Fuzzy Bear

This guy came into a bar carrying a mouse. The bartender said, "Hey, we don't serve mice." The mouse said, "Wait a minute, I'm not really a mouse." The bartender was taken aback by this furry little creature speaking up. He said, "You can speak, I have never heard a mouse speak before. Tell me more." The mouse began to tell the bartender his life's story. They hit it off so well that the mouse came to the bar every night just so he and the bartender could talk. The moral of this tale is that even though you have never heard a mouse speak doesn't mean you should be so quick to judge him. He just might have story. Crack, suspenders, who am I to judge? The Mouse

There are more questions than there are very good answers. WMD has changed the world we live in even if Iraq did not have them at the time we blew them out of the desert. The whole Middle East sets like a large can of WMD and we watch? Saddam kept the games going for the inspectors and the world for years and now we find that he did not have WMD? I am not sure that anyone should keep looking or that Bush should investigate. What would we really be doing? Is Bush really going to try to investigate the cause of war? If he finds out what caused war, does he really beleieve (*I found squiggly red lines) his findings will help him in the polls (* no matter what he finds)? Bush said that we are not Nation builders and now we are fighting over who will get the billions to rebuild Iraq? What did I miss? Saddam lived in grand palaces while his people starved but now we find that Saddam really means, 'he who lives in a small hole'? A crazy person is one that appears to not take responsibility for their actions. What can we say about the world in the 21st century? Have we been sucked into a vortex of pure unadulterated psychosis? FB

I have to go, so here is a quick one. 3 garbage bags.

I want a multi-colored car that has a high stitch count that runs great with low gas consumption and is durable. It needs to make me look prosperous and is very cheap. I'll not be too concerned with its' origination. FB

I would suggest the large blue plastic tarps that can be purchased from several dealers. They have grommets that can be ripped out in a high wind, so make sure to lower it during the night or during a storm. Use two poles about seven to eight feet high for the two center-end poles. Purchase steel stakes and hammer them in the ground and tie them off with nylon rope in both directions from the center. It makes a type of A frame. If you are close to two trees, you can simply tie a rope between them, throw the tarp over and stake it out. From the two trees, you may use the two poles on the outer end to raise one side. It is true that inexpensive items are prone to rip and not last. When a troop does not have money, the answer is to use temporary equipment, knowing that it will need replacement later. Hopefully, when they have money, they will buy that really expensive equipment. What I like about the cheap blue plastic tarp is that it allows me to be creative. They repeal rain and they crinkle in the night wind. In a storm, I sometimes just roll up in it. I have abused them for years. I have had them finally dissolve from exposure and lack of care. Sadly, I finally had to purchase another one for 20 more dollars. FB

Sounds Fishy -Definition The actual term "sounds fishy" comes from the occasional slap of water made upon the reentry of a fish after a jump. This abrupt sound occasions a startle reaction or entreats a mystery upon the listener unawares. This term also comes from the Latin, "smells fishy". Taking a brisk walk through the open market of dead and decaying fish brings an aroma to the by passer that he or she cannot soon forget. If, by chance the person has any of the vital fish juice splashed upon their clothing, someone might later comment, "They smell fishy". The use of the term has been subjected to subtle changes over years but most being similar in nature to the original. One example has become a standard in the American game of Clue. Someone might say that the culprit was Professor Mustard in the Billiard room with a candle stick holder that committed the crime. Another contestant would then comment, "This sounds fishy" as a way of expressing disbelief in the accusation. Some have even commented that it looks fishy which, of course, is an abstraction to a verbal statement, making it all the more mysterious. Sherlock Holmes was never known to have used any of these terms because his deductions were always accurate so never a mystery was to be had, thus having little odor to dismiss. I thought this might clear the air on this issue. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

Bob White is right about the methods of Scouting being the way a SM puts together a Scouting program. My use of the Methods and the Aims of Scouting was a poor man's attempt of determining what program that this young man was exposed to and is a product of before coming to Troop 65. Thanks Bob White for your insight and knowledge. I need all of the help I can get to keep me on track. FB

I know that it is only a coincidence but years ago I was the SM of a Troop 65. It was a long standing unit, one that had a history worth repeating. But you asked about one young man and gave us some clues, so, let's see how he measures up. The MEHTODS of Scouting Ideals- Doing a Good Turn Daily, Being Prepared, The Law, The Oath- not an act but actions -He leaves in the middle of an event. There are so many things that could be said about this in regards to the ideals of Scouting, especially for a Scout that has been in the program for any length of time. His actions speak highly of a different event, a different program, one that has his interest. Patrols- experiencing the democratic ideal. It is the most strategic method for taking and learning the responsibilities of leadership. -they just hung around the building, - he doesn't want to be a leader. - he doesn't want to take responsibility. - he doesn't want to work with the group. Outdoors- meeting the natural world, becoming sensitive to all aspects of it. The most foundational part of the Scouting program. - he left to play video games- The method for meeting the virtual world. - he doesn't want to go on activities, including the out of doors. - he doesn't want to participate. Advancement- the higher a Scout climbs on this ladder, the more challenging and the more rewarding it is. He grows in self-confidence by achieving the more difficult skills. He is then able to help the younger boys learn the basics. - he doesn't know that he is supposed to lead others in his own Eagle project. - he is only interested in the progress award to have it, possibly because his Father has one. - he is wanting to do it all himself and get it out of the way Adult Association- Learning from examples of adults that are based on the Scouting ideals. - He doesnt remember where he came from and most likely the adults that helped him. Leadership Development- The SMs best tool for helping to develop a young persons talents. It is a way of giving the Scout many different kinds of opportunities to be motivated and to grow in these skills. - he doesn't have experience with planning. - nobody listens to him. - he was the SPL but didnt have PLCs. The Uniform- a many edged tool, one that stands for Scouting and for the outdoor adventure. He doesnt want to wear it the uniform. Personal Growth- a critical part of the Scouting experience. It is the product of all of the other methods. It also entails the word striving which becomes a way of acting as a Scout. - when you take all of the evidence you have presented, the product speaks for itself. These methods help in achieving the AIMS of Scouting Building character Fostering citizenship Developing fitness Now, if you hold your bow wrong, your bow string sags, your grip is loose, your eye is off; all the wrong methods of the archer Then, You miss the target. But you are STILL the SM and the best judge in this instance. We hope to hear a good story in the future, FB

James came to my class everyday ready to work. He was a quiet 17 year old that had struggled in school from his first day. He had trouble reading, writing, and with math. Since I taught a shop class that was federally funded, the students had to have scored below the 25%tile on a Standardized Achievement test. James matched the criteria. James worked by himself on projects of his own choosing. I had only one other student that could do that and that was an Honor student that somehow had failed one test and he had qualified also. The behaviors of both students were fairly compatible. They would come to class, read the assignment, complete the written and the math portions, hand it in, and quickly begin their work in the shop. The difference was the Honor student needed guidance but James didn't. The Honor student excelled at special projects that no other student I had ever attempted. James took a different course; he would find things, motors and such, around the room and quietly work on them until they were fixed. I was truly amazed at James abilities and interest. I was sure that no other teacher ever had the opportunity to discover this secret about him. During that year and without knowing it, James learned to read, write and do math that he had never been motivated to do before. He went on to high school the next year but lasted only one semester. When James was returned to the regular curriculum, he simply didn't have the heart to do it. He dropped out of school and went his way to get married and work several short term entry level jobs. The federal funding cycle ended and the school district chose to not fund my program. They elected to have strictly a general academic curriculum for all students. I went my way to try and find another program similar to the one I had left. The main reason was because of James. My experience working with a type of genius and with the potential that I know existed in him, made me want to reach out to others that have the same talents and to assist them. I am now working with students in a different capacity. I see the results of a curriculum that is geared only for certain types of students on a daily basis. Living in a country that has huge financial resources makes me wonder why we would want to waste the talents of so many individuals just because our belief is in one standard for all. I have been given the gift of seeing genius of a different type and I am still in wonder. It is my hope that we discover the next frontier which is the potential of people in general. I believe we are so blessed with riches that we fail to appreciate what is right before our eyes. FB

Questions that kept swirling in my head as I read this column: If Kid Rock was draped in the official American flag, one that had flown over the White House on a Sunday and was then shot out of a cannon across the stadium at half-time while the National Anthem was being played by the Marine's Drum and Bugle Corps, would it have been against the law then? What about J.J.'s lowering of her American bosom to half mast before a very patriotic crowd? Was the proper flag etiquette to salute or stand silently at attention?

FOG, Please don't be so careless as to call it a parade either. I simply accept it peaceably and without judgment from whence it cometh. The less analytical I become in investigating my own meager efforts in this life, the easier it is for me to accept any and all favors. I simply and regularly fall to my knees and give praise to all powers above for any shred of help cast in my direction. I truly have come to an understanding of my limits, which do not extend far in any direction. FB

Dear Undecided, After reading your post about going or not going to WB at his time, my advice is for you to reread your post and consider some of the following ideas. What is your immediate goal? What is your long term goal? What is your vision for yourself? Keep in mind your goals and your abilities and your responsibilities. Focus on your need for security. Look at the amount of time that you have for leisure activities. (*The term leisure activity is meant in the broad sense of the word and not in the sense that something is frivolous.) Keep in mind that adult Scouting is hopefully a long term commitment and definitely a growth experience. If you decide to not take WB at this time, what are the reasons? If you decide to take it later, what are the reasons? I am sure that many are happy for your consideration of a great program but you are the person in control of your present situation. You know the most about what you can do and other people's choices cannot be the standard you use to make your decision. I hope you arrive at the best conclusion for yourself. FB

Getting the tickets in The Way' may be a knee jerk to the "old out of date and never to be referred to 20th Century Course" of getting your tickets completed within the limits set by the syllabus which was fairly loose. It may be that someone has overreacted to members that completed the practical yet didn't finish their Ticket. The solution sounds like a quick fix to enable those who may think they lack the time but need the extra push to complete it. The Eagle Badge was made easier years ago when they took out the Morse Code requirement for First Class. There was an increase in the number of Eagles to this action. Without getting into an argument about easier and harder, the act itself was justified by allowing more kids to stay in the program longer and learn more skills and gain more benefits than simply failing and leaving. The new course made a change and most likely was needed to allow more people to learn the skills of Leadership, stay in the program longer, and reap the benefits of learning these valuable skills, an action truly justified. If a person feels that by working their Ticket that it makes them a slave to the Council, then they have missed the point. I would hope that they would try writing a ticket that is within the framework of their job(s) in Scouting and within the time limits that they have to offer. Complete the Ticket and then evaluate the experience. If they fail to appreciate or understand the value of their experience, then they would be qualified to tell others that it is not worthwhile. After working my first Ticket (the Old One) and in writing subsequent Tickets, I have found the opposite to be true. All of my experiences have been fruitful in jobs inside and outside of Scouting. I have used the knowledge gained to understand how to write personal and professional goals. I have used this knowledge in interviews for jobs and in setting a vision and a mission for myself after and before I obtained them. (Note: I did this without having been in the new 21st Century, new and much improved WB course). In summary, the effort expended in WB is worth much more than any money or time spent and that does not happen often in this life. I highly recommend it, even if it fails to meet specific standards of perfection that we all seem to measure our experiences by in this forum. So, I will continue to work my Ticket and thanks to everyone that helped me learn the WB skills along the way. FB

That guy above me really goofed up and somehow left two response when he should have left one. Watch it Bub(This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

In our race to achieve Helper of the Year and the corresponding knot, one of bright black and blue tied tightly around what appears to be a neck on a field of red; we should be ever mindful of the accompanying rules. Sling mud where appropriate. Call each other names when they fit. Gather evidence of your opponents weaknesses and exploit it to your advantage. If we would all agree to stay within these guidelines, everything would be just fine. I hope to see each of you at the yearly banquet. FB

We had planned a Court of Honor and a Dinner. Each patrol had agreed to bring certain food items to the feast. The SPL was to make sure that all of it made its' way to the table. I was the first in line as SM, a turn not always given but this just happened to my time. I noted as I filled my plate that the dinner was to be sparse. It was obvious several had not done their job. The speech after the dinner went something like this, 'the two hot dogs I ate were pretty good. I hope that everyone got enough because from my perspective, there really didn't seem to be enough to go around'. Yada, yada, yada about other items, hand out the awards, the end. I saw consternation on some of the faces of the boys and the parents. Nothing was said at, during or after the meeting. The evaluation had taken place instantly and without further regard to judgment. The next COR/Dinner was superb and there was food aplenty all done using the same planning as the last one. What had changed? The Scouts had begun to take responsibility. The trust in the Scouts to do their job worked. They saw that the jobs we gave them to do and the training all lead to them to take responsibility. The faith we had in them was now assured on this one point. Had we not let them fail, little would have been learned. (NOTE: Allowing failure can only be engaged within the confines of a safe environment. Nobody was going to starve to death over missing supper. There is a balancing act in doing this and as adults and reasonable, caring leaders we should know when somebody is going to be hurt and that is the limits of the lesson on taking responsibility.) If you want the Scouts to take responsibility, you must be willing to let them mess it up. Once they learn that one lesson you hope they generalize it to others, if you are lucky. At the minimum, the topic of review will be the night that the SM let the troops go hungry. What a mean old man but you know what, if he says to bring food ya better do it! FB

Laurie, Please give Ryan this message. Ryan, Happy birthday! My best year in school was the fifth grade with Mr. Sisson. He read books to us everyday after lunch. I remember him reading the Hardy Boys series. I couldn't believe it that some books were written just for enjoyment. We had a rest period and then we worked. I didn't mind the work so much after the rest and the reading. As I got older, I remembered the lesson that Mr. Sisson taught me. I tried to bring enjoyment to any work attempted. When I had a group of first year Webelos Scouts that was exactly what we did. We worked but we also had some type of reading, story or joke time. When I later taught school, I brought Mr. Sisson's lesson along with me into every class. I am still working with schools in a different capacity but his lesson still influences my work. He has remained as a constant part of me all of these years and his lesson has been multiplied many times over. I now have two sons. We read on a regular basis just for fun. I am hoping that they will grow up knowing Mr. Sisson's example and teach it to their children. I hope that you enjoy (fun) reading as much as I do. On any evening I treat myself with a cowboy adventure book, gardening book, astronomy book, and woodworking book. I don't feel that I need to finish them because my interests tomorrow might lead me elsewhere. Of course, a good adventure novel has to be finished. Well, I hope that you love to read as much as I do. Have a great birthday! FB

Is it possible to compile a list of good answers found here into a FAQ site? For sometime, I have noticed Bob White's replies as being accurate and according to the book(s). He is like having a hipocket Scouting lawyer. There are others like Dsteele that make it a habit of being on target with other issues. I have also seen many others come across with great insights and knowledge; too many to mention but these are the examples that readily come to mind. It is a shame to waste these electronic bits by not cataloging some of the good answers for easy reference. I also realize that sometimes it is not a book answer that resolves a question but files could be divided for both book answers and experiential answers. This type of system would help manage conflicts by simply referencing specific files. When some issue sticks its ugly head up after so many weeks, just site the file and go on to the next thread. It would reduce the verbiage and the agitation. It would save time in looking this stuff up. It would serve as a quick reference guide instead of waiting on a host of sporadic replies that may not approximate an answer. I am not trying to prevent or reduce any of the constant repetition or the ranting but this might help the occasional user in resolving an issue and keep them from stepping into a large pile of ballyhoo that we are so capable of generating. FB

Life like a crystal forms itself. These are fighting words to a Creationist because it redefines his God's existence and his personal belief about his Creator. The same words describe the nature of a phenomenon to the scientist. The scientist is merely cataloging evidence. If by chance, a person accumulates enough evidence, then there may some control over that event. It is two very different processes and reactions to the same thing. The Creationists assume that their rights have been violated by another's acts. The scientist assumes that another discovery has been made in the overall complexity of life. Two camps and only one has donned full battle gear. The scientists rarely acknowledge that the other camp is on their way up the hill with lighted torches ready to kill the monster's mad creator in yon castle. The church has for centuries burned their way into the hearts and minds of scholars, scientists, and thinkers. Today we would view more of the same but the math is too difficult for them. So, the church charges back into the only area that makes any sense to them, their old enemy, Evilution. Somehow, if they can purge the heathen of their sacred cow, then all would be well. People would once again believe and their triumph would be complete. The problem is that the Creationist's argument is not valid by any standard. Because, If the Bible is correct, then it needs no protector, battle, or liberation. If God is who he claims to be, then the battle is already decided. And, If the scientists are really headed toward finding the answers of life and truth, then it stands to reason that they should arrive just a little behind the Creationists. But, If the scientists find that life is really like a crystal because it forms itself, then we will still be enchanted with the rare beauty of it all. So, There would still be this one large unanswered question that only the Creationists could answer. Just a few passing thoughts, FB

Recognition should be a reward for an outcome that actually leads someplace beneficial. This hiding of a light under a basket law is akin to muzzling the neighbors dog that never barks. This remedy is a cheap fix and most everyone will readily acknowledge the kangaroo-court pratfall that it is but few will really want anything else. Schools presently push academics and sports because there is a lack of money allocated to effectively educate the populace. So, recognition generally goes to the top 20% with high academic achievement and the top 15% with some type of sports abilities. These accomplishments are important to the school personnel because that is the recognition for the work that they are doing for those students. It becomes a type of advertisement to keep their jobs. Blame should not be cast because the teachers/coaches are working within the budget given to them by a public that appears to be indifferent. It is a type of win-win situation for this minority of students, the parents, and their teachers. This is another cheap fix for a problem that everyone knows about but can't seem to address. The problem with this fantasy of glory does not show up until about four years after the banners of success have been unfurled at graduation for this top 35%. The majority of the top 20% of the academic achievers will not be holding down professional jobs as expected. The majority will not have completed a four-year degree as predicted. The top 15% of athletes will not be playing in a college and most likely only .0001% will ever be paid to play it professionally. My suggestion is to look first at how the other 65% of the students are being educated and what they are doing with their lives after graduation to find out what types of improvements are needed in the educational system. Most of these underachievers are returning to our communities and working in jobs all around us. If we have done a poor job with these kids, then we will have failed ourselves in many ways all that will be noticeable. If people really want children to be recognized for more than academics and sports, then the public will need to put their money on new found beliefs. Increase the spending to teach children at all levels and to teach them so that they are capable of entering the world of work upon graduation or entering a vo-tech or a college or for any number of other types of jobs or professions*. All students need to be adequately prepared academically and/or vocationally to live independently in our communities. If this is done, we would be doing a favor for everyone and for the future. We would also be recognized as a country that truly has public education. (*Note: This is not the no child left behind rhetoric because it means to teach children according to their abilities and their interests not use one standard for all. The NCLB will only lead to more of the same things seen before. All kids are different and society has all kinds of different needs.) FB

Dear Program Manager, I successfully squelched several bad end users but they kept coming back. Do I have a virus? If so, can you patch over these bad tastes in my mouth? I thought for sure your program would do the trick but now I may have to resort to having ranting attacks all over again. Please help. I don't want to die a constant death of total ignorance as my detractors have so eloquently stated in so many blunt terms. My teeth and hair have been falling out and I am on anti-depressants because of the low self-esteem since coming here. I come close to barfing my guts each time I turn on the computer and click on "my favorites". What is meant by that term anyway? It should say kamikaze anyone? Or click here for self-mutilation. Well, enough about me, how are you doing? Thanks for the new assist. By the way, do you wear your fatigues and helmet when you come here like I do? Just a question. It doesn't really mean anything. Sincerely, An interested by-passer

Hopefully, poor little backwards conservative Tennessee will do away with class ranking, grades, and honor societies. That will allow students in the rest of the nation one more step up in obtaining scholarships and gaining entrance into good colleges. At the very minimum and a few years, the kids in Tennessee will be scratching their heads about how everyone else gets into college because of their 'no child will be honored for hard work' law. With that type of thinking, Tennessee will finally be able to feel good about being dumb. It should be considered for their state motto.

Ed's question about where to place a person's sick Mother is designed for the chasing of one's own tail. I am surprised that someone hasn't written an encyclopedia.

So, this is what a Spell checker looks like?

Sturgen, I apologize for my lack of knowledge, please forgive me but I will continue to post in spite of it. Your belief in modern science is based on well founded knowledge. As you, I believe in well founded knowledge but not exclusively. The basis to that scientific knowledge is statistical analysis aligned with probabilities. So, in spite of the mountains of evidence it will always remain the Evolutionary Theory. It is the Creationists that defer to facts and to knowing ultimate knowledge. It is an "argumentum ad captandum" and a Teleological search for truth. In other words, a poor method played to the crowds to prove the existence of God and to make a battle where none exists. Argumentation/Creationism will never prove that God exists, in spite of the facts or reduce the fears of those inclined to doubt. This is because it will always remain an issue of faith in a God with attributes that excels all earthly measures. FB (This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)