Seven Rows from Springsteen !

Gifts are gifts, but experiences are something far more eternal.

For Christmas, five people made it possible for me to hear and see the artist that I infused into the literature I taught for 32 years. 

 On a rainy December night.I saw “Bruce Springsteen on Broadway”

Just getting into the show seemed a long shot. It was sold out—all the shows are, but when my lifelong friend Jim Reifeiss snagged a ticket, he insisted I could, too. Jim’s advice was motivation, but so was the support of Pam and Anna (both miles away), but particularly my son Nicholas, now working in NYC. He was on the computer trying to figure out a way to nab a ticket and not have me be stabbed with a $1,000+ price from scalpers (and I have no scalp left). They were all pulling for me since I flew out there with only a faint hope of getting to see Bruce.

That’s when former student, Dr. Frank Lopez (and his son Lex) step into the plotline. At 5:15 pm, I turn the corner and see them in the front of the ‘cancelation line’ waiting for me. This is two hours before any cancelled tickets are even sold! I ask Frank what is he doin’ here, and he explains, “I’m making sure you get in! Look, I was just in the box office and someone just gave back tickets and you can buy one, there’s only one—right now!” I ran in and bought it at face value. And that is how this story began. It is the best $850 I have ever spent. Then Frank and I headed to dinner, walking through the misty rain. I am forever in his debt. I called my family and Jim and all were excited.

Then came two riveting hours that was mystical and spiritual. Bruce Springsteen didn't rock the house as much as he rocked my soul.

I was born in Brooklyn. My family, Italian and pretty ‘low income,’

wasn’t college educated. Louie, my dad, was a jack of many trades. My dad had so many jobs that it took two legal pad pages taped to the kitchen cabinet to know his various phone numbers of the places he worked.  Tessie, my mom, was the stay at home mom who kept the house a loving home. They were determined that I would go to college—‘cause “Ya gotta make good money.” So, we moved to Lodi, New Jersey. It was far less ‘the Garden State,’ but more a “death trap,” to my dad. So, we drove our Rambler in ‘64 seven straight days to East LA. Then, I walked home from school lots of days because my mom, was afraid to drive (she got over it, years later). So, like Bruce, I had made the trek to California, long before we had AC. Then I met Jim Reifeiss when I journeyed to San Diego to become a teacher.

Fast forward twenty years, I made the best decision of my life. I proposed to Pam, the girl next door, in 1985—the year “Born in the USA” …and thankfully she accepted. And largely because of her wisdom and support, my adult children have ‘evolved’ way past me.  I’m the luckiest guy in the Encinitas.

As I watched Bruce tell the story of his life through song and story, I could not help but feel this mystical bond between two guys who came from hardscrabble soil and who tried to make the best of what we had. I felt a spiritual connection because the pressure to be something,’ to do something,’ to matter to someone and inspire them—to be a good father and loving husband; well, all that was a part of Bruce’s journey as well as mine. The cross we both still bear, along the anxiety and worry that comes with that weight, is part of why I felt bonded to Springsteen; and the responsibility to be “tougher than the rest” is the fulfillment and beauty of life’s commitments.

Nowadays, I don’t attend St. Martha Catholic Church, which shadowed my younger days, nor does Springsteen, who spent his youth livin’ next to St. Rose of Lima. So when Bruce told the audience—and I was just seven rows away—what he says most nights—I knew exactly what he was about to tell us because I say it, too: The Lord’s Prayer. I know that my little world isn’t gonna get connected to a spiritual high speed modem to the heavens. But it makes me feel grateful, more grounded, able to in some spiritual way make a difference to those I care about.

The fifteen songs he played meant so much more as he explained how each one was a part of his journey. I thought about the songs I played in my classroom to the 10,000 kids I taught over 32 years. (If you want to know which songs he played, you will have to message me on FB ‘cause I think Bruce wants to keep that a secret. The list was something I wrote down the following morning from memory.)

I’ve been lucky, really lucky to have had family and dear friends like Jim Reifeiss who helped me find True North in my life, but I never, ever thought I would get a chance to be seven rows from a man and Patty, his wife, whose work spoke to so many people who had hungry hearts and a desire to find the “Promised Land.” Springsteen is vulnerable,  giving, humble, passionate, and he reminds me that in this “Land of Hope and Dreams” that you gotta get out there on those two lanes and make your mark—even when you’re “Dancin in the Dark.”

  

Happy Thanksgiving: With a Little Help from My Friends-an update, updated !

I wrote this last year, and I figured you just can't thank people enough! I wanted to include some
wonderful people that made this year so special, too. And I updated some of the times I shared with the folks I wrote of last year. I am grateful for all they have done for me and my family

With Thanksgiving coming, I’d like to express my gratitude to some folks who have helped me and my family so much in the years. I hope I don’t forget anyone…but when I do, please don’t take offense. As Harold Dorr reminded me once, “Just say you had a senior moment.” In no particular order:

Dr. Frank and Rachel Lopez: Last year in December, Frank and his son Lex stood in the rain to make sure I was the first in line for a ticket to see Bruce Springsteen on Broadway. It worked and I wrote about it in an essay "Seven Rows from Springsteen." This year he and Rachel invited us to stay in their studio apartment in NYC, and that allowed us to visit out son Nicholas and daughter Anna for a full week. Not only that but he treated Pam and I to a Broadway play, not just any play--but the premiere Of Arron Sorkin's "To Kill a Mockingbird." What a gift they gave us. 


Jacky and Martin Cox: We had the great pleasure to meet these two Brits on our train trip on the
Rocky Mountaineer. And what a trip it was. Made so much more wonderful by making a friendship that we will continue this year. I learned what "All the Georgie Best" means. I'll leave it to you to find that out when you meet those rascals from over the pond.

Bob Parkington:  He proved just how tough he is—when a car hits you, you dust yourself off…make sure all the bolts and screws are tightened, and head to Paris ! Along with his loving wife Sandy, who nursed him back to health, they provided the great pictures of France for all of us to enjoy. Viva la France!

Kathy McWilliams: who adopts kids into her family with a huge heart and Mark, my best man, integrity in the dictionary. Their devotion to their boys’ passions is unconditional. This year they have been so determined to shed weight and get in shape that they blew us away when we saw them this summer. Fantastic!
whose picture lies next to the word

Dave Gibbs: My golf partner and the most honest man I know, and Jeanne, his wife. Put together, they are partners in ‘fun.’ This year they helped me write part of my newest novel "Meet Me at Moonlight Beach"

Bob Bjorkquist: The Renaissance man, an adventurer bar none, and his loving road trip partner, Toni. Bob, once again did a masterful job with my newest book cover.

Linda Englund: Proving the old adage that we all have a great ‘Second Act,’ if we have the courage to step into the white, hot spotlight and never, never, never stop learning and growing. This year she was nominated for several "Best Actress" awards and WON at the Escondido Patio Playhouse. 

Chris Saunders: Two years removed from losing his battle with cancer, Chirs never lost his sense of Marsha, his wife of 40 years, embodies ‘grace under fire.’ He was the first person I ran my novel's plot to and he was the first person to introduce me as "his friend, the author..."
humor and humility.  He remains the most famous man I know, but you’d never know it because he was so damn modest; and 

Jim Reifeiss: My younger ‘brother from another mother’ who pushed me to be a writer,… and bought me a ticket to see Springsteen.

Joyce and Bill Daubert: Mother and Father Earth—people you count on when the going gets tough. This year Joyce was the 'reader' for my new novel and her advice and encouragement was essential to me.

Harold Dorr: who rides on the Wild Side, reminding me there is a wild side; it’s just not my wild side.

David and Kathy Fares: A couple who reminds me of the joy of being spontaneous—and gracious. This year I learned what it meant "to get outta the Heights!" Thanks, Dave.

Sandy Gonnerman: Who believes in my writing and implores kids to read.

Tom and Patty McKinney: “Longboards Rule” is an essay I wrote a long time ago about Tom and his family. It spoke of deep appreciation for what people have meant to him and Patti.

Jack and Karen Mosher: The “teenagers” who married, raised a family, and whose love touched so many lives. My Blog about their passing reached 4,500 people. Last week I had a chance to reconnect with his daughter Becky and her husband John. Cut from the same cloth.

Monique LT and Faye Visconti: Two teachers who do not know each other, but both know me. Teachers who hold that kids come first in their classes. Their dedication is uncompromising.

Christa Tiernan, my editor, who makes me look like I know what I’m doing. Michelle Lovi, my book designer from New Zealand, who makes the novel and Kindle look so professional.

Barb ad Gary Charlebois: The ‘gypsy’ travelers who helped us discover Maui. And Barb, who has helped me when there was a “Darkness on the Edge of Town.”

Rudy and Dee Casciato: Who embrace their boys’ passion…besides- they’re Italian…’You got a Ed O’Connor and Mike Parinello and the late, great Tony Goffredo...and of course their wives: Karen, Vinnie and Meg.)
problem with that?’ (I would be remiss to ignore my golf buddies:

Carol and ‘Uncle’ Don Elder: What greater gifts to give than to give your home to your children? And to Tim and Chelsea for being my Moonlight Beach Cover Models!

The Cantone Family: The Fab Five threw a great party for their father, my Uncle Joe--aka the Legend. The farewell to the Man was a tribute he woulda loved. He passed this year.

My family knows exactly what we thank each other for, but sometimes I forget to thank my friends. I know I have left out many folks, please know that I care about you and would be there in a heartbeat.

Bob Pacilio …typing from the Metaphor Café

p.s. and thanks to all my former students and debaters/ speakers who have been so supportive ! I know you know who you are

because you "like" so much stuff I write in my blogs like this one.

Lessons from Casablanca: 75th Anniversary: Still the Same Old Story

I’ve been thinking about my favorite film and how relevant it remains despite its glossy images of a world in turmoil. Here are a few things to remember:

1. “With the coming of the Second World War, many eyes in imprisoned Europe turned hopefully, or desperately, toward the freedom of the Americas. Lisbon became the great embarkation point. But, not everybody could get to Lisbon directly, and so a tortuous, roundabout refugee trail sprang up…” This is the opening narration. The direction of today’s refugees differs only slightly; some who can afford it travel to America, but many first cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy or Greece from Africa. It is not Hitler’s Nazis they fear. No, it is the fact that the intense climate’s effect on crops and abject poverty or corruption that has them scurrying for help…for freedom. Unfortunately, due to fear many are turned away, even Syrians whose towns have been blown to bits. This is not the America of Casablanca. That is why “Everyone comes to Rick’s”

2. “And what if you track down these men and kill them, what if you killed all of us? From every corner of Europe, hundreds, thousands would rise up to take our places. Even Nazis can't kill that fast.” Victor Laszlo, leader of the resistance, reminds us of the dangers of those who have a singular view of what is a "superior" race. America was reminded of how these white supremacists are still among us in Charlottesville.

3. “I'm the only ‘cause’ I'm interested in.” Rick Blaine argues the case for isolationism. He is selfish and has been burnt in his fight for the underdogs—and his lost love, Ilsa Lund. This is a reminder of what is commonly called “The Zero Sum Game.” In simple terms, anything I give up for another means I lose it for myself. So civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights—each of these groups that have been disenfranchised in the past now wish to be

included in the America fabric and given equal opportunity. For some, that takes away from their “traditional” power. Instead of growing the pie, they feel that the pie is being sliced away from them; thus, they are "the only cause they are fighting" for. Rick’s mantra: “I stick my neck out for nobody.”

4.  Senor Ferrari: “What do you want for Sam?” Rick: “I don't buy or sell human beings.” Casablanca makes a statement in 1942 about civil rights. Sam, the African American piano player, is not for sale. Sam and Rick’s friendship and mutual respect runs deep. This is another lesson relevant today. Once people of good faith meet, the color of one’s skin should never come between them. Black Lives Matter—Human lives matter. But even in Casablanca, the Nazi General states: “As you have observed human life is cheap here in Casablanca.”

5.” If it's December 1941 in Casablanca, what time is it in New York? …I'd bet they're asleep in New York. I'd bet they're asleep all over America.” Rick Blaine eventually realizes that his “destiny” in the battle of good over evil is shaped by his sacrifices, even losing the love of his life, for a cause bigger than anything he's faced before. he lives in. Are we asleep? Are we not noticing that we as a nation are slipping backward and not progressing forward? President Obama believed that "our best days lie ahead." However, events of this year seem to be pushing us away from the being the beacon of freedom and hope and into a nation of fear and divisiveness. Rick realizes his selfishness and finds strength when he tells Ilsa:

: “I'm no good at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.”
As the film closes, Rick’s foil Victor Laszlo nods to Rick as he boards to plane to tell America to wake up to the atrocities occurring in Hitler’s Germany: “Welcome back to the fight. I know this time our side will win.”

Chris Saunders: the hero next door: a remembrance and a revisit

I wrote this appreciation to Chris Saunders last year. Tomorrow, the 21st of September, will mark the day we lost Chris. Before he passed, I spent many hours with him talking baseball, politics, but the most special discussion was his demand that I tell him the complete plot to my new novel Meet Me at Moonlight Beach. He loved writing and was a wonderful wizard with words. Chris insisted on introducing me to his friends as "the author, Bob Pacilio." I wish he could have wrapped his fingers around the novel that he listened to in his hospital bed. The novel is dedicated to him.

For thirty two years, I taught about fictional heroes, but for the last three years a real hero lived next door. My neighbor Chris Saunders passed away on September 21, 2017, and yesterday hundreds of folks came to honor him and his family. It was gut wrenching. It was inspiring. It was courageous. It was nostalgic. But above all, it communicated one simple truth. Chris was a hero.

To the thousands of students I taught, you may remember Chris as a channel 8 news reporter for twenty years. Perhaps these pictures will sharpen that recollection of him.  I am writing this for you and for all those folks out there in the ‘cloud’ who may not know that a person like Chris Saunders can bring out the hero in YOU.

I will not make an attempt to equal the eloquence of those who spoke of him. No one could bear witness to Chris’s heroics more than his daughters; Juliet and Hillary. Theirs was a bedtime story told of a father who transcended what is usually expected of fatherhood. One knows deep in our souls that a child’s most important teachers are parents, and the greatest of those parents make it their sacred duty to have their children evolve to a higher level of consciousness and spirituality than they have. That was a tall order for these young women, but Juliet’s and Hillary’s words spoke volumes of what Chris taught them.

Chris was never alone in this endeavor. Courage takes on many forms, but his wife of forty years, Marsha, embodied exactly that courage as she faced the cancer that took her soulmate’s life. The Celebration of His Life was her tribute to a man who promised to always and forever walk with her, hand in hand.

He loved the truth and he told the truth in every endeavor. Those of us who knew him, even briefly, heard the stories of his reporting with the Innocence Project, and the people he helped get out of the prison. Prejudice and ignorance were often the causes; however, he spoke truth to power. More importantly, he lived his truth. When Chris Saunders said he would do something, he did it to the best of his abilities.

Chris loved music. He could play any guitar and in the

words of Bruce Springsteen “make it talk.”

He always made us laugh…even when his pain was unendurable.

Today, I ask each of us to continue to follow his lead: listen, be kind, sing your song, stand up for what is right because it is right, read to your children, and love family unconditionally. Nothing would make Chris happier. And that, my friends, is what heroes do. Even when the chips are down, they never stop believing in YOU.

So yesterday “there were teardrops on the city”—today, we try to make a difference.

Imagine that.

The Moshers: Jack and Karen: The Autumn of Their Lives.

I write this message to the thousands of people that Jack and Karen Mosher touched in the 80 years that they moved from season to season. I am embarrassed because I planned on writing it in the summer, but no excuse will suffice.

We lost them both in a blink of an eye. Firs

t, Karen’s unexpected death in her sleep, then Jack’s in similar fashion weeks later. The memorial was held after Karen’s death in Palm Desert. I do not know if there will be another for Jack. Knowing Jack, he wouldn’t want a big fuss over him, but he always took great joy in celebrating Karen and the gifts she brought to his life and his children’s lives.

I met Jack in the teacher’s workroom at Mt. Carmel High. He looked like Earnest Hemingway and he sounded like him. The more I had coffee or played golf with Jack, the more I realized what a full life he lived. He wasn’t much of a phone talker, but he’s the only person I ever knew who answered my calls with a chipper, “Well, hello there, Bobby.” I always called him “Chief.” Just walking the golf course with the Chief was a lesson in loyalty, honesty, goodwill, and love.

Karen was his angel. She was the piano teacher to so many children who tried their best for her. My wife Pam and I watched both our children play and sing, Anna did most of the singing and Nicholas did most of the playing. Karen’s patience and generosity was a testament to that word again: love

They fell for each other when they themselves were mere teenagers and their affect never wavered through the tumultuous decades that followed: Vietnam, civil rights, the sexual revolution and the technological advances to come. What always amazed me was that they were always on the right side of history, and as the times changed, they grew and adapted—embracing new ideas, new skills.

Many of you reading this had “Mr. Mosher” as your teacher or your European tour guide or your coach on an Academic team, etc. For me, he was always one of my mentors, but despite never taking a class from him, I learned so much. He knew I didn’t know Picasso from Pacino; Carl Jung from Neil  Young; from Walt Whitman from a Whitman’s Sampler—but Jack, who knew so much, did not parade his worldliness. He would wink at me when he knew that I had finally gotten it.

After Karen’s death, I called. I got a very subdued, “Hello,… Bobby.” Then he said, “You know, I was always the one who was supposed to go first.” I was not sure what to say, even though that is what most everyone thought, but I never expected death to catch up with them so soon.  I said I hoped to see more of him since his family was nearby in Carlsbad. However, he solemnly replied, “I don’t think so.” It was foreshadowing, and he knew it. Those words were his last to me.

He and the love of his life Karen now rest in a better place…together. And piano plays an Irish jig.

God Bless them both.

 Bob Pacilio and all of us who had the great pleasure to be a part of the Mosher’s Café.

Al Franken: Giant of the Senate: An elixir for what ails America!

Honest. Hard working. Hilarious. Humble. Harvard-whip smart. (and Hey, I can't think of any other

H words to describe this memoir from Al's time at SNL to his present day service in the senate.

Let's start with 'honest.' Al bends over backward to tell the reader (me and his loyal constituents in Minnesota) why things happen in DC, and what he has and has not accomplished. He answers the question: why does congress fail to serve the American people effectively?

He is 'hard-working' because...well, ‘who would think’ a comedian could be a senator? (Of course, our president, as he points out, is another example of ‘who would think’ a seven time bankrupt businessman, womanizer, narcissist, name-calling liar could make the 'bully' pulpit his own golden throne? The difference is Al reads stuff--everything he can get his hands on--and Al knows what the heck he is talking about.) Simply because he was comedian and is now a senator is what drives Mr. Franken to prove himself to his colleagues and constituents.

Hilarious--why? Well, as a senator he had to learn that jokes don't always play well, but as an

author...all bets are off. (Just read the chapter on Ted Cruz. I will not spoil or steal any of his jokes.)

His humility is evident in one simple sentence: his devoted wife of 30+ years made ‘the speech’ (and the admission) that, he admits, got him elected. He knows he won election by 314 votes--and Frannie helped tip the scales. (That’s right …314…and it took 8 months to sort it out. I know, inherently comical.)

As for Harvard, he is very self-depreciating, but clearly, he is one of the smartest senators in the room; maybe not the most versed in parliamentary proceedings or protocol, but reading his book helps explain fact from fantasy (or plain ol' BS) on issues like health care, global warming, etc.

One more thing—he respects and admires his ‘esteemed colleagues on the other side of the aisle—

and works with them. He cannot understand why there is not more of that. (Of course, he skewers them when they deserve it, also known as the Merrick Garland Obstruction decree.)

For me the overriding theme is this: Politicians must do what is best for all the American people. Politicians must not serve for the purpose of continuing to win back their seat--but rather to win back the trust in the people. His votes must be for the greater good and advancement of humanity (see global warming chapter). He derides the fear mongering and the zero-sum game that is being played by too many politicians (translation:  to win means I get more and you get less--and if you get nothing, well, too bad.) In the words of Bruce Springsteen, a non-Minnesotan like me: Nobody wins unless everybody wins.*

(*At least everyone should be given an equal and fair opportunity to succeed.) 

 p.s. Al's pictures are also really funny and the last chapter is heartfelt and poignant.

p.p.s. Dang it, I should have put ‘Heartfelt’ in the introduction.

p.p.p.s People who think the title of the book “Giant of the Senate” is egocentric need to look up the term ‘humorous irony.’------------>>

Everything I needed to know I learned from 'To Kill a Mockingbird"

Gang: Mississippi just doesn't get it. I taught 'Mockingbird' to 9th graders for 32 years. It was by far the gateway novel to discuss issues of compassion and tolerance and how only by understanding others via 'walking in their shoes" can all the little "Scout's" out there understand why we have done the things we (continue) to do. When school boards ban it from the curriculum,I guess they just don't want to hear about America's continuing issue of race (not to mention the hypocrisy of  religious extremism and sexual harassment--all subtle sub-themes). Just remember this, banning a book that is the #1 "Most Influential Book" (other than the Bible, Koran and Torah) according to the Library of Congress, will just make more children want to read it...just as they always have since 1960. 

If you don't mind, here are some of the lessons I learned while teaching this novel for 32 years. 

1. "If you can learn a simple trick, you'll get along a lot better with all kind of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.step into their shoes and walk around for a while."

2. "It's not okay to hate anyone."

3. "Our courts are the Great Levelers."

4. "There is evil in the world, Son. I'd like to keep it from you, but that's not possible."

5.“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience. Before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself."

6. “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”

7. "People in their right minds never take pride in their talents."

8. “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

9. “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home.”

10."Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." 

Just a simple message about the division in politics and the affect on citizens.

Gang: Regarding the ''Who started it first?' Debate on the aggressive, attack language, It is a counter productive argument that only leads to a Hatfield- McCoy conclusion.

Of course, the Trump Train is the engine pulling all the cars, but that train left the station back in the 1960's ( at least) and attacks just go unabated. Perhaps, rather than that metaphor that Mark Twain used in Huck Finn (with different family names), it would serve the nation to remember that 'a plague on both houses' can only be truly ended with real change.

The most obvious to me is the weapons used in violent attacks.. Both sides need to agree on one simple thing : we have a right to have a gun or rifle, but all assault weapons of of the nature used in the recent assassination attempts in DC on Republicans must be banned. Confiscated with restitution if necessary.. Both sides give in. Gun checks and gun show sales need closer scrutiny.

First, come together in deeds, not just words and then recognize the that debate on issues is not a call to arms. We need a "Farewell to Arms"

With apologies to Twain, Hemingway and Shakespeare.

Bob Pacilio

Addendum: (After two of my former students commented on FB explaining the confusion about what is an 'assault weapon', here is my reaction:

I've thought more on the subject and your replies. Yes, the crazy folks will look to do as much damage as possible. Note: in Britain with restrictions on guns, the assailants use their cars. Imagine if the had access to some assault weapons? As for The Constitution., the 'right to bear arms' is not my issue- it is about the right for citizens to carry military grade assault weapons. Surely, the number of rounds fired in so quick a time is part the 'prevention' needed since sometimes it gives defense a chance to stop an assassin; no real prevention can stop the 'suspects' because the number exceeds 300,000 in major cities alone. As for comparisons to prohibition, bootlegging liquor is a different skill set to these precise weapons. Yes, it can still happen. The question is this : taking no action means no effort is made because it may not be substantial. My position in terms of a divided Congress and nation is an effort will at least tell Americans that the government has drawn a line at a particular weapon of choice. 

 I also am quite proud to say both of my former students knowledgeable opinions regarding the definitions of 'assault weapons' speak volumes about their understanding of this debate. However, just today, it was on reported that 70 % of guns confiscated by Mexican police are made in the USA. it is a sad truth that this, of all products is what nations want from us the most. Ironically, these same weapons land into the hands of cartels and the used against us.

The killer at the baseball field had one type of 'assault weapon. So did the kid at Sandy Hook and the killer in Arizona with Gabby Giffords...I agree with both of my former students that it is a tough call, but doing nothing is just that, doing nothing. Virginia has no gun restrictions whatsoever , not even registration.

My knowledge of firearms is very limited. The bigger point is whatever the issue or the type of forearm, etc. it is the act of compromise not just the talk of 'getting along better'. So since this recent event highlights the gun debate,but still the sides will not compromise. I believe  some substantive compromise can be a start. Look to the global warming crisis. Neither side makes a move to do something significant.

 The 'coming together in Congress' talk is cheap; it is what compromises that actually occur where both sides give a little.I chose gun legislation as an example since it was on the hearts and minds of so many in Congress...but alas, little will be done.

Sorry for my longest blog...ever.  Bob

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It's a 35 year Throwback! Rock of Ages at Mt. Carmel: 35th Anniversary!

Well,  Gang: we are all a bit older but in March of 1982 we did the unimaginable--an original musical with a live band, dancers,and a history story-line about rock and roll with killer music and images. I was reminded of this when I was talking to Marc Attinasi (our freshman drummer and my neighbor) yesterday.

So for all of you out there in Blogger land (or on Facebook) here is something to show your friends, kids, grandkids, and anyone else who doubts you were ever a 'star.' Thanks to Linda Englund's direction and Les Gripkey's band leadership, as well as Eugia Edwards, choreography. Norm Testa's family made a video/ cd of the show in its dress rehearsal (no audience) so ask me about it--or ask Norm.

Please spread the word on FB and/ or follow my blogs. As for me, the author, teacher, and such--I'm retired for last 6 years, written three novels, seen my Readers Theaters performed by other directors, which includes "Whitewash" (four times) and "Rock of Ages" in Long Beach (once by a teacher / alumni who saw the show way back when and asked for the script).

To find out about my novels, go to www.robertpacilio.net ...and yes, I still 'perform' for classes and at conventions.

One last thing, Megan Murray/ McPherson called me one day to tell me there is a FB page called "Mr. Pacilio made a difference in my life." I was blown away, and I still am when I meet folks I taught --even back when I had hair. You can reach me on FB or email me at robertpacilio@gmail.com

I'm celebrating my 32 year of marriage to Pam and I have two adult 'kids'--working in SF and DC. (A proud Dad...)

Thanks for all the memories and all the chances you took on this crazy teacher who always wanted the 'Big Dance Number!"