Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 28, 2012

14

OPINION

 Mountain Views News Saturday, April 28, 2012

HAIL Hamilton My Turn

STUART Tolchin..........On LIFE

Mountain 
Views

News

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR

Susan Henderson

CITY EDITOR

Dean Lee 

EAST VALLEY EDITOR

Joan Schmidt

SALES

Patricia Colonello

626-355-2737 

626-818-2698

PRODUCTION 

Richard Garcia

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lina Johnson

Ivonne Durant

WEBMASTER

John Aveny 

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Brown

Pat Birdsall

Chris Leclerc

Bob Eklund

Howard Hays

Paul Carpenter

Stuart Tolchin

Kim Clymer-Kelley

Christopher Nyerges

Peter Dills 

Hail Hamilton 

Rich Johnson

Chris Bertrand

Ron Carter

Rev. James Snyder

Bobby Eldridge

Mary Carney

La Quetta Shamblee

Katie Hopkins

Deanne Davis

Despina Arouzman

Greg Wellborn

Dr. John Talevich

Meaghan Allen

Sean Kayden


BECOMING A 
GRANDFATHER

I’m going to be a grandfather! I still can’t quite 
believe it. My daughter called with the news 
the other night. I was going to be a grandfather 
in December. I must admit, though, when she 
told me the news I had mixed feelings. Becoming a grandfather 
meant I would be soon be passing another of life’s milestones. Like 
the Lion King, my part in the “circle of life” is coming to a close. 

I don’t have any illusions about getting older but I haven’t thought 
about it much either. But with a new arrival on the way, I can’t help 
wondering where all the years have gone. It seems only yesterday I 
was a young boy playing catch with my dad in the backyard. I can 
still hear my mother calling out to us to come in and clean up for 
dinner. Oh, how I miss them. 

I am sad that my parents and my brother aren’t alive to share the 
joy of my grandchild. I must also admit that when my daughter 
told me the news I was a bit scared that I wouldn’t measure up to 
what a good grandfather is supposed to be. Now, a few of days 
later, I can hardly contain myself about becoming a grandfather. I 
feel like a little kid again on Christmas Eve staying awake waiting 
for Santa to arrive. 

When I told a good friend of mine the news she told me “once 
you hold your grandchild, you will know that God really loves 
YOU! That is the best present any parent can have, a grandchild! 
Welcome to the club Grandpa!” She assured me that I would be 
“a very good grandfather because you have lots of knowledge to 
pass on.” 

I don’t know about that. But I do know that whatever I have to 
pass on there is little time left to do it. The clock is ticking. So when 
my grandchild does arrive I had better get hopping--no time to 
waste. Every second of every day that I spend with my grandchild 
should be “quality time.” Time he or she will fondly remember.

In the movie Blade Runner the android Roy tells Deckard (the 
Blade Runner) just before he dies: “I’ve done... questionable 
things... extraordinary things... I’ve seen things you people 
wouldn’t believe.. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. 
I’ve watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser 
gate... All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the 
rain...”

That’s kind of the way I feel. All those years of experiences I’ve 
had are being quickly reduced to fading memories. What will my 
daughter and my sons and their children remember of me when 
I am gone? What will they know of my parents and their parents?

 

I didn’t know either of my grandfathers. My mom’s father was long 
dead before I was born and my father’s dad was stuck in a deep 
depression. I don’t remember him ever addressing me. He just sat 
in this old armchair most of the time in silence. My father inherited 
that armchair and also ended his life in a deep depression. My 
mother saved it and I got it when she died. 

When my daughter was still in elementary school I threw it away. 
I told myself I don’t want to end up like my grandfather and my 
dad. I think I’ve done the things necessary to avoid ending up like 
them. But the ghost of their memory still haunts me.

I can’t kid myself anymore. I’m no longer “middle-aged.” I’m a 
“senior citizen now. It’s time to accept the fact and embrace it. 

Being a grandfather is a second chance -- a chance to start over 
again, to make amends for the errors you made as a father, and 
share what I’ve learned with my children and their children. I 
don’t know whether I’ve been a good dad. But I’d like to be a great 
grand-dad. This time around I’d like to get it right. 

The birth of my grandson or grand-daughter will be a real 
benchmark in my life. I am grateful that, unlike when I was a kid, 
my grandchild will have a grandfather that he or she will be able 
to know, ready to give what a grandfather can give most -- the love 
and experience of a lifetime.

VOLCANIC SOUNDS

 This week’s news reports contained information about the potential eruption 
of the active, but generally dormant, volcano located 40 miles from Mexico City. 
Popocatepetl which is ominously translated as the smoking mountain has been 
spewing ash and rumbling for nearly 10 days. The welfare of thousands of people 
would seem to be threatened, but to date the Mexican government has not ordered 
any evacuation. People have been told to avoid going outside and to cover their 
mouths, but have also been informed that the volcanic ash can be used in parks, 
gardens, and planters as it is rich in minerals.

 Clearly the Mexican government is faced with a dilemma. It has information which indicates that a 
full scale eruption might well take place and that possibly the lives of thousands or potentially millions 
of lives are endangered. It is also possible that nothing really out of the ordinary will happen and the 
government has made the decision to almost do nothing. Really, I hope that no great eruption occurs 
and that there is no tragic calamity. If something tragic should happen I’m sure future generations will 
wonder how a modern nation could be so paralyzed as to be unable to act in the face of such potential 
disaster.

 In terms of the relocation of the millions and millions of people residing in Mexico City, I gather 
this is not a practical possibility. Mexico City has been where it is - in the shadow of the volcano- 
throughout its history and it will remain there until it is no more, I guess. It all seems so fatalistic, but 
it is very doubtful that there is any way to protect the population from a huge volcanic eruption and it is 
just easier and more practical to operate under the assumption that nothing drastic is going to happen.

 As unsettling as this is, let us leave Mexico and attempt to understand what is happening to the rest of 
the world. Are there any discomforting transformations of human beings that seem to be taking place? 
The answer would seem to be pretty obvious. Human beings the world over, not just in the Western 
world but everywhere, have altered their overall state of consciousness. The world of information, 
which before was always “out there” now resides in the palm of the hand of almost every individual. 
Walking down the street almost everyone seems to be hunched over and staring at the electronic device 
in their hand.

 Information, which up until quite recently was utilizable almost like a currency sufficient to allow 
entry into a world of privilege, is now instantly available to everyone. Entertainment is our constant 
companion. It almost seems unnecessary to live our own life when we can be passively informed and 
entertained at any given moment. We are almost living in the matrix. In fact, in this present economy 
there is not enough work to go around. Our population lives longer and is retired and supported by 
pensions and governmental assistance. There are few jobs for young people who increasingly remain 
at home, occupy themselves with electronic life-substitutes and live off their parent’s earnings or 
accumulated wealth.

 Much as we don’t like to notice it, this is a volcano waiting to erupt. We all are aware that our kids 
can’t afford the expensive schools and they probably don’t want to study or work very hard. Drugs 
are everywhere. I just heard today that kids are getting high on 120 proof hand-sanitizing gel and 
certainly all of this effects motivation Of course the problem with drug and alcohol use is that for a 
while everything seems just fine.. Sure unequal income distribution remains a problem since money 
and power seem to be increasingly concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer and what can we do 
about it? In the United States both parties, notwithstanding the differing rhetoric, would seem to be 
in control of the rich and super-rich. Scandal after scandal is revealed, but so what? We have all come 
to take corruption and betrayal as a norm and our media happily supplies us with more and more 
distressing gossip. Really, this John Edwards stuff and the Secret Service Partying just makes one sick. 
Imagine, John Edwards as our longed for honest, progressive vice-President.

 Really, do we wait for the volcano to erupt and wipe us all out? Should we just pretend that everything 
is going to be all right and that maybe technology will save us? I heard today that companies are being 
formed to extract precious metals from asteroids. Wonderful, more wealth for the wealthy. .

 What about third parties or the re-emerging of the Occupy movement? I guess for the moment, 
at least, most of us are too busy or too content to hear the still distant volcanic rumblings. I hope it 
remains that way but really I wish for some kind of present change before it’s too late

 BOOM!! What was that?

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OUT TO PASTOR A Weekly Religion Column 
by Rev. James Snyder


MY WING-DING-A-DO AT THE WING HOUSE

It is not that ignorance is 
so bad; it is just so inconvenient. 
Case in point. A 
while back, I found in the 
mail coupons for two free 
nights in Daytona Beach.

 

"Look, my dear," I 
squealed, with delight to 
my wife, "We have two free nights in Daytona 
Beach." Immediately we checked our calendars 
and selected a time when we could take advantage 
of our windfall, without running into all 
those spring-breakers at the beach.

Personally, I am not too crazy about Daytona 
Beach. I am crazy about free. Consulting the 
parsonage exchequer, we could afford free. Upon 
leaving the house, all I could do was hum a tune, 
"Two Whole Nights at the Beach ..." Before I finished, 
my wife suggested I quit humming.

Of course, with her suggestions always comes the 
phrase, "And if you don't I'll ..." Well, you know 
the rest. I took her suggestion, but I was humming 
on the inside.

 Arriving at our motel in good time, we checked 
in and settled down for two days and two nights 
of absolute relaxation - whatever that is. The 
room was terrific and in the corner was an old 
friend - a Lazyboy recliner. With the recliner and 
a remote, I settled in for some serious goofing off 
for the next two days.

Admittedly, I am not gifted in many areas, if any. 
My wife, however, says I goof off better than anyone 
she knows. One takes pride in what one does 
best.

Next to our motel was a restaurant called The 
Wing House. On the outside it looked like a nice 
place and, unlike my wife, I am not choosy about 
where I eat. Any old greasy spoon suits me just 
fine, thank you.

I must say I was completely unprepared for what 
I was about to experience in the restaurant next 
to our motel.

On the second day of our mini-vacation, I decided 
to run next door for some carry out. My 
wife wanted some soup and I fancied something 
a little more substantial. When I am on an errand, 
especially one as important as my supper, I am 
usually focused on one thing and one thing only. 
I wanted to run into the restaurant, give my order, 
get out as quickly and simply as possible and 
get back to my Lazyboy and remote. It is my two 
days off; I will squander them if I want to.

 I did not notice anything strange when I first 
walked in. I focused on the menu. Looking up 
from the menu what I saw shocked me to the 
core. I am known for dropping everything from 
dishes to keys. This time I dropped my lower jaw 
to the floor.

 It took some time for me to gingerly pick up my 
lower jaw. I just noticed the young girl standing 
before me greeting me and inquiring about my 
order.

 I heard nothing - but, unfortunately, I saw more 
than I expected. Let me try to describe this as 
delicately as I can.

The only thing I can rationally think of is, when 
this young girl dressed in the morning her costume 
fit quite well. I hardly think anyone would 
put on clothes that did not fit.

However, during the course of the day, being a 
young person, she must have experienced a rather 
dramatic spurt of growth, causing her clothes 
to be at least three sizes too small. 

Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, 
the only thing keeping her breathing was the lack 
of material around her chest area. Otherwise, she 
could have suffocated.

Her clothes were so tight, not to mention skimpy 
(and I didn't), that I wanted to take the shirt off 
my back and give it to her.

I mumbled something rather incoherently and 
said as loud as possible, "and make it to go, 
please." 

After giving my order, I did not know what to 
do with my eyes. You can look at the ceiling only 
so long before people begin inquiring into your 
family history. Other young girls, in the restaurant, 
I found in the same condition. There must 
be a "growth spurt" epidemic going around.

My order finally came and I quickly paid for it, 
made like an egg and scrambled for the sanctity 
of my motel room. I slammed the door behind 
and paused to collect whatever was lagging behind 
me, happy I made it to safety.

No sooner had my heart reclaimed its tranquil 
rhythm than I heard an anemic knock at the 
door. When I opened the door, much to my chagrin 
(and believe me I was not grinning), stood 
my semi-clad waitress with a restaurant package 
in her hand. I felt as though I had been run over 
by a Mac truck.

"I'm terribly sorry, sir, but we mixed up your order. 
Here's your order."

We exchanged bags and one glance at my wife 
told me that, along with other things, I would be 
eating crow.

Later that evening, as I prepared for bed, I took 
comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul.

"According to my earnest expectation and my 
hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that 
with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ 
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by 
life, or by death." (Philippians 1:20 KJV.)

Ignorance about some things is inconvenient, but 
ignorance about Christ is fatal.

The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God 
Fellowship, PO Box 831313, Ocala, FL 34483. He lives 
with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Call him 
at 352-687-4240 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The 
church web site is www.whatafellowship.com.


RICH Johnson

SUPER MARIO 

 

 No, I’m not talking about the 
video game I used to play with 
my kids (even when they weren’t 
in the room). By the way, do you 
remember what Nintendo game 
the character Mario first showed 
up in? The year was 1981 and the 
game was called “Donkey Kong.” It centered on a big ape named 
Donkey Kong. The Japanese developer believed that the word 
“donkey” meant “stupid” in English and that we would interpret 
the term “Donkey Kong” as stupid ape. Despite his error in 
language the game was a big hit and spawned several different 
variations. 

 The “Super” Mario I am talking about is Mario Lalli, the owner 
of Café 322. For those of you who don’t know, Café 322 is an 
Italian restaurant at 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. And it’s probably 
closed by the time you read this. But Café 322 was so much more 
than a good restaurant. You see, Super Mario’s real passion is 
music and his goal with the restaurant was where people could 
enjoy great food and great music. And he accomplished that. 
The food was great and the music as diverse as diverse can be. 
Opera on Sunday, and a mix of jazz, classic rock, R&B, bluegrass, 
show tunes, swing bands, country. Mario even booked my 
band, JJ Jukebox to perform on the last Saturday night in March. 
It was the highlight of the Jukeboxes professional career. I am 
profoundly thankful to Mario for booking us. And thankful for 
all of you who showed up. Yes, and even those who considered 
showing up. 

 Café 322 reflected the feel of Mario, this musical gentle giant 
of a man. We will miss you Mario and all the wonderful family 
and friends who populated the joint. I am making it a personal 
project to keep you good people of Sierra Madre current on the 
whereabouts of Super Mario and his exploits.

 So, maybe to lighten the load I will serve up (pardon the pun) 
some light and funny restaurant quips and quotes:

 “Eat at this restaurant and you’ll never eat anywhere else 
again.” Bob Phillips

 “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” 
Ben Franklin 

 “The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every 
table had an argument going.” George Carlin 

 “Nouvelle Cuisine, roughly translated, means: I can’t believe I 
paid ninety-six dollars and I’m still hungry.” Mike Kalin 

 “I went into a restaurant that serves ‘breakfast at any time.’ So 
I ordered French toast during the Renaissance.” Steven Wright 

 “I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.” W. 
C. Fields 

 I’ve heard that the word vegetarian is an old Native American 
word for bad hunter. Is that true?

 Customer: “I’ll have half a dozen chicken nuggets.”

 Server: “I’m sorry, you can only order six, nine, or twelve.”

 Customer: “Fine, I’ll have six then.”

 Finally, Burt Lancaster once said, “I judge a restaurant by the 
bread and by the coffee.” Don’t know about the coffee, Mario, 
but you had the best bread in town! You will be missed.

Mountain Views News

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