Memories of Jim Shanni

One of my randonneur cycling friends died on July 25th while riding his bike. Jim Shanni apparently suffered a cardiac event and never regained consciousness. He was 58 years old and a strong cyclist. I am saddened to lose my friend so unexpectedly. 

I met Jim in 2010 as I finished my third RUSA  ride, a 300 km brevet out of Gainesville GA. He was checking in riders, grilling hot dogs, and providing other refreshments. I was new to randonneuring while Jim started in 2007 I think the next time I saw him was at a 600 km brevet in North Carolina when Jim's car had a mechanical issue and we tried to locate an owner's manual on line. Jim developed several routes that could be ridden for RUSA credit. I frequently did three of his routes. Back then we had to pre-register with the "permanent owner" in advance. I got to know Jim well, often he would join me if schedules permitted, and we became good friends.

Here are a few memorable rides I did with Jim.

In 2011 Jim and I volunteered to pre-ride the Gainesville 300 km brevet (ride where we initially met the prior year). Pre-rides confirm cue sheet directions and make sure the roads are OK. We started at 4:00 am Friday the day before the event to finish at a reasonable time and before predicted rain. Most of the ride went well and we shared plenty of stories. Late in the afternoon the weather changed and light rain rolled in. Since Jim was a stronger cyclist than me, he went ahead to avoid/minimize lousy conditions we began to encounter. The rain increased along with thunder and lightning. Although temperatures were reasonable and I had rain gear, the deluge made for miserable conditions. I had several cars offer a ride but determined to receive brevet credit I declined telling them my car was just down the road. Finally the zip lock bag protecting my cue sheet began to leak and directions began to disappear. While I was near the end and on the same roads we had taken on the way out, it was disconcerting to put it mildly. A few miles from the finish Jim came out in his car, genuinely concerned for my safety, and pleaded with me to get into his car. I refused and managed to finish but recall the concern I caused for Jim. On the brevet was the next day two riders encountered a road closure (from the storm I think) and could not complete the brevet.

During a 200 km brevet in 2014 I was bitten by a dog. There were three dogs in a yard on the left as I climbed a small grade. Two of them ran across the road and were just running along side me. Concerned about them crossing in front of me, I was attacked from behind by the third dog who chomped hard on my left calf; the pain and shock reminded me of the movie Jaws. Then all three dogs regrouped and began chasing as I sprinted as fast as I've ever worked on a bike. I rode to a nearby convenience store, but they didn't have first aid supplies that I needed. I called friends at Hard Labor Creek state park picnicking who had first aid supplies. One friend there (doctor) recommended ER visit/stitches while another friend (nurse) disagreed with stitching right away. Jim was on the ride ahead of me--and an ER physician--so I called and asked him to wait for me at the brevet finish to assess the damage. After cleaning and bandaging at HLC I rode 30 miles to the finish where Jim met me. I had first aid stuff in my car, do we looked at the wounds and cleaned them up again. Jim's assessment was if it had been my face he would stitch but since it was my leg leave it open for now to reduce chance of infection. He then gave me detailed instructions on how to care for it, and called in a antibiotic prescription at the Kroger pharmacy nearby. Thanks to Jim's advice, the wounds healed without complication, and it turned out the dog who bit me was the only one with current vaccinations. 

Later that year I fractured my femur on a brevet in Rome. At the time I had done 58 monthly RUSA rides of at least 200 km and wanted to keep the streak alive. A group of us scheduled a 200 km Athens permanent for October 25. I rode a tandem as the stoker while Kevin Kaiser was the pilot. It was a challenging ride for Kevin (first tandem ride--and likely his last). Jim was on that ride, and throughout the day riders shepherded Kevin and me to a successful day. I could not have done it without all that support.

In November 2017 I was T-boned by a car on a Sunday ride less than a mile from home and spent 4 days in the hospital. Once again I was working on a streak and by late December felt good enough to attempt a 200 km RUSA ride. Jim and two other riders (Brian Burke & Robert Newcomer) showed up to shepherd me through the day. Once again I would not have been successful without their help. I most likely would not have even attempted it solo. 

These stories reflect my own perspectives, but they are examples of how supportive Jim was to everyone he met on RUSA rides. I do not know details on Jim's passing, but that isn't important right now What's important is Jim's family, friends and I lost a wonderful person--unexpectedly and too damn early.

 GODSPEED, JIM.

Immigration

 

Our immigration policy is like the movie Groundhog Day.  Border apprehensions go up; an administration panics and enacts harsher enforcement; apprehensions decline; the administration declares victory; border apprehensions go up again. The only consistent long-term policy is convincing immigrants not to come here at all, and that isn’t really working and is not in America’s best interest long term.

Immigrants come here for the same reasons our ancestors did, and many are well qualified to perform jobs our economy is desperate for, from harvesting lettuce, replacing roofs, and tons of basic service economy positions most of us don’t foresee our descendants striving for. We also need to accept that many determinants of migration are outside the control of the United States and beyond the reach of our policies. We should also realize that it is impossible to crisis-proof the border because no investment in and of itself — even a wall — will stop people from being able to set foot on U.S. soil. Politicians should stop throwing rocks blaming the other party; invest resources and money to upgrade the vetting process and improve humanitarian conditions for immigrants during that process.

Increase the capacity at ports of entry to conduct orderly asylum interviews rather than forcing people to use Customs and Border Protection’s notoriously buggy CBP One app in the hopes of setting up scarce appointments.

Establish a “peace core” center that can train recent college grads on the proper vetting process. Besides a starting salary another incentive could be a formula forgiving student loan debt based on training time and length of service.

Recruit new lawyers to practice immigration law for a specified time like we currently do for doctors to encourage them to spend time in rural areas.

Improve temporary housing for immigrants who qualify for future immigration hearings, so they have an incentive to show up instead of disappearing.

Beef up our court system with more judges—and attorneys—so matters get heard faster. BTW this could apply to our criminal justice system too.

Educate immigrants on what the vetting process is all about including giving them information on how they can help in providing information when the standard docs may not be available. If your house were on fire would you go back inside to get your birth certificate?

Lost/stolen wallet

It's been 41 years since I experienced a lost/stolen wallet, but it happened today. After going to the gym, I joined two friends for lunch. When it was time to pay, my wallet was not in my back pocket. I thought it must be in my gym bag, but as I searched it and my car, no wallet. Just then I received a text from a credit card company asking if I had used it to make a $400 purchase at Lowe's. Pretty obvious I did not have my wallet, but someone did. Within minutes another text arrived from American Express, same amount also at Lowe's. I called both companies and had cards blocked, but neither company could tell me the location of the store. I tried calling Lowe's and was put on terminal hold so I drove to the closet one. Showed them the text and they were able to identify the Lowe's in question--but it was not the one where I had gone.

So how does one deal with this? Since I wasn't sure where I was when the wallet disappeared, the procedure is call the police where one resides to obtain a police report/case number. Fortunately I live in Sandy Springs and our police force is responsive and very helpful. They will then report to the Chamblee PD (where the Lowe's store involved is located) and they in turn investigate. There may well be video evidence, but that probably won't get my wallet back. At least I will not be responsible for multiple charge attempts--some declined, but some initially approved.

The rest of my day was spent figuring how to get a new driver's license, what ID is needed, and where drivers service center is currently located since the one I've previously used to renew my license had relocated. Taking care of that was easy as the center was not crowded and well staffed. It did cost $32, but now my license is good for 8 more years instead of expiring next year. One benefit is since I no longer wear corrective lenses after cataract surgery, I showed the examiner the patient implant ID card, passed the vision test (which is a joke), my new license will no longer contain a corrective vison requirement.

Replacing other stuff takes more time (health insurance, student id, library card, new wallet, etc).Fortunately I don't carry much stuff in a wallet. I suppose most of us have dealt with this at some point; I'm glad it's been 41 years since I last had to deal with it.

In 1982 I had just moved to Atlanta from Connecticut about 2 weeks before. The biggest issue was I still had a CT license and no GA license. I was scheduled to fly to NY on business in a few days, and would need to rent a car. The next day  I was visiting one of my company's agents in Newnan, and asked him if there was a driver's service nearby so I could obtain a GA license. He said the GA State Patrol Post was nearby and he could help expedite things. However, he insisted driving me there right away in his car which was a huge Buick sedan. I'm thinking I'll have to take a written exam, driver's road and vision tests, but he insisted he would make sure we bypassed all that (after all his uncle was a former Georgia governor). My friend knew everyone at the post, explained I was a long-time business associate and needed to get a GA license to replace an out of state license immediately. The examiner asked for my CT address, and in about 2 minutes confirmed my CT license was valid. I only had to take a written exam and vision test (no road test) and had a GA license in less than 15 minutes. Back then I did not have a passport and photo IDs were not common. About a month later, I received a small package in the mail. It contained my wallet which was found on a street in Atlanta by someone who mailed it to my CT address where it was then forwarded to me in Atlanta.

I'll probably never see that wallet or learn the identity of whoever picked it up. Probably good since learning who's responsible might result in a felony--on my record.

Bob Trippe

In the Atlanta Journal Constitution obituaries I noticed a longtime friend Bob Trippe had passed away in Clearwater, Florida. I met Bob early in my Chubb career when I was sent to Atlanta in 1968 on a month-long temporary assignment in the Personal Lines Department. Bob was an underwriter in that department and we became quick friends as I had never previously been in Atlanta. The assignment stretched in several months and while I thought a permanent transfer would be nice, I was sent back to continue my training in New York. In late 1970 one of the other Atlanta PL underwriters was promoted, and I was offered a transfer; it was a good opportunity so I jumped at it. Bob was still there, and we continued hanging out together.

Many a night was spent at The Red Dog Inn (later Clarence Fosters and now a Chick Filet site). We enjoyed drinking, good music, and shared a quirky sense of humor. We enjoyed pulling multiple pranks on fellow Chubb employees. One I remember was when Bob and I were assigned to design department work flow charts. After we completed the project we then designed different wacky versions and distributed them to some gullible unsuspecting employees--it was hilarious. When Chubb merged with/acquired Pacific Indemnity, the Atlanta branch of each company shared office space. Relations got strained at times. In an effort to lighten things up Bob and I prepared a pamphlet titled "Analysis of the Chubb & Pacific Indemnity Merger." When you opened it the first page was a photo of 2 rhinos having intercourse with the "make love not war motto" below. The Chubb branch manager laughed, but warned us not to show it to PI staff. Of course we showed it to the PI branch manager and his response was "you don't know what it's like down below." Another time I grew a mustache much to the chagrin of our department manager. When I refused to shave it he suspended me from traveling or conducting agency seminars I had helped design. Bob was instrumental in convincing our manager that was a stupid policy and he ultimately relented. 52 years later I still haven't shaved it.

In late 1972  I was offered a career expanding opportunity in Chubb's home office. While I wound up in NJ, LA and CT, Bob remained in Atlanta, ultimately becoming the regional Personal Lines Manager. Fast forward 10 years and Bob was named the branch manager of Chubb's Charlotte office, and I was promoted into Bob's regional position. Even though we were in different cities we frequently interacted at numerous Personal Lines meetings and some home office activities. Bob and also spent time together planning and establishing a personal lines underwriting presence in Charlotte.  

I left Chubb in 1988, and Bob ultimately wound up in Tampa as the branch manager so the friendship faded over time. I often thought about our friendship. Like many of my Chubb friends it became harder to keep in touch once I left. That was one my regrets about leaving a 20 year career. I have managed to maintain contact with a few of them. I wish Bob had remained one of them

Godspeed, Bob Trippe.

Violence in America and the world

 In previous posts about mass shootings and segregation, I suggested America has a long history of violent behavior. These days the news, internet, and every information source have daily stories about some unfortunate confrontation within my city, state, nation. 

I recently read a book that suggests this is not only an American problem. Killing the Killers, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard take a look at the war against terror. It's a compelling--and not fun reading for the weak of heart. It outlines how some of the world's most wanted terrorists have been dispatched, but also shares  gruesome details on the attacks/killings enacted against the victims of terrorism.  

While America's concerns centers mainly on gun control, terrorists demonstrate there are many other methods to kill. Suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices (IED) beheading, vehicle crashes are not common here, but are used throughout the world. 

In mass killings the common element to me seems to be a hatred or mental health that drives someone to an extreme action against innocent people even at the expense of their own life. In the USA the hatred has many sources; world-wide terrorism stems mainly around religious differences. Hatred and religion violence has existed since time began. Both seem to be headed in undesirable directions.

A recent study published by the creators of the Violence Project catalogued over 150 mass shootings back to 1966. Using public records, news stories, and interviews with those who knew the shooter, they compiled detailed information about killers, weapon types, victims, and settings. Their data suggests a pattern of distress which the authors think is related to the increased frequency of mass shootings in the US. Many shooters previously mentioned suicide, isolation or had made disturbing comments/videos. Perhaps they chose a mass shooting as a way to seize power and attention while ending their own life in a way they controlled. The study showed mass shootings are increasing as one-third of the shootings studied occurred in the last decade and nearly all the shooters were men. 

We recently discussed gun violence in a men's group forum and I mentioned favoring banning assault weapons and related accessories like bump stocks, and mandatory life sentences without parole for first degree murder convictions I don't advocate the death penalty mainly because it costs society more to process endless appeals beforehand than it does to just lock them up for lie. In retrospect, while that might have some effect, it doesn't deal with individuals with serious hate or mental health problems especially if they are using it a a way to end their own life. 

Our country has long struggled in dealing with mental health and extreme hate issues, and solutions in that arena seem to defy resolution or improvement.

  

77 and Still Counting

 

January 24^th marks my 77^th trip around the sun which was the same number that my paternal grandfather made.  It’s a milestone because both my parents and maternal grandfather died much younger.  I believe genetics from parents/grandparents can play a role in how long a person lives. No doubt lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, and luck also play a part.

Smoking was a major factor in my parents early demise, and both grandfathers had heart issues to the best of my knowledge; they passed away long before I even started my journey. I did know both grandmothers—although not that well since they lived in Pennsylvania. They each lived into their 80s. I think one died sitting in a chair at home while reading; the other was affected by dementia but well into her 80s before it appeared.

When one gets to my age usually some thoughts may arise concerning end of life. Right now I am financially comfortable, in reasonably good physical condition, and mentally sound at least based on having been back in college the last 10 years obtaining three more degrees. My affairs are in order (although still need more downsizing). My hope is I still have plenty of time to work on that and many other even more enjoyable activities.

I would like to live long enough to take a stab at the world hour one hour centurion cycling record and perhaps die riding a bike. Wouldn’t care if that occurred because of stroke, heart attack, accident as long as it’s quick. That would mean I enjoyed quality of life right up to the end.

Wish me luck—but hopefully not too soon.

Second College Journey

 10 years ago I discovered I could attend college at any public Georgia college/university tuition free. The requirement is be 62 years old and a Georgia resident. All required is an application, $60.00 fee and previous college transcripts. Taking exercise science courses would be an inexpensive way of getting continuing education credits to maintain coaching licenses I have. Upon acceptance at Georgia State University I was asked if I wanted to declare a major. When they also advised 130 hours had transferred from my previous college career so I was a senior, I embarked on a second undergrad degree, this time in exercise science. 

Along the way I took other courses of interest, and in 2017 wound up with an undergrad gerontology and BS in exercise science. I then started working on a graduate gerontology degree fueled by an interest doing a research thesis "Comparison of  cardiovascular changes occurring in older adults engaging in diverse types of stationary cycling exercise". Along the way I won third place in what's called the "Three Minute Thesis" competition, spent 2 weeks in a study abroad semester in China, and prepared my thesis proposal. Covid derailed my research plan. Instead I founded Georgia Cycling Without Age, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for those with limited mobility to enjoy the freedom, joy, and adventure that cycling provides using a specialty battery assisted bike that allows them to ride under the guidance of a pilot. That Capstone project finalized a Gerontology MA in 2021.

I also took kinesiology grad courses in addition to gerontology classes to help in prepare for my research study. Once I was half way to a Exercise Science MS that became the next goal. No sooner had that goal happened this past summer, I was recruited to teach an under grad anatomy class at GSU this semester.

So it has been a 10 year adventure and I am not sure it's over. I don't plan on a PHD, as I now realize research is not my cup of tea, and I can now teach at college level if that's what I want to do. I have extensive teaching experience from my previous insurance career and learned more anatomy teaching than when I originally took the course. The biggest challenging teaching for me going forward would be figuring out how to effective engage and communicate with students three generations removed from mine.

As I mentioned, this journey has been tuition free. My expenses have been minimal lab fees in a few classes, text books, transportation/parking,. My tuition costs had I been paying would have been $90,000. Sometimes being old and interested in more education has advantages.

Back to the future: growing up Catholic

 My mother was Catholic while my father grew up in a Presbyterian family. When they married the agreement was children would be raised Catholic. This was a non-issue for my father since he seemed religion ambivalent. So my brother and I grew up as Catholics. Early on I was too young so I did was I was told, and from a religious point of view my mother set the stage. First grade was spent in public school, but in 1952 a Catholic school was established in my home town. Where I should go to school became a debate between my parents as my mother wanted me at Sacred Heart while my father felt public schools were more established. My mother won that debate so Catholic school became my educational path for the next 7 years. In retrospect I wish my father had prevailed, but it was not his nature to debate religion.

During those years I accepted Catholicism as gospel without question. I did worry about my father not attending services with us, and when I asked him about that, he said, "Well, I am Presbyterian." Later on I asked why he did not go to the Presbyterian church in town, he responded, "Well, that's a southern Presbyterian church and I'm a northern Presbyterian." Later on I discovered there was a profound difference, but back then I thought he would wind up in hell since Catholics believed they were the only ones who ever wound up in heaven. When my mother started skipping church I began to have doubts about her as well. Nevertheless, I tried following the rules as best I could.

After graduating from Sacred Heart I wanted to go to a seminary to become a priest. My father won that debate by telling my mother and me, if Neil wants to consider priesthood he can explore that after high school. I think it's the only argument he ever won with my mother. Side note: if my parents ever seriously argued about things I seldom was aware of it.  Back then I thought priesthood would be cool: public speaking, helping people, a nice residence, some wine, etc. Whoops, being celibate?  My doubts had began after going to confession for years making up stuff. Now as sexual interests evolved, I confessed stuff I wasn't even sorry about. I quit going to confession or receiving communion in high school, but  attended Sunday services even after starting college.

The University of Richmond was affiliated with the Baptist Association of Virginia, and students were required to take two semesters of religious history, aka Bible. It was the old and new testament from the King James version of the bible. They were were more like interesting history courses, and I learned it was OK to question things. That was contrary to my Catholic upbringing where you were not allowed to question anything. Once I quit going to church, I began to question and rebel against Catholicism.. Everything I had experienced smacked of this is the way, the only way, and if one is not completely on board, heaven and eternal salvation are out of the question.

Both of my marriages were to Catholics. The first was in a Catholic church while the last one was a civil ceremony. At one point we thought it would be advantageous to expose my stepson to a religion. We naturally gravitated toward Catholicism. Early on I thought the church had become more enlightened, but when we explored getting married as Catholics it turned out annulling two earlier marriages required digging up long buried grudges and memories. It was also ridiculously expensive. That ended my last real exposure to any type religious faith. 

I think of myself as agnostic. I don't know if there is an after life or heaven and hell. My goal is to to life a moralistic life so I will be covered either way. I am not perfect, but I do my best. I accept many individuals thrive in their religion; it's just not something I feel necessary for me to live a worthwhile life.

Don Schaet

I met Don in early 1999 when he joined the TeamInTraining cycling team to participate in the Santa Fe Century that spring. Back then I had no idea how important that friendship would become. Don and I participated in almost 40 TNT centuries over the next 18 years. When I mentioned one of my goals was to cycle a century in all 50 states, he made it one of his life goals. The point is Don accomplished that goal while I'm still working on it.

During his time with TNT Don fund raised over $250,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. That's not surprising given his fund raising experience. He was an executive director for the Vietnam Veteran Memorial and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Don was one of judges for the Vietnam Veteran Memorial who visited Maya Lin at Yale to advise her proposed design for the wall had been selected. He knew how to fund raise, and did it the old fashioned way with personalized letters and multiple contact lists. I remember when he volunteered to be the secretary for his college reunion as it gave him another contact list. He would rotate his many contacts and once told me folks he hadn't contacted in a while would reach out in order to donate.

We did 2 road trips to ride non-TNT centuries. The first one was riding the Zion Century in 2008. We shipped bikes to our Utah hotel, flew to Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove to the event. It was memorable for me since it was my first century on a single gear bike, but upon reflection it was the flight, windshield and cycling time with Don that was the real highlight. Same thing in 2010 when we drove to ride centuries in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky. That's when I convinced Don we could claim century credit by riding into a state during a 100 mile ride versus cycling a full 100 miles in each state. On one of those rides a dog ripped Don's leg open. Since we were on a return course I rode ahead to obtain first aid material. It turned out OK, but Don made me promise not to let his wife know exactly what happened because he thought she would lobby to curtail his cycling.

Back then Don had a tendency to ride off course. It was hard for me to figure out since career military personnel normally have above average orienteering skills. Perhaps those were the very early signs of dementia. By 2015 several teammates became concerned about Don's ability to cycle a consistent line. On a training ride I made it a point to ride beside him and 12 miles into it he swerved into me, knocking me into the roadside grass, but he fell on the road taking down another teammate. I was faced with the task of discussing this with Don as we drove to a TNT event in Maryland a few weeks later. That was one of the hardest tasks I ever faced as a cycling coach. Our conversation went well, but the following year Don announced he was doing his final TNT ride in Tahoe. Don was the top national  fundraiser for that event. I think every time he did Tahoe he was one of the top fundraisers among the several thousand other TNT cyclists.

Don and his wife Gail moved to Skidaway Island around then to be closer to family in that area. The last conversation I had with Don was to advise that a long time TNT cyclist (Lynn Teague) had passed away. He had a hard time recalling her even though they had been cycling teammates and friends many years. Since then I kept up with Don through Facebook posts by his son Will and youngest daughter Claire and occasional phone conversations with his wife Gail.

Don was a retired Marine Colonel with multiple Vietnam tours. I didn't know Don during his first marriage when he and his late wife raised three children. When I met Don and his wife Gail they had adopted Claire as an infant from Paraguay a few years previously.  Claire became an aunt to Don's grandchildren, some older than her. I think there were some challenges during Claire's adolescent years, but Don and Gail faced them with her, and Claire is now happily married raising her own child (Don's newest grandson). Don had 4 children (Will, Jenny, Connie and Claire) 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

I had been saddened about Don's health over the past few years, especially his memory loss of me as a friend. My consolation is that he is no longer suffering from the frustration dementia no doubt caused him. I am also grateful to have enjoyed a most treasured friendship over 23 years. Godspeed, Don Schaet. 

Veterans Day

I did not serve in the military and reflect on that from time to time. I started college in 1964, graduating 4 years later. Finances were tight and I considered enrolling in ROTC mainly because there was a stipend. But the Vietnam conflict was escalating and there was an increasing chance of winding up in that conflict. My father and several uncles/aunts had served during WW II, and were praised for their patriotism. In 1966, I was ordered to report for a physical exam, even though I had a student deferment (2-S) and was not in danger of flunking out.

I reported for my physical on July 1, 1966, and the only document I carried regarding my physical status was a letter from the doctor who did knee surgery on me in 1963 and aspirated that knee about 4 weeks ago. There were over 200 of us going through the exam that day in Richmond. At some point I wound up standing in front of someone reviewing my file. After going through it he said, "I am sorry son, but we are going to reject your capacity for military service at this time." That's an exact quote, I guarantee.

I was classified as unfit under current standards (1-Y) but could be called back if standards changed. In 1966, that meant I didn't have to contemplate military service, could finish college and get started on a career. Given my desire to make money and avoid Vietnam, that was good news. The caveat was since I originally had a student deferment, I was eligible for a recall/re-evaluation until age 35 instead of 26 (15 years instead of 6).

Three years later Vietnam was escalating and I was in NYC undergoing a second surgery on the same knee. Afterwards the surgeon told me I might experience degenerative arthritis in later life (prophetic). I asked about my chances of being called up for military service. His response was "if NYC is attacked, you could be drafted to collect tolls on the Triboro Bridge." In 1972, I received a massive envelope from my local Selective Service Board (Ruby Waddell--my Danville friends may remember that name). I waited 3 days afraid to open, fearing the worst. When I finally opened, it advised my status was now 4-F (permanently not eligible). Back then my brother had just returned from Vietnam. I was thankful he was safe and I would not have to worry about it any more.

I think the discipline and dedication to successfully complete military service would have made me a more complete individual without multiple joint replacements. On the other hand I could be below ground with perfectly good joints. Have no idea how things might have played out without a knee injury. 

I respect all who have experienced military service. I also wish our country would increase efforts to more effectively help those who wind up with after effects like PTSD. I also believe military service is much more than defending our country against those who seek to destroy us. It is serving our country in many different capacities, and all who serve deserve respect for their service.

Covid Reflections

Covid is now firmly in my rear view mirror. Last year I practiced protocols, avoiding travel or gatherings, social distancing, masks, etc. While I read and researched the issues, I wondered how much of what we were told was accurate because there were so many "experts" preaching and the sermons changed over time. I firmly believe the statistics contain a combination of politics and bullshit. I base this on the fact that flu deaths virtually disappeared combined with deaths where the individual tested positive was a Covid death. Many had chronic conditions where Covid contributed to, but was probably not the primary cause. 

Anyway, we seem to be getting over all the scare tactics although many folks still argue about vaccines, masking and other issues. My take:

I am not worried about vaccination rates, it is an individual choice. Get vaccinated, don't get vaccinated, I don't care. I did, but am undecided about a booster.

Wear a mask, don't wear a mask, I don't care.

I  no longer wear a mask in public, but if I go where a mask is required, I put one on. Most medical and hospital facilities still require them along with Atlanta's public transit, airports and flights. Reminds me of my study abroad time in China a few years ago where masks were pretty common. 

I haven't used public transportation yet, but probably will when taking my first trip later this year (flight to Alaska).

Assault Weapons & Mass Shootings

 The first mass shooting I vividly remember was the August 1, 1966 Texas Tower. There were plenty before that, but without the main street media coverage that now exists.. I've known two friends who died as the result of a mass shooting. One involved  an employee termination while the other person was simply in an office where the shooting occurred. 

While there are many elements, I believe 3 primarily contribute to our situation:

The shear number of assault weapons already in the United States along with fairly easy procedures for a person to acquire them. While there are many definitions of an assault weapon, there are millions. We are a well-armed nation, and I am not counting guns in general.

The mental state of most of the individuals who decide to kill multiple random individuals including a willingness to die during or after the event. Both shooters of my friends committed suicide before being apprehended.

Coverage of these by MSM and the divided opinions of individuals over gun rights v gun control.

I do not have a solution because:

With millions of assault weapons already out there, the proverbial horse has already left the barn. Banning assault weapons won't eliminate those, and I suspect asking owners to surrender them would not create a very long line. Given the mind state of many owners aggressively going after them could result in more shootings.

Since most states shut down many mental institutions there are lots of individuals with severe mental problems that do not receive care or counseling. If you don't believe me go start interviewing the homeless. In addition, mass shooters may not show any discernible clues as to their intention.

The United States has a long history of violence dating back to our founding. Duels, old west gun fights , lynchings that continued  into  the 1930s and 40s, protests resulting in violence, etc. We are a divided nation and more prone to employing violent methods to settle disagreement.

Since I do not have a solution, I worry less about being the victim of a mass shooting--or any shooting--than I do about being hit by a car while cycling. 

It's also interesting to note that in the Texas Tower incident,  the shooter had 7 weapons. The closest one to an assault-style weapon was a 30 M 1 carbine rifle. His advantage was location and a multiple variety of rifles to choose from. 

Bill Hicks

 I just learned that my friend Bill Hicks had passed away in April last year at the age of 92. Bill and I had been friends since 1968. Like many long lasting inter-generational friendships, it began through a formal channel and over time became something more. I first met Bill during my early career at Chubb when I was sent to the Atlanta office to work on a 3 month assignment. I was brand new to the insurance business and Bill was the branch office claims department manager. Our departments were next to each other and I probably learned more about insurance policy coverage from him than anyone else. I was sent back to Atlanta in 1970 for several years, and our friendship continued. After several promotions/transfers I returned to Atlanta in 1982, and that's when our friendship and mutual love of cycling and canoeing really became cemented. 

I don't remember the date but Bill and I decided to canoe the Chattahoochee River. Early on A Saturday morning we left a car at the park on Azalea Drive and then had a friend drop us off at Bowman's Island just below the Lake Lanier dam.  As we were preparing to embark we encountered a boy scout troop also planning to canoe the river. The scoutmaster asked how far we were going and when we told him, he then asked where we would be camping since that was too far to canoe in one day. We had only prepared for a day trip and our drop off driver was gone so we had no choice but to head down river. I suppose it was a combination of adrenaline and river water release, but we were done by mid-afternoon. That was the first of many canoe/kayak adventures that Bill and I shared.

In 1984 we decided to register for the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG), which was a week long ride following Sherman's march to the sea. Bill wanted to have his van available, so we indicated we would have it when we registered. When we showed up to start the ride it turned out we had been designated as the only SAG support for the entire ride which consisted of over 300 other cyclists. It worked out fine and I had a chance to cycle several side trips as I was reading a book by Burke Davis on Sherman's March which was a historical account of the route Sherman followed. Like canoeing that was the first of several more BRAG rides and many other cycling adventures.

I left Chubb in 1988 and Bill retired several years later, but our friendship continued. The last time I spoke with Bill was as the pandemic began . We agreed to get together once that was over. During the past year I drove or cycled past the retirement community where Bill lived and kept planning to at least check in with him by phone. The cruelest irony of the pandemic is how it isolates you from friends you don't see constantly. You tend to think, when it's over we'll..... Unfortunately, time can change things.

I will never do another bike ride or a canoe/kayak trip without remembering how valuable that relationship was for me. Godspeed, Bill Hicks.

2020 Georgia Election Results

My overwhelming initial reaction to the Georgia January 5th senate run off was relief that campaign ads are gone. $800 million bought a lot of mud slinging. I was not enamored with any of the four candidates. I believe the Republican candidates ran to continue lining their own pockets. Ossoff has his sights on much higher offices, and will probably sell out to whoever he thinks will help him achieve that. I'm not sure about Warnock so I will reserve my opinion for now. I am super skeptical of political ad content, but Warnock's were clearly better than the other three.

Several factors led to Georgia turning blue. While demographics were important, I believe Trump's behavior was the catalyst that tipped the scale between November and January particularly in the Perdue/Ossoff race. I also believe that if Trump had been even semi-diplomatic during his presidency, he would have easily won re-election. His comments/tweets during the riot on January 6th were as always all about his ego.

As a log time skeptic of both the democratic and republican parties, I hoped republicans would win at least one of the Georgia races just to maintain some degree of checks and balances. The fact that Ossoff has generated a huge campaign war chest over the past few years despite his background leads me to think he has a lot of people/organizations in his pockets--and many of them have little interest in serving Georgians or other citizens.   

The January 6th Capitol Hill chaos could lead to a civil war that many predict might occur. I wasn't around for the the first one in 1861, but like then our country seems very divided and angry right now. Upon reflection, January 6th was not the start. The protests over the past few years over a variety of issues have often led to violence. Now some folks are creating unrest over a presidential election. That hasn't happened since Abraham Lincoln was elected. I guess history can repeat itself. Hopefully the last shot of this uprising has been fired, but things remain uncertain.

I consider local and state elections more important than presidential elections. Nevertheless, I have voted in 14 presidential elections since becoming eligible. I've only voted democratic or republican on two rare occasions a candidate terrified me (Nixon, 1968 and Dukakis, 1988). The other 12 were for third party candidates based on my opinion that first, America should have more than 2 candidate choices and second, whoever is president does not make that much difference in the long term. The second reason began to change in 2016 with Trump and Hilary as candidates. At the start of campaigning there were a lot of candidates, even a few I felt inclined to consider. In the end it was the same old thing, so I voted for Gary Johnson.

When Trump won, I was willing to give him a chance since he was a true political outsider and I thought he would shake things up in Washington. He sure did, but over 4 years, not the way I thought it should be handled. As mentioned above Trump's personality and character flaws ultimately cost him what could have been a second term, and his post-election actions have "trumped" any chance he will pull off a Grover Cleveland in 2024.  He virtually erased his legacy paraphrased by Kimberly Strassel (Wall St Journal columnist) as a one-term disrupter-- elected to let Washington know many Americans were fed up with "business as usual."

Perhaps the divisions, particularly within the republican party, will eventually create a viable third major party so we have more presidential choices on actual election day. I am not adverse to infighting among democrats either. However, it needs to be handled much more diplomatically than has been done previously. I do hope Washington--along with politicians and citizens--get the message that it is now time for positive change.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Friendship

I just saw in the University of Richmond magazine that Ken Oberg passed away in March. He was my fraternal "big brother" when we were Pi Kappa Alphas together in college. He was a close friend and mentor to me in college. The last time I saw him was at his wedding--not sure of the date but not too long after my graduation. Over the years I tried tracking him without success until now.

In college frat connections were a huge part of my life and afterwards I stayed in touch with many for a few years. 50+ years later I've lost contact with practically all of them. I have learned some of them are dead, mostly through the college magazine notes. It reminds me how as we go through life many close friendships get formed and then fade away over time. 

After college my 20 year career with Chubb allowed me a chance to form relationships within the company all over the country. But 30+ years later most of them have also faded into the past. Now as we struggle through Covid, friendships developed during 38 years in Atlanta seem to be distancing.

I recently bought a condo in Phoenix thinking I will move there later to be close to my stepson. I wonder if my Atlanta connections will also fade away. I hope not.  

Cataract Surgery Reflections

 I recently had cataract surgery and elected to have multi-focal lenses. These should improve both distance and close vision to the point where the patient doesn't need any glasses or contacts to restore normal vision. I wore contacts/glasses for 60 years. My goal was always to see clearly without glasses. For about 30 years rigid contacts worked fine. Then reading vision deteriorated unless I wore reading glasses with contacts. Since I was near sighted I have always been able to easily read without contacts/glasses. I ultimately went to rigid bifocal contacts but not without a long struggle. Finally mastered them and that enabled me to avoid glasses for many years. 

Over time a combination of multi-day/overnight bike rides began to interfere. Pollen season also meant giving up rigid contacts unless you like riding with sand in your eye. Although rigid bifocal contacts provided normal far and near vision, things were getting complicated. I had also been told during eye exams that I would ultimately be a candidate for cataract surgery.

I began wearing glasses more often and noticed my right eye vision seemed worse than my left. My prescription had expired and I decided to visit new optometrist who had become a good cycling friend. He strongly recommended cataract surgery and his preferred surgeon's office is around the corner from my residence. He had told me that multi-focal lenses might eliminate glasses/contacts altogether.

I had surgery on my right eye, and the day after surgery I was advised vision in that eye was good enough to fly a plane. I could also read with no issues. I went forward with surgery on my left eye even though that cataract was much less advanced compared to the right. Had the same result and after two months don't need contacts or glasses to see normally. During my last check up it was recommended to use inexpensive distance glasses to improve clarity when driving at night so that's where I am.

Cataracts are an age-related condition that happens to everyone who lives long enough. Multi-focal lenses are relatively new and cost more than the types of lenses previously available. For me it is worth the out-of-pocket cost. I think ultimately they will become the norm completely covered by most insurance. For me it was worth the price to see normally without contacts/glasses. I hope to live long enough so my cost will exceed what I would have paid for contacts/glasses.  

Thoughts on an Insurance Career

52 years ago today I began my career in the insurance industry. Most individuals do not grow up dreaming of working in the insurance business, and I was one of them. I originally wanted to be a major league baseball player, but a talent deficit nixed that early. In high school I thought about following my father's to become a druggist (that's what they were called back then). My father was a second generation pharmacist and my mother had been a nurse so I thought heredity was favorable. Before dying he suggested that running a drug store was more of a retail business and if really interested in pharmacy I should consider research. But high school chemistry convinced me this acorn fell too far from the tree. During college objective was to successfully graduate without much thought to an occupation. I figured a college graduate with no draft commitment in 1968 would enable me to find something.

During college I worked part-time at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles looking up driving records. During my senior year realizing I needed a job I began interviewing. Working for a state government along with being an economics major convinced me that working for an organization committed to making a profit offered more opportunity. I interviewed a medium sized insurance company (Chubb) and because of my DMV experience I came across as someone who understood the insurance industry. They offering me a personal lines underwriting trainee position in New York City, and I jumped at a chance to work and live in America's financial capital.

I've previously blogged about my career at Chubb. While an insurance career does not seem glamorous compared to others, insurance is the grease that allows our economy to function. Try getting a mortgage or financing a car without it. In most states you can't even register a car without liability insurance. Those are just a few examples. I spent half my career with Chubb and the other half with several insurance agencies. I watched this industry undergo a lot of changes over the years, but my perspective is once you have sufficient insurance experience it's pretty easy to find work and employment. The times I went looking for a job it usually took very little time to secure something.

So as long as society has to manage risk there will be a place for insurance. The business is not without some bumps in the road. Many people regard insurance as a necessary evil, taking too much in premium and paying out too little in claims. They think insurance companies have deep pockets but very short arms. Some insurance employees especially those handling claims approach clients wondering how they are trying to cheat the insurance company to regain dollars they feel should never have been paid as premiums in the first place. To be successful in this business it helps to be empathetic but fairly thick skinned.

One concern I have about the insurance industry is how much their advertising focuses on price and saving money. Insurance is an intangible in that when you buy it you don't get anything but a promise outlined in a contract that is not easily understood. If you have a claim it's not always clear what you can expect to receive. There are basically three things a company can offer, price (premium), quality (coverage) and customer service. Almost any company can do one of these better than their competition. Many can do two of these very well, but no organization can consistently offer the lowest price, the highest quality AND the best service. People pick what's most important to them and often it's price because they don't expect quality and service. That's too bad because often those are really more important. The industry itself is guilty because most of the time they do not effectively demonstrate the importance of quality and service.

I'm no longer active in the insurance industry, mainly because I enjoy semi-retirement, learning and applying new things in the fields of exercise science and gerontology. It certainly helps that I can take college course in these subject tuition free since I am over 62 and  live in Georgia. I enjoyed my insurance career and feel fortunate to have embarked on it even if it was by accident.

Segregation Revisited

I grew up during the 1950's and early 60's in Danville, Virginia. I believe Danville was one of the most segregated cities in America. As the "last capitol of the confederacy" I sometimes felt  back then the civil war was simply a temporary truce. Southern resentment was widespread; when the last union veteran  died before the last Confederate, I heard someone say, "At least we outlived the bastards."** Segregation in Danville existed everywhere as there were separate neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, bathrooms, water fountains, etc. Growing up I had little interaction with African-Americans so the whole segregation concept had no real impact on me. We were told things were "separate and equal." I accepted that even though in the People's Drug Store my father managed, blacks could not sit at the lunch counter; they could only order "to go" standing at the end of the counter.

Around 1961 sit ins began at several lunch counters. My father asked the People's headquarters in Washington for guidance and was told, we're not sure, use your own best judgement. He decided to open the counter to everyone, and it seemed to go calmly at Peoples although waitresses served blacks with paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils instead of normal washable items. My father died in late 1962 and by the following spring demonstrations were escalating. Demonstrators were beaten and arrested almost daily but the local newspaper did not acknowledge anything had even occurred. Finally the Danville white library closed to prevent blacks from using it. The library was housed in the Sutherlin mansion, the Confederate capitol site from April 3--10, 1865. Since I loved using the library I decided to use the black library. I finally realized segregated facilities in Danville were "separate but NOT equal."  Even after the white library was reopened all the tables and chairs had been removed. The summer of 1963 was tumultuous in Danville, but study history and you will find plenty of previous local atrocities and violence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

I finished high school the next year with 3 black students in a school of around 2,000 and recall the scorn and ridicule they endured. I then went off to and graduated from an all white college. Demonstrations and desegregation efforts intensified during the 1960's, but had little effect on me personally. After college I went to work in New York and was asked why southerners disliked blacks sometimes by the same people who expressed dislike for Italians and other immigrants. During that time and for decades afterwards I judged people by their demeanor and character. Color is not a reliable indicator of whether someone was a decent person or an ass.

Recent events reconfirm to me that growing up white instead of black was an advantage especially in Danville. The recent turmoil over police actions resulting in deaths of  George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks and others along with the public response to these type situations over many decades reminds me that racism and discrimination have existed in America over 400 years. It's taken many different forms, but to me it is like a crock pot slow cooking constantly and at times boiling over.

Unfortunately, I don't have a solution except living my life treating others as I would want them to treat me. I certainly have empathy for anyone treated unjustly. That doesn't help the overall picture, but it does help keep my own conscience intact.


** Years later it was determined the last verifiable confederate veteran died in 1951, while the last verifiable union veteran died in 1956  At the rate monuments are now being questioned and removed, we may wind up a nation of pedestals.

Lance Armstrong--Revisited

I watched all 4 hours of the Lance Armstrong documentary. I began following Lance when he won the World Championship in 1993 as a 21 year old prodigy. About the only new information for me was his admission about using PEDs at 21. It's been 7 years since Lance formally admitted the doping allegations that dogged him since his first Tour win in 1999. During this documentary when asked about relevance, he said, "I am relevant." I certainly agree with that;  Lance did exponentially fuel interest in cycling in America and the world, he demonstrated that significant resources could keep cyclists ahead of those trying to regulate the sport, and like many other famous individuals, the fall from grace can be pretty brutal both financially and emotionally.

There's no question Lance paid a huge financial price. Many people will disagree, but I think he has for the most part paid the emotional price. He bullied a lot of people--both friends and foes--and I am not sure where his relationships stand with many of those folks. But you know what--it's none of my business. The one area of his impact that I would like to see resurrected is the impact he had on the cancer community. While the documentary displayed encounters with that effort, it suggested that stopped when he was asked to step away from his foundation. However, I've read articles that indicate Lance still remains available to that community. These articles were written by members of the Indiana hospital oncology staff where he received treatment, and were done with no fanfare on his part.

I hope that Lance Armstrong will take his incredible survivorship story to re-inject himself back into that role. If the foundation he started won't take him back, he is relevant enough to start a new path. Leave the lifetime ban in place; there's too much doping going on at the master's competition level. As for sponsors,, I think Lance has enough assets to live comfortably. When it comes to PEDs in cycling do not kid yourself; while cycling has been under scrutiny since Tom Simpson died on Mount Ventoux 53 years ago this stuff has been happening in almost every sport since at least 1900.

As for my original thought in 2013 about Lance running for governor of Texas someday, he has previously said that's no longer on his radar screen. However, he has proven that he can change his mind--about most any issue.
 

Back to the future--Luna Lake

Luna Lake was one of the few "happening places" if you were growing up in Danville during the 1950"s. Besides all the water, tower diving/jumping and swimming there was an open pavilion with a dance floor and juke box. Plenty of kids type food in and around the complex. Swimming was probably my father's main recreation and going to Luna Lake was about the only family activity that involved all of us at some place away from home.

I learned to swim and got my first American Red Cross life saving certificate there. A lot of my time was spent around the tower shown above. Rumor had it there use to be three levels until a guy known as Nick the Greek dove from the third level and died upon hitting the bottom. Whether true or not that level was gone before my time. I remember being afraid about diving off the top tower, until a friend yelled at me while I was on the shore "Watch this" and dove off. When he surfaced I yelled back "I can do that" swam out, climbed up, and dove off.

In the 50's we didn't own a car so we either hitched rides or rode the Danville transit bus. The bus ride from north Danville involved a bus transfer and then a one mile walk down Kemper Road. It was easier walking down to there compared to walking up, but often the trip involved a bus ride out and a car ride back. Swimming and diving were two athletic things I could do better than most of my friends so during the summer it seemed like I lived at Luna Lake.

We finally got a car in 1960, and about then our family joined Glen Oak Country Club which was well off any bus route. Some of the same friends I hung with at Luna Lake also became members, and I also met a number of new friends, mainly cute girls. I sometimes wondered why we joined a country club when no one played golf, but too much fun stuff was going on there for me to ask questions.

Luna Lake faded into my past and eventually closed in the 1960's. When I reflect on those times I suspect it declined in part due to the pressures of desegregation, but that's not really talked about. I do remember how divided Danville was over that issue back then.

The photo I copied is from a post by my facebook friend Von Cannon. I'm perplexed because it has a notation of 2/22/87. I think Luna Lake closed long before then. The notation mentions an icy slide  and a reopening in a few months. I don't remember the slide, but I think this photo was taken before 1987, and it does look like a winter photo. In 2014 and 2016 while in Danville I cycled to the site. I had to look carefully to find any evidence Luna Lake was ever there.

Nevertheless, I;ll remember the good times I had at Luna Lake.