A walking memory of Kemper

Some wonder why I write a lot about Kemper. Or why I talk about Kemper. Simply put; don't you talk about your family? A son or daughter; sister or brother. Cousin? Mother, father. All of those and more are the men and women who i went to Kemper with. Especially a certain group-and I am not talking about my comrades from Band.

Before I was Band, I was 2nd squad, 2nd platoon, Delta Company. First we were "Mean Green." Platoon leader was Lt. Green. Platoon Sgt. was Suarez. My squad leader was Sgt. John L. Williams from Springfield, MO. My assistant squad leader was Jeff Holmes, from Nebraska. The people in my squad/platoon that mean the most to me and are literally my oldest friends from Kemper boil down to Miner, Deem, Tandy, Parrish and Thomas. I still am in contact with 4 of them, and of those 3 of them very often. I was in color guard with them and also we joined the MPs. Tandy, Deem and Miner are the closet and oldest and nearest to my heart and soul; we grew up together. Shared also many classes. Many experiences. Time and miles mean nothing; I know them like I know how my hand and arm looks and work. I have other very close friends, but those guys; there is a saying the military that you don't pick your friends that you go through basic with or even assigned to a unit. We were all very different but we were hammered into the same mold. The Kemper mold. Kemper. That's all we need to say. I just wish we could find Thomas.

Clarence Berkley Thomas from Maryland. "C.B." I talked to him like 20 years+ ago. I found a number and called and asked for C.B. the voice on the other end was deeper and laughed and said he hadn't been CB in a long time.

People are amazed that I can recall things; names, places. Why? Very simply; they are etched onto my heart and soul. I couldn't forget them ever. They are a part of me. Those that have gone before and have stood their last formation are forever remembered by me. I am proud of that fact. I like being a walking Kemper memory.  As we are all there is left. And soon we too will fade away.

numquam non paratus

Stop Day!

When I was at Kemper, we didn't have snow days. You had snow and you had classes that were cancelled, and since a lot of teachers lived close to Kemper, some within walking distance, school was never closed. What we did have were "Stop Days."

My new boy year, like any basic training regime, was rough. But I remember after about 8 weeks, one morning at first mess there was a buzz. The president, a retired 2 star general and the last best president Kemper had,  was there. That was uncommon, he usually stayed in the front admin offices, busy doing whatever a president of a military school did.  Well, after all the companies were seated and the prayer was said, he stood up and proclaimed that since we had worked so hard and done so well so early on, that he was declaring a Stop Day. With that the Old Boys whooped and clapped. What that meant was that school was closed and we were allowed off campus, even the New Boys! That kinda stuck some Old Boys but it passed  as it was a STOP DAY! Then it was asses and elbows. 

I remember walking up town and looking around. Not having a lot of money, no car as I was 14 and not having a lot of time; basically it was from 8-5, I went to the library. I remember they had a old bath tub painted up and it had pillows in it,so I laid in it reading. 

Then I went to A&W to eat. This A&W has a real fireplace, but at that time it wasn't lit as it wasn't cold. This was also when A&W actually served steak and baked potatoes. Not on this outing, but on later ones I would have dinner there, sit by the window and relax. It was only a few blocks from campus. 

After all that I went back to the barracks and waited for Kemper to resume its normal routine. But that day out is a favorite memory as it was my first time out and about from Kemper. That day it started to hit me what growing up meant. The air was crisper, the smell and sights were more prominent and that's why it has stayed with me for over 36 years. Like a warm blanket on my soul. 

From Nostalgia to Star Trek

I have some cheap white ear buds I use for my computer, phone, etc. But you know what I find humorous? Back in the old days, you would always get a small ear piece with the purchase of a transistor radio. It was so you could listen, with one ear, what was going on the radio or tape deck. They weren't the best, but adequate if you were really jonesing for that baseball game without disturbing anyone else, or at night when you wanted to be quiet.

You wanted those big head phones that covered both ears and had those long 8-12 ft coiled cords so you could dance around or, if your equipment was far away, you could lay on your bed without having to worry about being close.

Now, we are back to the small ear pieces; granted the sound is like those big head phones. I just find it amusing of the similarity to the old style. For that matter, its just another Star Trek invention. Think about the ear piece that Uhura used to wear. Think about those flip cell phones.  And the old hard square plastic computer disks. Their tri-corders are our PDA, and the PADDS, are our tablets now. All these were shown in Star Trek first. Take that Star Wars!

MASH

I used to love MASH. Then it got political. I remember something a Colonel or someone said at one of Hawkeye's court-martial's: I wouldn't want to lead a company of Hawkeyes into combat but I'd want them after that battle was over.  And Hawkeye said it best to Radar once; I don't know what you said, but I'll fight to the death your right to say it.

In any case, I remember Kemper when I see MASH. I know big surprise. But let me explain. We had a kid from Illinois, loved the Cardinals and was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet. Like Radar. He came back to Kemper once before it closed; he was a major then. He's married, got two kids and took over his dad's insurance agency. He doesn't stay in touch with the rest of the Old Boys. Then we had a guy who was at Kemper cause he had to be. Like Klinger. Hes now a dentist in Texas with a wife and kids. I don't think he want to be reminded of how he was. We had others that mirror many of the characters on MASH. I'd still back any of those guys right now if they called. I grew up with them. And when I say grew up, I mean actual growing. Each one of them contributed something. And who was I? I was all of them at one time or another. A bit of Klinger during my new boy phase. Along with Radar being homesick. Probably some of Col. Blake and even Frank Burns at times. I hope I ended like Col. Potter but feel maybe it was more Charles.

However I was I always feel lucky as I was with those men and woman who made it the best times of my life.  I can never say thank you enough no matter how many blog entries I write, No matter how many stories I tell about my time there. Whether they ever come back into the fold or make their own way in life, my love and respect goes with them all. For unless you were there, you don't know. I am lucky to have known all of those I remember and wish and pray and hope for those I have forgotten.

numquam non paratus

My father

Yesterday, Feb 22., would have been my father's 94th birthday if he was alive. With the snow and not feeling well I didn't post or write anything about it. For those who knew my father, I hope I continue to be what he was. He truly never met a stranger. Loved a good joke and made me look quiet and shy at times. And like it always is, I never appreciated him until he was gone. I remember him taking me to a Mizzou home football game, then eating at Bobby Bufford's. watching the sun set and discussing the pros and cons of renting out farm land or buying equipment and farming it yourself. It was a great conversation. It was at that time I think my father viewed me as an adult. I was 24 at the time and had done more than most people had before they were that age, but I still felt like a kid when it came to my dad. If there is one person who I want to emulate it would be him. I went to Kemper because of him. I went into the same fraternity as he did. I became a Mason as he was. I like Jack Daniels like he did. I traveled and enjoyed it. He also love to travel (just not by plane). And he wasn't afraid to talk to anyone. He also treated everyone the same; with respect and kindness.

I pray I continue to live up to what he was and be the person I hope he wanted me to be. Love and miss you dad. 

James S. Herring 
KMS 1936-1938

I posted that to my Facebook status. The snow was bad, and I have done many stupid things, but driving in that white out conditions and on those roads definitely ranks up there. Not even my Illinois trip when I was at Kemper can match that. at that time, it wasn't snowing bad and I had good visibility  This time in 2013.... the visibility was about 50 feet. I did 40 mph longer than I ever have to get to work. And then 3 minutes there and the boss says hes shutting the office down. Since I am a Job for Hire I only get paid for the hours I worked so I stayed there til 1:00 when there was a break in the snow. Still took me as long to get back home as all the on ramps were blocked to I-70. Semis, cars, not plowed... I have never seen it that bad before. 

Anyway, my dad's b-day was yesterday.  When I got back from work, I was not feeling the best so I took two Nyquil and went to bed at 8:15. I remember looking at the clock before I closed my eyes. And I didn't wake up until 9:15 this morning. So I needed the sleep. In any case, a lot of my friends and people from Kemper have commented on my post and liked it. Especially those who knew my father. 

I also wanted to write a bit about walking at night in the snow. In the country walking in the snow is usually a requirement to get to a barn, garage, vehicle... and walking at night when it has snowed is like walking in near silence. Everything is muffled except for the crunch of your feet. Its like the world is holding it's breath until you get to an explosion of lights from the outside and the doorway leading into the warmth and hearth of the house. I used to love walking around for 20-30 minutes...get my face cold, smell the wood smoke and maybe occasionally hear a plane or far off train as they broke through the silent barrier.  That was something that Kemper and the farm had in common; seeing and hearing planes and also the trains. And hopefully those memories and sounds stay with me for the rest of my life and beyond as they are a double stacked memory; the farm and Kemper. Two places now gone with the fog and time, available only in the memory and the heart on my soul. and like my father, I smile as I think of them and him. 

Combining

We all remember things that happen that may or may not be traumatic or exciting or whatever. It just depends on how we view things, what the memory is tied and things of that nature. I have a memory not of Kemper (shocking some may say) but never-the-less, for some reason it has stuck with me. Good or bad.

I remember once when they were combing beans. I don't know what age I was or what friend was there but I had never ridden in the cab of the combine. My dad said my friend could ride and did. I think my dad thought I could ride any time. To my knowledge, I never did. I can see my friend in the cab of the combine and them going a few rows. I don't know why that is such a clear memory or why it affects me as it does. Some may say it's childish or selfish. I have since grown and learned humility and sharing, so no worries... but for some reason that particular memory has stuck with me. To me that is like I reached a crossroads, and it was at that point I went down another path. That's how much of significance I put on that memory. Would it have changed anything? Who knows. I just know it is a bruise on my heart that will be with me forever.

Holidays

In this day and age, a lot of people are celebrating holidays not on the holiday. I can understand if someone has to work or something, but I want to celebrate my birthday, ON my birthday. Celebrate Thanksgiving on that day. As I said, I understand that some schedules dictate other, but as a rule of thumb, I like it to happen on those days.

Why? I just do. Those are the days so celebrate them. And if the restaurant you wanted couldn't help you because you waited to the last minute to book your romantic Valentine's Day dinner, too bad. I like seeing happy couples or celebrating families, or people making a big deal out of a birthday on a Tuesday night.

Those days are special. At least to me. I try to keep them that way as I have gotten older and my life has gotten crazier; and I do things that help me keep those feelings in me.

Doesn't work for everyone and that's ok too.

Faith, belief and trust

I remember one of my last years at Kemper I had some young cadets that thought I could do anything. This one male cadet was trying to figure out how to get to see his girlfriend in Michigan I believe. He basically said that he knew that if anybody could get it done it was me. I can't tell you how much it means when someone believes in you so much like that. To have someone put their faith and trust in you. As I said in a previous post; to have the respect of someone is better at times than love. You may think you love someone and come to find out that they don't love you and/or hurt you. But when it comes to respect, the only way to loose that is by yourself doing something. The other person would only loose respect for you if you did or didn't do something. At Kemper we trusted, we believed and we had faith. Not just in God, Country, Home and and School but in each other.

Lightning in a bottle

I was thinking of Julie. The one girl who never broke my heart, as she never knew how much I loved her; and yea, it was over 35 years ago. That's why that love is the purest to me. Its the sweetest. And its the love that never was; it was only in my heart and soul.

I remember the last time I saw her; her grandmother's wedding. To make a long story short, I was going to be prepared. I wanted it to be perfect the time we had together. I wanted the love story like on Fantasy island or the Love Boat (dam those shows). I had all my music (8-tracks of the day) I had an old guitar that I had bought from a cadet at Kemper when he needed the money. I knew a few cords (I still only know a few cords) and a blanket and God know what else all in the hatchback of my car. But, like I have always thought since that time; you can't make lightning in a bottle. It has to just happen. And I think she started to realize that I had more feelings for her than she had for me. It never even got the chance to happen and that was ok. Is ok. She was so nice, so... Julie.

Even after all that time... Things happen for a reason. And for me, in this situation it was a lesson that I have never forgotten as it was written on my heart. When I close my eyes I can see her. No matter where I am. No matter what, she will always be 16. I have always said and mean it that I hope she has had the best life, the most love and the most happiest anyone can ever be. For a brief time in the youth of my life she was the perfect love for an imperfect boy. That love will always be in the depth and breath of my heart. Something that that will never change.

What I miss

You know what I miss in a relationship; its not just the sex or the physical closeness, its the emotional closeness.

Someone said that can you live without love or respect. I think you can love someone and not respect them, but I don't think you can respect someone without a little bit of love.

I also miss someone knowing about yourself. Your stories. and learning about theirs. I've always said, after me their ain't no more. And that is true. I am the last of my line in so many ways. The Herring line. That line that went to Kemper.

And like the old saying about old soldiers; I will just fade away. But I know, I hope, that when that day comes I will be met by people-not even talking about family, well blood family. But my Kemper family. They mean that much too me.

Then, now and Kansas City.

Wow, I didn't know I had missed that many days.  This time of the year is not my favorite so...  Anyways, as I was driving through Kansas City I realized why I and perhaps a few others of my Kemper brothers liked KC better than most other 'big city.' Usually we would be coming back after a parade or some other event. It would be late and the sun would be setting and the lights of the of the town would be coming on as we would be heading home. To Kemper. We had a feeling of warmth and comfort after doing whatever we had to do. Then on the road home. Kemper was home for us. 

I can not even begin to try and tell you how it feels to know the security, the fun, the warmth of knowing that you were protected and yet still have the back up from parents. But they were not immediate thoughts as you knew that there were people at Kemper that would come to you aid way before any parents were needed. It was real simple. We took care of our own.

What I wouldn't give to tear up Kansas City or for that matter anyplace as long as I had people at my side that I knew and trusted and loved. Bunch. Dennis. Hank. George. Martin. Beck. Its a feeling that few know. People watch your back. They also bring different skills and talents to the table also. Some of the stories...

Sometimes I wish all the stories about Kemper and her sons and daughters could be forever immortalized so others would know what we went through. Then I think, no. I want the men and women who passed through Kemper's doors to always be remembered. Their names should and all that are part of kemper should be remembered. But their stories and what we did and went through; the good and the bad. No. They are our stories. You didn't live it. To try and tell a story, no matter how good, will never capture those who were there, who lived it. Some you can say a few things and they understand and get it. The rest though; you are just wasting your breath and wasting those people's time who don't understand or don't get it.

How many stories about combat can you tell? Men live, men die. The story is the men, just the location and the means and they change. Same with Kemper. You want to know about our one star general?  Our Old Boy who was award the medal of Honor for his actions in Viet Nam? How about the boy that started at Kemper in 7th grade and went all the way through to junior college and did 20 years in the Army? How many different stories are all depends on how many cadets there were. Many have drifted on. It seems like 20 years does seem to be much for some who want to live in the present and not be reminded of how they were. And yet if they hadn't been that way they wouldn't be who they are now. They are trying to re-write history so they don't look bad to their wives of kids. Too bad that I know where the skeletons are buried as I help bury them and I KNOW and remember how they were.

Blast from the past.

Found an old friend on Facebook, or more correctly he found me. A man I went to Kemper with  in 1979 when I was just a high school sophomore  He then went onto spend approximately 25 years in the Army... Airborne Ranger and who knows what else. We weren't in the same company or the same classes, but we started Kemper together and have that bond. When I saw him pop up on Facebook I friended him and he accepted. He called me tonight, I missed the call unfortunately, but will return it as soon as I can so we can catch up.

I have always said that the men and women I went to Kemper with were the best of the best. The time I was there was the best. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And, hopefully, if I make it to Heaven, my Heaven will be re-living my time at Kemper with some of the best people I have ever had the privileged of knowing. You say you can't count on one hand your friends; Hell I don't even make it out of the "A"s with both hands.

It humbles me that these men and women stay in touch with me. These are people who put their life on the line, who have seen combat and horror that few will ever know. They give me their friendship and I do my best to live up to that. I would rather die that betray any of them or break a trust. We are not human and none of us are perfect, but betraying a trust is not something I ever want associated with my memory when I trundle off this mortal coil.

Wind

Some like the rain to wash things clean. That fresh feeling. and don't get me wrong, I like it too, but I have always been partial to a good breeze. Not hurricane or tornado strong and not the gentle caress either; but a good breeze that you can feel when you walk, that moves the clouds and blows the cobwebs free from your mind. That's why I always liked heading west; towards Kansas. The wind swept plains I guess. Just a cowboy at heart, wanting to see whats over the next hill.

The idea of feeling the wind on your face so you know you are alive. The wind that might have touched other people from all over the world. That wind that has been blowing since time immortal.

Where We Are Now

With all the new sci-fi and fantasy thats out there, I just want people to remember that there were many that went before. And that it wasn't always cool to like Star Trek or science fiction. We paid the dues so those that like LOTR or Harry Potter are thought of as cool. But before the movies of LOTR there were the BOOKS! How many have read them? I remember reading them and trust me, you don't read them for pleasure. It. Is. A Rite. Of. Passage. Trust me. Any one who says difference is just a pretentious pompous asshole.  The writing is good, but difficult. Its descriptive. Its like reading Shakespeare. And to a degree they are that for us nerds, geeks, etc.

I read the Blish books of Star Trek. I remember reading Conan (Robert E. Howard) and Heinlein and Burroughs.

So while I am glad sci fi and fantasy are now more main stream, it wasn't always so. I am still proud of where I was and where we are now.

Always be 18

Spoke to two old friends tonight from Kemper. 30 years and counting and the bond is still as strong as ever. Through time, and miles, we are still those 18 and 19 year old men whose bond was forged in something that will never bond again. I'm sad and happy at the same time.

No words. Only memories remain.  Sometimes I find myself remembering; and we will always be 18.

I remember

While driving  today I noticed a pick up with a VW van sticker. That takes me back to Kemper (big shock I know).

I remember coming back from some military training on a Saturday  There were about 5 of us from Band who were decked out in our BDUs and LBEs. We were piled into Karlskint's VW van. For some reason we thought it would be funny to pile out of the van like airborne troopers from a plane as he drove slowly by the barracks. As we exited we all did a great PLF (I'm sure) and tumbled and rolled then ran for the barracks. Yeah I know, simple things amused us then. 

I also remember one time George and I were in some one's room doing who knows what for some reason. But we heard the Manhattan Transfer's "Twilight Zone".  We looked at each other and it was like we had the same idea and started acting/freaking out/dancing. It was truly one of those rare moments when I knew EXACTLY what George was thinking. 

Lastly I remember sitting in the hall way of K barracks, talking with someone as everybody just moved around us. We talked for hours. I have no idea what we talked about, just that nothing else really mattered. 

I have never felt more safe than when I was at Kemper. It was Home. I knew every place on that campus. While I was there, I knew that I had friends that had my back. Granted, these were the same ones that would play practical jokes on each one. And yes we would laugh at each other. But these are also the same ones that would cry at the passing of a parent. How can you describe that? Or would you? Even those who you may not consider your friends, if something bad came against Kemper, they would stand with you. And now, 30 years later; those cadets who you may have only known lightly, are more solid than any blood family I ever had. As I don't claim some of those who have the same biological blood in me; but rather claim those who are not even the same nationality or color as my family; my brothers and sisters. I love and miss them. and you either get this or you don't.


Twilight Zone - Manhattan Transfer

When I hear this melody 
This strange illusion takes over me 
Through a tunnel of the mind 
Perhaps a present or future time oh, oh 
Out of nowhere comes this sound 
This melody that keeps spinning 'round & 'round 
Pyramidal locomotion 
From a mystic unknown zone 

Hearin' the twilight 
Hearin' the twilight tone 

Unpretentious girl from Memphis 
Saw the future through her third eye 
People came with skepticism 
Picking, testing her precision, no, wo, oh, oh 
Suddenly they heard this sound 
This melody that keeps spinning 'round & 'round 
A signpost up ahead is calling 
Through the mystic unknown zone 

Hearin' the twilight 
Twilight swept away, feelin' the rhythm 
Hearin' the twilight 
Twilight swept away, ba da, loo da, ba da loo da 
Hearin' the twilight 
Twilight tone 

Submitted for your approval. One Mr. Miller, who's about 
To take a trip into oddness and obsolescence, through a 
Zone whose boundaries are that of imagination. 
Accompanying him on this journey is the mesmerizing 
Sound of the Twilight Tone. 

On a cold & rainy night 
One Mister Miller had a rare flight 
Glen was up there boppin' a rhythm 
Then the engine stopped to listen with him 
Play that beat, oh, oh 
Suddenly he heard this sound 
This melody that keeps spinning 'round & 'round 
Now he resides and plays trombone 
In the mystic unknown zone 

Hearin' the twilight 
(Ooooooh, twilight) 
Hearin' the twilight 
(Hearin' the twilight)

It still count!

Maybe my brain is off line as I can't really think of anything to post at this time. But I didn't want to miss another day of writing. Even if I am writing about missing a day of writing and that I don't want to miss any others;  its still writing.

Super Bowl Commercials.

Well I missed yesterday as I was so tired, I fell asleep last night without writing anything.

The weather has been cool but I actually like this kind of weather. Reminds me of fall. Saw some of the Super Bowl commercials. Some were good, some were bad, some were... interesting. depending on who you asked will get you a variety of answers. I liked the truck ad that had Paul Harvey doing the voice over talking about farmers. Coming from a farming background I appreciated it. I also like the William DeFoe one, him playing the devil. Budweiser always has a good one, and they didn't disappoint.

Anymore, the ads are better than the game I think.

St. Stephanie's and St. John's

At Kemper, when you were in junior high and high school, you had to go to church on Sunday (or Temple). And since the staff also went to church, they knew who went and who didn’t, so trying to ditch was difficult. When you got to college you didn’t have to go.

I went 4 years to the United Methodist Church there in Boonville, even singing in the choir for a while. A number of the staff went there (SGM Rainey and SGM Winborn) so I got to know them better, and they I.  As I became a college student and rose in ranks, I became a disciple of St. Johns. I know a number of my peers became follows of St. Stephanie.

There was a restaurant up town in Boonville, on the corner of the main street, close to a number of churches, called Stephanie’s. So if you went  to ‘church’ there, you were a follower of St. Stephanie’s. On one of the roads leading to I-70 there was a diner called Big John’s. It was a dive before being a ‘dive’ was chic. It had character.  I preferred going there as it was easiest to get there driving, so not too many cadets went.  They also had the best biscuits and gravy. And I had met the owner’s pretty daughter.  So I was a follower of St. John’s.

Both places are gone now, like Kemper. But the memories linger of breakfasts and growing up. Thinking I was on top of the world without a care. The food will always taste better there as was the coffee.  I value those memories and I smile.  

Barbers

I got a haircut today. It was at one of those salons; since I moved to Leavenworth, I have been trying to find a barber.  I like barbers. I once had a favorite barber who cut my hair for over 20 years; started when I was at Kemper. After I graduated, I still went to him as he had a shop in Boonville and I could go in and tell him 1, 2 or 3 and he knew exactly what I wanted. He knew. Also, I knew his family and love all of them.

While its nice to have pretty girls hovering around you, I close my eyes when I get my hair cut.  They tend to make me look ok, but its not the same.

Waterfield, you ruined me for any other hair person.

I'm glad John Belushi is dead

First off let me explain something. I LOVE John Belushi. There isn't anything he's in that I don't like. Ok, maybe Neighbors was pushing it, but he was trying for the straight man role vs his comedic one. I especially loved him in Continental Divide, as that showed what kind of range he had.

Why the title? Because as the times, movies and TV changed - I refuse to say evolved as evolution usually means something positive - I don't think he would have continued being who he was. In some ways, the ones who are taken from us before their time, either through accident, drug or other, will forever stay with us as being on top.

Belushi, Gilda Radner, Phil Hartman...SNL alumni... To me Belushi will always be Jake Blues, Bluto, Souchak....He will be The King Bee, Beethoven, the Samurai everything and a multitude of characters. Another that I absolutely loved was Sam Kinison. Oh my God... Sam would have HATED what has been happening in the U.S. If he survived I can honestly say that any death of his, I might think have been a government conspiracy. Outspoken and absolutely one of the funniest men I have ever heard. I remember getting his first album on cassette and playing for me and a group of friends as we had piled into my GMC Jimmy - full size. We were flying down a winding road and I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard. I am surprised that I didn't put us into a ditch of hit something!

Jim Croce and Harry Chapin. Two storytellers who I loved. Their music was so right for the time they lived. The '70s were truly another time. As was the 80's. I once said I lived in the best of times and the worst of times. I feel lucky to remember seeing the ORIGINAL SNL, because now...ugh. Mad TV when they were starting out once asked, 'Remember when Saturday Night Live was Funny? Neither can we!' And with later alums like Tina Fey....ugh. I don't find her funny AT ALL. They are no Gilda Radner or Laraine Newman or Jane Curtain.

I hope all that have gone before us are at piece, doing what they do best, making people happy in Heaven. They were taken from us too young. They died too young. but I think had they lived they wouldn't be the stars that I see them for. And I would hate to have their brightness dimmed by the insipid stuff that is currently coming out of my TV or radio.

In the immortal words of Chevy Chase (yes I know he ain't dead) "I'm Chevy Chase and you're not!"