Read carefully before you assume Gaza
Read carefully before you assume Gaza
Read carefully before you assume Gaza Read More »
2 days of Jury Duty
2 days of jury duty in the books. With 6 felonies and one habitual offender conviction, this one out-of-town drug thug who made the mistake of bringing his stuff to our town, will be off our streets for the next several decades.
Kudos to the observant patrol officer who pulled him over before he reached his destination. He was significantly and specifically trained, prepared and a well-spoken witness and, along with the detective who did a deep-dive on a device and the state police lab technician who tested everything — wow.
The prosecutor organized it all for us. What a case. I hope I don’t have to pass a quiz on drug jargon.
I was also impressed with the judge (husband is the sheriff), pleasant and soft-spoken but totally in control, including communicating well with the jury — and spending time with us after the case to express thanks and answer questions.
The bailiff was helpful with my mobility challenges.
There was a surprise (and very short) second trial. The jury was surprised as we were told to bring our jury notebooks with us back into the courtroom as we were delivering the verdict. Once the verdict was pronounced, the judge informed us that, we couldn’t be told in advance, but now must make a determination whether the defendant is a habitual offender. That didn’t take long.
Hopefully, by the next time I’m called for jury duty, the county will ensure ADA compliance in its courthouse, as it took steps to get into the jury box and even into the two restrooms I used on the 3rd floor. I may be contacting some county politicians.
ps…. some of the excuses used to be excused from duty:
No, I don’t like the police. I’ve been in trouble with them before.
No, I won’t consider circumstantial evidence.
I know a hopelessly addicted addict.
My medication makes things go blurry and also makes my hearing come and go.
‘Maybe’ I can consider circumstantial evidence. ‘Maybe’ I don’t have a problem with the police. ‘Maybe’ I can presume innocence.
Of those who stayed, I was not the oldest. At least one was missing work w/o pay, others who will pay more in child care for the day than they will get from jury pay….
It is not worth the pay, is inconvenient and all that….but if you get called, say YES. You’ll learn a lot.
2 days of Jury Duty Read More »
One of my college errands – sending Christmas Cards
During three of my years at the University of Kentucky, I was one of five guys renting rooms on the third floor of this Civil War-era home, used as a hospital during the war.
Our rent was especially cheap, but part of it included one “errand” per month with Miss Iva Dagley, a nearly blind New York Opera Singer who came back to KY when the Great Depression ended her career.
By having five guys, each owing an errand, she could get out at least five times monthly. Sometimes our errand was giving a tour of her amazing house; the “Teak Room” where all furniture was hand carved under water, or the “Sun Room” with a marble table that took seven men to carry in, or the “Silver Room” that had shelves and shelves of silver.
Follow the link below for some of the comical stories of her in public, like the time she had me hand a bank teller a note asking for $10,000 to be placed in the money bag I was holding. Can you say “security detail”? Or the time she was inspecting wood-burning stoves with her long-sleeved white gloves.
But this time of year, one of those errands might be helping her send and reply to Christmas Cards. As I was going through MY list, I remember this conversation
Me: “Here’s a card from [whoever]. Shall I address one to them?”
Dagley: “Did they send me a card last year?”
Me: “Yes ma’am.”
Dagley: “What about two years ago?”
Me: “Doesn’t look like it.”
Dagley: “Then we shall wait until next year. Next?”
We’ll be mailing/distributing ours for this year over the next few days. If you haven’t received a card and/or family letter from the Gardner house in the last few years, check to see when the last time was you sent one to us. Hope to hear from you soon….and Merry Christmas.
Click here to read more of my stories living with an opera singer.
One of my college errands – sending Christmas Cards Read More »
Puppy Dogs and Clarinets
By John Gardner
There is a sales technique called the “Puppy Dog” close. It gets is name from the puppy dog at the pet shop scenario:
A mother and young child go into a pet store to buy a dog. They find one, but mamma says it is too expensive.
The wise sales clerk invites the mother and child to take the puppy home for the night….with the offer to bring it back the next day if they don’t think it is worth the price.
They will NOT likely bring the puppy back.
I fell for that sales close with a car once. My wife wasn’t with me when I stopped on the lot (intentional, so I had a way out of a pressure sales situation). The smart salesperson invited me to drive the car home to show her. SOLD!
I used the “Puppy Dog” approach with a clarinet student (I will call her Sally). The first time I heard her play was in a middle school concert. I didn’t know Sally, but I noticed her. It was 2-3 yrs later when I convinced her parents to let her study privately with me. She had incredible musicianship but was hindered by a mediocre instrument.
When I would ask about a step up instrument, she always responded about how busy her parents were. Knowing her father’s occupation, I knew PRICE was NOT the issue.
The music dealer let me borrow a top of the line clarinet for a day, with return privilege that I was not expecting to utilize.
I took the clarinet to Sally’s band rehearsal at the high school, instructing her to play it in the rehearsal and then to take it home that night to practice with at home and either return the clarinet or payment the next day. She handed me the check for payment in full.
Puppy Dogs and Clarinets Read More »
Three all-women tank crews make history on 10/7
I was impressed. Israel has the only all-female tank crews … and this video is about how three of those crews fought on 10/7 as they are just realizing what is going on. There is no graphic video, but graphic descriptions of some of their fighting. These impressive, strong, “no fear” women made history and to hear them speak of it is …. well, you decide.
Three all-women tank crews make history on 10/7 Read More »
Thank you from a student of 40+ years ago
On Thanksgiving Day, 2023, I received the following note from a student I had over 40 yrs ago. We are both now retired teachers. I print his note, unedited, and with permission. Name withheld. This husband/wife team were both in my band at that time.
Hi John, (Mr. Gardner, it’s hard to address a former teacher by his first name.)
I’ve been meaning to write this for a while now, and today is the day. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate the years we had as teacher and student. I can remember the many times a couple of students would stay after school and you would get out your instrument and play with us for a few minutes. I could never get enough of making music! Also, I wasn’t in a hurry to get home.
My parents started divorce proceedings during the spring of my Senior year, and the stability of band class helped me through that. You felt more like an older brother or friend than a teacher. I appreciate you putting up with my immaturity and craziness. I’m still crazy, but your former trumpet player has to deal with it now. Of course, I have to deal with the ego of a 1st trumpet player.
I truly believe that for me, music is one of the greatest gifts God gave us. You did so much to help me love music even more. Thanks again for everything you have done for me and thousands of other students. God bless you and Joan. Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Thank you from a student of 40+ years ago Read More »
Joyful Songsters at HBC and Happy Birthday to ME!
Joyful Songsters, directed by Stephanie Schultz, is one of the choirs from the Community Choirs of Huntington County that sang at the Senior Luncheon at Huntington Baptist Church on October 19th, which happened to be my birthday. Wife Joan is singing with them. They sang Happy Birthday to ME at the end of their 15 minute presentation and then had lunch with those in attendance.
Joyful Songsters at HBC and Happy Birthday to ME! Read More »
Local athlete and why her fundraiser in support of Riley Childrens Hospital
An inspirational success story from a super successful, LOCAL athlete. I don’t know her personally, but have followed some of her running career (I taught at her high school) in high school and college and have previously posted about some of her achievements. I was happy to make a small donation and encourage you to do the same. Read about how Riley helped her, what she just did for some of the children there, how she’s promoting this fundraiser and matching up to $5000. Hope you can help get her there.
Local athlete and why her fundraiser in support of Riley Childrens Hospital Read More »
One solution to a drill design problem
The problem: The Guard is in front and you need to get them to the back.
A solution: Have them lay flat on the ground, and have the winds step over them.
Warning: Make sure all are in the right place at the right time.
One solution to a drill design problem Read More »