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desertrat77

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Everything posted by desertrat77

  1. desertrat77
    I haven't taken WFA but your comment resonates. My First Aid MB from '76 was darn rigorous. The first meeting with the counselor lasted 2 - 3 hours. And we didn't attempt a single requirement. We had an indepth conversation about first aid and its importance. The counselor ensured I participated in the discussion as much as he did. That set the tone. It took about two months to complete the MB. The counselor was tough but fair, a superb instructor. (He was also a committee member for our troop, and worked at the base hospital. Everyone looked up to him.) I continue to benefit from his instruction. The skills have come in handy every day since, especially when I was still serving in the military. When I look back on the two toughest MBs to earn, First Aid and Lifesaving stand out. Some MBs should be difficult to earn.
  2. desertrat77
    I think this is true. Pragmatic approach: an untrained but interested scouter with a completed application and signed check is worth two trained scouters that have no interest.
  3. desertrat77
    NJ, I believe the edition you are thinking of is the infamous 8th edition, circa '72. It's best feature was the having 100 percent of all MB requirements listed in the back. Can't comment on the canoeing issue at hand, I'm jumping in midstream, no pun intended.
  4. desertrat77
    Sign of the times. Parents don't rsvp to birthday party invitations. About once a month it seems I read an article about some poor child who invited a bunch of pals to his/her party...and no one shows up. Locally, a scout troop nearly had to cancel their trip to summer camp. Reason: at the very last minute, two adults suddenly decided they didn't want to go. No extenuating circumstances like illness, family matters, etc. They just decided they couldn't/wouldn't go. Thankfully another unit stepped up and offered to help. Compounding the issue is the absolute failure of grown adults to use their ever-present electronic devices to actually COMMUNICATE in a timely manner. Not trustworthy + inability to communicate = big mess.
  5. desertrat77
    Sounds like a scheme to further enrich the data providers. Unplug and take a real hike, even if it's in the city park.
  6. desertrat77
    My deepest condolences. You all are in my prayers.
  7. desertrat77
  8. desertrat77
    Is double chocolate mint fudge a real pie? Dang that sounds good. What rock have I been under?
  9. desertrat77
    Increasing the rigor of the outdoor program and training is just what the BSA needs. Kids want adventure. Adults want adventure. Car camping and Citizenship in the World MB can boring pretty quick. But many adults in the BSA are not adventure minded, and if they are, they don't have the requisite training. Not every community has non-BSA wilderness training opportunities. I know we have none around this region. If the BSA's image was "outdoor adventure" it would cause a recruiting boom. Getting the right adults with the proper training is essential.
  10. desertrat77
    +1
  11. desertrat77
    After the dust settles, it would be interesting to see Hooters' sales figures for July 2016. I suspect those numbers will have increased. Even with the negative publicity, I suspect many folks would appreciate the humor of the situation, and the fact they sponsored a good cause.
  12. desertrat77
    Key word: perceptions. And I agree, we've gone 11 pages with little to show for it. Perception (summed up from this thread): that Hooters restaurants are staffed by half-clad trollops and patronized by leering drunks. Our Cub Scouts should not be exposed to these Sirens, nor should the family name be sullied by association with said women, nor the brand they work for, at the day camp handicraft table. The BSA and every member thereof is pure as the driven snow, and should never join forces with such an illicit, immoral establishment. Plus, pretty women should not be objectified. Reality (from my experience): The image Hooters' PR department promotes is different from reality. At the restaurant, though the wait staff wears tank tops and shorts, the result is hardly "revealing" and the ladies conduct themselves in a professional manner. Men, women, children and families dine at Hooters without apparent mental or moral trauma. The food is okay but borders on forgettable. Now, let's turn the discussion to something really important: pie. Apple or pecan? What goes better with your first cup of coffee?
  13. desertrat77
    LOL, you caught me NJ! Heck, I'll pick up the tab just for the opportunity to shoot the breeze with you all, even if I lose the bet. And Casablanca was indeed a great movie.
  14. desertrat77
    If gastric distress/disorder can be classified as trouble making, I think most of the BSA would be "guilty as charged." Your son persevered and made the grade--I wish you all the best!
  15. desertrat77
    A random thought: The council didn't make this decision in a vacuum. Councils don't strike me as very autonomous. I'll bet you a slice a pie (your choice) and a cup of coffee the council ran the issue up the flag pole to Irving. Irving may have dithered a bit but they probably set down some guidelines (respectable attire at camp, etc.). Just a hunch.
  16. desertrat77
    Outstanding news, congratulations! What is he thinking re a ceremony?
  17. desertrat77
    Sentinel, you make an excellent point. Thanks for the perspective. Now that you mention it, there were brawlers who were quick to throw punches, and the second they themselves got smacked in the chops, they collapsed in a heap. Crying about the injustice of it all. Still, we had many stalwart fighters who could dish it out, and take it. And still transition to a joke or kind comment with their opponents as needed.
  18. desertrat77
  19. desertrat77
    These days, yes. Several years ago (I joined in '02), when there dozens more active/daily members, you could engage in long, sharp, bare-knuckle arguments in just about anything under the sun. Those that didn't want to a) read it or b) participate in it just skipped those threads and discussed other scouting matters. Most members had considerably thicker skin then than now. Also, despite the running feuds, there was more humor and joshing in the past. Even amongst those who liked to fight. Today: "you can't say X" and "you hurt my feelings." Sign of the times.
  20. desertrat77
    Skeptic, Your timing is impeccable! I could go for a big slab of peach pie, with vanilla ice cream. And a beaker of ice tea.
  21. desertrat77
    +1 I was trying to frame my thoughts to make a post along these lines, but you posted this and it's spot on.
  22. desertrat77
    Thanks Jason, I stand corrected. Many moons ago, we Webs were still considered cubs.
  23. desertrat77
    If the cub is ready and willing to make the jump to scouts, more power to him. Overall the cub program today is an over-long, tedious journey. Especially Webelos. Years ago, Webs was 1 (one) fast paced year that culminated in the Arrow of Light. Then adios to cubs and hello to the nearest scout troop.
  24. desertrat77
    Good luck, and please update us with the good news later tonight!
  25. desertrat77
    I'd bet they'd do it. Bikers enjoy tweaking peoples' whiskers, keeping everyone guessing. I've found that hardcore bikers can be approachable as well as articulate and respectful. In the right circumstances. The BSA would never approve it, due to the documented lawlessness of the HA. But it's an interesting thought.
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