I am convinced that my father was born with a newspaper in one tiny hand and a neck tie instead of an umbilical cord. I mean this in the most complimentary way possible; the man has a work ethic that can make any zealous overachiever feel lazy. As a kid, I hardly appreciated or even noticed how tirelessly he worked to support my family and me.
Continue reading → From Barbie to Borrowing: Hanging Out with Dad
by Steve Gaines
Several years ago, as an adjunct teacher of television production, I was responsible for a tutorial in the fine points of distance learning while with the University of Nebraska Lincoln. I had two post doctoral students from India who were both physicists. Both these very intelligent students could not understand how I was so interested in their field of study, but still so incapable of understanding its finer points. I wrote the following piece for their benefit. I must admit that it did not help them accept my ignorance in any way. But it did occupy me for a day or two. And its basic sub-text still rings true.
Batman is dead. His own dead father killed him.
Walgreens — the largest drugstore chain in America — announced this week that they are selling over-the-counter DNA home paternity tests.
I was startled to read today that Jesus — yes, THAT Jesus — may have been the child born from a Roman raping of his mother, Mary.
Christian Brando is dead. Was he killed by his life — or by the sins of his dead father, Marlon Brando?
There is no greater crushing experience — or necessary duty — than when a father must tell a son he is not good enough; he does not measure up; he is not the man he was born to be:
FATHER: I know you tried, but you did not make the football team.
SON: But Dad! I went to every practice! I did my best! I did everything you and the coach asked.
FATHER: Yes, you did everything you could but it wasn’t enough, son. There are other boys who play ball better than you. You just don’t have the talent. I’m sorry.
SON: You lied to me! You told me I could do anything I wanted if I only tried!
FATHER: You just aren’t good enough to play football but that doesn’t mean we can’t try something else.
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