Culture
The Coming Culture of Mean-Spirited Dissent
Mean-spirited dissent has replaced statesmanship as a guiding principle. The maddening downward spiral of political retribution has become the norm. The madness is magnified and given inertia in direct correlation to the speed of modern communications and the unleashing of vast amounts of money in SuperPacs. There is no time for thoughtful reflection. Every encounter […]
29Jan2012 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Cisco – A Tale of Addiction, Justice, and Redemption
People are dying. Our Prisons are full. Families are being destroyed. Government sponsored religion in the Criminal Justice System is not working. Federal, State, and Local funds are rewarding bad behavior. We are talking about the Criminal Justice System sanctioned treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction – substance abuse treatment. Cisco, A Tale of […]
1Dec2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Gun Lovers – This Guy Shot Himself
We have written before on the passion of gun lovers. Personally, I enjoy some guns. I teach gun safety to my grandsons. We enjoy shooting clay pigeons, blue rock, skeet – whatever you call it. We go to the local shooting range located just outside of town. It is run by the Missouri State Conservation […]
11Jul2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Gun Lovers – This Guy Shot Himself | Continued
A Father Reflects on Father’s Day
Father’s Day. A day for celebrating our fathers, and a day for fatherly reflection. I am in the later category today. I was not a particularly good father when my children were small – and that gives one pause for reflection. Young and foolish, temperamental and energetic, smart and dumb-as-nails, motivated and selfish, educated yet […]
19Jun2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on A Father Reflects on Father’s Day | Continued
Recommended Reading – for Adolescents and Young Adults
High School Literature Teachers are really fascinating people. This past year I participated in a School District as an occasional Substitute Teacher. The most memorable and pleasant days were invested in High School Literature classes, where I substituted about ten days. These were memorable days because in every one of the classrooms there were perhaps […]
10Jun2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Recommended Reading – for Adolescents and Young Adults | Continued
Pride, Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense, and Sensibility
I have done Jane Austen a disservice. The post was on Romantic Literature as a modern value system. The post suggested that Jane Austen was very predictable – the good guy always gets the good girl, the fool marries the fool. When I wrote that post I had finished Pride and Prejudice and was about […]
9Jun2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
The Romantic Ideal – Flawed Thinking or Good Old Optimism?
The good guy gets the good girl – and conversely the good girl gets the good guy. Bad guys always lose. High moral standards, good character, hard work, and unwavering principles always find victory. Bad governments do not endure while noble governments prevail. The era of romantic literature has revisited modernity – with predictable disastrous […]
28May2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Romantic Ideal – Flawed Thinking or Good Old Optimism? | Continued
American Idol: Dump Randy Jackson, Jamie Foxx as Judge
American Idol has transitioned a few times in the past ten years – often with improvements in the judging. The most notable failure of inspiration is the retaining of Randy Jackson as a Judge. Randy talks too much and never says much. Jackson is worthless as a judge. Clearly, Randy Jackson feels inferior to the […]
19May2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Treachery On The Trail To The Presidency
Every four years scores of people venture out on the trail to the Presidency. Ultimately only one will finish the journey – will reach the goal. There is danger at every turn. One false step and the candidacy can be doomed. Some recover from a slip or a slide – some perish, dashed on the […]
26Mar2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Treachery On The Trail To The Presidency | Continued
Let The Wild Man Out
I don’t mean to be chauvinistic – but this post is about men in particular. More specifically, how do boys become men? There are many ideas – participate in sports, become an Eagle Scout, join the military, go to college, get a job and get married and have children – these events will make men […]
28Feb2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Let The Wild Man Out | Continued
Faded Roses
A rose blooms. With depth of beauty representative of all of nature. Whether red or yellow, the fragrance enchants. Color does not matter – only purity of exquisite life. Fragrance to capture the soul of the most forlorn. Time passes, roses fade. The memory of the rose grants hope for the next season. Such is […]
5Jan2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Faded Roses | Continued
Elvis Presley – Amazing Grace (Videos)
Truly amazing, we were graced with Elvis. Elvis Presley came into my life through Ed Sullivan. The Sunday evening custom in our home was chocolate cupcakes with white icing while we watched Ed Sullivan. My older brothers and I could not sit still on the old wood floor – while my mother and father wondered […]
6Oct2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
President Obama Teaches Kindergarten
President Obama is like a Kindergarten teacher – patiently bringing his pupils along. We the pupils are not so patient. This reminds me of a story about one of my grandchildren. Jubilum is one of the younger children in my growing family. She is as sharp as a whip, quick as a snap, curious as […]
27Sep2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
The Redneck Walks The Immigrant Trail
The trail ends at Saint Joseph, Missouri. Some say it also begins there. The Immigrant Trail has not yet been officially documented by historians – but the trail exists today. When documented there is good cause to believe there will be a trail of tears. But I get ahead of myself. I live just outside […]
8Sep2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Lessons On Exercise For Seniors – And The Need For Stretching
I am a senior. That is somewhere between middle age and elderly. Everyone wants to live a long time but no one wants to be old, as the saying goes. I am just another person trying to delay feeble living. I have learned a few hard lessons along the path to regular exercise. I wrote […]
26Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Lessons On Exercise For Seniors – And The Need For Stretching | Continued
Hunting For Jesse James Gold
When I was a child my parents would often take our family on picnics at Houston Wyeth Park in St. Joseph, Missouri – we just called the place Wyeth Hill. Wyeth Hill runs along the top of the Missouri River Bluffs in northwest St. Joseph. The hill overlooks downtown St. Joe to the south, the […]
25Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 14 comments | Continued
Muslim Rednecks
I know a bunch of Rednecks. They live in my neighborhood and gather at my family functions. Their language is unique, something like Ebonics but with a twang. There are not many Muslims around Northwest Missouri – or at least they don’t publicly admit to their faith. About a hundred years ago regular Catholics did […]
25Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Inside The Minds of Rednecks – And Consequences
I recently had breakfast and invested my Saturday morning with a Redneck. It was not his idea. My truck needed repair and I wanted a sure fix. A sure fix that did not cost me a bundle of anxiety and an empty pocket book. (Pocket Book is a funny term). I’ll call my Redneck friend […]
24Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 32 comments | Continued
Youth Violence – Not Just Fight or Flight
Mark Twain used youth violence as a humorous anecdote necessary to the maturing process of young boys. In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer two boys (one is Tom) confront each other on the street; they taunt, tease, dare, and then scuffle. Tom is victorious when the other boy cries ’nuff!’ Not one sociologist at the time raised a stink about Twain’s portrayal of youth violence.
22Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Searching for Honesty and Integrity in Nationally Known Politicians
Sometimes I just write satire, or just sarcasm. The folly of national politics seems somehow unworthy of serious commentary. But however foolish the politicians seem – the business of our government is serious. Real people are directly and immediately impacted by political decisions. Real wars are fought. Real soldiers die. Real debt is incurred. Generations […]
16Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Illegal Immigrants Cause Global Warming
It is hot in Missouri – the folks who know are saying it is hotter than it was the last time it was hot – and I believe them. And I know why. Global Warming, it is as simple as that. But the cause has been uncovered with some simple research conducted at the South […]
4Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Mel Gibson to Lead Tea Party
Actor, Director, Producer Mel Gibson is negotiating terms to take over leadership of the Tea Party in America. Every candidate must demonstrate proper character traits consistent with Tea Party advocates. Candidates must be willing to demonstrate these character traits in a very public manner – there should be no sense of shame or fear of […]
14Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Cucumbers and little identified methods to avoid diabetic issues
Will you be cool as a cucumber? Not merely is the cucumber known for it’s capability to cool-down our bodies, it has also been seen to assist with jaundice, diarrhea, epilepsy, sore throat, conjunctivitis (redness of the eye) and swelling of extremities.
28Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Cucumbers and little identified methods to avoid diabetic issues | Continued
Ohg’s Nephew Goes To College In South Missouri
I have a nephew. Several actually. But one has just graduated from high school in Virginia and has chosen to attend the University of Missouri at Rolla. Rolla is one of the top engineering schools in the country. But Rolla is also in South Missouri – the home of Rush Limbaugh. I was compelled to […]
26Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Seichel – The Fourth Dimension
Seichel – a Yiddish word with a variety of meanings, a variety of definitions – but essentially implying wisdom. That may not help much in understanding seichel because the word “Wisdom” is not universally understood. My take is this: Wisdom is a state of being, a state of being that adds the fourth dimension to […]
15Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Summer Camp For Grandchildren
Folks, readers of thefiresidepost.com, I am busy. Three of my grandchildren are coming every day for two weeks. I am relearning some things, and learning some things for the first time, about raising children. One thing is certain – I am busy and have little time to think grand thoughts and write witty posts – […]
8Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 6 comments | Continued
Please Don’t Profile My Pit Bull
Profiling is an act of discrimination. Discrimination is the act of stereotyping, of generalizing, of lumping all the coal in one bucket. There are laws in America against discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, mental ability, height, weight, and color of eyes. Anywhere discrimination exists the Federal Government is there to […]
28May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Please Don’t Profile My Pit Bull | Continued
Confusing Borders, Boundaries, and the American Comfort Level
From Ohg Rea Tone: People sometimes drift into my personal space. I generally enjoy people so my personal space does not extend as far as the reach of my arm. When I shake hands I am likely to pull the other person close, look them in the eye, and measure their sincerity. The enigma of […]
26May2010 | bryan | 10 comments | Continued
Writing as a tool of personal development
My son and I began this magazine almost three years past. I have personally written over eleven hundred (1,100) posts. That is more than one a day. Why would anyone do such a goofy thing? I write because I am compelled to write. Every thought that crosses my mind must be written – and examined. […]
22May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Writing as a tool of personal development | Continued
Do Mother’s Day Cards Really Describe Your Mother?
How did you find the energy, Mom To do all the things you did, To be teacher, nurse and counselor To me, when I was a kid. Does that little diddy describe your mother? For years I wanted to honor my Mother on Mother’s Day (as defined by Hallmark Cards). I went shopping at all […]
9May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
What Would Peter Think of Wendy At Victoria’s Secret?
One of my favorite stories is the tale of Peter Pan. As an actor, I have always wanted to play Peter, but I grew too tall. I loved the way Peter was committed to remaining young, not following the establishment and becoming a man. His conviction of youth impacted his relationships with everyone, especially Wendy. […]
7May2010 | Dawn | 1 comment | Continued
Nashville 2010: The Day the Music Died
A long, long time ago… I can still remember How that music used to make me smile. And I knew if I had my chance That I could make those people dance And, maybe, they’d be happy for a while. I don’t have cable. My family does not value the television enough to pay that […]
7May2010 | bryan | Comments Off on Nashville 2010: The Day the Music Died | Continued
Dancing With The Stars – 2010 Fall Season Recommendations
thefiresidepost.com is officially one site that can make recommendations on major entertainment and political personnel. Here is our recommendation for the 2010 Dancing with the Stars roster. Dancing With The Stars is an entertaining program. People from other professions – generally known at least in pop culture if not for professional achievement, are asked to […]
4May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 92 comments | Continued
Crystal Bowersox is a Redneck
Does that title sound insulting? It does if you buy into the Jeff Foxworthy definition of a Redneck. Crystal Bowersox is in the final five on American Idol. She has mesmerized the judges and home audiences for however long this season has been on. But Crystal is a Redneck. We at thefiresidepost.com come from a […]
4May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Crystal Bowersox is a Redneck | Continued
Uniform Design Contest For Huffington Post Police Badges
Arianna Huffington has established a secret police force to monitor and control reader comments. Additionally the Huffington Post will now monitor, for free, reader social networking sites. Three different levels of ‘badges’ of authority can be earned by following Huffinton’s guidelines. The Fireside Post is volunteering to assist with the design of Huffington Police Uniforms. […]
30Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Uniform Design Contest For Huffington Post Police Badges | Continued
Good Children Vs Insurrectionists
My husband and I were discussing our children the other day and how they behave or not during church. Our 18-month-old prefers to wander the pews rather than sit quietly on my lap, and when the nursery is closed, it can be quite difficult to “make her behave.” First of all, let me comment on […]
26Apr2010 | Dawn | Comments Off on Good Children Vs Insurrectionists | Continued
Sense Of Inadequacy Follows Us All The Days Of Our Lives
Any self concept, any value, any perspective, learned in youth – through osmosis – follows us all the days of our lives. We often have a sense of right and wrong, which we sometimes call this our conscience, based on prejudiced childhood learning.
21Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Sense Of Inadequacy Follows Us All The Days Of Our Lives | Continued
The Paddle: Using Fear and Force in Public Schools
In an article for the Associated Press yesterday, contributed to by the Washington Post and published on the website chron.com (a Houston area online resource) Temple, Texas is reported to have reinstated corporal punishment.
19Apr2010 | bryan | Comments Off on The Paddle: Using Fear and Force in Public Schools | Continued
Personal Experience With Tea Bag Mentality
This is a sad post for me to write. I live in northwest Missouri – in the isolated world of simple people relishing ignorance. The reverse discrimination against education and professionalism permeates the culture. My sadness surrounds my family – a people proud of being in the lower economic class. Most of them are adamant […]
12Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 32 comments | Continued
Underemployed – What Does This Mean?
Underemployment has taken on several new meanings in this struggling economy. David Shuster of MSNBC asked one of his guests what the term means – the response: “It means that people are working part time in stead of full time. What? It seems as if the pundits just make stuff up to fill their 30 […]
2Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Underemployed – What Does This Mean? | Continued
Reflecting On The Music Of My Mother
I was fumbling around on youtube this morning and found this Patsy Cline rendition of Tennessee Waltz. My mother introduced me to this song. She was not trying to – this was one of the songs she sang while wringing out the laundry in her wringer wash machine. Hearing Patsy Cline sing this old song […]
1Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Reflecting On The Music Of My Mother | Continued
Scarface School Play – I don’t get it
What in the world is going on? If this play had been done in one of my grand children’s schools I would be up in arms – people would think I had joined the radical right, that I was a card carrying member of the Tea Party. Anyway, make of it what you will.
30Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
The Mis-Use of MAP Testing
My Taxi service is employed every morning – I give two of my grandchildren a ride to school. This morning my third grade granddaughter told me she was wearing her lucky shoes because they were to take the MAP test today. She said, “I am scared to take this test.” I asked her why she […]
29Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Mis-Use of MAP Testing | Continued
The Redemption of Tiger Woods
The redemption of Tiger Woods did not happen with blubbering confessions of sin, orchestrated by treatment programs based solely on anecdote. The redemption of Tiger Woods can only happen with consistent trustworthy behavior over time.
22Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Redemption of Tiger Woods | Continued
Kansas Loses to North Iowa
In the upset of the decade number one ranked Kansas lost to Northern Iowa in the second round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. What happened? Northern Iowa won – that is what happened. They hit the shots when it counted. Their three point shooting was spectacular and knocked Kansas out of any rhythm. The stunning […]
20Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Kansas Loses to North Iowa | Continued
American Idol Behind the Scenes
This link takes American Idol fans to a “Share Widget” One can copy this widget to your favorite web site. Enjoy
16Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on American Idol Behind the Scenes | Continued
Everything American Idol – 2010
Hyperlink to a vast array of information about American Idol. We offer this service merely as a convenience to web surfers. Enjoy.
16Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Everything American Idol – 2010 | Continued
Redneck Ingenuity – or Schizophrenic Engineering?
I know rednecks. I should. I am one generation removed from hillbillies. Around these parts people who are one generation removed must go through the redneck phase – and sometimes that phase lasts a couple of generations. I am known as a half-breed because I obtained a formal university education. Even my redneck friends will […]
5Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Something is Terribly Wrong in Youth Football
He was ‘jacked up’, got his bell rung, he was clocked. He took it like a man. This is real man sport. Only a real man could take a hit like that. Have you ever heard any of those sort of comments regarding football? Have you ever used those terms yourself. I have. And I […]
2Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Redneck, The Italian, and The German
A redneck an Italian and a German were captured by the French. All convicted – they were sentenced to death by the guillotine. The Italian was led to the platform and given one last opportunity say his last words. He said, “Long live Italy.” The French put his head on the block and let the […]
13Oct2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued