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Holabird Advocate

Providing all the news we see fit to print since 2002!


Friday, March 30, 2012
 
     The great philosopher, Red Green, once said, "If I can do it, it's not art". Taking a cue from him, I confess that I can't sing or dance, and I can only act a little. That said, there ware plenty of artists at work on opening night of "Damn Yankees" at the Sherman Center last night.
     DWU Theatre's second attempt at a spring musical in two years was a home run. My expectations were a little high after being wowed by "Joseph" last year, but this production was definitely a major league score. As it was last year, the spring musical was $10 well spent, very well spent.
     Roger Allen and Jeff Holstien stepped up to the plate as Joe Boyd/Hardy. The transition seemed effortless as their vocal singing style was similar, to my untrained ear at least. Cast as Joe's "old girl" Meg, was Jenna Callies, who swung for the bleachers with every note at perfect pitch. Sound issues did not get in her way, as she carried her tune all the way to the back row. Not everyone could say that. sometimes at my age I wonder if I'm going deaf. I got along somehow.
     Every good show has a flawed hero and a sympathetic villain. Holstien's Joe Hardy showed some real weakness at all the right times. This fan in the stands was impressed at the tragic emotion that befell Shoeless Joe! Monty Bohrer played Applegate alternately serious and for laughs. He was very good at being bad! While he was not sympathetic at all. Brooke Warne was just that, as Lola Banana. Her character went through the complete gambit of emotions from A to Z, and back to O. Starting off as evil, Lola starts to feel sorry for our hero, and then begins to care for him. The pain she feels as she leaves Joe to his happy life was written all over her face. It was powerful stuff! Warne teamed up with Devin Carey in a song and dance number that stole the show for me.
     Dan Miller's direction was evident throughout the production. My research, and my own senses let me know that. Miller satirical wit was present in some of the lines about everything from university presidents, the Methodist Church, and even Pukwana, South Dakota. The concession stand featured all of the standard ballpark fare, except for beer and pretzels. The most subtle piece of direction that caught my eye was the upside down horseshoe over Applegate's living room door.
     So get to the Sherman Center this weekend. I also with to apologize for all of the baseball references I used and misused in this review. Actually I wish I could have thought up some more.





Wednesday, March 21, 2012
 
     Today Mr. Rogers would have been 84, but back in 2003 stomach cancer claimed the earthly life of our favorite neighbor. Back when I was a kid, I enjoyed Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. My children's instincts told me he was a good person, as he seemed genuinely compassionate, caring, and just a really nice guy. Even as an adult I can't say too much against him, except that on the show he appeared to not have a job. That is unless we are to believe that on top of being our neighbor, our parents paid to have him watch us through the TV. Come to think of it, my parents supported PBS back then, so in a way he was a paid babysitter, for a half hour everyday. Bottom line: Mr Rogers=good neighbor.
     If I could ask anything for myself, I'd only really need 2 things: to have a neighbor like Mr. Rogers, and to be a neighbor like Mr. Rogers. While difficult, it is not impossible. Clearly, I'm not there yet in either respect. Case in point, this morning, there was a knock at the door. I answered, and a very possibly intoxicated gentlemen asked me "Is Amber home?", to which I replied, "I have no idea". He then asked, "Isn't this her apartment?"  I say, "No, It is not". And then he asks if he can use my bathroom. Well, rather than run the risk of him making the hallway smell like his breath, I invite him in and direct him to privy. He asks "Why does it smell in here?" Right there I lost my patience! This panhandler comes into my home asking to use my bathroom, and then has the nerve to complain about the smell. I shot back, "Why do you think?" After he was done, he tries to strike up a conversation, but I wasn't having it. "Don't you have to find Amber?", I inquire. Then he tries to invite me to to join him and Amber to one of the local drinking establishments for the evening. "Yeah I don't think so!"
     I feel bad about how I handled that particular situation, and yet I'm not sure how I could have handled it any better. Being a good neighbor is hard work, especially when the neighbor doesn't exactly help things out. That never happens in Mr. Rogers neighborhood. Mr. Robinson's maybe, but not Mr. Rogers!
     If any of you readers have an idea of what I should do in case this sort of thing happens again, feel free to reply by comment, email, or Facebook. In the meanwhile, let's all do our best to be a good neighbor.
Happy Birthday Mr. Rogers!





Tuesday, March 20, 2012
 
     The big news from Holabird these days has been that Brittany Hinkle was named a South Dakota Music Ambassador. As such, she will be part of a band from South Dakota and Minnesota that will perform in a tour of 7 European countries in 16 days over the Summer of 2013. This is no small honor, unless of course part of her responsibility to to sell $5000 worth of candy bars in order to get on the plane. Even if that is the case, go to it Brit!
     This news comes on the heals of Brit's little sister Shelby Hinkle, qualifying for the State Geography Bee, which will be held in Brookings on March 30. Hopefully SDPB will put that online. What's next? Could Justin Hinkle win a gold medal at the Math Olympics? If there is such a thing, he could! For Now congratulations to Brittany, and Shelby. Keep up the good work!





Monday, March 19, 2012
 
     The latest ratings have come in and the 6 people who have made up the daily audience for this website have been joined by 2 others for a total of 8. It's nice to know that whatever I write here is read by somebody. As for whether you enjoy what you read, well, if you come back for more everyday, I guess you do.
     As I look back on the 10 years that have passed since I started blogging, I've seen many changes in myself and others. I saw this blogging trend start, then I saw it rise. Now it appears the trend has fallen, Yet the 8 of you still feel that blogging in general, and this on in particular has something to offer. Even though social media has taken over the Internet, blogs such as this one keep the tradition alive.
     As tempting as it is to shut this website down, I've never been able to bring myself to do it. The Holabird Advocate/Jerry Hinkle Program is to me a living museum. I almost didn't start this website, because I thought that, since I am no longer 25, I had nothing important to say. These last 10 years of shown me that we all have something important to say, regardless of age.
     There are a lot of people over the age of 25 out here on the world wide web. They've taken their place in Facebook,Twitter and any other social network on which they care to point and click. But for me, this is where it all started. As long as there is at least 1 Reader, it's my sworn duty to keep writing whenever possible. I write for you, just as you read for me.
     Who knows but that some of those kids of 25 and under might get curious about what we are up to and start reading these posts of more than 140 characters. Even if they never come back, I'm glad to know you're here, even if we never meet in person!





Sunday, March 18, 2012
 
     It is still Lent, and I while I have come close a few times, I've managed not to talk about politics. This exercise in verbal restraint has taught me a few things that I might never have learned otherwise. For example, before this Lent, I never truly realized how much of what goes on in the world revolves around politics. Possibly because, the government is involved in each of our lives in some way. The media is also involving itself in all forms in the political process. In this country, it's a good thing.
     I have stayed informed on all world events, but I have not passed on much of what I have learned. I've also declined in voicing an opinion on those events, weaseling out of it whenever possible. The mess that has been made concerning a certain conservative radio commentator has been of peculiar interest, but giving into my better nature, I've kept mum. If this story keeps going, however, I have a feeling my Easter column will be a sight to behold. Whenever asked about the Presidential race, I always say "I'll guess we'll see". I've been a dull boy, I'm sure. But don't mistake my silence for something it is not. I'm not talking, but I've done a whole heap of listening to make up for it.





Thursday, March 15, 2012
 
     About 30 years ago, I first heard the term "Irregular Person" (IP for short). Author and Christian Humorist, Joyce Landorf, introduced this term in one of her books and a series of films on the subject. The IP concept has stayed with me all this time. Simply put, an IP is someone close, a friend, neighbor, coworker, or even a relative, who can just get under the skin and irritate. We all have at least one. I know you do. For all I know, I'm one of them.
     I remember watching an episode of "Falcon Crest" with my family when Jane Wyman was "Being Angela".  My mother remarked that "She could be somebody's irregular person". In the interest of equal time Look at "Dallas" and tell me that the same couldn't be said about ol' JR. Watching these people on TV is entertaining. But when it's YOUR aunt, or YOUR brother in law, the entertainment value just jumps out the window, doesn't it!
     God puts this IP in our life to test us. Jesus challenges us to love our neighbor, but what if your neighbor isn't lovable. I'm afraid none of the gospels allow for that or any other exception. I suppose one could move, and hope for a better neighbor, but what if you find someone worse!
     We as humans are selfish by nature. If someone makes us feel uncomfortable, we dislike them. This is where love comes in. We can't change other people, so we have to do what love demands, and change ourself. Is it easy? By no means! The apostle Paul tells us in one of his letters ( I forget which one, but trust me it's in there) that if we go out of our way to be nice to the people that mistreat us, it's like heaping hot coals on their heads. Some would rather heap the hot coals directly, but that would be too easy.
     Most IP have an excuse. A doctor says they have ADD, OCD, BFD, or LSMFD and make the rest of us want to shout OMG. I don't have an excuse. Still, I know that God made me irregular. I am one of the most difficult, maybe even impossible, people to love. Those who are closest to me are often frustrated because they don't know what to do with me. That's where prayer comes in. It's pretty hard to make a fist while praying.





Wednesday, March 14, 2012
 
     Happy Pie Day everyone! Every March 14 gives us an excuse to celebrate one of the world's most well rounded foods! I've been thinking about that stuffed crust BBQ beef and chicken at the Hut later on tonight! For desert? Apple pie, of course!
    Vacation is going OK. I went to Walmart and picked up "All the President's Men" on DVD for $5. Powerful film! I've only seen the first half, so please don't tell me how it ends! I had to stop when I saw someone who looked like Flo "kiss ma grits" Castleberry. I looked it up, and sure enough. I wonder if Mel knew she was moonlighting as a receptionist back then!
    





Tuesday, March 13, 2012
 
     For the first time in a long time, I have 3 days in a row off from the Hut. It comes at a bad time, since I have nothing to do. It has been nice to be able to relax for a spell, but I'll miss the challenge of keeping up with the rest of the action. Since tomorrow is pie day (3-14) I suppose I'll go to the Hut as a customer. It's been a while since I had a stuff crust pie all to myself.
     If you have any ideas on what I should do to kill time until I have to be back to work Friday morning, send me a Gmail, write on my Face book timeline, or anything except send me a tweet, because I still don't understand how, or even if, Twitter works!





Monday, March 12, 2012
 
     All the flap over the R rating of "Bully" is getting old. If there ever was a movie that children under 17 should see with their parent, this is it! Yes, the language is salty, and so, might I add, is the subject matter. That is irrelevant! Parents need to talk about this issue with their kids! I say this, not a a parent, as I'm not one, but as a former child, which we all were.
     All of us at one time were either bullied or we were bullies. Some of us became both during the process of growing up. Some of us overcame our experience with bullying and became stronger people who can handle themselves. Then there are those who still carry the scars, either visible or invisible, of their experience. A lot of this hits home with me!
     The word "bully" brings to mind Butch from "The Little Rascals". The tough guy who got his way through brute strength fear and intimidation. The art of bullying, if you could call it that has changed through the years. These days, people can bully others online. And the emotional impact of this abuse can cause some to decide to try suicide.
     Throughout the country, there has been a call for anti-bullying legislation at both the state and federal level, but this isn't a political issue. It is a human nature issue. We as humans are selfish by nature, and no law will change that. It won't work because it's hard to draw the line. Parents need to step up and teach their children that they need to respect others, and how to handle things when others don't respect them back. Victims of bullying need to either leave the situation or learn how to cope. Suicide is obviously not the answer, the answer is talk to someone, anyone. Like most abuse, bullying thrives when it's hidden. The more light that is shone on it, the better.
     The worst thing about bullying is that sometimes it continues into adulthood. Some bullies go professional and become muggers or armed thugs. They may get organized and team up with each other. Then up goes the crime rate!
     I don't see an actual solution to this issue. As long as there is human nature, bullying will follow. We as a society may be able to manage it, but it will never go away completely.





Sunday, March 11, 2012
 
     This is the time of year that we are forced to set our clocks a head and give up an hour of sleep (or whatever other enjoyable activity life offers at the time) simply because the government tells us to. Now this is not a politically based statement, because both major parties seem to support this policy. This not withstanding, I've yet to see that anyone anywhere is saving any daylight.
     Terry Ree, the straight man of the comedy team of Williams and Ree, seems to agree. As he put it, "In the Summer time the days are longer because the some is out longer". Ree also blames the "white people" for "making a new rule", and I agree there. For it is indeed the White European establishment that thought up the concept of taking an hour from the morning and putting it in the afternoon. Nothing is being saved, just moved around.
     For years I've done everything in my power to fight against this oppressive practice of depriving you and me of sleep every spring. It has been for naught, however, as nobody else seems to want to join this fight. And so I'm forced to bow to the will of majority and go along with this foolishness.
     Earlier this week I posted a video about Joseph Kony that was part of a movement to make him famous enough to be hunted down. It took 8 years for him to become this overnight sensation. How long will it take before anyone wants to fight DST?
     In spite of my dislike for this practice, I have found one good thing about it. My coffee buddy, Earl, age 96, likes to go to the Love Feast on Thursday night at the Methodist Church here in Mitchell. Trouble is he can't drive at night so he has to miss out. The extra hour in the afternoon allows him the freedom to drive to the Love Feast and back home. When he told me that this morning, I began to see that there is another side to this issue. We may not be saving any daylight, but the simple act of moving the clock forward an hour helps Earl and people like him take advantage of a wonderful opportunity. I can sleep anytime, but the Love Feast is only available at a certain day and time. The system as it is right now may not be perfect, but it will do until something better comes along, I guess!





Wednesday, March 07, 2012
 





Monday, March 05, 2012
 
    Fish is the meat of the Lenten season. At this time of the year, it is real popular, especially among those of the Catholic persuasion. Fish is so popular that Taco John's is adding fish tacos to their menu. I thought I'd try them out. I didn't know what to expect, but I must say that they are pretty good. In fact, I like them more than the ground beef taco, and this is coming from one of the strongest supporters of beef. I was prepared to hate them and write as many nasty things about them as I good, but they weren't as bad as I thought they would be. Now if only I could try the Bacon flavored Jones Soda!





Sunday, March 04, 2012
 
     Today makes 15 years since I became an Uncle, at least biologically. Brittany Marie Hinkle was born on this day in 1997. The times goes by so quickly, and I remember that day as if it were...(dissolve)
     We were having a rather difficult Winter. Grandad spent the winter down south, and that morning, my aunt and uncle, Mavis and George Kennedy brought him back. They had called from Pierre, so we knew to expect them. Dad ran the snow-blower over the last 2.5 miles of the road back to the Ponderosa. Even under the best conditions, it was hard to get through, but they made it. Darrel and Kristi, Brittany's parents, were in the Hospital in Pierre getting things underway. We knew that Kristi was being induced, but we didn't know how long it was going to take, or at that time, the gender of the child that was to be brought forth. Having George and Mavis there turned out to be a good thing.
     We were all gathered around the phone waiting for word. This was before Internet came to Holabird, so the phone became important to us that evening. We waited for hours, but no word came. People kept calling, wondering if we had heard something, and we told them we hadn't. Grandad got tired of waiting so he went to his house to watch TV or go to bed or something. The calls kept coming, but there were only questions, none with answers. With each passing call, my mother was more nervous with wonder. Darrel tried to call us with the news when he had it, but couldn't get through. He finally called Grandad's house. And when he did, Mavis had to come over to tell us all the good news...(dissolve)
     Brittany was the first biological grandchild for my parents. I guess she still is, but what I mean is, even though they had taken in strangers, Brit was the first grandchild that was theirs from the start. The moment she landed into the doctors hands she was ours, a real Hinkle. I was disappointed that she wasn't a boy, but that didn't matter. the boys came later. Brit has always been very special to me, even though she wasn't a boy. In a way, we grew up together. Eventually I realized that even though I wanted a nephew, God knew at that time that I needed a niece. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember that.
     Since then, I've had another niece and 3 nephews. A total of 5 nieces and 3 nephews. Each one is just fine by me. Life, as it does, has shown me that I don't need biological children of my own. Being an uncle has not been so bad. If God has something better for me, we'll see about that. Happy Birthday, Brittany!





Friday, March 02, 2012
 
     It is the second Friday of Lent, a time that is not usually celebrated as much as it is observed. For some reason Christmas is more popular than Easter. It could be that way because during Advent, the preparation time for Christmas, has many fun activities, like baking cookies, decorating trees, hanging up socks and singing. What do we do to get ready for Easter? We give up a luxury, or try to at least. Our Catholic friends give up meat on Friday. That is hard for me to do. Not because giving up meat is hard, but sometimes I forget it's Friday until it's too late.
     We in America, even the poorest of us, may not realize just how blessed we are. We have choices. We have the choice to give up something for Lent. Nobody forces us. In my case, I've given up talking about politics. It hasn't really been that hard, but I have had to sidestep quite a bit. But it was my own choice. In many other countries, fear keeps the mouths of people closed. If I say something, the first amendment protects me, or rather the recognition of that right. I gave up the right to speak freely, nobody forced me. That is truly what makes America great.
     Giving up Meat on Friday is another choice. In America, meat is readily available to anyone with the means to get it. That is not true everywhere! There are places where eating regularly is indeed a luxury. Even the poorest person in this country has access to food through soup kitchens and food pantries if need be. Distribution of food is not as easy in the third world.
     And so I celebrate Lent by giving up what I take for granted during the rest of the year. Will I make it until Easter? Time will tell. But if I don't, it was my decision. There are those aren't as blessed as I am. And because I know how blessed I am. I celebrate by choosing to suffer, just like Jesus chose to suffer during the first Lent, back in the New Testament times. Just like we never miss the water until the well goes dry, we never know how blessed we are until we give up that blessing. Lent is an interesting season!




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