Hooey, the Cat Who Helped Johnny Appleseed (Short Story) - 5/19/2015 8:33:02 AM
Point well taken, Ron. I agree, even though the next county west of Warren County, PA is in Indiana, I will change it to read "state". Thanks, Doug Skopp
Hooey, the Cat Who Helped Johnny Appleseed (Short Story) - 5/19/2015 5:15:08 AM
A great little story. Not a lot of hooey. I hope you would change the part about going into the "next county" from Pennsylvania to Indiana, because young people are not learning geography very well. And even though, in cat terms, a whole state may be like a county, young children learn from stories.
Ron
Celestine, the cat who helped Galileo... (Short Story) - 8/18/2014 1:30:24 AM
...succinct story about adorable cat named Celestine...that offers
a warmth-cuddle-plenty of mischief to the life of the first modern scientist. With grace intelligence and elegance...serves as a loving support and source of strength throughout Galileo's tumultuous
scientific life...Almost...father/daughter relationship...Noble cat
serving and helping humankind...
Celestine, the cat who helped Galileo... (Short Story) - 7/19/2014 7:58:17 AM
An interesting sideline on Galileo. I never heard or read about any cat that he had. However, I have heard the story about how cats always land on their feet. I have two stories about that.
We were walking one day by the side of the lawn here the woods when our little cat was with us and decided, in a playful mood to dash out into the road. We didn't see, nor did the cat, a car coming from the side blocked by the woods. Upon spotting the car, the little cat leaped about 6 feet high and somehow escaped being hit. It was amazing to see how quick that was in an emergency.
My younger twin brothers had a big tomcat that they called, based on his color, Butterscotch. They would pick him up and throw him completely across the large room. After flipping over a couple of times, he would always land on his feet and then run back to them to be thrown again, like a dog chasing a thrown ball.
If Galileo was under house arrest, how was he able to wander the shore to pick up dead fish for the cat?
Ron
Gussie, the cat who domesticated lettuce (Short Story) - 7/13/2014 2:57:09 PM
gussie had fortitude and foresight, yay gussie, enjoyed the read, anything about a feline has my vote
Armina, the cat who invented canned dog-food (Short Story) - 7/13/2014 2:51:19 PM
a pox on the smithy!
enjoyed the read, anything about a feline has my vote, I have long wondered where and when canned dog food came into being, glad to have that all cleared up!!
Amber, the cat who opposed stir-fried breakfast cereal (Short Story) - 1/26/2014 12:34:32 PM
Thoroughly enjoyable! Amber was an exceedingly wise cat and a real asset to the family, as well as to the human race.
Long may she live, live, live, live, live, live, live, live, and live!
Connie
Hypatia (born 350-370? died 415) (Short Story) - 11/9/2013 10:48:43 AM
What a wonderful story! If only we could get children to read stories like this in school, it would help them understand the value of mathematics.
I have my own story. Tim and Tom, my younger twin brothers, came to visit me when they were 11. I took them to my office where we had four calculator computers. One of them, I believe it was a Wang, was quite advanced… It could be programmed To turn out form letters like a word processor. I had to go do something, so I showed Tom how to calculate the area of rings on the calculator. I left them alone and returned later, finding out that Tom was enjoying the exercise.
Tom got his bachelor's degree in statistics and computer science, and now manages major projects doing software avionics for major corporations for his consulting firm. His daughter has a degree in environmental engineering and is currently getting certified to teach math and science in schools.
Ron
Details (Short Story) - 5/20/2013 7:05:39 AM
i liked the flow of this story, and hope you continue and do finish it as a book.
budd
Details (Short Story) - 5/20/2013 6:37:29 AM
For some reason, I can't format this piece with proper paragraphs. I do apologize. I appreciate any help I can get...
Lake Placid High School Commencement Ceremony, Lake Placid, NY, June 2013 (Article) - 7/5/2013 5:25:36 AM
A bit long. I don't think much of the class will remember much. (I don't remember any sermons or graduation speeches from any of my graduations.) But quite inspiring and certainly long lines that I think.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful opportunity you had to be an inspiration for young graduates from high school.
Ron
Remarks at Memorial Ceremony for Victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks (Article) - 9/18/2012 6:44:33 AM
From the thrust and tone of your argument, Keith, I doubt that anything I might state would change your opinion. But one of your statements cannot go unchallenged. You wrote, "It's sad to say that the only thing that ever made the west strong and guaranteed its ascendancy was militant Christianity which protected the family, protected the nation and protected our intellectual freedoms." This is just not true: 1) Militant Christianity had little to do with protecting "the family"--cultural traditions, not militant religious authority, around the world throughout history have "protected" families; militant religious ideologies have defined "the family" in a variety of ways, of course, and served to enforce whatever was thought to be acceptable as a dominant cultural pattern. Maybe you have one preferred definition of the family, but historically, there are many variations on the theme of the family. 2) "Militant Christianity" first decimated threatening, alternative Christian traditions, with the sword, of course, and then "protected the nation" only when a compliant political leadership gave complete obedience to the Christian priestly leadership, again using the sword wherever it thought necessary. As a self-declared non-Christian, would you really want a militant priestly authority to force you to do its bidding? 3) "Militant Christianity" railed against intellectual freedoms wherever and whenever it could, with whatever militancy it could muster. You don't suppose the Church likes the "separation of church and state," do you?
I am intensely sorry to hear you would welcome the "blood-soaked banners" of the crusaders, and urge you to consider their indiscriminate violence, their self-serving arrogance and greed, their overwhelming legacy of hatred as one of the sorriest examples of "Western civilization." At best, we might hope for a "children's crusade," but the historical example shows that their innocence was betrayed by the very authorities they hoped to serve. "Militant Christianity" was and is no lest cruel than any other militant religion. We should be grateful the Protestants at the time of the Reformation, for example, did not have nuclear weapons.
If we are in a war, as you claim, Keith, I think the most responsible thing to do is find a way to end it now, before any more innocent blood is spilled. My conscience and the principles that I believe most consistent with it urge me to think that the most responsible thing to do is to work for a peace based on respect, compassion and reason, a peace of justice tempered with mercy...
With best wishes, Doug Skopp
Remarks at Memorial Ceremony for Victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks (Article) - 9/16/2012 6:53:05 PM
I respect your viewpoint, but strongly disagree with it at this historical juncture. As reasonable men, we would have all men live in peace and harmony, but all men are not reasonable. There can be only one successful course of action for the west and that is to take Islam head-on with sword and fire. The multi-cultural aspirations of fools are delusions and there can be only one winner in this inevitable conflict. If I were a betting man I'd put my money on Islam for it is united and unwavering, whereas the west is fragmented, weak, confused and pitiful in its cowardice. It's sad to say that the only thing that ever made the west strong and guaranteed its ascendancy was militant Christianity which protected the family, protected the nation and protected our intellectual freedoms. I adhere to no religion, but I'd give a lot to see a division of crusaders marching across the world right now with blood-soaked banners that scream - ENOUGH!. Unlike my Christian brothers and sisters, I do not believe in turning the other cheek and thereby courting extinction. I do not advocate war, but I know when it's already started.
Where fiction and history overlap... (Article) - 9/2/2012 10:01:23 PM
That's a very interesting and well presented viewpoint, Douglas. I guess the same phenomenon appears when we discuss sex, inasmuch that we can be quite titillated by imaginary sexual scenarios that would appall us were they real; we call this fantasy!
By the sundial... (Poetry) - 11/19/2016 3:25:49 PM
All too real I have to say. Congratulations on achieving your culmination.
By the sundial... (Poetry) - 6/9/2016 10:19:55 PM
This is brilliantly penned. More grease to your elbow Douglas
Under a sky alive with stars (Poetry) - 11/16/2014 12:40:05 PM
Well written and a tad melancholy. Thanks for sharing.
Fireflies (Poetry) - 10/19/2014 3:59:43 PM
Great memory! What's better than fire flies glowing in the dark? Wonderful thoughts!
Fireflies (Poetry) - 9/15/2014 4:35:00 AM
Fireflies trump words at three in the morning. Very visual. Best, Jan
Fireflies (Poetry) - 9/14/2014 9:03:08 AM
That's really good, because I don't particularly like haiku. I sure love fireflies though.
Ron
Fireflies (Poetry) - 9/14/2014 8:14:35 AM
enjoyed knowing you saw those fireflies, we haven't had many this year, maybe too damp, lots of rain
Everyone singing (Poetry) - 9/6/2014 7:29:59 AM
Loved this. I have a feeling that music drives you as much as it drives me. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Duke
Everyone singing (Poetry) - 8/18/2014 8:11:03 AM
You have me singing praises of this comforting view of lakeside wonders that are there for us all if we just take the time to enjoy them and sing along.
Ron
Everyone singing (Poetry) - 8/18/2014 12:54:57 AM
...descriptive poem of calm...healing energy
and lustrous lake-scape beauty...can't help
but sing along to...quietly...
Thank you Douglas, for sharing your poem.
Hope is a chipmunk, too... (Poetry) - 8/17/2014 2:29:46 PM
We have chipmonks running near WHERE I LIVE, BUT THE OTHER DAY , a tenant had to go pick on off the street- his days are gone, but there must be others still here.
Everyone singing (Poetry) - 8/17/2014 2:28:24 PM
I'll join you in the singing too when I wake up, I hate nites, they seem so long, but joy in the morning. Thanks, this is a mighty good poem.
Everyone singing (Poetry) - 8/17/2014 7:44:22 AM
always enjoyable when they sing in harmony
Crossing the street… (Poetry) - 8/6/2014 4:06:16 PM
...the image of a little girl...confronts
the danger...crossing the street is dangerous
and...so is the life...but mother's help on the path
evaluates and depicts the challenge...The poet have
come to the point...when it is time to leave behind
the fear and make progress...grow...safely cross
the road... May trust-faith-hope-and-"mother's eye"
guide and help...to keep the walker...safe...when
crossing "that" hard path of life!
God Bless!
Thank you Douglas for sharing your poem.
Geese (Poetry) - 8/4/2014 10:11:14 AM
i started with 'crossing the street' and in reading more, i've come to appreciate your realistic approach to the simplest observances and always with that wonderful 'metaphoric' touch...nice writing douglas
Crossing the street… (Poetry) - 8/4/2014 7:58:18 AM
Unlike the chicken, we all have to learn how to cross the street. And everyone who drives should keep that in mind.
Ron
Hope is a chipmunk, too... (Poetry) - 7/27/2014 8:40:22 AM
Oh, I so agree that we can learn from the chipmunk and a myriads of other animals and fowls and fishes who populate the earth with up. Absolutely.
Hope is a chipmunk, too... (Poetry) - 7/25/2014 6:48:29 AM
I feel differently now, but I must admit that I hunted chipmunks for fun when I was young. We ate squirrels, but not chipmunks. Fortunately, they are prolific and often prey for owls and other woodland predators, so I was just one at the time. But chipmunks always presented a vision of hopeful cheerfulness as they chirped and work their way carefully along logs and stumps of ancient trees.
Ron
Soon, Spring! (Poetry) - 3/3/2014 4:04:35 AM
Aren't you glad there are four seasons in this world. Nothing, and no misery lasts forever, for everything get renewed and reborn when Spring arrives. You could not have said it better.
Sandie
Soon, Spring! (Poetry) - 3/3/2014 3:04:15 AM
enjoyed the read
sitting here shivering in Oklahoma, typing with mittens on, can only hope soon spring!!
Soon, Spring! (Poetry) - 3/2/2014 10:27:10 AM
Under the cover of snow, the plants, and many small creatures are coming out of hibernation to get a head start on the coming of spring… Just like the author of this poem is getting a head start on the next season. Spring could not come soon enough.
Ron
Soon, Spring! (Poetry) - 3/2/2014 7:39:49 AM
Beautiful uplifting verse that inspires the soul and promotes eagerness for the loveliest of seasons, ...SPRING!!
Best wishes always...
Diana...
Soon, Spring! (Poetry) - 3/2/2014 7:27:44 AM
This is very nice, can't wait until spring.
By the sundial... (Poetry) - 2/14/2014 11:59:05 AM
No one has expressed "time" more beautifully.
Ron
Side by side... (Poetry) - 1/26/2014 12:30:52 PM
Having just read your bio, at first I thought they represented your parents, and perhaps they do.
This is a poem that sets one thinking about the unknown mysteries of life and so much more. If we had a rating system on AD, I would give this one a ten.
Sincerely,
Connie
Side by side... (Poetry) - 1/26/2014 11:06:28 AM
Beautiful thought provoking words as always Doug....I especially loved the last two lines...
Such mysteries, more beautiful
Than any of us can bear.
So much to ponder here....
Diana.....
Side by side... (Poetry) - 1/25/2014 12:58:36 PM
A haunting image of where we are all headed. Hopefully that we can spend on last years on a bench in the company of our significant other.
Ron
Side by side... (Poetry) - 1/25/2014 10:26:17 AM
an enigmatic couple
budd
On a cloudless morning... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 6:10:17 PM
love the descriptions of observation of our nature world
On a cloudless morning... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 12:16:41 PM
Beautiful poem with language that puts the reader directly in the setting.
"Sunlight glances off the surface"... clear, vivid image comes to mind.
Thank you for sharing,and continued success in this new year.
Barbara J. Henry
On a cloudless morning... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 11:35:24 AM
How nice this is--a beautiful word-picture!
Your cat stories sound so interesting--I'll be back soon to read some of them.
Connie
On a cloudless morning... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 11:22:58 AM
It is so wonderful to be able to take the time to watch the sun do its magic on every living thing touches. You are a painter of landscapes with words.
Ron
Log by log... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 11:19:26 AM
Engaging and splendid descriptions here, with a human empathy for the trees sacrifice...
Your words definitely bring warmth to my world.
Diana...
At evening... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 11:01:26 AM
These words are very meaningful to me on a personal level....
You capture something so enigmatic with your eloquent expression...
Another one for my library...
Diana...
The Purpose of My Life... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 10:56:59 AM
Again a wonderful meaningful piece of writing...
I am hoping that you are in Good Health as you will have well passed the five year Mark for the illness you describe.....
Such an appreciation for the natural world, that you observe so brilliantly, must have a profound enhancement upon your total well being...
Sending you healing thoughts,
Diana...
Compelling Passion (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 10:50:01 AM
Another moving observation...Brings to mind a favourite piece of John Ruskin's writing, describing the Fireflies rising and falling in the starlight...
I love your writing...
Diana...
...
Walking With Ned (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 10:43:36 AM
Oh how absolutely touching and moving, with such vivid and tangible descriptions...
Our Rough Collie Quinn has taught us so much...Your last three lines brought tears to my eyes in total recognition...
No wonder you still miss Ned...
Hugs,
Diana...
Under a sky alive with stars (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 10:35:37 AM
Heartwarming words...I do believe in your 'brighter world'...and the image of geese flying overhead , under a sky alive with stars is awesome...
Diana
On a cloudless morning... (Poetry) - 1/14/2014 10:29:02 AM
Such lovely, detailed uplifting observation...
Beautifully written..
Best wishes,
Diana...
Log by log... (Poetry) - 1/3/2014 7:10:25 AM
A beautiful pastoral of times past and times to come when wood-burning is the only way to keep warm in the bitter winter. We all can be grateful for chainsaws. My grandfather would like with hand saws and axes.
Beautifully written and heartwarming. Thanks for sharing it again with us and have a wonderful year smell of wood smoke in the air until spring.
Ron
Log by log... (Poetry) - 1/1/2014 10:29:45 AM
Wonderful poetic message Doug.
May peace, love and blessings follow you throughout the New Year!
John Michael Domino
Who tells the story of these clouds? (Poetry) - 12/21/2013 7:32:03 AM
Absolutely stunning poetry. Earthy and mystic at the same time. Truly enjoyed.
Who tells the story of these clouds? (Poetry) - 12/12/2013 7:56:33 AM
Yes, and if you changed the course of one drop, eventually the entire course of history would change. Wonderful wonderings.
Who tells the story of these clouds? (Poetry) - 12/10/2013 11:56:01 AM
Full of wonder and questions, a beautiful explanation of the amazing proper ties of condensed water vapor in its many forms, shape shifting across valley and sky.
Ron
Geese (Poetry) - 11/3/2013 10:07:50 AM
They are somehow, magical birds. It's hard to believe that in the 1920s Canadian geese almost became extinct. When I visited my brother's home on the St. Joseph River near Elkhart Indiana, the whole area is overrun with nesting geese during the summer.
I am fortunate here in suburban Houston, to see them flying over almost daily from fall to spring because they winter in the Katy area.
We all hope that they will return every year forever.
Ron
Geese (Poetry) - 11/2/2013 4:34:23 PM
Your realism lends scope to the v-shaped vistas of possibility, evincing an audible aura of natural innocence, at once both innate and somehow alien to all who ponder such annual migrations and wonder at their perennial prescience and how much they presage the forever that is now here nowhere but may yet be here in some eternal now thereafter again and again... like the geese.
Good one, Douglas.
Roger
Three Haiku... (Poetry) - 10/14/2013 11:06:59 AM
Nice and refreshing Haiku's. One more is needed for another season.
Well done!
John Michael
Under a sky alive with stars (Poetry) - 10/8/2013 8:11:06 AM
While I don't believe in any wonderful, beautiful afterlife, I do find your poem beautiful and uplifting.
Ron
Under a sky alive with stars (Poetry) - 10/7/2013 8:45:23 AM
Moving, thought provoking poem, Douglas.
I enjoyed reading it. Continued success
Barbara J Henry
Under a sky alive with stars (Poetry) - 10/7/2013 8:43:45 AM
I love this.
I love hearing the geese fly over at night, and feel so connected to nature in such moments.
my favorie poem is William Cullen Bryant's "To A Waterfowl."
John
Walking With Ned (Poetry) - 9/16/2013 6:28:54 AM
Enchanting. As though I were walking with you. It's easy to tell that Ned is a male dog because he is going from tree to tree… marking his path. I miss my little Jazz too.
Although I never took Jazz on morning walks, when we did go out together, he was never on a leash and he always stayed within a reasonable distance of my wheelchair as though he were on a leash. Dogs are so smart if we let them.
Ron
Walking With Ned (Poetry) - 9/15/2013 4:25:17 PM
God certainly gave us a wonderful loving pal.
Walking With Ned (Poetry) - 9/15/2013 2:05:05 PM
I hear ya, Doug, I miss my Rufuz too...always got a laugh when we walked, especially when he would either chase the deer or a little bear...;-) e
Compelling Passion (Poetry) - 8/31/2013 10:32:14 AM
Like Thoreau, it's wonderful to have the time to observe the little things that make life so interesting. My observation would be that it was an annual ritual of fornication required for the species to continue. Rituals like this provide food for many other animals and birds, making nature ever more complex and self-sustaining. We can learn a lot by observing little things like this.
Ron
Compelling Passion (Poetry) - 8/30/2013 7:35:06 AM
we smile just because
budd
The Purpose of My Life... (Poetry) - 8/22/2013 11:51:01 AM
Douglas,another powerful write.In tuned with self and nature enough to appreciate its many small wonders such as a ruby-throated male humming bird,is a miracle in and of itself.
The tone of your poems is soothing and inspiring.
Thank you for this rare treat.
Barbara J Henry
Delineations (Poetry) - 8/22/2013 11:41:27 AM
Great write Douglas,and I agree: Our delineations reveal more about the things we have in common than the differences on which we tend to focus.
Thanks for the thought provoking observation.
Continued success-
Barbara J. Henry
Delineations (Poetry) - 8/22/2013 9:41:40 AM
You have given us cause to delineate well. I'll remember that.
Ron
Dancing... (Poetry) - 8/9/2013 12:16:05 PM
I can picture the cat leaping from her arms and running for cover. On the other hand, if she's held in a warm and cozy fashion and swayed gently to the music, I can see how the cat would even fall asleep.
Ron
At evening... (Poetry) - 8/5/2013 7:19:05 PM
A great poetic perspective of life.
This is one of the BEST poems I have read all day.
That means it rates #1 of about twenty five.
Thank you for the uplifting words.
Well done!
John Michael
The Purpose of My Life... (Poetry) - 7/31/2013 4:39:27 PM
Douglas,
I too am an avid lover of the hummingbird. I sit on my porch this evening and watched a ruby throated hummingbird fight over the feeder I have hanging up. I am so excited to see them come in early April and so sad to see them leave in the Fall. I am touched by your poem, Douglas.
Love and blessings,
Linda+
The Purpose of My Life... (Poetry) - 7/27/2013 5:16:34 PM
So beautiful are your expressions . it came into my life like the hummingbird in the 'angled sunlight'gem of a description , keep writing!
The Purpose of My Life... (Poetry) - 7/27/2013 8:15:20 AM
Yes, the simplest things are the most important. You have stopped for a moment to view the hummingbird and caught his ruby throated image in your mind to savor for just a moment and a poem for a lifetime. Get well soon.
Ron
The Purpose of My Life... (Poetry) - 7/26/2013 1:21:47 PM
This poem is an antidote against the complex answers we try to find. Sometimes the simple answers are the best. When we think this way, we en up thinking "I have not lived in vain" every day, because we have acquired the ability to enjoy each and everyone of those "hummingbird moments".
Axilea
