Blog archive
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
A reminiscence for baseball fans
By Edward A. RinderlePosted: 09/30/2023
Two boys emerge from the little grocery store down the street from their homes in the mid-city district of New Orleans. It is summertime, 1955. They each have used 20% of their weekly allowance to buy a 5 cent baseball card. They have no idea who will be pictured on the cards, for they are wrapped in thick paper along with a flat piece of pink bubble gum. They savor the anticipation as they walk the block down Palmyra Street to Donny's house – the left half of a shot gun duplex. Taking a seat on the front porch, Donny and his friend Freddie look at each other to decide who will be first to open his treasure. “I think it's your turn, Freddie”, says Donny. Freddie heaves a sigh to relieve his excitement, then begins to rip at the paper methodically. The card reveals itself as a color portrait of Joe Adcock, star first baseman of the Milwaukee Braves. Alas, it is a duplicate of a card already in the boys' mutual collection, but it's a great pickup nonetheless.
After a few minutes spent admiring the likeness of Adcock, Donny takes his turn and slowly peels off the paper. “Wow!” he exclaims. “A Roy Campanella! We don't have one of him! The best catcher in baseball!” Equally excited, Fred partially agrees. “A toss-up between Campy and Yogi Berra, but we already have a Berra.” Donny dashes off briefly into his home to fetch the cigar box containing their collection.
“How many cards do you think we have now”, asks Freddie. “Oh we must have at least a hundred”, Donny responds.
“And still no Musial”, muses Fred.
“Still no 'Stan the Man'. But the day will come . . .”
“Want some bubble gum?” asks Freddie.
“Naw”, replies Donny. “Those flat dry squares are downright dangerous. The last time I tried a chew I almost slit the roof of my mouth on the corner of that beast.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean”, replies Fred. “But I thought I'd ask anyway.”
The boys now lapse into casual chat about cars, ball games, and school. Eventually, Freddie breaks in excitedly: “Hey, it's Saturday. I almost forgot. Matinee day at the Carrollton Theater. Another horror film is slated – I think it's called 'The Mole People'. Plus we get to see the next episode of the weekly serial, 'Rocket Man'!”
“Right you are, Fred”.
Suddenly, a high-pitched screech splits the humid air: “Oh, Fred! Fred-EEEEEEEE!” It's the unmistakable sound of Freddie's mom calling her son for lunch.
“I'd better get going, Donny. I'll see you later around 1:30 That should allow us plenty of time to walk to the show!”
“You bet, Freddie. See you then.”