be fairly articulate, and you also seem to have fairly good taste in guitars. Once in a while you slip and actually allow yourself to say something worth reading.

Therefore—I challenge you to drop all your usual crap and try to add something of value to Mudcat. If someone has a question and you know the answer, answer it (in a direct and friendly manner, not with sarcasm). If you feel you have something interesting to share, share it. Tell us something about yourself. Do you perform? Where? What particular kinds of folk music are you interested in? Most people here are very friendly, and if you act that way yourself, that's they way you'll be received. Rather than sneering at everybody and everything, why don't you try to add something to the mix (other than just pissing in the punchbowl)?

Is there a decent human being under that sneering façade? If so, let him out. Can you do that, Marty? The title of this thread is "They said I couldn't" Okay. Can you?

I doubt it. I don't think you've got what it takes.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Metchosin
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 10:28 PM

Amos, I'm not sure if Martin could, he seems to suffer from rectal speleological aphasia.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 10:19 PM

Hi, Mary: My wife and I are heading out to Wisconsin in early June to celebrate my Mother's 97th birthday. Sorry we won't be further north to meet you.

I guess there are worse things to be criticized for than bringing sunshine.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 09:54 PM

Mary V:

Thank you so much for that message. It was one of those things that drops into your world just at the most important moment. I was really glad to see it and found it very cheering!

Thanks again,

Amos

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: GUEST,Mary V.
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 09:29 PM

Dear Don Firth ....you handled.... that beautifully.
I always wanted to answer one of those negative ones..
and just never did.

I love mudcatters and really appreciate all the advice and suggestions I receive. The majority are all such wonderful kind people.
I'm from Wisconsin and I don't know Jerry Rasmussen. But I know he is a really nice person who took the time to send me some beautiful c.d.s.
I was told I can't sing ....and was told I couldn't play guitar and I knew I could . So I kept at it....and worked really hard...
but it wasn't work really it was pleasure.
I'm now playing all over and I'm being asked to sing and I'm proof. Never give up when you set your heart to something .
Happy Easter everyone ! Summers on the way
Mary V.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 05:09 PM

Martin:

Re because there is not enough KY jelly in the world to have all of his sunshine pumped up my ass. This thread, and others will occasionally get a comment from me if I see fit....I think this guy is more full of himself than most people realize, I am ROTFLMAO!! First because that is such a colorful turn of phrase. Second because hey, free projection!

Never mind. You can be the resident obstreperoustitrician, howzzat?

A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Kim C
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 05:05 PM

I think somebody needs a little KY to get his head out of his ass, so he might have room for some sunshine...

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: kaeina
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 04:47 PM

My music teacher in grade 6 told me I'd never be a musician, because I couldn't play the recorder. I ended up winning awards for my bass playing at the west coast jazz festival and at the Banff Festival of Music as well as getting A's in band in high school. I am still playing music and enjoying it immensely 12 years later.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Don Firth
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:53 PM

I'm not going to engage in a juvenile "but he started it!" squabble with you, Marty, but I could refer you to a couple of threads where you attacked me in a particularly nasty and immature way because you don't agree with some of my political views, and instead of rationally trying to rebut what I wrote, you attacked me and my family (about whom you know nothing, as you have just said) personally. I think you know what I'm talking about.

You come onto threads, and right off the bat, you start making contemptuous remarks about how dumb the thread is and how dumb the people are who started it and who post to it. I refer you to your post on this thread of 04 Apr 04 - 04:48 PM, and all your subsequent posts. If you think it's so dumb, why do you hang around? Also, you imply that because some of us spend a bit of time here on Mudcat sharing our experiences in the real world, we don't actually have lives in the real world. Well . . . why are you here, then? If you behave in the real world the way you behave here, I really wonder how many friends you really do have, and if any, why they would put up with you.

I tried to jolly you a bit with humor, but it's pretty obvious that you are a much more bitter human being than I thought. Other people have tried to be friendly toward you, but you treat such efforts with contempt. If you feel that you are being unduly attacked, let me just point out that you bring it on yourself. If you wander around acting like a jackass, you have to expect that sooner or later someone is going to try to throw a saddle on you and ride you a bit.

Grow up!

Now, everybody, let's get back to the original subject of this thread, shall we?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Once Famous
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:15 PM

Ok, Ok

First of all I have never heard of Don Firth. I also don't really care to. If knowing him has redeeming value for you, fine, but he has turned this post into something about him. If you don't like what I post, don't read it.

Second of all, he attacked me personally, first and I will not put up with his crap. I do not really know the man, but I really do not care to. Yes, he does continue to insult me first, ALWAYS. His writings are long, drawn out and are unfinishable to read and why would I want to read so much trite shit aimed maliciously at me. My responses are short and to the point, and I know he is reading mine. but let me assure you, I never finish anything he reads.

Next, I ususally skip Jerry's posts because there is not enough KY jelly in the world to have all of his sunshine pumped up my ass. This thread, and others will occasionally get a comment from me if I see fit. I am not here for Jerry's 12 step program. I think this guy is more full of himself than most people realize.

Jerry, I don't have to post anything for your approval. There are many people in the world that I love and respect. I deal with them as friends and family in the real world. Evidently you don't have many in the real world, and that is why, with your on-going self confidence problem, you have to be some kind of Mudcat self-appointed feel good minister. Isn't it time to go frolic in the meadow?

Haven't a clue who Don Cherry is. Wasted analogy.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 11:48 AM

Benjamin:

Thanks for the success story, man. We need 'em!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Benjamin
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 11:23 AM

The best story I have is not actually about me. But for 4 years I volunteered in a youth shelter for homeless youth. Although we couldn't let kids who were over 18 spend the night (state law) we would lend them out blankets for the night providing the came while we were still open. I remember one night when we had closed (for a while at this point) and one girl started pounding on the door throwing a fit trying to get a blanket. I said to myself that this girl would never make it off (and sadly many kids never do). The next week, she came in crying. She had just called the cops on her abusive boyfriend and they had arrested him. She then got into a YMCA housing program that gives you a room for 60 days then your out. Most of the kids who went through that had a great 60 days, then they were out and back where they started. However, she used that time to get a job and find more longer term transitional housing. She would constantly stop by the shelter to thank us for our help afterwards. I was talking to one of the volunteer cordinaters after we heard that she was moving into her first appartment. I was telling him about the night she was pounding on the door trying to get a blanket and told him how I had said she wouldn't make it. The cordinater (who was there that night) remembered the night and told me that he was saying the same thing. I don't think either of us were ever so happy that someone did prove us wrong!

Benjamin

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: s6k
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 10:15 PM

they said it couldnt be done... so i didnt do it ! 3:10 am and im off to bed!

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 09:59 PM

Hey, Jerry!! Sleep tight!! We love ya, man!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 09:48 PM

They said I couldn't get onto Mudcat tonight, but I did. Now, I'm going to bed..

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 10:29 AM

And Martin, howzabout posting something about a person you love and respect? Better yet, how about even posting something about someone other than yourself?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Kim C
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 10:08 AM

Say Martin... there's this thing called Friendship. It's like therapy for poor people. Look into it.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 04:32 AM

You see folks, Martin Gibson serves a great purpose for us all. I say, may his nasty abusive postings continue. As Deckman Bob pointed out, the response is almost always better than his posting.

Your story, Don, reminded me of my dear friend Sheryl. Born blind, to parents who never got over the idea that she would be a useless member of society and treated her as such for her entire childhood, Sheryl proved them wrong in so many ways that I can only say here that her life is as independent, complex, successful, and meaningful as anyone I've ever known. It was my great privilege to have worked for her for many years when I lived in Hawaii, where I once even taught her how to drive. She was and is a living, breathing example of how someone can take negativity and abuse and turn it into brilliance of both mind and spirit.

Hey Martin, tell us more about YOUR life. Especially the people you've touched, and their love for you. I mean this with all sincerity...xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Deckman
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 11:32 PM

I just hope that "Marty" keeps posting. He is causing such magnificant writing from friend Don that we probably should put him on the payroll! Bob

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: dianavan
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 11:15 PM

Marty is the result of a circumcision gone wrong. Why else would he feel the need to piss on everyone. Hold on to your wee wee, buddy, and try to get your aim straight.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Deckman
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 11:07 PM

HE HE HE HE, HA HA HA HA HA, HO HO HO HO! I'm sorry, I have to stop now, my sides hurt from laughing TOO much! Bob

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 10:24 PM

Gee, guys! Thanks! I'm trying to keep from blushing. But for now, I have to have a word with Marty.

I'm sorry if you found my story boring, Marty. I must apologize. I keep forgetting that words of more than two syllables and the occasional compound sentence seem to stretch the limits of your attention span. Others seem to have found it of at least some interest, so I shall try to take solace from that. In the future, at the risk of others finding my literary endeavors a bit too "Dick and Jane," but nevertheless, out of consideration for you, I shall try to keep the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Index at appropriate levels for your stage of cognitive development.

But Marty, there is a matter I feel I must address:   in a number of your posts, you seem to be expressing concern about my ability to function sexually, so I think it best that we have a little chat about this.

First of all, I am happily married and so, she tells me, is my lovely wife. We have been married for many years. So I hope you won't find this too disappointing, but—I'm afraid that there can never be anything of that nature between you and me.

Besides, I must advise you that seeking this kind of companionship on the internet is not only sad and sordid, it can sometimes prove to be hazardous. I suggest that it would be best if you look elsewhere for companionship.

Second, as far as my actual sex life is concerned, it is not appropriate for me to discuss it here, but suffice it to say that all too often many younger men, due to their impatience and lack of confidence, rarely have the mental and physical (and certainly not the emotional) control necessary for a satisfactory encounter for both parties.   All too often, as the young man's eyes cross and he flops over on his back, the young woman is wondering when he is going to begin. There is a great deal to be gained from knowledge and experience. Although I can no longer be considered a young man, I have discovered that one of the many, many advantages of longevity is—longevity. [If that baffles you, try to get someone to explain it to you.]

I don't know your age, but from your writings, I assume that you are quite young. You seem to think that because I am at least twice, perhaps three, or even four times your age (I'm speaking chronologically here; I will not mention mental age, as I feel that many of your personality difficulties come from low self-esteem, and to aggravate that would only be to aggravate your difficulties), that I am somehow to be regarded as an object of your pity, if not (uncharitably enough) your contempt. Hardly the case. That is a sad misconception held by the most callow of youth.

You see, all of those things about which you dream, all those things to which you aspire, people of my age—my vintage—have already done! And most of us, including me, are still doing them. This means musically as well as all the other fine and worthwhile things in life.

Don't just sit there in your dank and dismal room thinking dark thoughts and gazing rancorously out your window at the beautiful spring day. Let the scales fall from your eyes and expunge the bitterness from your soul. Life is full! Life is rich! Get out and live it!

Or, at least, try to smile once in a while. Your face won't break.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 10:19 PM

You don't have to prove your independent spirit to anyone here, Martin. :-) We DON'T think you're a wimp, honest! We know you're tough-minded. I swear, you are becoming the Don Cherry of Mudcat.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Deckman
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 09:59 PM

In the fifty three years I've been privileged to call Don Firth my friend, I dare say that I have NEVER found him boring. Opinionated, correct, educating, wonderful, entertaining, very funny, goofy as hell, charming, seductive, fascinating, and wonderful! But boring ... never! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 09:39 PM

You my man, Don: And boring you ain't.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: dianavan
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 09:13 PM

Marty, Marty, Marty. When will you ever learn?

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 08:59 PM

Martin:

Ole Fartin' Martin is off his meds again, I guess.

I will say this much -- Don Firth has done a lot more for the world than you have. Why don't you hold your tongue and learn from your betters?

A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Once Famous
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:50 PM

Don

I hated your story and found it kind of boring. Gave up reading it because it was more interesting to look out the window at nature in springtime.

I have no warts at all. I am no where near your age. Keep trying to find where your generation fits in.

I may be pissing up a rope as you call it, but pissing is about all you've got left that resembles anything orgasmic.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 04:07 PM

YY:

Huzzahs for her, and thanks for that story!! IF you're gonna tell her you posted it, tell her I congratulate her, if that isn't presumptuous...

A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 04:01 PM

Hey Jerry, you sure have a knack for coming up with thread subjects that bring out the best in folks. My only complaint is that means there's even *more* interesting Mudcat threads -- and it's already *far* too easy to spend WAY too much of my day on Mudcat!

Anyway, this is not my own story... but I think it's worth sharing.

When my (younger) sister was 2, she got encephalitis. She had to learn (among other things) how to walk and talk again -- from square one. It also affected her concentration, attention span, etc -- left her with "learning disabilities".

One doctor told my parents that she would never be able to take care of herself, and when they died she would need to live in some kind of home/institution. A somewhat more optimistic doctor said she *might* be sort of almost "caught up" with her peers by college age, and might possibly be able to lead a normal(ish) life.

There were not many schools in those days (the 60s) prepared to deal with kids who were "different", but my mother found one (an hour or so from us), made *endless* phone calls, and fought tooth & nail to get my sister into a "PD" program (for kids with "perceptual difficulties").

By the time she was in 4th grade, my sister was so unhappy with the "PD = Permanently Dumb" comments from the "normal" kids that she begged to be "mainstreamed" into a regular classroom. She was allowed to try this and managed just fine.

She graduated high school (a large, competitive one) cum laude, and (poor thing!) had to choose between attending University of Michigan's Honors Program or MIT. She chose U of M and again graduated cum laude. One of her advisors told her he didn't think she'd be able to handle a major in computer science.

She moved to New York City (for a programming job with a computer software company) and attended Columbia University part-time (while working full-time). When she finished, she had a Master's (not to mention a 4.0) in Computer Science from one of the most respected Universities in the US.

When I called to congratulate her on receiving her Master's, I was *amazed* to hear her say, vehemently, "Now no-one can say I'm dumb!"

I told her I'd *never* thought of her as dumb... heck, her high school GPA was higher than mine (and mine wasn't bad!) -- and she took tougher courses. But she had continued to be haunted (aa well as driven) by those childhood voices telling her she was not smart enough.

Today she maintains the website at a national research laboratory (I hear there are some pretty bright people in those places) and also runs a program which teaches teachers how to teach online. She's one of the most thoughtful, intelligent people I know. She's happily married and is a wonderful, patient mommy to an adorable 7-month old.

Not bad for someone who "might be able to lead an almost normal life some day"...

Kudos to my parents for all the love, support and patience they offered as she fought her way back to "normalcy".

One last note, although the "story" would probably be "better" if I stopped here: my Dad used to tease us all (there are 4 of us) now & then. (He insults/makes fun of himself as well.) His gentle put-downs concerned areas where we were (he thought) secure in ourselves -- for example, he might tell my brother (who looked, if anything, malnourished -- even though he seemed to eat more than the rest of us put together) that he was "too fat". He would also sometimes say one of us was "dumb" -- in a tone of voice which (he thought, & so did I) made it obvious he *didn't* think that at all. However, I was a bit shocked to learn later, when my sister got such comments from him, she didn't think he was joking (she never said anything about it at the time).

My Father was even more shocked and truly dismayed when she finally told him this (after she got her Master's). If he'd had *any* idea she might actually take it seriously, I think he'd have cut out his tongue before he'd have said anything like that. Perhaps he "should" have realized it would be a sensitive subject to her (hindsight is 20/20, as the saying goes), but none of the rest of us realized she was taking this to heart, either.

The reason I mention it now is to make others aware of how much impact even *jokingly* negative comments can have -- especially on a child -- more than you can imagine.

Fortunately, in my family's case, the story has a happy ending...

Cheers,

YY

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 11:47 PM

My brother took his fiancee out with him once when he went shooting with his friend Jeff. They used a LARGE earthen dam (farm pond) for a backstop, were shooting at 25 yards, and Jeff had a .357 magnum revolver with him.

Well, Teri, who was from Chicago and had never fired a gun before in her life, was outshooting both Ted and Jeff. So they let her try the .357. Five round of .38 Special, and the last round was full-bore .357 ammo.

She flat-out NAILED the center of the target with the first five rounds, and the guys were grinning to themselves as Teri came up to the last round.

KA-BOOM! and the bullet went dead through the middle of the bull.

Teri turned to the guys and said, quite innocently, "I think there was more powder or something in that last one."

Most women I've met who shoot can learn to outshoot men. I suspect that it's because they don't come with mental baggage such as "I'm a guy and I know this stuff!" -- they'll listen to instruction and learn.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 11:23 PM

Great story, Don: I can relate to shooting pop bottles, and rats at the town dump. Used to do it in my wild, bb gun totin' days on the range. Me and Red Ryder.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: dianavan
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 08:49 PM

Don - I love that story.

My brother was a Marine, an instructor on the rifle range. He taught snipers, too. He used to say, if you think I'm good, you should meet my sister. It was true. I could out shoot my brother any day! We used to practice on empty beer cans and bottles too. Sometimes at night we would sneak to the dump and pit lamp, rats. We considered it a service to humanity. At least that was the excuse we dreamed up in case we ever got caught. We never did.

Michelle - There will always be people who will try to discredit you. It happens in the workplace all the time. Look at this as your opportunity to learn how to deal with it. One of the most valuable lessons you learn in university, is how to cope with people who try to put you down.

Have a cry but do not grieve (you haven't lost yet). Do not withdraw from the course. You have already earned your marks. In regards to this particular assignment, there are procedures if you wish to appeal. If it effects your overall mark, appeal, appeal, appeal. If you are worried about what the instructor or your partner thinks of you, let it pass or talk to them personally. Remember, its what you think of yourself that really matters.

Some of the most valuable learning experiences are the most painful but you will be stronger than ever when it is over. All things change in time.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 06:41 PM

I picked up a guitar student in the mid-Sixties who was an ex-Marine, and when in the service he developed a taste for competitive pistol shooting. Sunday afternoons he and I used to go to the Seattle Police Athletic Association's range, burn a lot of powder, and try to blow holes in the exact center of rectangular pieces of paper at 25 yards. When the weather was good, we'd often go out to a gravel pit or some other isolated place with a good backstop and do murder to empty soft drink and beer cans (but we never mixed beer with shooting. Stupid! The beer came afterwards, when the guns were cleaned and put away.). A beer can full of water makes a most satisfying geyser when hit square on with a .45 ACP slug!

Loren, my friend, got married to a lovely young woman named Marcia. He got her interested in shooting also, and she got pretty good.

On one of our Sunday afternoon outings, we went to clearing in a wooded area just south of Issaquah, east of Lake Washington. It was just off the road, at the foot of a bluff that made a good backstop. Loren and Buzz Ross, another friend, were off to one side of the clearing, blazing away at targets they had set up. After putting most of a box of Canadian military surplus 9 mm. ammo through my Smith & Wesson Model 39 (Loren got a real deal on the ammo: Several thousand rounds at 3¢ a round. I bought a bunch off of him), I was leaning against Loren's car taking a breather and watching Marcia as she popped away at miscellaneous targets with Loren's .22 cal. Ruger Mark II. She had set up a row of water-filled cans on the remnants of what had once been a fence rail, but she wasn't shooting at them. She was saving them for later.

We were not the only ones who used this place as a shooting gallery. Two other guys were there, and they were also taking a breather and watching Marcia (who, in addition to being a very bright young woman and a crack-shot, was quite easy on the eyes). They were discussing various handguns in terms of difficulty to shoot—heavy recoil. They noted the .22 that Marcia was shooting and remarked that it was a good gun for a woman. Light recoil. "Probably about the heaviest gun a woman could handle would be a .38 Special," one of them pontificated, "but only if she had the proper training. Say, a police woman." "Right," said the other guy. "A woman could never handle a gun like a .45 auto," said the first guy. "Might sprain her wrist. Maybe even break it." "Right," said the other guy. They'd been going on like this for awhile. Two male chauvinist piglets.

Although she was concentrating on her shooting, Marcia overheard this conversation. Tendrils of steam began to emerge from her collar, but she retained her sweet smile. She fired the last round from the magazine of the Ruger, then came to where I stood. Behind me, on the hood of Loren's car, was the black attaché case where Loren kept his arsenal (James Bond movies, staring Sean Connery, were big about this time, and we all carried our arsenals in black attaché cases). She put the Ruger away and picked up Loren's Gold Cup target grade .45 automatic—a finely tuned version of the good old fashioned slab-sided 1911 A1 .45 caliber Army Colt Pistol. She filled a magazine with cartridges holding lead slugs about the size of loaves of bread, shoved the magazine into the grip, and returned to where she had been shooting. She pulled the slide back and released it to snap forward and chamber a round (a sound guaranteed to scare the crap out of a burglar!). She took the target-shooter's stance—erect, turned somewhat sideways, holding the pistol with one hand. She extended her arm, peered along the sights, and unleashed Hellfire at a row of water-filled soft drink cans. Cans leapt into the air, water exploded everywhere, and thunder echoed from the mountainsides.

Marcia returned to the car and put the Gold Cup away. As she leaned against the fender beside me, she smiled sweetly at the two guys. They just stood there with their mouths open and blinked.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 06:39 PM

Two posts in a row, one for Martin Gibson and one for everyone:—

Marty, old buddy! Welcome aboard!

I see you're feeling your oats again! Lavishing contempt on those things you don't quite grasp.

You know, regarding some of the remarks you make up above, were I given to acrimony, which is foreign to the natural sweetness of my character, I might tell you to go piss up a rope: but first, I've never really known what that's supposed to mean, and second, that would be the kind of thing that some vulgar, snot-nosed, acne-faced schoolyard bully at the limit of his meager intellect might say, and I really don't want to try to steal your act.

Since, in another thread, you seemed to enjoy playing around with my name, I could go the NPR route and give you a puzzle, à la Puzzle Master Will Shortz on Weekend Edition Sunday. For example, take the name by which you identify yourself; change the first letter of the first word and add an apostrophe after the "n." Then change one letter in the last word by eliminating one of the letters already there and doubling one of the others. The result should describe an arboreal brachiating tailless ape indigenous to south east Asia with a severe flatulence problem. [Some of you will get this right away, but it may take Marty a little while to work it out.]

But since you apparently cannot summon up the motivation to climb the ladder of evolution beyond this level, I shall try to find it in my heart to forgive you and accept you as you are, warts and all.

What it all boils down to can be summed up in the words of a song by Mark Graham:   

         I can see your aura, and it's ugly!!

But I like to feel there is good in all people . . . somewhere . . . way deep down . . . that may emerge eventually . . . someday . . . perhaps. . . .

Warmest regards,

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Once Famous
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 05:32 PM

The upper threads are about music, one of my passions in life.

The lower threads are occasionally interesting, from an entertainment or informative perspective.

That's why I've been "haning" around here.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Megan L
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 05:28 PM

of course you can martin eh so pardon me for asking why you spend so much time haning round here?

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Once Famous
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 05:24 PM

Jacqui C., ellenpoly, and dianavan, and all other large ships at sea:

I was gratefully overwhelmed by the outpouring of welcome I got when I joined. Some longtime people here have welcomed me warmly and quite frankly, I was humbled.

I have absolutely no trouble looking at myself in a mirror everyday. I enjoy life, and have the HIGHEST confidence in myself for what I do in my job and in life's pleasures. If you need to come to the Mudcat for your 12-step program, be my guest. I reserve the right to at least get some entertainment value out of it.

I just think that one should be enjoying life rather than have a big strokefest like this thread is.

How about this: They said you couldn't get a life. But I say you can. You can do it, ladies!

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 05:01 PM

Michelle - I'll go along with all that has been said before. I think we've all been where you are now and it HURTS. It will pass, believe me. We are so conditioned to believing that parents, teachers and others in authority are right that we doubt ourselves when they criticise. They can be wrong as well. Give yourself a while to calm down, put your thoughts down on paper, talk to someone you trust to give you an honest opinion and, once you feel a bit more confident try and sort it out.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: open mike
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 02:49 PM

When i was young i travelled with a group of friends. The fellow who owned the car would not let females drive his car. Later I got my first vehicle, which was an International Travellall, a large van-type vehicle. As luck would have it this fellow was in a band and needed help to transport the equipment, instruments, amps, etc. to the gig a few hours away. Guess Who drove??!! NOw i drive the rescue squad, and fire engine for the volunteer fire company and ;the bookmobile for the county library, all requiring a special, commercial liscence. How does that children's taunting song go?" na na na na nyah nyah....
yes inspiration comes in unusual packages some times..

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 02:19 PM

See, I knew Amos could find it, with a little help from Don. Are you guys any relation to Amos and Andy?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 02:16 PM

Right you are, Don. My apologies -- I lost track of the data and ended up accepting the earlier reference to Jack Oakie, who was mixed in with several films of the period, but apparenyl was not in "Best Foot Forward". Anothe rlisting here.

A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 01:45 PM

Er . . . uh . . . I checked the Internet Movie Database for "Best Foot Forward." Jack Oakie doesn't seem to be in it. But it does have a pretty interesting cast. Lucille Ball as herself, , Gloria De Haven, June Allison, and as Amos mentions, Nancy Walker (who later played Rhoda's mother on TV).   I vaguely remember seeing it when I was about so tall — > = < —.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 01:13 PM

In 1941, Richard Rodgers, the unlisted producer (the team of Rodgers and Hart was ending. See 'Rodgers' Entry.), and George Abbott the director, engaged Martin and Blane to write the complete score of a new Broadway musical called 'Best Foot Forward', starring Nancy Walker. Hit songs included;
"Buckle Down Winsocki"
"Wish I May"
"What Do You Think I Am?"
"Ev'ry Time"

Best Foot Forward was made into a movie starring Jackie Oakie, by the same name, in 1943.

Mystery solved.

A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 12:41 PM

Aha -- a fictional account from a 30's film:

"I think that it was in the late '30s or '40s that a movie was made that spoofed college football. It stared Jack Oakie as the star of the football team of Winsocki University. It was complete with a college fight song called "Buckle Down Winsocki," which had characteristic original lines such as:

Buckle down, Winsocki, buckle down

You can win Winsocki if you knuckle down,

...you will make them wrecks etc.

Even in those days there were problems with star athletes who really had no business being in a university. Oakie had to pass an exam in order to be eligible to play. The professor asked him one question, "Name a means of locomotion?" He hemmed and hawed until someone asked him "What do you do to get ready for a game?" He replied "train," and he passed the exam and was eligible to play in the big game. "

Still don't know the name of the movie but I believe the derivation above until better information comes along.

A

Subject: RE: BS: They said I couldn't
From: Amos
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 12:38 PM

The original song Jerry refers to went:

BUCKLE DOWN, WINSOCKI

Buckle down, Winsocki
Buckle down
You can win, Winsocki
If you knuckle down
If you break their necks
If you make them wrecks
You can break the hex,
So buckle down,
Make 'em yell Winsocki, make 'em yell.
You can win, Winsocki
If you give 'em hell
It you don't give in take it on the chin
You are bound to win, it you will only buckle down,
If you fight you'll chuckle at defeat.
If you fight your luck'll not retreat
(Shout)
Knuckle down Winsocki
Knuckle down.
You can win, Winsocki
If you buckle down
If you mow them down
If you go to town
You can wear the crown
If you will only buckle down.

Still looking for Winsocki. A small town int he MidWest, if real, I expect...

A