Someone asked me a question this week to which I had no response. “Are you doing anything special for the game on Sunday?” Game? Sunday? I had nothing. As it turns out, the Super Bowl is this weekend, and I had no idea. What red-blooded American doesn’t know when the Super Bowl is – or who’s playing? Well, me, for one.
Sports was never a focus in my house when I was growing up, so I never developed an interest. All I remember about football in my teens is how cold it was on Friday nights in high school, sitting in the stands in my marching band uniform and wishing for that last play of the night.
As an adult, I’m just not wired for any of it. I don’t drink, I’m not interested in the game, and the idea of barbecuing sends me into a panic. So, what do people like me do on the day of the “big game?” More than you might imagine. Here are some suggestions if you’re looking for an alternative this Sunday – or any Sunday, for that matter.
First, it would be ideal to get outside and get some exercise ourselves. Unfortunately, at least here in Ohio, the winter weather in February is still subject to change on a momentary basis. That eliminates some outdoor activities unless you’re willing to be a bit on-demand about your plans. You could always hit the YMCA or your favorite gym for a workout or swim.
The great thing about taking an outing on Super Bowl Sunday, provided your goal isn’t a sports bar, is you won’t have to deal with crowds. To me, Sunday afternoons are a great time to slow down, decompress from a busy week, and regroup. You can even start new DIY projects, do some purging and decluttering, or just chill with a book.
If you want to share in the more reclined weekend activities, what about a movie or TV show marathon? I remember one year, I decided I’d do a Mission Impossible film festival. One after the other, I sat through hours of Tom Cruise running… running… and running some more. I made popcorn, ice cream sundaes and burned through a 12-pack of Cherry Coke. I highly recommend Blue Ray or DVD – no buffering, no commercials, just six hours of Cruise’s IMF crew, and don’t forget the snacks.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find that series of films or TV that you want to just plow through, one after another. Isn’t there some guilty pleasure out there you haven’t seen in a while? Maybe it’s “Downton Abbey,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” or lounge around in your scrubs and get a relapse of “ER.” Be aware, though, people might be calling to see if you’re OK when you’re so immersed in all this that you don’t answer text messages. So be sure to come up for air now and again.
Sundays are also perfect for families to spend some time together. When the kids are small, they’re usually pretty agreeable to whatever the family is up to. As they grow up, however, they want less and less to do with us. But, if you’re lucky and your kids’ friends are ensconced in football activities, you may be able to steal some time with them and there are lots of things to do.
Pick a local museum to visit, take a day trip somewhere fun, or spend some time at a local library or independent bookstore. You might even just stay home. What about a board game? Nothing gets families interacting like Monopoly or Scrabble. The point is to spend some time together and reconnect. Oh, and turn off the devices. Go analog for a while and give your brain a break.
For some people, the Super Bowl is about the shared experience of cheering on their favorite team, complaining about the halftime show, and talking about the commercials. Whatever you choose to do this Sunday, football-related or not, enjoy yourself. There’s so much bad going on around us that we all need something positive to share, whether it’s a football game, or a walk in the park.
Regardless of your politics – D or R or whatever – certainly, those with common sense can see nothing good coming from the unelected, unconfirmed power Elon Musk has been given.
This unelected interloper has infiltrated needed foreign aid funding, helped Trump to eliminate the jobs of those who challenge his totalitarian agenda, and now he has his crosshairs on the Department of the Treasury – that means he’s looking to gut social security (that’s YOUR money, BTW) – to eliminate it – as well as Medicaid. This has to stop.
But sitting by and complaining at the TV or your phone won’t do the job. For now, our congressional representatives are under the illusion that elections will still exist in two years, so we need to act. They need to be told that these actions are unacceptable. Musk is an unconfirmed thug being given cabinet-level authority to melt down the structure of public services. This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about decency and the rule of law.
Below are links to the contact lists for the House and Senate. Simply find your state, and you’ll see the names and contact information for the offices of your representatives. My recommendation is to call – repeatedly – send email, postal mail – again, repeatedly – telling them to act now before more damage is done.
Be aware Trump’s team is ordering the purging of information like this from federal websites, so don’t wait. Access the list now and write down all of the pertinent information – including the office of the clerk of each organization.
I’ve also included an image of the contact list of the U. S. Senate – 119th Congress… this list could change. Compare it to the website before you call or write.
This is #nationalmentoringmonth and although I’ve had a few people I would agree had a mentoring roll with me, they came and went. But my father and my brother have been my lifelong mentors.
A #mentor isn’t just someone who teaches you something. They show you by example the value of those skills or lessons. They help you shape yourself into the person you want to be.
My father, Gary, Sr., was many things – a mechanic, mason, contractor, heavy equipment operator, truck driver, farmer, and agricultural mechanics teacher. He and my mother, Lois, were the right and wrong of my world. From both of them I leaned my work ethic, the value of patience, integrity and a drive to get where you want to go whatever the obstacles. Even since both have passed, I still hear them in my ear sometimes reminding me who I am and why.
My brother, Gary, Jr., is still a constant influence as well. He’s many things too – an architect, mechanic, #HVAC expert, welder, fabricator, truck driver, adult #education teacher, electrician, and a great deal more. Our age difference (16 years) put him in the position of second father. His goal was always to make sure I was as self-sufficient as possible. I’ve also had the good fortune to have him beside me at some of life’s most treasured and defeating moments.
Thanks to all of them, I am many things as well – mechanic, #electrician, truck driver, #heavy #equipment #operator, and a dozen other things. My education at #school was important but without the #mentorship of my #parents and #brother, life would have been a great deal more challenging – and not in a good way.
Who are your #mentors? If they’re still with us, thank them. Make sure they know how important they have been to the person you are today.
William Shakespeare famously said, “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Throughout history, the world has seen its share of remarkable individuals. From humanity’s earliest days to modern society, great people have consistently risen above the rest. But what truly constitutes greatness? What must a person be, do, or say to be considered great? How does greatness translate into goodness?
If you Google the phrase “What is greatness,” the algorithm returns an interesting perspective on the concept. One of the first lines describes it as “a state of exceptional superiority.” Really? Superiority? That’s not a term I would choose. Instead, let me share my own perspective on what constitutes greatness rather than boring you with definitions you can easily find. To me, greatness embodies a strength and consistency of character.
No one is perfect or flawless, and I am certainly no exception. But when determining greatness, surely who they are when no one’s watching – their character – should be considered. Recent political events revealed that good character need no longer be a consideration. Social media feeds bulge displays of the worst aspects of human nature, because people only seem interested in the negative, the distasteful, and the ugly. Consistency of character could hardly apply to people who relish in the misfortunes of others for entertainment’s sake.
When someone aspires to greatness, there is also often an element of narcissism involved. To achieve their goals, these individuals will do whatever is necessary to conceal any evidence of character flaws or inappropriate behavior. Their objective is to convince enough people of their good intentions so that, when anything negative about them comes to light, it won’t matter.
Their sense of greatness becomes secure, at least among those who choose to ignore the truth. Most people shy away from the spotlight of greatness, even when it is deserved, as living up to such a standard is often impossible and exhausting.
Great individuals are always learning. They cannot remain stagnant and continually seek to improve themselves. I can particularly relate to this characteristic. I find it remarkable when I meet people, especially professionals aiming for success, who do not read, engage with new ideas, or seem content with a puzzling level of stagnation. It’s important to remember that the concept of character is entirely subjective. Your definition of good character may differ greatly from mine, and for the same reasons, greatness is also in the eye of the beholder.
There are those who contribute to someone’s so-called success or greatness. True greatness involves taking credit for one’s own accomplishments while also acknowledging the support received along the way. No one achieves anything alone.
Without the contributions of others, we might not even know the names of prominent figures like Steve Jobs, Winston Churchill, or Harriet Tubman, as their journeys were shaped by many who helped them succeed—and who also played a role in their failures. For someone to become a leader, it’s important to remember the must inspire that leadership, not demand or force it.
So where am I going with all this? With all due respect to Mr. Shakespeare, greatness isn’t an innate trait, it can’t be cultivated, nor is it something to aspire to. It’s a label granted by observers. Those who proclaim their own greatness are likely undeserving of such a title.
One might assume that the qualities of greatness are universal, but this is not the case. Some may see a blustery oligarch as great, while others argue that true greatness comes from kindness, authenticity, and faith. It’s all subjective. This reminds me of a line from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.”
When Luke Skywalker first met Yoda, he said he was looking for a great warrior. The wise little green creature replied, “Wars not make one great.” While delivered by a puppeteer in a 40-year-old space opera, that statement remains profoundly true.
I can’t define greatness for you, and frankly, neither can anyone else. Ultimately, we may already have enough individuals regarded as great in history. Instead, we should each aspire to goodness because there has always been and always will be a shortage of that.
January 3, 2025, DAYTON, OHIO – As a major winter storm approaches Ohio, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton urges pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can pose severe risks to pets, but their safety and well-being can be ensured with proactive care.
Top Winter Storm Tips for Pet Owners
1. Keep Pets Healthy and Indoors
Stay Indoors: Whenever possible, bring pets indoors during the storm. Even animals with thick fur are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold.
Schedule an Exam: Pets may face health challenges in cold weather. Schedule a preventive care exam with your vet to ensure your furry friend is ready and healthy for the chilly season. Arthritis and other conditions can worsen in the cold, so a wellness check is a pawsitively good idea! Don’t have a vet? Schedule an appointment with us at the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital by calling (937) 965-4399.
2. Outdoor Shelters for Companion Animals Although keeping pets outdoors is not ideal, Ohio law permits animals to remain outside as long as they have adequate shelter and access to fresh food and water. For pets that must remain outdoors, proper shelter is essential:
Bedding Materials: Never use blankets or hay as bedding. These materials absorb moisture, freeze, and can do more harm than good. Instead, use straw, which is naturally water-repellant and provides warmth, comfort, and insulation.
Shelter Design: Ensure your pet’s shelter is sturdy, waterproof, and insulated. Position the entrance away from prevailing winds, and keep the shelter off the ground to prevent moisture buildup.
Access to Food and Water: Ensure pets have fresh, unfrozen water and adequate food to maintain their energy levels. Heated water bowls can be helpful in sub-freezing conditions.
3. Protect Paws and Skin
Paw Care: Wipe paws clean after walks to remove salt, ice, and chemical de-icers that can irritate or harm you pet’s feet.
Booties or Balm: Use protective booties or paw balm for added protection from the elements.
Check Regularly: Frequent paw checks are essential. Cracked or bleeding paw pads can result from cold-weather injuries. Clip hair between the toes to reduce ice accumulation during walks.
4. Avoid Toxic Hazards Many things used by humans this time of year can be toxic to your pets. Antifreeze can smell sweet and appealing to your pets, so if you spill anything, clean it up quickly to keep them safe. De-icers can also be toxic if swallowed. Protect your pet by avoiding these hazards. If you pet does ingest these items, contact your veterinarian immediately.
5. Limit Outdoor Exposure Pets have varying tolerances to cold based on factors like coat thickness and health. Adjust outdoor activities according to your pet’s tolerance. Remember, arthritic and elderly pets may need extra care, while long-haired breeds still need protection. Also, be aware of signs of discomfort, such as whining, shivering, or weakness in your pet. These could be signs of hypothermia.
6. Emergency Preparedness As the storm approaches, have a disaster kit ready for your pets, including:
Five days’ worth of food, water, and medications.
Updated identification tags and microchip information.
Blankets, toys, and other comfort items.
7. Increase Food Portions
Outdoor pets may need more calories to stay warm, so consult your vet about their nutritional needs. As it takes pets more energy to stay warm, you may need to feed them more in the colder months to help their bodies produce more energy.
Resources for Pet Owners
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton offers resources to help keep pets safe this winter, including microchipping services and disaster preparedness checklists. For more information, visit www.hsdayton.org or call us at (937) 268-7387.
About the Humane Society of Greater Dayton For more than 120 years, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has been a trusted advocate for animals in the Dayton community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners through education, outreach, wellness, and comprehensive animal welfare programs.
In a once abandoned sewing machine and bicycle factory on the corner of Linden and Davis Avenues, in an old, industrial section of east Dayton, Becca Brumfield carries cooler bags up two flights of stairs with two small children in her wake. At the end of a massive hallway on the top floor, they arrive at a door labeled “TB Writers Plus.” She taps a code into a keypad, an electronic lock opens, and the kids pop through the door ahead of her like prizes from a gumball machine.
They pass workbenches and shelves loaded down with antique typewriters. On an elevated platform at one end of the room, a long glass table is flanked at one end by a floor-to-ceiling shelf of refurbished typewriters for sale.
Becca lays out place settings and dishes up the food. Young Clayton, 6, and Sam, 5, who’d immediately started playing on typewriters and drawing, clamber to the table and plop down to eat. Her husband, Trevor, joins them. One of their employees sits down, too, and now it’s a typical evening at their typewriter shop.
Becca and Trevor Brumfield at TB Writers Plus in Dayton, Ohio.
The Brumfield family started down this path more than a year ago when Trevor bought a typewriter online, repaired it, and started using it. Before long, he lost it to his wife and, as he puts it, “Naturally, had to buy another one.”
“That turned into several more, which became 60, which turned into 100, and that became, I gotta sell some of these,” Trevor laughed. A full-time auto mechanic, it might seem odd for someone just 26 years old to start down such an arcane career path.
Over the last twenty years, typewriters have seen something of a renaissance. Fueled first by internet insecurities and one enthusiast’s declaration of a “Typewriter Insurgency,” writers, artists, business professionals, and college professors continue challenging the digital paradigm. “It’s not a booming industry,” Trevor admitted. “But the interest is there, and business goes in waves.” The industry got a secondary boost from the recent Taylor Swift video, “Fortnight,” which featured the megastar with an old Royal 10.
Taylor Swift’s Royal 10 in ‘Fortnight.’
Swift had them as props, but a few famous people are actual typewriter fans and users. Most notable is Tom Hanks, whose collection and passion for the machines are well known. The exposure has helped Trevor’s shop steadily grow. “I’m not sure exactly how many machines we have serviced in total,” he said, noting the expansion from his home garage last year. But we can typically get through 30-50 machines a month depending on what needs to be done to each.”
At last count, TB Writers Plus has inventoried more than 600 machines. Many are cannibalized for parts, and others are refurbished for sale. Trevor does the bulk of that work but has also trained Becca. An atmosphere of learning and openness permeates the shop. No organized training program exists, and factory training was discontinued years ago. Everyone who works here is an unofficial apprentice.
PART II – HE DOESN’T DO IT ALONE
Three part-time employees, Tyler, Keenan, and Torii, have been learning on the job, guided by Trevor’s experience. Each tackles the intricacies of these incredibly complex machines in their own way.
Tyler Lewis, of Fairborn, began as a technician in November 2023. “I mostly refurbish and repair, taking apart the machines, cleaning them, and putting them back together.” He learned about TB Writers Plus from an article in a local zine. A zine is, in his words, “An underground, independent magazine that people publish usually by using copy machines.”
Tyler should know since he’s the primary writer and publisher of his own zine, appropriately named “Tylerzine.” He was working at the Wright State University college newspaper and pitched his own article idea. “I met Trevor, immediately liked his openness, and ended up hanging out that first day for like six hours,” he said.
He sits at a typewriter loaded with purple ribbon and cranks out a short poem based on a prompt suggested by someone else in the room. Tyler’s passion and personal brand of artistic expression suit the typewriter world. “My entry point has always been the literary aspect of typewriters,” he said. “I am a devout believer in language, so what typewriters represent as a means of expression greatly appeals to me.”
Technician Keenan started as a hobby when Trevor was still working out of his garage back in 2023 but took some time off for school. The 28-year-old Kettering resident came back in May of this year. “I wanted to learn more about how typewriters work, and it was an enjoyable way to spend my time,” he said.
“I enjoy the simplicity of the process compared to modern technology that feels invasive at times,” Keenan explained. “It’s just a simple typewriter on the workbench that needs fixing. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Tori’s B checks out a 1930s era Smith-Corona manual.
At the workbench, technician Torii B, from Bellbrook, hovers over an antique Smith-Corona. She scrutinizes the machine, evaluating any repairs needed before it’s put up for sale. Torii is a 36-year-old marketing and design professional and working mom. Although she has freelance design clients, she left a full-time marketing job last May. She’s applied for permanent positions in her field, but nothing’s been a good fit so far.
About a month ago, a friend told her about an anachronistic typewriter repair shop whose owner sought part-time help. As it happened, she and the friend have a role-playing game involving type-written note cards and the adventures of two fictional journalists. Her interest peaked, she reached out to TB Writers Plus, and before long, she signed on as a part-time tech and general worker.
Her diverse background fits this very mechanically oriented job. “I went to school for visual communications,” Torii said, pausing momentarily. “But, before that, I studied mechanical engineering.”
“I like the physical act of working on the machines,” she explained. “Watching the machines move keeps my mind like a well-oiled machine. Each one is like solving a puzzle.” She points to three small containers, each filled with tiny machine parts, springs, levers, and knobs. Her task is identifying and cataloging them for future repair work. It might seem tedious, but there are no more typewriter parts in production. Every part salvaged is vital to the shop’s operation.
PART III – THE TYPEWRITER COMMUNITY
A team can only function well with good leadership, and this one is no different. Trevor is doing his best to help his crew find their way. “Each works a little differently than their coworkers and has their own skill set,” he said. “Tyler is really good at detail-oriented work. Keenan’s strength is getting a lot of work done quickly. Torii is still finding her place in the shop,” Trevor continued.” She’s helped us with inventory ideas and graphic design and handles other odds and ends around the shop.”
Trevor Brumfield adjusts a 1955 Royal Quiet De Luxe.
Trevor’s interests and skills are well-suited, and he clearly enjoys this work. But what he likes most about the job is the people. “All of our customers treat my shop like a safe haven. I’m not sure why, but people drop their guard when they walk in here,” Trevor explained. “We’ve heard some crazy stories from people; war stories, childhood traumas, business plans, just about anything you can think of.”
“We have customers that will leave work in the middle of the day just to come here to vent because they are having a bad day. Next thing you know, they’ve been here for 3 hours, and their boss is calling.”
Brumfield’s modesty won’t allow for his own kindness and personability as reason enough for people to gravitate to him and his family. “I don’t know what it is about this place that makes people feel so at home, but I don’t think it is just me – or any one person here. But as soon as they walk in, they get this look like they just had a weight removed from their shoulders.”
Customer and typewriter enthusiast, Greg Parker, of Urbana, Ohio, with two of his growing collection.
TB Writers Plus customers are an eclectic mix of artists, collectors, and businesspeople from all over the country. Greg Parker, for example, is from Urbana and has purchased three typewriters from the shop. The 40-year-old, married Army veteran has been collecting typewriters for about ten years. He currently has seven, including two Royals, an Underwood, and an Olympia. He explained his interest in the machines is mainly about the experience.
“I grew up with typewriters and used them when I was young,” he said. “But I really like the aesthetics.” Parker’s not a writer or artist but a welder by trade. “I do some journaling, and I have some memoir stories I’d like to put down on paper someday,” he said. “But I feel like I was born too late, like in another time. I enjoy the mechanics of the machines. The sound and the feel are very different from a computer. When you type something on paper, it’s like you really created it yourself.”
“Type-ins” attract enthusiasts from all over the country for a common purpose. TB Writers Plus has hosted several, including a costumed Halloween event and a 4th of July fireworks type-in.
Creativity and the personal connection with a simpler time is common throughout the typewriter community. For example, on Sunday, October 27th, TB Writers Plus is hosting a costumed “type-in” event, encouraging people to come dressed in the same era as the typewriters they bring. Type-ins are most easily explained as cruise-ins for typewriter enthusiasts. Scattered around the country, these predominantly social events, provide the opportunity for aficionados to talk typewriters, socialize, and even do some typing.
Back at the dinner table, the boys are no longer interested in their meals and require some encouragement. Trevor digs into his food as he and Becca talk about their day. Eventually, they would like TB Writers Plus to be independently sustainable as afull-time career. For now, they, their crew, and, of course, Clayton and Sam, are enjoying the work and the people who share in the simplicity and resurrection of a by-gone era. To learn more, visit www.tbwritersplus.com.
Author’s Note 1:While researching this article, I had the good fortune to meet many of the shop’s customers and supporters. The loyalty they seem to share is remarkable, not just for the typewriter community in general, but for Trevor and his staff in particular. I want to note, for the record, how honored I am that they welcomed me into the circle. It’s truly an amazing community.
Author’s Note 2:While typewriter shops are still operating throughout the U.S., their numbers are dwindling. Trevor Brumfield has been buying out the inventory, tools, and parts in an effort to stay ahead of those closings and keep up with demand.
Author’s Note 3:Update August 2025 – As of this date, TB Writers Plus has expanded its footprint in the Davis-Linden Building. The shop now includes a larger typing and show room, community space, equipment washing room, additional storage and much more. They’ve also seen a change in personnel in the past year.
I was a staff writer and later an editor for my college newspaper. During that time, I learned the single, most important lesson from all my years of education. Our administration-appointed supervisor once told me, “Whatever else you learn as you go through your college career,” she said, “learn to write and speak well. If you have that, you’ll be able to do anything.” She was right.
My mother also shared those views, though she had a head start by teaching me to read early. On the other hand, I would depend on my communication skills to pave my way to a multi-faceted career. She was determined to give me every possible advantage, mostly because she didn’t get them.
Literacy is one of the most critical indicators of a strong society. It reduces poverty, bigotry, ignorance, and social and professional inequality. It shouldn’t be limited to the academically gifted. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn effective communication.
Just because you don’t have an interest or aptitude for high academia, that doesn’t mean literacy is less important. I feel fortunate that I had the best of both worlds. I’ve always been an avid reader and writer and a lifelong student of all the sciences. But I also learned to rebuild a car engine, install a new water heater in my house, or change a faulty electrical outlet.
Every one of those tasks requires the ability to learn, understand, follow instructions, and cope with the unexpected. All of my “book learning” occurred while surrounded by some of the best tradespeople in the world. Even better, they were all teachers. One thing that has changed over the years is how literacy is emphasized in our public and private schools.
Do you remember when kids used to get in trouble for reading comic books at school? I will say “we” instead of “they” because I did this too. We put comic books inside large textbooks so we could read during class. From the teacher’s perspective, we seemed engrossed in our educational process. Instead, we were engaged in the exploits of Superman, Batman, or Spider-Man.
Some argued that even reading comic books was good for us because at least we were reading. But it was more than that. Comic books are a good literacy metaphor because they aren’t just about words, grammar, and sentence structure.
For our society to consider itself truly literate, we must understand language, not just the written word but communication. We also need to understand art, storytelling, and critical thinking. In an ironic twist, one way to do all that is by reading comic books. Many of the Batman stories from the 1930s and 40s are loaded with material you only find in today’s best crime novels by authors like Michael Connolly, James Patterson, and David Baldacci.
Unfortunately, some use the comic book analogy to justify spending hours on social media. That’s not the same thing. Reading is calming, focuses our minds, and relaxes our bodies. If anything, social media has dumbed us down and created an entire society nearly paralyzed by anxiety and inferiority. Scrolling doesn’t count as reading.
Still, literacy doesn’t require you to wade through “War and Peace,” “Catcher in the Rye,” or any other long-winded literary work. I supplemented my education by reading everything I could get my hands on. Whatever I had an interest in, I had books about it, encyclopedias, or topic-specific material – there was no internet back then. Now, resources are nearly endless, provided you learn the difference between credible and non-credible sources.
Advanced education isn’t required either. Truth be told, much of what I do for a living was self-taught – thanks to my early introduction to books. Self-education is mainly frowned upon in today’s society. I find it ironic that Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others who wrote some of the most important documents in history would be unemployable by today’s arbitrary and unfounded standards.
My point is that American culture currently reads at a U.S. 5th-grade level. That’s unfortunate, ridiculous, and easily corrected. We must eliminate the stigmas of functional illiteracy, focus more on reading and writing in our schools, and spend more time with books than cell phones.
Without question, 2024 has been and will continue to be one of American history’s most charged and controversial election years. Among the points of contention is the continued argument regarding the necessity – and validity – of the Electoral College.
Political operatives and pundits alike have been outspoken on the subject from all political viewpoints. There seems to be no consensus because, quite frankly, even some government officials don’t understand its purpose. So, before I give you my thoughts, here’s some non-partisan history.
During the first Constitutional Convention of 1787, a significant debate unfolded about the method of electing a president to lead the executive branch of our newly established government. It was a pivotal moment in our history after the decision to have a single individual in the office rather than two or even a triumvirate. Just imagine the complexity of electing three people every four years.
The primary issue was whether a congressional vote should elect a president or do it by popular vote. The latter eventually won out until the smaller states began to weigh in, concerned that those with a larger population would wield more control.
Another lesser-known concern was that the political elite of the time were worried about a mass of uneducated voters swaying the results. Discussions continued for several months until, one day, in a closed-door subcommittee, James Madison laid down the concept for what became known as the Electoral College.
Enacted as a compromise and safeguard, Article II of the U.S. Constitution (later the 12th and 23rd Amendments), as well as the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887) formally established the Electoral College. These laws regulated the voting process and defined the events between Election Day and the Inauguration.
Now, to clear up some misconceptions. Regardless of rhetoric to the contrary, I assure you that the Electoral College is an entirely democratic process. It is not, however, easy to explain. But I’ll try anyway (insert a deep breath here).
In a presidential election year, the political parties hold conventions where they nominate “presidential electors.” That’s simple enough to understand, but hang on. Here’s where it can get… confusing.
When a party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates win the popular vote, that party’s electoral nominees become “Electors.” Each state has the same number of Electors as members of Congress, and each Elector votes for their party’s ticket on separate ballots – one for president and one for vice president. So, your individual vote is still vitally important because the candidates cannot earn Electors without it.
For example, if Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater (president and vice president, respectively) won the popular vote in California, the Republican nominees from that state would become Electors and cast their votes to the Electoral College. Once all the electoral votes are cast, the candidate who reaches 270 out of a possible 538 wins – and this is only triggered if the candidates win that state’s popular vote in the first place.
In the news, the results sound something like this: Nixon has won California and its 54 electoral votes. Of course, those results still have to be certified. As you might recall, there was a slight hiccup during the 2020 election certification. However, new security measures have been taken to reduce any potential repeat of those terrible events.
Remember, this is just a glance at the process, but I hope it helps. If it’s still puzzling, a good analogy is Major League Baseball’s World Series. Every year, the winner is determined not by which team got the most runs per game but by which won the most games in the series. The Electoral College works the same way.
In my opinion, the Electoral College is the only practical, efficient, and fair way to ensure everyone’s voice is heard because we’re represented just as we are in Congress. The Founders realized that the popular election alone could and would eventually bring chaos.
If we want an election process that stays in constant contention, then eliminate the EC. But if we’re going to have all our citizens represented equally, let the system do what it was designed to do. If you want to make a real difference, make sure you vote.
Deer In Headlines Special Edition – October 14, 1993
It had been a long day for the freshman saxophone player and his high school marching band friends. By now, it was 4:30 in the afternoon, and the day had begun for them nearly eleven hours ago. They’d earned the opportunity to compete in a tri-state marching band competition in Huntington, West Virginia, some 200 miles from home.
The mid-October afternoon had become hot and muggy. Even the seats in the stadium were perspiring. The adventure had begun early that morning with all the spirit of the world’s most excellent universities. The performances were over, and they sat impatiently awaiting the judging results.
This is the view of the real Greeneview High School marching band during their first song of the contest—from the families’ perspective. (Photo by Lois Deer, 10-17-1981)
The bands were divided into three classes based on the size of their home schools. This group’s small, rural high school was in the last division, called class B, at this show. That meant it would be a long, hot wait by the time they went through each division, of each class, of each award. It was nerve-wracking, it was hot, and it was discouraging, but they waited. Patiently – well, sort of.
The university stadium buzzed with nervousness and emotion as the first awards were called. “Fifth place, class AA, goes to…,” A loud cheer bellowed from 100 yards down the bleachers, drowning out the anxious and irritated sigh from the young saxophonist and his group. The noise subsided. The announcer spoke again. “The fourth-place award goes to…” Another excited cheer came from the stands. The little band had worked hard all summer for this. It was one of the best shows they’d ever done, but this performance got off to a shaky start.
Their arrival at the host stadium was almost the exact time they were supposed to go on the field for their practice run, and things were rough. Heat exhaustion cost them one of the flag corps at the start of their competition show. The Astroturf-covered football field, new to most of the marchers, created its own set of problems. These kids were used to trotting through mud and grass. Now, wearing the slick-souled dress shoes, they had to contend with spongy ground and slippery artificial grass.
If that wasn’t enough, one of the trombone players nearly decapitated a field judge with his slide. During his morning pep talk, the director said, “Judges were fair game…” Meaning, if they got in the way, just keep doing what you’re supposed to do. Unfortunately, the aggravated trombonist took the recommendation literally. Somehow, they got through it all, and there they were. Hot. Sticky. Impatient. Every ingredient was added to create a group with a bad attitude, who, by this time, faintly resembled people sitting in a traffic jam.
A lot was riding on this, though. Everyone was here. Parents and family friends had accompanied the band on the four-hour Greyhound bus ride that morning. The busses pulled out of the school lot at 6 a.m., scored by the groans of how you’d expect average high school kids to at that time on a Saturday morning.
Most slept on the ride down. Many brought weekend homework. Others reviewed their music to ensure they remembered that one bad note at the football game the night before. Whatever the case, they made it, and everyone was pumped. And a little scared. Friday night football games were never like this. The tension grew and hovered in the air over the little group just the way that bricks don’t.
The young saxophonist eyed the band’s director. He was down on the track on the opposite side of the field, pacing back and forth in front of the reviewing stand like an expectant father. Another announcement blared from the public address speakers. The director’s curly afro hair and kinky beard glistened in the fall sun with impatient perspiration, giving him more the appearance of a heavy metal rock singer than a high school band director.
Then again, everyone was starting to look like that. The group grew increasingly discouraged with each passing award. The announcer was up to their class now, and the fourth-place award was called. Rats! The saxophonist slumped back against the bleachers with an irritated gasp. So did everyone else.
“There’s no way, ” he thought. “All these huge bands from three states? We can’t possibly have a chance at anything higher than fourth.” That seemed to be the general opinion of the others as well.
Another award. More cheering. None of it from them. Now, the announcer was up to second place, and the morale-broken musicians began standing, a few at once. Each gathered their things to return to the busses and the quiet little farm town. Some had already left the stadium.
“Well, so much for that,” someone said. “This is embarrassing, ” said another, like a line plucked from a Peanuts cartoon. Even their band director dejectedly headed towards his disappointed students. The announcer began to speak again, but no one in the group was listening. It was over. They tried, but the odds were against them, and the game was rigged.
“Second place, class B goes to…” A long pause.
This seemed to be the announcer’s annoying trademark, meant to instill drama. It didn’t work. It was just irritating. When their band took the field for the show, he sounded like he’d been mugged midway through his address. “You may take the field for comp…” Everyone held their breath. “…etition.” Whew!
Suddenly… the words no one expected to hear. No, more than that. They were impossible, improbable, incomprehensible words.
“Second place, class B goes to… Greeneview High School Marching Band from Jamestown, Ohio!”
For a solid breath, someone blinking would have rung like a gong. No one moved. No one spoke. Those shambling out stopped and turned around. There was an oxygen-steeling collective gasp.
A slow, quiet calm settled over the group as their brains processed the words they’d just heard. Suddenly, explosive screams of joy shattered the silence. They cheered, cried, and hugged. In the stadium section where their families were, everyone was on their feet, jumping, crying, and yelling. Even the other schools called cheers of congratulations, and they were equally shocked by the news.
The little band’s director stood in silent shock for a moment, and then it hit him. His eyes were as big as saucers when he turned to face the band from across the field, raising one arm in victory to them as if this little band’s second-place win were Olympic gold. It might just as well have been, but that wouldn’t have meant as much to them.
At the reviewing stand far below, their field commander and flag corps captain proudly marched to the awards table and saluted the presenters. Their vibrant red, white, and Colombian blue uniforms were almost as brilliant as the sun itself as they spun around in a military-like snap to salute the ecstatic audience. The pair accepted the two-and-a-half-foot trophy and rejoined the line of representatives standing at attention in front of them – both in tears.
Back in the stands, the young saxophonist and his friends watched and beamed. This was truly their most honored time together. The young man shaded his eyes as he took a moment to look at these people and tried desperately to soak it all in before it was over. They had no idea what they meant to him. So much of their lives lay before them. But this day… this was a day they’d never forget. “Someday, this is going to make a great story,” he thought.
The bright sunlight brought a tear to his eye. Then again, maybe it wasn’t the sunlight at all. He wiped it away. The thundering applause, congratulations, and excitement continued for what, in reality, was only about a minute or two. But it wrang out for what seemed like a lifetime to… The Little Band That Could.
———
Epilogue
My name’s Gery Deer, and that’s a true story from October 17, 1981. I was the “young saxophonist,” and I was right. I never forget that day, and it did make a great story. The band, Greeneview High School Marching Band of Jamestown, was under the direction of Richard Turner.
Band Director Richard Turner, the contest trophy, and me – Gery Deer in my newly-minted Greeneview school jacket.
I wrote this story after visiting Cooper Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, to see Greeneview perform in another competition show many years later. They competed in the Ohio Music Education Association’s state finals, and it was fascinating how little things changed from one era to the next. It was like reliving that day all over again.
Two of my four nieces were in the band in those days—now three decades ago. The oldest was the band’s field commander, a senior at the time, and a saxophone player like her uncle. The next oldest was a clarinetist and a freshman. They didn’t win their contest but took an honorable mention. Either way, I think they will still reflect on their day, as I do mine, and remember the feeling.
No one could have been prouder of my family and my school except maybe my parents, who were there again to watch their grandchildren as they did their own. And they, too, will remember. They say we can never be kids again. Well, no one could have gotten closer to it than I did that day. But to the “next generation,” I say, “When it seems like us old folks don’t understand, try to remember, we were there too.”
I just finished reading Friends star Matthew Perry’s autobiography, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” As you may know, Perry died by drowning in 2023 after injecting ketamine. This dissociative anesthetic has become one of the injection hallucinogens of choice. He was only 53 years old.
In his book, released very shortly before his death, Perry detailed his life as what he calls an “unaccompanied minor,” the term given to children who fly commercially without an adult. He started drinking at the age of 14. At one point in his life, he was taking more than 50 oxycontin pills every day – still not achieving the high craved by his addiction-raddled brain.
Perry called addiction “the big terrible thing,” and it quite literally controlled his life. He had it all at one point – a million bucks a week on America’s number-one TV show, movies, and fame. But Perry suffered from terrible depression, fear, and insecurity. Pills were the only way he could feel, well, as he says it, nothing.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It causes functional changes to the circuits of the brain responsible for self-control, reward, and stress, lasting long after the addict has stopped drug use.
Late ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry struggled with addiction throughout his life.
I may seem out of depth on this topic to those who know me. I’ve been very, very lucky. My father’s side of the family is a tapestry of alcoholism. But, when my grandmother died, Dad was only three years old, and his alcoholic father left. A religious grandmother and strict aunt raised him, so he didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. My mother wanted nothing to do with any of it either. So, growing up, I wasn’t exposed to any controlled substances because they weren’t in our home.
As I got older and went to college, then out into the business world, drinking and other drug use are far more prevalent. But I think somewhere down the line, I must have adopted an attitude of, “What do I need that for?” Even in my fraternity days, I was the non-drinker taking keys and getting people home safely. But I could have easily ended up on the pill side of things.
Many people with a substance use disorder start because of prescribed medications due to an injury or surgery. I think I’ve been lucky there, too, given the staggering number of surgeries I had as a child and young adult. I don’t think I ever got past the first two doses of any pain med, and even those were half-strength. I couldn’t handle the “out of control” feeling that euphoric high addicts live their lives trying to get. It was frightening. However, the problem for far too many people is that once they start, regardless of the reason, that may be the ball game.
Far too many people think addiction is about willpower or self-confidence. That’s ridiculous. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease of drug addiction may be woven into your DNA. They note that about half of your susceptibility to developing a substance use disorder (SUD) can be hereditary. That makes a person more prone to use alcohol, tobacco products, or drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and opioids. All it might take to put you on the road to addiction is that first high. From there, that’s your life.
As the lovable and hilarious Chandler Bing, Matthew Perry will forever live in our hearts. Sitting on a couch in a New York coffee shop with his five “friends,” he made millions cry laughing. Could he be any funnier? (If you know, you know.) But his passing shocked a generation, and the most painful part is that as sick as he was, it could have been prevented.
As of the time of this writing, five people, including two doctors, have been charged for supplying the drugs that led to Matthew Perry’s death. Hopefully, prosecutors can shut down the supply and save some lives. At least that would be something to give meaning to Perry’s death because, to those of us who admired him, that was the big terrible thing.
The Jamestown Comet 