How to Create an identity?
I awaken and find I have a public! Three are following me. The responsibility is crushing; what do they expect? Am I to be a part of their morning coffee?
But what am I to be? As something of a cynic who teethed on "Catch-22", Mad Magazine, and Steve Allen I would love to make this a humor blog.
But as a retired history teacher who sees so any parallels between now and then, and who has been trained to fill 50-minute blocks with content- shall I do that?
Maybe I can do both. A training in history requires one to look behind- well, everything- to find the real meaning, or cause, or interests. That's a bit cynical.
Maybe historical context with a twist. Voltaire wrote that "The greatest sin of an historian is to be boring- I mean, the story is so freaking interesting!" or words to that effect.
And I can re-cycle some of my handouts. "Being green that would be," in Yoda-speak. But will the Wobblies and Stephen Douglas and Helen Keller and all those old cool dead people hold up in the 15-seconds-of-fame world of cyberspeak?
Well, if they don't I'm only disappointing three people; in schools kids get disappointed in much larger groups.
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How about all of the above? Or better yet, just be yourself.
Don't let the pressure get to you, Tom. You're doing great so far. And it's all tongue in cheek with most of us anyway, so.....just have fun.
June 8, 2009 8:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are off to an amazing start, Tom! Thoroughly enjoyed the limericks you came up with.
Pretense is nigh impossible with the sharp minded folks populating this place so just be yourself and if yer freak flag needs flying, unfurl it, brother.
Thanks for introducing yourself in such a friendly fashion!
June 8, 2009 8:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Tom, and welcome. I read your limericks over at C-ville's party-turned-brouhaha. Very good! At risk of throwing you for a loop completely, I'm going to follow you, too.
But it's okay--I don't stalk, I just follow.
June 8, 2009 8:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Now you've got four. Entertain me.
June 8, 2009 8:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wow - I am already a follower and glad I signed up - you already fit right in and then some. Look forward to more and more -
June 8, 2009 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Two History Guys? Get ready to take over the world.
June 8, 2009 11:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL. Who knew Voltaire was so cheeky? ;)
June 8, 2009 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well done!
June 8, 2009 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Tom. History lends some well healed sanity to many of the topics posed here. You history buffs are the first ones to tell us "been there, done that" and also have a great insight on inherent problems with a any proposed direction/action.
So anyway - Welcome history buff. Be yourself and feel free to enlighten us with any academic wisdom you feel apropos for the future topics at hand.
June 8, 2009 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I studies history but never taught. Last Administration was like the Rise of the Third Reich. Looking forward to hearing how this Administration is like any other, besides Lincoln. I believe that meme is a self-declared comparison. Great for PR to be like Lincoln, but really? Obama is like a former railroad attorney? I think not.
June 8, 2009 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've always been a history buff. I didn't always like history classes. Methinks I wish I had you as a teacher, 'cuz I really like your approach. I look forward to seeing more from you.
June 8, 2009 1:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
.
Welcome . . . Tom ...
As of this comment, you now have 10 folks creeping about (well actually I'm paddling) following your every word.
Watch out for the deep water. There are a few bottom-feeders who lurk in the dark reaches.
Again ... Welcome.
~OGD~
*Paddlin' the Cafe pond since June 2005*
June 8, 2009 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
History comes from a Greek word meaning 'An Account'
That is all Heroditus was doing, presenting an account.
His Story. That's all.
June 8, 2009 5:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Liked your limericks, and your playful comments.
I wouldn't try to create anything. Just be yourself.
;)
June 8, 2009 9:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
A lot of us have known each other for awhile now, and I always find it helpful when someone new comes in to hear a little about their background, where they stand politically...in other words, introduce yourself, the way you would at a party, where you don't know anyone....quick little bio, nothing fancy or formal.
Or, just jump in and tell us what's on your mind, and we'll learn about you slowly...either way works!
Also, if you are followed by 10 you are being read by many, many more...no pressure! LOL!
BTW, if you pick a few to follow, your dashboard will start working and it is a very useful way to keep up on those you want to read...Have fun!
June 8, 2009 9:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point about the dashboard. I look at my dash every day, many times a day, as well as the "Recent Reader Posts" link.
That way, I not only keep up with what the people I'm following are saying and recommending, but I also see the newest stuff from others (and most of those others, lately, end up being on my dashboard).
But....I'm not a follower.....really, I'm not. Heh heh.
I'm a stalker. =D
June 8, 2009 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like your style mr T starting with your avatar and then your way of speaking. Im signed up. Rec'd and following.
June 9, 2009 12:26 AM | Reply | Permalink