Author: usfman

I accomplished a rewarding career as a teacher and professor for 28 years.No more daily lesson plans now frees my curious mind to experience life on my own terms now.

Resetting Our Moral Compass

“The three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts: to return love for hate, to include the excluded, and to say, “I was wrong.” (Sydney J. Harris)

There seems to be a noticeable “buzz” these days around the country about a confusing malaise of values promoted by our current Presidential office. Why does POTUS continue to “spin” lies and conspiracy theories to attack many of his political adversaries in this country? What negative impact on our nation’s moral fiber results from his vicious Twitter attacks daily? Why does our U.S. Senate “cow down” to him in fear as he commits mafia-style extortion for self-serving, political gain against the country of Ukraine? How does our President’s denial of global warming and consequent decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Change agreement damage our longstanding alliance with friendly allies? What negative message does he send about U.S. National Security when he “goes after” his own “intelligence” experts ( ie. Christopher Wray) and patriotic military heroes (ie. John McCain) while praising heinous dictators ( ie. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong – Un)?

In watching the current impeachment trial of Donald Trump, I’ve been engaged by prosecutor presentations outlining the powerful “Separations of Powers/“Checks and Balances ” provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Our President shall not be above the law. Congress can remove our chief executive from office whose moral behavior goes flagrantly astray. Court processes can interpret disputes fairly in cases of improper Presidential conduct prior to or during an election. Our democracy clearly can work when handled correctly.

Therefore, I welcome 2020 as the year that America stands up to this reality TV show of hateful tweets, “this for that” bribes, senseless lies, and revengeful “meltdowns”. For by doing so through either trial conviction or election rejection, we reset the standards of our nation’s moral compass in the right direction.

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“Above The Law” Evils

“Trust starts with truth and ends with truth.”( Santosh Kalwar)

As I watch the opening hours of the long awaited impeachment trial of Donald Trump begin today, I’ve been given the impression that the basic argument of his guilt or innocence resides in whether Americans can trust the extent of his power rendered. Do we have a President who in effect serves as an omnipotent king whose powers can never be questioned? Or does our President dutifully serve accordingly to the will of the people and their chosen public representatives? Sadly, the proposed Senate rules of the trial will noticeably limit or ignore document evidence and witness testimony highly relevant to the culpable actions of the defendant. Will this contentious search for the truth so vital to our country now spin into a petty sham? Can we trust our Congressional leaders to make the right call? As the 2020 Presidential election looms heavily in mind, I thus offer the following original poem for serious reflection about the current impeachment process ahead.

Why Do Charged Minds Meet In Tragedy’s Throes?

To Render A Fair Trial Toward Truth I Suppose

Senate Mockery Of Justice We Never Foresaw

In Knowing Our Country Seeks Fairness Through Law

When Partisan Thirst Can Cover Up Crime

Our Laws Soon Crumble In Despotic Time

Quiet Handshake, A Wink , Subtle Nod On Cue

Hides Public Awareness Of Loyalty’s Brew

Our President Boasts Of His Unlimited Power

Do We Follow Or Lead At Impeachment’s Hour?

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“Mad Impeachment Show”Preview

In the coming days, the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will begin in ceremonious fashion. Keep in mind that this act will mark only the third time in American History that the House Of Representatives has formally impeached our Chief Executive in office. Sadly, I reason that this momentous event will quickly spiral in the following weeks into a contentious “reality show.” Trust me. I am not just making this stuff up. Let the raucous charade begin!

For any of my readers who sense a spirit of protest surrounding this memorable time in U.S. History, I invite you to return to the “classic rock era” and absorb the song lyrics of “The Who’s” masterful “Won’t Get Fooled Again” in the video below.

It’s showtime now. Put your critical thinking skills to good use and get ready for Impeachment 2020! Please take the time to care!

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Welcome to “The Mad Impeachment Show.” You are about to witness with your “very eyes” the suspense-filled trial of our current American President performed live on stage. As you tune-in to this unfolding drama on your phone, computer, or television, beware of the rise in hateful rhetoric and blatant unfairness that you will likely witness throughout this ordeal. For it might literally “take your breath away!”

As you begin to follow this “big show”script, it may occur to you that the trial’s rules invites a “Circus Of Fools.” So don’t be deceived if illogical arguments are presented that ignore key facts of this case. If you trust these words today, you do so at your own risk. “Wise up” to those as well who show obvious bias by arguing the defendant’s guilt or innocence without actually citing evidence on BOTH sides. In addition, notice the “bamboozlement” you might feel as so many key witnesses are denied the right to testify at these proceedings.

Beware that your emotions may also be “flying high” throughout these proceedings. At the trial outset, many viewers might feel a sudden urge to shout or scream as expected attempts are made to end this trial prematurely. Escalating national security concerns to provide a safe trial venue within the U.S. Capitol and prevent unlawful acts of civil disturbance might quickly become a key emotional distraction from the impeachment proceedings as well. In this regard, one must think hard how they might react if the hate spewing words of our tyrannical defendant and his partisan cohorts spreads violent acts of reprisal around our country!

As a follow-up to upcoming Mad Impeachment performances, some will dare match wits with our Presidential “Ringmaster of Rage” in heated, video game competitions to spread pure evil, immoral excess and descent into hell. Others may check into his social media presence several times daily on Twitter and join him in commenting angrily as he he takes vicious “potshots” at ANYONE opposing him. Don’t be fooled!

 

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“Panama Canal World” Amusements

“You never really know what’s coming. A small wave, or maybe a big one. All you can really do is hope that when it comes, you can surf over it, instead of drown in its monstrosity.” (Alysha Speer)

What does it feel like to cruise through the Panama Canal and environs beyond as we did on our recent December 2019 cruise? An urban dweller like myself might consider this amazing sea experience extending over eighty kilometers long as a trendy amusement park ride as described in the following exaggerated account.

Imagine the thrill of entering a narrow tunnel threading slowly through dense jungle terrain on both sides. Of course you will have to be patient and wait your turn to experience this amusing carnival ride as hundreds of cargo ships and oil tankers will line up with you to take their turn at designated crossing times during the day. Your anticipation will build then as you cross under an enormous arch created by the “Bridge of the Americas” overpass marking the beginning of this Panama Canal adventure. Soon you will become mesmerized by the sight of awaiting giant locomotive monsters who will slowly drag your cruise ship in mule like fashion through the tight waterway squeeze ahead. As your ship edges ahead, feel the side walls closing in beside you as you enter the rolling gates leading to each lock ahead. How “cool” it seems then that your massive boat can defy the forces of gravity as you experience the mechanically driven rise and fall of elevation inside these narrow sided tubes.

There are other ways that Panama Canal World can amuse your tourist mind. As you exit the Panama Canal, an exciting jungle tour awaits you as you enter the vast expanses of nearby Gatun Lake. It will probably be raining in this tropical wonderland, but getting lost in the mud on this unforgettable nature walk from a remote shoreline location there will provide endless fun. You might even spot exotic wild animals such as wild sloths, colorful toucans, and howling monkeys hiding amidst extraordinary tropical plant life everywhere. At the Santa Clara Visitor Center, don’t forget to buy a ticket for the film. Feel your emotions rise as you watch how this historical canal was miraculously built amidst tropical disease, financial hardships, and political unrest. So let’s keep the camera fun going as I reveal some heart-searching photographic moments. from our latest Panama Canal adventure.

I thought I got rid of the traffic gridlock in Fort Lauderdale!

Why do I have to get up so early to see the Panama Canal?

Move over cargo ship. My boat is bigger than yours.

Hey tugboat, I’m lost in the jungle. Can you help me find my way?

I love to build things. What can I make with these objects?

Oh no! I think it’s going to rain again.

Crocodile on the bank! No wait it’s only a log.

What happens if we get stuck in the lock?

What are you looking at? I’m over here.

Am I seeing double? Why are there two Panama Canals?

Maybe I’ll see a dinosaur somewhere in this scary jungle.

I’m lost. Where did the walking path go?

Oh there it is!

I wonder if you can smoke any of this?

Oh my God. I lost my tour bus!

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Ya Mon! Jamaica

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” ( Helen Keller)

I first became acquainted with Jamaica in watching early James Bond movies as British agent 007 prowled bravely for the latest “bad guy” there amidst hidden coves of clear aqua coastline, mystical backdrops of blue shaded mountains, and colorfully dense expanses of tropical greenery. This imagined reality of Jamaica as a secretive natural paradise would thus provide the main impetus for repeated tourist returns for my wife and me to this island.

I also vividly recall some memorable moments we have faced during past visits to Jamaica decades ago. For we have fearlessly ascended by foot the slippery slopes of Dunn’s River Falls, gotten lost on local buses in dense jungles to seemingly nowhere, indulged in unfamiliar sensory tastes of breadfruit, mango and ackee, and intently listened to impassioned “Rastafarian” calls of protest fever. Ya mon, Jamaica has always satisfied our travel urge for daring, exotic adventure.

Landing near the historic setting of *Falmouth Bay on a quiet Sunday morning on the first stopover of our early December cruise, our time to explore on shore would be limited. Booking a one hour, rafting excursion along the Martha Brae River inland into a dense tropical wonderland , we would once more satisfy our continuing quest to actively explore Jamaica’s treasures. By settling into a more relaxing pace for this latest adventure, we soon realized that this jungle slowdown had also added a romantic twist to our upcoming wedding anniversary celebration. Settle into your easy chair then and experience this “chill-heavy” version of our latest visit to Jamaica in the following photographic display. Happy New Year. USFMAN

From our cruise balcony, a first glimpse of Falmouth Bay revealed the striking color arrangement of the Jamaican flag.

A more detailed glance at Falmouth town and the mountainous region beyond revealed the rugged environs we would encounter today via our river rafting tour.

We stopped at this welcome sign to admire the friendliness of two Jamaican locals playing a “laid-back” island tune.

On most afternoons, dense cloud cover “build” up in high humidity over the famed Blue Mountains producing heavy rainfall along the tropical shore. Luckily, today was cooler and drier than normal.

Traveling along the western shore by bus, I noted a striking contrast between luxury tourist facilities lining the beachfront vs. distasteful living squalor to the inland side.

A “tacky looking” souvenir village once served as the set of a famous James Bond movie.

This historic church remains as a religious hub/cemetery serving the Falmouth community.

Our rafting adventure began at this jungle like entrance with dense vines and colorful flowers straddling over the free flowing Martha Brae River.

Getting on our awaiting log raft in bare feet presented a slippery challenge.

As we sat in the rear of our raft, our friendly local guide O’Neill steered the boat expertly through the awaiting currents and narrowing jungle passages.

As our bus headed back to the port for our mid afternoon departure, I meditated silently about the the pristine natural beauty of the Jamaican shoreline.

*Falmouth has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and has been honored as a Jamaican National Monument. Functioning in the past as a major trade center of sugar, slave, rum, and logs, Falmouth was once considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the western world.

 

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Caressing Catharsis

Catharsis – the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

“…a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage? and then is heard no more.  It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.” (Shakespeare quote from Macbeth)

The tightening grip of impeachment drama unfolds in our country now and will most certainly dominate the news in 2020. As this year closes, I thus find myself desperately needing an emotional break from this continuing political crisis. Very simply, I am tired of the seemingly endless lies and deceptions that underlie the purely partisan support for this President. I am also weary of “leftist” vs. “rightist extremism that rules the media airwaves to drive negativity into my inner soul. I thus painfully yearn as the New Year begins for a President who can offer “all” of us sensible lessons about how to resolve our differences and unite for the sake of Constitution and country. Who might you choose under these urgent circumstances?

Reflecting about ways to find emotional closure to end the year on a high note, I look back to a heated political rally I attended with my wife in downtown Fort Lauderdale one week before Christmas. For it felt truly liberating then to join in mass unification with Democrats and even a scattering of Republicans who took the time on this busy weekday to peacefully vent their frustrations about the Trump Presidency. Raising my protest sign stating “Support Country Not Party” along the busy adjoining street of the rally site, I acknowledged “ thumbs ups” from friendly drivers/passengers by greeting them with a friendly wave. Accordingly, in restraining any overt signs of retaliation for those vehicle occupants who “flipped me off” in obvious disdain, I would gesture positivity back to them with a friendly smile.

In protesting at this rally, I had thus exercised with others our legal right to speak, write, and assemble freely. I now invite you to join me as I attempt to release some of my negative cathartic energy with regard to the crisis ridden Trump Presidency in the following protest photographs.

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Cruise Therapy Fulfilled

“Sailing unties the knots in my mind.”(Al Noble)

“It’s out there at sea that you are really yourself.”(Vito Dumas)

Do you ever intuitively sense how you really need to take a vacation? In our busy urban world, many of us point to the obligatory time off to escape life’s realities. Or perhaps a birthday or anniversary celebration fulfills your travel fantasy at times. Moreover, you might experience recurring visions to indulge in materialistic binges of eating/shopping to occupy your wandering times. You could even feel compelled to work on that personal “ bucket list” of new and exotic places you wish to visit before you die.

Admittedly, the crux of this issue with me stems from a personal struggle to slow my mind chatter enough to obtain full benefit from each of the above travel purposes. Instead of enjoying the present moment, I’m thus easily distracted by the inevitable tedium of work, health, or family matters.Yet I can happily report that during our ten day cruise from Fort Lauderdale in early December, I surprisingly found relief from my self-defeating, introspective nature on several occasions.

For one, the calm aqua appearance of the Caribbean waters surrounding me on deck and from our 1st time cabin balcony undoubtedly did set the stage for me to escape from life’s realities in a more relaxed state of “letting go. “ It would seem accordingly fortuitous that we celebrated our wedding anniversary onboard ship amidst an inviting interior ambience of warm holiday spirit and sleek artistic design. It also seems plausible that my commitment to continue my practice of yoga along with my resolve to read novels each day diverted my attention in positive ways from frivolous souvenir buying and excessive buffet gorging to fill my idle time. As I engaged in friendly conversations with our Non- American servers who seemed eager to practice their English, I discovered new places to add to my travel bucket list for overseas travel as well.

Are you ready to feel some positive energy about the cruising experience? Travel with me then as I relive below some vivid, photographic memories from the Island Princess.

Happy Holidays: USFMAN

As we embarked on our cruise from Fort Lauderdale, I imagined living my life in lavish luxury along this exclusive residential shoreline beyond.

Taking the time to view this spectacular sunset hovering over the South Florida coast set the right tone for relaxed reflection in the ten cruising days that we anticipated ahead.

The open air, contemporary look of the midship atrium became a favorite area for us to roam freely on the Island Princess.

This beautifully decorated Christmas Tree and adjoining poinsettia bush display became a center-point of the warm holiday spirit emanating aboard ship.

“The Sanctuary” seemed the ideal place to peacefully meditate in relative silence around this pleasing pool.

My wife, Ruth presented me with an anniversary gift of a spacious, ocean-side balcony as we first entered our cabin.

Each morning, I woke up to spectacular balcony views of each port of call.

We celebrated our 45th anniversary with a delectable , three course dinner at Sabatini’s Grill.

While on buffet dinner occasions, we joined in for some relaxing fun with our attentive servers.

I can also proudly report that I kept my “monkey mind” under control by reading this 500+ page novel.

While reaffirming that I will never become a savvy tourist shopper.

* Note: In several upcoming blogs, I will address four land excursions we experienced on this exciting seaward journey at Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Cayman Islands.

 

 

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My Travel Shopping Calling

“Anybody can buy. It takes an artist to shop.” (Jennifer Finney Boylan)

I’ve never been particularly accomplished at shopping in our travels. On cruise vacations, for example, I often impulsively ignore bargaining with local merchants at street markets and thus often pay more than seems needed. In addition, during road trip journeys, our CR- V trunk space normally clutters up with sports memorabilia and souvenir trinkets I’ve purchased, making travel essentials we need to access more difficult to find. Furthermore, in the absence of more discretionary shopping habits, my luggage typically carries excessive shopping weight, ultimately burdening our arduous walking treks across Europe. How sad it seems that my well earned reputation of shopping unwisely manifests in my uncomfortable  decision to linger passively outside on a park bench in front of tourist souvenir store while my wife happily browses inside.

I thus strive these days to find effective ways to become a more savvy buyer in the travel shopping moment. It seems, first of all, that I must learn the art of patience in browsing for items and not necessarily feel compelled to purchase them. Furthermore, as I observe more closely how my money-wise wife acts in such travel shopping occasions, I should strive to attain more of a ”minimalist philosophy”of what to bring home. In facing the challenge to maintain my physical/ emotional wellness as a retiree, I can likewise learn more mindful consumerist behavior as a sightseer. How would you evaluate your own shopping habits with respect to some of the most memorable shopping settings from our recent travels?

Amidst the damp chill of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, we entered Boudin’s Market to the pleasing smell of fresh sour dough bread and other bakery delicacies.

At the Sunday Bastille Market in the Marais district of Paris, we purchased fresh fruit, baguette, wine and then headed to a neighborhood park for an inviting picnic lunch.

Pikes Place Market in Downtown Seattle provided us a tantalizing variety of fresh seafood displayed on icy racks from Pacific waters.

On a a torrid summer day on a cruise stop in Barcelona, Spain, we discovered this colorful gelato stand along the La Rambla corridor as an ideal dessert choice to cool off from the oppressive heat that day.

The festive carnival atmosphere along Bourbon Street in New Orleans provided an enticing invitation to reinvent ourselves with new masked/costumed identities.

At the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona , we rediscovered our fondness for living those “happy days” in small town America during the 1960s.

The addictive sights/sounds of delicious candy pervaded our senses as we toured the Chocolate Land Factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Homemade recipes of “Old South” cuisine captured our interest as we walked along the central corridor of the Charleston, South Carolina City Market.

At Old Town Santa Fe, New Mexico, we curiously browsed at local shops displaying a creative array of Native American/Mexican art pieces.

Walking around midtown Manhattan, my wife could not resist looking for hip shopping bargains at the “cosmopolitan department store, “Uniqlo”.

At Shakespeare and Company Bookstore in Paris, I could easily find the right book for me to read in my travels.

At the Center for the New Age in Sedona, Arizona, I discovered the perfect rocks to enhance my spirituality interests.

This month, my wife and I will embark on a Princess Line cruise covering various ports in the Caribbean/Latin America. A major question thus arises about how I might open my spending wallet wisely to celebrate this holiday season?

 

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My Traveling Dilemma

“As you grow older, you become faced with the problem of what to do with your time.” (Sunday Adelaja)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone:

I immensely enjoy traveling over six months each year. Yet why does the option of staying home sound increasingly more enticing? Why not buy a dog/cat and enjoy my simpler lifestyle as a pensioned retiree in South Florida? Turning more introspective at times in the face of the latest health, financial, or family challenge, my enthusiasm for taking grandiose *trips/ vacations now seems at times to be shrinking. At the moments of lifestyle doubt, some realistic questions thus emerge. Does a nostalgic glance at a past photo album now suffice as a suitable replacement for a journey to Paris? Can reading more travel blogs on Word Press satisfy my wanderlust urges to visit exotic places? What entertainment opportunities am I missing at home by being away so often? Why do I seem more intolerant these days to extreme cold or hot weather?

A past weekend jaunt to Cleveland, Ohio provides a suitable case in point. While I did witness a convincing Cleveland Browns win at First Energy Stadium amidst bitter cold and blustery windy conditions, I could have more healthily enjoyed the Browns win at a local sports bar in Fort Lauderdale. As I likewise paid my dutiful respects to legendary bands inductees at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, strong lingering thoughts persist now of missing talented writers speak at this year’s Miami Book Fair. Or in frolicking outside like a kid amidst fallen autumn leaves and festive holiday displays, I might have equally conveyed the changing of seasons spirit in warmer conditions by putting up our living room Christmas tree. As I sit in bed now sniffing with a nagging cold, I thus wonder how the following nostalgic highlights from frigid Cleveland might represent some subtle hints that I will soon experience travel-less, lifestyle times.

While I braved the unaccustomed to cold weather outside, Ruth more sensibly spent time with cousin Jo warmly indoors.

Why does raking up dead leaf piles up north in winter seem so depressing? Wouldn’t I rather relaxingly lounge on my patio at home overlooking our green, tropical paradise?

Why do I see these eerie looking dolls staring at me so menacingly? Are they trying to tell me something?

I embraced the rebellious spirit of student activism as expressed in these concert posters during my “heyday” of “rock and roll” times. To what extent does this restless energy still motivate me these days to travel?

As I ponder the inner meaning of this blog’s wander-less theme, was I experiencing a travel less omen by these flightless seagulls along the Lake Erie shoreline?

Why do I need to travel to Cleveland to buy overpriced Cleveland Browns merchandise at the stadium? I can buy them more inexpensively at home online?

Given my cold weather intolerance, I could have at least been sitting on the sunny side of the field during the game.

I consider myself a “Diehard” Cleveland Browns fan on game day wherever I’m at. So what difference would it make for me to endure the Sunday irritations of this kind of chaotic mob scene to watch the game live?

If so many dedicated Browns fans can gather at Browns Stadium to feel the energy of hometown game fever, then why can’t I similarly be contented at my South Florida home?

Spotting this beautiful Christmas tree downtown with children underneath, I sensed that the “Yuletide” message of giving to others can be best experienced with a warm gathering of family/friends at home.

*In past blog entries, I’ve elaborated about why I experience  vacations and trips differently. While vacations typically allow me to settle into more spontaneous enjoyment of a place over a longer period of time, trips normally relate to short term “getaways” of tightly structured, itinerary nature.

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