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Lest the reader think that we are solely preoccupied with esoteric, philosophical subjects, related to mankind and his interface with society, we have chosen for this writing, the inarguably, mundane subject of New York City buses. In common with most of our mini-essays, we prefer to refer to the relevant past history, prior to the expression of our thoughts concerning, the subject in its contemporary existence.

The word “bus” is, in reality, a contraction of the word, “omnibus,” meaning,” for everyone,” signifying the ability of anyone, without any previous reservation, to board as a fared passenger, at any designated point, along its fixed route. Buses are relatively large motor vehicles, capable of carrying many passengers, along their assigned route, during which there are dedicated stops.

The first “streetcars” in New York, (1830’s) were, actually, pulled by horses along rails, to various designated stops in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Research indicates, that, in addition to the usual logistical and mechanical problems, intrinsically inherent in such an enterprise, the signature problem was horse poop.

The horse-pulled street cars, were subsequently replaced by cable cars, (overhead sourced electricity) which, like its predecessor, traveled on street- level, rails to designated stops (“trolleys”). The next, succeeding, surface transit system, the fuel powered bus, replaced the electric-sourced street cars (trolleys”) very soon after, it is thought, largely due to the concerted public relations efforts of the fuel industry. The change, of course, was a true, paradigm shift, in City travel and commutation.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority, (“MTA”), we are informed, presently, operates a fleet of approximately, 6,000 buses in New York City, covering 322 routes. Regular fare is $2.75, payable with a “MetroCard,” or by exact change (in coins). They, conveniently, tend to service areas of the City, not located close to subway entrances.

We are pleased to note the following laudable features of City buses: lowered platform apparatus for the use of  the disabled, kneeling buses for easier passenger entrance, a new system, consisting of outside payment of fare and the permitted use of multiple entrance doors, to avoid crowding, allocated seating section for the elderly and disabled, and, from time to time, announcement of streets and avenues, along the route; the latter, especially useful, when dark and on rain periods, when visibility of street signs are a challenge. We would suggest that such regular announcements be a feature of all buses, on all necessary occasions.

We do, however, wish to lodge, an especially vexing, complaint. We, and as informed, many other bus passengers, have experienced the great frequency of instances in which (usually aggravated by a cold, rainy or hot day), the wait for buses, is unreasonably long, late, and inconsistent with the posted schedule. After an uncomfortable wait, usually with an ever accumulating crowd of travelers, no less than two buses, will then arrive. This is hard to comprehend or forgive. The bus company, (presumably, its dispatchers) know, or should know, from many years of repeated experience, the normal, daily and hourly passenger demand, at any given bus stop. There are, indeed, many people who aptly perform, multiple, complex responsibilities as part of their employment; by contrast, this matter is childishly simple, and there would appear to be is no reasonable excuse for such ineptitude.

We truly appreciate the positive features of the City buses, enumerated above, and choose to remain, eternally optimistic, that a solution of the needless scheduling morass, will be found, in good time.

-p.

As has been famously said, there is a “time for everything,” We see the moral obligation, for the first time, after publishing 422 mini- essays, to profusely and sincerely, apologize for the current title. We are morally constrained to admit, that the only comparative element, of all three subjects, in the above title, is that they have each, respectively, crossed the irreversible threshold of extinction, after a long, pre-eminence. The offense is aggravated, by our further admission, that this note does not in any other way, directly or by indirection, concern the titular subjects, of the ancient wooly mammoth or the dodo. The themed, extinct phenomenon, du jour, in truth, is that of (legitimate) conversation.

When early man progressed from a solo, to a societal, life, the desired interdependent benefits (ex., defense, food gathering, joint projects, exchange of skills) would not be,as a practical matter, attainable, without a common mode of inter-active communication; a developed language. The facility of an understandable language, made possible, among other things, the exchange of information and skills, as well as the expression of thoughts and reactions to events.

The fundamental ability to speak to others, was empirically essential, to the common solution of problems, the exchange of skills, joint undertakings and decisions, expression of needs, communication of events, whetherthey be dangerous, like threats from outsiders, or beneficial, such as the location of food and water. It is assumed that as the facility of spoken language improved, other matters were added to the common subjects of discussion: oral history, achievements and tragic events, as well as the news of the day. Members of society might express thoughts and opinions, and when the need presented itself, their personal feelings. The facility of speech, or “talking” to others, afforded a rational, and orderly mode of socialization and the necessary emotional relief of voluntary expression, and, still performs the identical functions in our modern society. The human facility of speech, or talk, is most certainly, not extinct, nor is it, in actuality, the subject of this writing.

Samuel Johnson, the 18^th Century poet, playwright, essayist and lexicographer, was considered, by a great many, the greatest figure of that Century. He is known to have made the following statement, among many other great and memorable statements:

“… We have had talk enough, but no conversation; there was nothing [interesting] discussed.”

There is a significant, qualitative, aesthetic and intrinsic difference, between, talking and having a “conversation.”But, because the words, “talk” and “conversation,” are often considered synonymic, we have, defensively, quoted Dr.Samuel Johnson, the great lexicographer, lest our themed distinction, seem strained or pedantic. Conversations, are more than mundane interactions; a speaker actually says something incisive, interesting or memorable. The art of conversation, whenever it existed, was an engagement between two or three people, in which the exchange of language was, observingly, knowledgeable, at times, containing truly, original thoughts, but always, dependably interesting, and at various times, fascinating.

Many thought provoking observations or interesting points of view, as well as valuable observations were, in the recent past, articulated by letter correspondence. We feel that thoughtful correspondence, was and is, the most aesthetic and artistic mode of conversation, since they are expressed at leisure, with time and opportunity, to select the words, most expressive of the writer’s thoughts. For those who may not know it, and may be curious, history, records a, “Pliny the Younger,” as, famously, having written a great many letters which have proven to be a treasure trove of information, for scholars of ancient Rome. Our adopted, (possibly, presumptuous) use of that name, as the style of this blogspace, admittedly, was not accidental or whimsical.

Legitimate conversation is only possible for, and perhaps, solely desired by, that remaining minority of humanity, that has wisely dedicated, some part of its short life span, to knowledge and self- improvement; through engagement in reading good literature and/or pursuing the arts and sciences. It is such people who, happily, and successfully, attain the intended goal of natural evolution, of a more exalted platform of life, and the ability to live meaningfully and rationally; for which dedicated purpose, mankind was generously gifted with an advanced brain.

Nature’s goal is represented by a disappointingly, small, surviving, cohort of homo sapiens, who can speak and as well, engage in true and rewarding conversation.  For the most part, the fragile existence of bona fide, authentic, conversation, has gone the final and sad way, of the Wooly Mammoth and the Dodo.

ADDENDUM: The prevalent use of smart-phone “messaging” we feel, has permanently eliminated, any and all dreams of a possible return, to the esthetic and rewarding art of human conversation.

-p.

Major shifts in the tectonic plates, in the Earth’s crust, are reported to occur at geological “faults”, such that the positions of the plates, change relative to each other, often resulting in momentous results, such as, earthquakes, in the case of rapid occurrences, or “slips,” for slower ones. They evidently occur, locally, but can have global repercussions. Various organizations and scientists study this phenomenon, including the U.S. Geological Survey Organization. Some of the tectonic shifts take eons to occur, others may be more rapid in their formation. The subject is eternally investigated and is the subject of many academic disciplines.

In some cases, (like the movement of tectonic plates), shifts in the mutual relationships, between the younger and older members of society, also produce, enduring results, but, by metaphoric contrast, some may be societally beneficial, as well as damaging; but, clearly, never graphically catastrophic, as in the case of geologic earthquakes or tsunamis. We term these social changes metaphorically, “seismic” because of their noteworthy, and enduring effects. An additional difference, regarding human seismic changes, is that they occur on a more regular basis, and may require at most, only the period of a human generation or so, to manifest themselves.

As early as the beginning of the 20^th Century, many salubrious, personal changes began to occur, which reflect a developing empathic and respectful recognition of the younger generation, as individual, nascent adults, with legitimate personal and emotional reactions, albeit, at times, from an inexperienced perspective.

Those readers, to young, to remember, may consult literature and old movies, to disapprovingly, learn, of such commonplace aphorisms, as “Children are to be seen and not heard,” Spare the rod and spoil the child,” “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” “Mother knows best,” “Respect your elders,” (the latter applied, as well, to adults who deserved little or no respect), ”You wouldn’t understand,” “You are just a child,” “Children think they know so much,” and the like. Moreover, for generations, schoolteachers in most States, were legally considered, to be “in loco parentis,” and were permitted to physically, punish children. In one account, read by us concerning what was advertised, in New England, as “Good Christian Schooling,”schoolteachers were permitted to cut a switch from a local tree, and whip the misbehaving child; a popular variation, was to have he alleged “misbehaving” child stand barefoot on hard peas. These behaviors, by schoolmasters at the time, were legally, and routinely, performed, with the implicit assent, of the parents.  These tectonic plates needed shifting.

Such atavistic and disgraceful disregard for the feelings and persona of young children, mercifully, came to a gradual (and inconsistent) end in the coming years. Among various factors, including, the reading of good, secular literature and liberal education, a rational perspective evolved, catalyzed, in short order, by the new exposure to television; the latter demonstrating modern views on the proper contextual relationship, of parents and children, and adults and young people, in general. Children were at last, considered authentic nascent adults, and not household possessions. On television and radio productions, children were portrayed as capable of owning their own unique persona and intelligence. The appropriate and realistic portrayal of young people, in the media and elsewhere, was a teaching experience, for those many, who needed it.

As can be assumed, the general family life of parents and children took on new perspective; inexperienced, or immature expressions, were lovingly considered, as such, or as “cute,” and, as the child grew older, his thoughts and opinions were duly recognized and given consideration, by parents. At appropriate times, children were spoken to as individuals, as opposed to as toddlers. Children now could freely, express themselves, rather than “be seen but not heard.” A momentous tectonic plate, had finally settled, in a fit and secure place.

But, as any physical geologist would tell you, tectonic plates are never predictable, and may,atany time, unexpectedly, disturb a peaceful environment. A different, and gigantic, societal shift more recently took place, commensurate and contemporaneously, with, the advent of computer technology, most particularly, with the hand-held computer telephone.

Younger people, not hobbled by the “traditional” teaching of reading, writing and arithmetic, as were their elders, were now required, not only to be heard, but as well, seen, since they became, of necessity, remedial instructors, for their older, digitally limited parents and seniors. Educated in a new electronic context, they have become accessible aficionados of the language and the novel context, of the new, digital computer-driven society.

As an aside, we have, consistently, expressed our adamant disapproval, concerning the prevailing use of the electronic phone, for personal interaction, pointing out the lack of individuality and spontaneity, in their use, and the impersonality of the practice of the receipt of code-like computer images, on a small, lighted screen, in lieu of spontaneous, personal conversation. We have implored the young to read books, and not screens. All to no avail. We have also remonstrated for the healthy, mind exercising, use of intelligent reason, for solving problems, rather than punching buttons on a digitized, hand held appliance. Again to no avail.

The most recent major sociological, tectonic plate shift, is manifested in the universal use of digital phones and computerized equipment. As to a great many of us, who have not been educated in the digital age, we are, blamelessly, handicapped, by the imperative need to alter our lives, so as, to become digital operators and to think, digitally. The result, is that the entire tectonic plate area has so shifted, that, even those of us who are objectively, well- educated, need to rely on available youngsters for even, basic assistance. The young person is now, by material necessity, to be heard, as well as seen, so that we elder members of society, can try his patience with sophomoric questions, and multiple requests, for computer assistance.

It is remarked, somewhere, that, “the worm has turned.” We would prefer the statement, “Society’s tectonic plates have remarkably, shifted”.

-p.

Any individual, who deigns to look up, even momentarily, from his smart-phone, will likely notice, the most majestic and largest living organism on the planet, the ubiquitous, tree. Despite the contemporary atmosphere, of vociferous contention over global warming, many people, nevertheless, are coming to realize, that existence on this planet, is vitally dependent upon the metabolic process, death and ultimate deterioration, into topsoil, of this marvelous creation of nature.

The tree, in addition to providing aesthetic beauty, cooling shade, habitat for birds and other animals, and a playground for young children, performs vital services, in its absorption of carbon and manufacture of oxygen, prevention of floods, prevention of soil erosion, and, in addition to serving scientific research purposes, such as tree ring dating, has, eternally, provided required material for manufacturing and for building construction.

While we are, for the moment, making some general observations on trees, it may be of interest, to mention the renowned 18^th Century classifier and botanist, Carl Linnaeus, who observed that the chestnut oak, willow oak, the water oak and the red oak, are trees confined, generally, to the eastern portion of the world, most principally, in North America. We elect to make this observation, for reasons which will soon become evident.

The study of “growth,” or “tree” rings, [the yearly developed, concentric rings around tree trunks] has provided scientists with valuable historic information, on climate, temperature and other natural phenomena. We are advised that such past events are discerned by experts from certain, rather subtle, demonstrable features of the rings, such as their thickness, and the space between each other. Certain adjoining, rather complex, wiggly lines, have been observed to be routinely present, which, until recently, were not, at all understood. The eminent, Professor (Emeritus) Percival P. Pooke, former Department Head of Arbor Research, an academic branch of Biological Studies, at North American University, in Rootland, Vermont, is credited with, brilliantly, uncovering, their function and interpretation.

The bearded, reserved, strictly vegan, Professor Pooke, who at the age of 87, still preferred to be called, by intimates, “Pooky,” studied, with the assistance of successive post-doctoral teams, the North American Oak, with special academic emphasis, on the notable, Chestnut Oak and the Water Oak. In the decades spent in intense and exclusive study of these two singular trees, he and his tireless, post-docs, made unique,valuable contributions, not confined, alone to the scientific discipline of botany, but, serendipitously, to the exponentially engulfing, area of computer science.

He succeeded in, at long last, in uncovering, in those studied, wiggly lines, a world -shattering revelation; consisting, incredibly, of an arboreal encrypted, algorithmic code, [[which took 40 years, two divorces and, no less than, 1546 felled tree trunks, to discern and, finally, decipher] in the Chestnut Oak, and to a lesser degree, in the Water Oak.

Pooke’s most recent team, which carried on the important work, after he was shot and killed by his angry, third wife, made further discoveries, which are existentially valuable, but conceptually difficult, to accept. The specific varietal of tree, the Chestnut Oak was found to have the capability of evolving an algorithmic system of recording information, and, equally astoundingly, encrypting it.

Still puzzling, accepting the finding, that this singular member of the oak family, had such capabilities, is the question, what could possibly be the content of such computer-style messages. These questions are immeasurably, far more difficult to answer, than merely, analyzing historic rainfall and other meteorological conditions, by the examination of the nature of spaces between growth rings of a tree.

The only possible answer, totally undisclosed from the public, until now, is that the haphazard, irregular miracle of the evolutionary process, resulted in a hybrid/sentient tree, with computer capability, but, by virtue of its feature of great height, and its problem of immobility, limited to the sole capability of observation.

These specific hybrid oaks, as discovered, look out on  humanity and record (since that is their sole capability)  acts which are harmful to the planet (injuring nature and especially, trees), including, the irresponsible discarding of throw- away cups ,and plastic containers, the irresponsible waste of natural assets, including water, the negligent and dangerous  setting of campfires, the cruel and psychopathic killing, of innocent denizens of the forest for “fun,” the senseless injuries inflicted on trees, such as carving initials, the irresponsible discarding of  garbage, and other such reprehensible, intentional or thoughtless acts. These, and, importantly, the identity of the wrongdoers, are, apparently, in some fashion, recorded and memorialized, for ultimate reasons, of which, we yet have no knowledge.

It is also said, by scholars, specializing in the new scientific, discipline of oak sentience, that overheard statements, amounting to denial of climate change, are similarly, recorded and stored in the oak’s “special” files, for future action, the exact nature of which, they also, lack knowledge.

We might recommend that, when you are hiking or picnicking in the woodland, you do pay attention to the larger oaks, especially those who seem to be alert and on active monitoring duty. Be sure to remove all trash and then, smile, at the large, breeze-waving, oak trees. [It surely can’t hurt].

-p.

Followers of this blogspace, may be familiar with our confessed, enthusiastic partiality, to Dutch tulips, among all the beguiling mid- Spring floral magnificence. Each year, for the (slightly less than) the three years of plinyblog’s existence, we have re- published, on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, our mini-essay, exalting those eye-catching, uniquely shaped blossoms, valuing them. significantly, above the stereotypical rose; the latter being, apparently, the traditional love offerings, on that romantic holiday. It has always been our view that plants, like tulips, that emerge from bulbs, manifest unique and estimable features, not found in the stereotypical, Valentine roses.

In early European History, the tulip (“tulipa”) was generally acknowledged as extremely valuable, not only as a prized flower, but, actually considered, a valuable medium of exchange. There are some botanical texts which state, that in some recorded real estate transactions, the land and improvements, were paid for with tulips.

The early Fall, has, been empirically shown to be the best time for planting Spring flowering tulips. We recently have become owners of a country property, and have been in the process of preparing the grounds to suit our visual tastes. Accordingly, the past weekend was devoted to the planting of Dutch imported tulips, previously selected for color and type, and for their (late) mid – May flowering. Not to dwell on the subject, we are especial fans of the “late” flowering varietals, which are larger and more dramatic in appearance, than the “early,” or Mid- April, blooming tulips.

The ground must be prepared, by painstakingly removing the accumulated weeds and other unwanted material from the potential tulip field, working the soil, removing the rocks, and then, preparing dug circles, about the size of dinner plates, and four inches deep, and, then, within these circular holes, arranging the various bulbs, [ according to optimistic, aesthetic visions of the future] in potential color patterns as desired. The planted bulbs are then covered with soil, and gently patted down with the back of the planting spade. The planted area is then generously watered, and the long and optimistic, wait, for next spring, begins. We will undertake to furnish a report this coming Spring, for those who may be interested, as to the degree of our success. Since we believe in absolute candor, we would like to candidly, report, on our, (worthwhile) state of exhaustion and debilitating back ache.

For the moment, we would like to briefly discuss, the unique and inestimable, qualities of the tulip bulb, applicable to all bulb type varietals, the latter general category, which we feel deserve, at least, honorable mention (first prize, of course, to be awarded to the Spring’s tulip flower production).

Most flowers, of course, are planted by the chance, or in some cases, the intentional, burial of small seeds, produced by like flowers, previously pollinated, by insects, such as bees or butterflies. The mature wild seeds, eventually, fall to the ground, or are carried by the wind; a very small number of which, take root and grow to replicate their particular flower species. Such very few, are so fortunate, as not to be eaten, by birds, or other woodland critters, or blown away to areas where they cannot be buried for germination. The extremely few fortunate seeds, adequately buried by the natural elements, require sufficient amounts of water, as well as proper soil chemistry to take life, mature, flower and, eventually, in mature form, themselves, produce seeds for replication. As can be seen, seeds are dependent upon many variable and precarious factors to germinate, mature and go to seed.

Such utter and complete dependency, of botanical seeds, upon so many variables, is distinguishable from the admirably independent, tulip bulb. If planted correctly, the natural developmental pitfalls, and dependence on good fortune, and the many variable dangers, in the case of seeded plants, are not present in tulip (and other) bulbs. The tulip bulb is indeed, remarkable for its own, existential an remarkably independent success.

Each small onion type bulb, has within its systemic system, a sufficient store of food to feed its potential plant, until it breaks the surface of the soil, in which it was implanted, quickly develops leaves, which, by virtue of their content of natural chlorophyll, is chemically responsive to sunlight, and thereby, produce food for the plant. At this point the tulip bulb will have, also, developed mature roots, enabling it to derive needed nourishment from the soil, and then, mature to a beautiful and unique blossom.

There appears to be an instructive metaphor implicit in the tulip process, at least in part, applicable to man’s aspirations to a secure persona, and fulfillment as a mature adult. Just as the tulip bulb has within it, the ingredients for self- nourishment and ultimate production of a beautiful flower, man’s fulfillment, also, has its fundamental source, internally and systemically; the potential for the attainment of successful maturity and fulsome life, of the homo sapiens, is internally founded, like the tulip bulb; but, by significant contrast, in the case of man, such internal nourishment, is derived by the acquisition of wisdom from learned experience and by personal efforts at advancement.

-p.

The word, “friendship,” to us, denotes a relationship of mutual affection, between people, more intense than the status of friendly associates. It is inclusive of the mutual benefits of. assurance as to ego support, regular assurance of self-identity as well as physical support, the ability to exchange and understand, confidential or intimate thoughts, sincere empathy and a ready willingness to render assistance.

The assertion that man is a social animal, has been empirically demonstrated, over the millennia of his existence, and should require no supporting argument. While it is true that cooperative association with others is no longer required for survival purposes, as in the case of Early Man (defense, food, safety, joint enterprise), the existence of the relationship of friendship, is a proven, vital factor, in the healthy, social and emotional life of contemporary humankind.

There are traditionally, recognized categories of friends, “old friends” (ex., from a foreign country, from childhood, from college, from the “old neighborhood,” “both dating since childhood”), new friends,”(ex., new neighbors, newly joined organization or house of worship, new neighborhood, new co-workers or colleagues and newly introduced people. “Good friends,” or “Close friends” are subcategories of “friend” in which the relationship is virtually familial, in intimacy; these are usually, but not always, identified in the old friend category. It would generally appear, in any event, that a life which does not include friends is a lonely, insular and unfulfilling one.

We would propose an additional category of “friend,” (the main subject of this note), which is, in essence, a composite the benefits of old and new friends, which we have chosen to recognize as “quotidian.”  Such relationships are too often, undervalued, and wrongfully denied the deserved category “of good friend,” for reasons which we will treat in the next, succeeding, paragraph. These include, regular fellow commuters, babysitters, young mothers, with baby carriages who daily accompany other such young mothers, to the park, your regular dog walker (if applicable), the regular members of your carpool, your regular barber or beautician, your mailman and supermarket clerk (if the latter two have been performing regular services for you, consistently, for no less than one year.

It is inarguable, that the role which a “good friend” plays in one’s personal life, is the definitive factor in the awarding of such exemplary status. While we treasure our traditionally designated, “friends”, and acknowledge the vital role they play in the fulfillment of our life, yet, how often do we see them? The “quotidian friend” is seen and interacted with, conceivably, every day. The function the latter play in our lives, may be properly designated, by some, as small in nature; but it is a regularly expected or desired one. We believe that the salient features of this daily relationship are its emotional and psychological benefits. They serve as an assurance to us, of our assumed reality and our unchanged identity and consistently furnish, to us, an assurance of continued normalcy. Their daily regularity, consistent exchange of greetings, their well- wishing, their sincere inquiry as to family health, all play an important (and often overlooked and much undervalued) role in our lives. The regular performance of their expected routines, offer assurances of stability and normalcy, wherever, and whenever, needed.

Some years ago, we would travel, on a regular five- day basis, by from the suburbs, to Manhattan, by Long Island Road. As it happens, we would, habitually, sit in the same railroad car.  We observed, on a daily basis, the regular conduct of a card game, between a man we recognized as a neighbor, with the same, identical commuter. We understand that these two commuters, have, similarly, done the same for decades. There was always, little said between them, other than what was required by their game. It is our understanding that they knew each other’s first name, but little else. We noticed the relaxed and satisfied looks on their faces, as they cheerfully, commuted together, with cards in their hands. Although, little was ever spoken between the two, based upon their mutual trust and dedication to their, long-term, mutual relationship, we consider them qualified for the status of,  “good, quotidian friends”.

-p.

.

Once more, the diurnal dark descends,
Upon a hushed, expectant woodland.
Mild zephyrs dance the highest branch,
In semblance, to some lofty maestro,
Cueing the players now, to re- commence,
The quotidian rendition, of the eventide music.
Ss-Scratch-sounding insects, impart the treble
Sonorous bull frogs, the true basso- profundo
Woodwind sharps, blown thru the thickets,
In polyphonic tandem, with the forest serenade.

Mellifluous strains of the classic Sonata,
Nightly played, by the verdant woodland.

*(sonnet)
Leonard N. Shapiro (Sept. 2019)

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Shakespeare (17^th Century) Romeo & Juliet, Act 2, Scene2. “A rose, is a rose, is a rose.” Gertrude Stein (1933).

As a brief respite from the frustrating news of the day, we have elected to power up the time machine, for another sojourn to the 1940’s-50’s world, of the Eastern European Immigrant, recently settled in an exotic, unfamiliar venue, the East New York section of Brooklyn, N.Y. ( U.S.A.) Previous like visits, have dealt with their limited degree of success, in prematurely, trying and failing, to Americanize; such grand and unobtainable goal, being realizable, as a practical matter, no earlier than the next generation. Our writings, on the subject, note the endless number of mandatory adjustments, and the plethora of concerns, relevant to this multi-cultural, international polyglot of humanity; transplanted, at long last, to safety, but nevertheless, retaining, ( eternally, their plight), the feelings of strangers, in a foreign land.

Mercifully, there were no pogroms in the new country, but, there were, trolley cars, traffic lights, elevated trains, automobiles, movie theaters, telephones, unfamiliar foods, and most significantly, an unfamiliar language. As observed, in prior essays, language difficulties as between emigrants from varied national backgrounds, led to the necessity to use Yiddish, as a lingua franca, and at times, usein a nuanced style, which has recently, been acceptedly recognized, in the somewhat popular term, “Yinglish.”

In this transient setting, we are selecting for discussion, one of the most problematic phenomena, the byzantine complications involved in the naming of a newly born child. It might, somewhat further understanding, to be made aware (or, in some cases, reminded) of the folkways, expectations and cultural traditions, attendant upon baby naming, which, in the case of European-Jewish Immigrants, evince a great many eras of ethnic replication.

Many of our readers may be aware of the ethnically, traditional practice, of naming a newborn, after a revered, deceased relative. The practice, while consistent and expected, is not, to our knowledge, founded upon religious law, but is followed, so to speak, “religiously.” Jews, worldwide, never fully accepted in their country of birth or residence, ( for example, Russia), had more than one name; perhaps an official Russian name, but as well a Biblical Hebrew, or a Yiddish name. In the company of other Jews, the Yiddish name, and language, would customarily be employed. A further complicating factor, was the common use of the Yiddish name, as well, in an informal, diminutive, or endearing form. Thus, Igor, born in Russia, might have the Yiddish, Biblical name, David, (“Duvid, in Yiddish) the diminutive of which might be “Duvidl.” The daughter, Rachel, “Ruchel”, in Yiddish,” the diminutive of which might be (phon.) “Rucchalleh.” Her Russian name might have officially, been Sonya. The brother might have the Russian name, Boris, his Yiddish name, “Berel”, the diminutive, “Beralleh”.  It would appear uncomplicated, in the chosen illustrative, cases, to name the American born progeny of such deceased, forebears, “David”,” Rachel” and “Barry,” but things, unfortunately, were too complex for such simple resolution.

To make matters dicier, many members of this ethnic persuasion, bore middle names, which might have been selected, in honor of other deceased relatives, who were not chosen to be memorialized in their first name. In a great many cases, as a further challenge to the uninitiated, the most familiar reference, in casual conversation, was often to the diminutive form, of that middle name.

Now, let us steel our resolve, for the truly Herculean task, of attempting to import, this byzantine, naming tradition, to the New World, specifically, to the subject, 1940’s-50’s Brooklyn, New York. [Please fasten seat belts for the bumpy ride.].

We have observed the impatient desire of this immigrant group, to assimilate and (while maintaining their own religious traditions and beliefs) become fully a part of the American mainstream. Accordingly, their newly born, American children, were given American first names, or in the case of the rare, ambitious desire to aspire to phonetic heights, a British first name. In rare cases, the original, foreign first name, was retained, such as “Dora”, or “Boris,”, if they were seen as unremarkable, in the new culture.

The amicable contest, among the group of natural parents, and the child’s (new) grandparents, as to the selection of the newborn’s name, conceivably, was no different than in the case of the non-immigrant situation. Once a side in the debate gained the day, a new problem, of the prevailing immigrant grandparents, ensued, as to which, deceased relative, would be honored, by the replication of his Hebrew or Yiddish name.

The first letter sound, of the Yiddish name, was normally a guide to the choice of the American name, in an agreed upon, lingual metamorphosis. If the selected European forebear was named, “Avrum” the newborn (retaining for life, his Yiddish name “Avrum,”) might be given the new world name, “Allen.” His expected middle name would, also be taken from a deceased relative (perhaps, on the familial side of the other grandparents); who’s foreign name might be “Mischa”, and thereafter, bear the Yiddish middle name, “Michale”, the diminutive name” “Michaleh,” and the American middle name, “Michael.” Within the interactive life of the ethnos, these Yiddish names would be treated, as permanent and official, as the New York Department of Health Birth Certificate, which would legally, list his first two (given) names as “Allen,” and “Michael.”

In the lives and perceived status, of young male members, within the neighborhood group, the most impactful, was his Street Name. This name, arbitrarily selected by the reigning big kid, in the neighborhood, could be benign, critically descriptive, or, actually, cruel. A neighborhood kid’s name was, in most cases, permanently adopted, in the all-important, street genre of the “guys”. It defined his permanent, public persona, often without justice or basis. One was lucky to be awarded a street name, as often was the case, which was harmlessly founded, on his English, or Yiddish name, for example, a Stewart, might be called “Stew,” ”Stewie.”  “Mike” could be harmlessly, called, “Mikey.” However, a hapless, “Richard,” was eternally, and cruelly, called, “Dick,” regardless of how amiable he was.

The permutations and combinations of the use of ( one of) a kid’s names, appeared to be infinite, depending upon the creativity and inclination, of the authoritative “big” guys. A remembered example of a neighborhood boy, having being assigned, by his aspirational, immigrant parents, the British name, “Sherwin,” was awarded and obliged to bear, the meaningless and euphonious, moniker, of “Geenzie.” Some street names, like the latter, were completely meaningless, and bore no attribution to any of his actual names. Thus, we had,  ”Juice”  “Natty,” “Jitty,” ”Fuzz,” “Stymie,” “Otto,” “the Hyme,” as well as, “Stevo,” “Jo-Jo,” and an entire menagerie of, arbitrary and fanciful, denominative references.

A great many street names in time, underwent (non-Darwinian) evolution. The street evolutionary etiology concerning one of the names, listed above, may be enlightening, as to the procedural dynamics, of street name evolution. In the relevant neighborhood, there were, problematically, two boys, named,  “Jerry.” The wise and august neighborhood savants, creatively, and brilliantly, settled upon the distinguishing names, “Little Jerry” and “Big Jerry.” Repeated use over time, led to an edited, compact version, of “LittleJerry” to the creative iteration of the name, “ Jittlelerry;” an unlimited inclination towards further aesthetic creativity, led to the morphing of “Jittlelerry”, finally, to “Jitty.”

The great Elizabethan Bard asked, “What’s in a name?” to which we would promptly, and humbly, reply,” it all depends upon, who you ask.”

We would, respectfully, leave the memorable, Gertrude Stein, to her beloved, multi- repetitive and incomparable roses, without final comment.

-p.

Research reveals that the United States is home to more gun owners, than any other Country in the world, that by far, gun owners tend to be male, that, being male is one of the two top predictors for committing acts of public violence, that a gun present in the household, is far more likely to kill a person who lives there, than a burglar or even a serial killer, that tens of thousands die each year because of gun violence, that more than one woman in 16, is killed by a gun, in domestic violence, every 16 hours, that mental illness is responsible for only 4% of interpersonal gun incidents (inclusive of the regularly occurring mass shootings), and so on, ad nauseam. One does not require, the plethora of additional data, regarding the horrific effects of the ownership and use of guns, to comprehend the all too obvious, point, guns and the wholesome existence of human society, like oil and water, do not, at all, mix.

A great many Americans, particularly those of us who live in the large urban areas, find the desire for gun ownership, difficult to assimilate. A knife, for example, can be used for cutting string on gift wrapped packages, for slicing cheese, for cutting fruit, for whittling and many other positive purposes; a gun, on the other hand, can only be used for one purpose, inflicting grievous injury, and death.

Authoritative statistical studies show that owning guns is dangerous, and does not afford desired protection, that the fictional rationale, of “good people, preventing crime by bad people” is a myth, manufactured by the NRA, the lobby group for the gun manufacturers and their sales outlets, among other mendacity, such as, that it protects women and families against violent criminals, and that carrying instruments of death by citizens, is protected and encouraged by the United States Constitution. No other Western or civilized nation, in the entire World, permits the ownership and use of firearms by its civilian population, for any reason, including the spurious rationalizations referred to.

Why is it, then, that The United States of America, purportedly, the avatar, of morality and enlightenment, the only Country disgraced by the atavistic acceptance of itself as a gun culture? What happened to America’s avowed historic dedication to peace, brotherhood and love?

In accordance with our customary, fearless inclination, we will, humbly, render our considered opinion, on this dilemma. The correct answer, while seemingly elusive, is, in our view, demonstrably simple, but far wider in scope, then the specific gun problem. The solution is capitalism’s moral improvement and its acquisition of an unalterable sense of public ethics and responsibility. The Nation needs to re-evaluate its present criteria, so that, the recognition of the good of humanity, exceeds the exotic lure of profits,

We have written, on numerous occasions, on the subject of the unprincipled entrepreneurs in the fuel industry, whose concern regarding the harmful impact of carbon emissions, on the very life of the planet, and its inhabitants, are apparently, subordinate, to its sociopathic greed for profit. Ina past writing, we have, frighteningly, postulated a possible future, in which, our planet was degraded to an unpopulated, inert rock, like the moon. Yet in some neurotic lust for unlimited billions in profit, these despoilers of the Earth, and its surrounding atmosphere, maintain their selfish practice of, knowingly, spewing carbon and methane into the responsive atmosphere.

Financially selfish successful sociopaths, inclusive of the subject gun manufacturers, buy off hungry politicians and perform whatever fraudulent, Machiavellian deeds, they find necessary, to render desired homage, to the gods of profit. These despicable misusers of the free enterprise system, including the gun lobby and the fuel industry, are the prime cause of existential threats to our civilization.

On the larger scale, it is Capitalism’s need for moral improvement, that is the fundamental problem. Other proposed theories on the prevailing problematic issues, such as the gun issue, we would maintain, are relatively, beside the basic point.

-p.

Mr. Mal Content *
13 Wistful Vista Blvd.
Philadelphia, Penn., 10001
cc: blog list

Dear Mr. Content,

We are located at the editorial offices of plinyblog.com, in the City of New York, and are the publishers of mini-essays (blog posts) transmitted to the general public. We are completely independent, secular, non-political and non-commercial. Our mini- essays, in essence, amount to, considered, personal observations of the mutual relationships (political and social) between the modern American citizen, and his society. The salient and dedicated, theme and purpose, fundamentally, encompasses our nuanced, empirical observation of the present state of progress of mankind, toward the goals of the development of wisdom and mature perspective. We comment on politics, and the political scene only, when it is felt that the Nation’s security or well-being, seems to us, to be in question.

This unusual, “letter” format has been selected, because of its direct and timely delivery, as opposed to our usual, blog post (or, “mini- essay”) to be reviewed at the reader’s leisure time. This correspondence partakes, in large part, of a rarely elected, political theme, for the reason, as above explained, that it appears that the Country’s proper administration is at stake.

The Nation is at present, engaged in the exigent, historic process, of the selection of a Democratic Presidential Candidate, to oppose President Trump, in the next Presidential election. It is believed by many, that the defeat of this incumbent President, is mandatorily necessary, to the restoration of normalcy of the Nation, and its return to its traditionally, admirable standing,

We closely approach a state of despair, in yet continuing, to hear the term, “Socialist,” used as an expletive, and applied, with negative, critical intention, to Democratic Party Candidates and their programs. Socialism, is neither an epithet, nor is it, in any way, relevant, to the present procedure for the choice of Candidate.

Socialism is an economic-political system (having little in common with “Communism”) in which, all industry and means of production, are completely owned by a Central Government. There is absolutely no Candidate, who, to any degree, whatsoever, believes in the Socialist System. It is unfortunate that Senator Sanders and some others, hold themselves out as, “Democratic Socialists,” to a public, too many of whose members, are reductively ignorant, as to the meaning of the term, and see it as an expletive, perhaps, similar to “Communism.” Not one Candidate, is espousing “Socialism,” which is, in any event, a socio-political theory and neither an accusatory adjective, nor related to Communism.

All of the Democratic Candidates, without exception, unreservedly, believe in Capitalistic, free enterprise.  What Senator Sanders and others are espousing, in fact, is “Compassionate Capitalism;” viz., the free enterprise system, with appropriate, humane protections, and benefits, provided for workers and their families. In the age of Adam Smith, the early philosophical proponent of free enterprise capitalism, (“laissez faire”), when profits, and the “natural law” were the only relevant considerations, workers were uniformly subjected to lives of extreme privation. One has only to read the great reformist novels, of Charles Dickens, to fully appreciate, the unbearable living and working conditions, of the lower class, of that time.

Commencing with the post-depression era, Presidency, of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, American workers and their families were, for the first time, justly accorded, needed relief, by way of Federal Government programs, of assistance and protection, (as at present) including, Social Security and Survivors’ Benefits, Disability Benefits, Laws concerning compassionate working hours and reasonable working conditions and many other humane and empathetic protections; which, at the time, many labeled as, ”Socialism,” and ipso facto, evil. The reality is entirely to the contrary; such humane treatment ensures and preserves Capitalism, and the free enterprise system, against the prevalence of other competing economic systems, like Socialism. We submit that, most importantly, it morally and empathically, recognizes the humanity of American workers.

It verges on the intolerable, to observe that there still exists, hordes of ignorant and reductionist American citizens, who’s systemically induced, (ranting) screed, persists, in the assertion of the” charge” of “Socialism,” regarding any governmental program of legislated assistance or service. Such reductive individuals, who lack, even one iota of awareness, or rational perception, are, themselves, undoubtedly, the fortunate recipients of several of the following governmental programs, Social Security, Welfare, Food stamps, Retirement Benefits, Old Age and Survivor’s Insurance, Disability Benefits, Veterans Benefits, Federal Mortgage Loans, Federal Infrastructure, including highways, bridges and tunnels, Federal Flood Control Projects and Assistance, Student Loan Assistance, FEMA Disaster Relief, Unemployment Sickness benefits, FDA Protection of Medicines, Federal Regulations regarding Safety, Research and Disease Control, Purity of Food and Water, Federal Health and Labor Codes, Mortgage Assistance, Public Health Regulations and Service, Agriculture Management, Air Traffic Safety, Efficient Postage System, Currency Control, Banking and Financial Services, and vastly and exhaustively, too many other vital citizen services, to sufficiently recount, not to mention, necessary Military Protection.

We would hope that this letter has been seriously read and considered, and that the recipient-reader, is in accord with the view, that our American government, is not “in the way,” but, rather, is a vitally necessary participant, in the efficient, and as well, the moral and empathic management, of our Capitalistic Democratic Republic.

-p.

* [ fictional name and address]