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Holabird Advocate

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


Sunday, September 30, 2012
 
     Today at Fusion the Pastor told the crowd that God loves them. While this information is not shocking to the least to me, I realize that there are plenty of people who may not be aware of that. People are made to feel less than by the media, because the media needs them that way. God does not!
     People may look at their lives and get the idea that God doesn't love them because they lack in one way or another, and yet God loves us as we are! He loves us so much that he sent his Son to take our place. Once they find this out, how can people ask for further proof?
     I blame the media. The media needs people to feel bad about themselves so that they will buy whatever the media advertises to fix whatever is wrong. They sells pills to cure your ills, toothpaste to make your teeth sexy and other assorted products to make us happy. It's all very nice, but they don't work. Not for long. Jesus offered the Samaritan woman living water. The media will never advertise that, because it's bad for business. That's why it's up to us to spread the word, by any means necessary.
     The young people of today know all about "swag" whatever that is. And I just saw that something called "Gangnam Style" has over 314 million hits on YouTube! I've seen this video, and it's junk! There has to be a prophet in this generation to show God's love in a viral fashion out there somewhere! Let's pray that he or she has the wisdom, strength and courage to do that!





Thursday, September 27, 2012
 
     Ever since the media got hold of this story about the girl in Michigan who was reportedly elected to her homecoming court as a prank, I have been bewildered. I feel that they just may have blown the story  way out of proportion. 
     Being elected homecoming royalty is not a prank! Being thrown into a shower while you're fully clothed is a prank. Having your head held into a toilet bowl while somebody else flushes is a prank. Getting your underwear pulled up into your nether regions is a prank. I could go on, but the point is the media is making this girl into a charity case when it's not really all that necessary. 
     I could be wrong, as I'm looking at these event from a male perspective. It could be that for a young girl, getting elected to the homecoming court is not the honor it used to be in my youth. In which case I should apologize to all the homecoming queens I voted for back then.
     For whatever reason the community in which she lives as rallied around her. But by that same respect, would they give dry clothes to the kid who was given a fully clothed shower? If a girl is given what we in my day called "the royal flush" would the beauty shop fix her hair for free. And to be quite honest, I'm not sure how you can rally around someone who gets a wedgie.
     This girl, as far as I can see, is making a mockery out of the real bullying that is going on in the world. She needs to grow up and realize that as bad as her situation supposedly is, it could be worse! Truth be told I hope things work out for her, but I don't see that happening if a little thing like being elected to the homecoming court is going to make her want to kill herself! Shame on the media for allowing her to waste our time!
     





Wednesday, September 26, 2012
 
     It was on this date, 50 years ago tonight that America first met "The Beverly Hillbillies". When the show made it's debut on CBS that night, critics hated it. In the 9 years it was on the air, neither the show, nor anyone connected to it won an Emmy. Yet in the 50 years since it's inception, the show has become an institution. There is not a day that goes by that someone somewhere in this country can not see it. It airs in syndication, on cable and satellite networks, on video and DVD. If it's not on Blu-ray by now it soon will be. There is even an adult bible study that uses episodes of the hillbillies as a catalyst Why is that? Lets look back on this little show that the experts panned, and he audience loves!
     Almost at once this show struck a chord with TV viewers. There was something about Jed, Granny, Elly May and Jethro that compels us to care about them. They are nice folks, a little rough around the edges, perhaps, but decent people. They were poor, and then suddenly rich. This newly found wealth didn't change them, however. The banker and his secretary tried to get them socially acclimated, but they never quite got there. The show hardly ever dealt with topical social issues of the day. It was all for laughs. It provided a sort of escape for the viewer back then as it does now.
     I don't know why other people watch and love this show, but I know why I do. Whenever I have a bad day and need to unwind, I pop in my "Elly's first date" DVD and for the next 20-30 minutes, I laugh my cares away. It's a very uplifting show. How many TV shows that debut this fall will we be able to say that about in 2062? I propose a toast, to the Beverly Hillbillies! Long may they wave!





Monday, September 24, 2012
 
     My cousin Monty is living the American Dream. A smoking hot wife (his words, not mine), 3 kids and the ability to turn his hobby into a business. Monty is the President of Kingdom Foods, which makes Warning Salsa. I've recently completed sampling 3 pints of this wonderful product. But don't take my word for it, order some for yourself at their website: warningsalsa.com





Sunday, September 23, 2012
 
     I got a haircut this past Wednesday. It was sort of one of those certainties like death and taxes. Haircuts are a traumatic thing for me for some reason. I suppose because it's a radical change. Hair growth is barely noticeable. But since my last haircut was on Easter Monday, I was about due.
     Another reason could be that some people feel the need to bring it up, and say it looks nice or some such thing. At my time of life, any change is bound to be an improvement. So far a couple guys at work, the Fusion pastor's wife, and my neighbor Jane are the only people who have said anything about it, and that suits me fine. If people gotta talk about me, there are worse things than my hair that they could bring up, so I guess that's OK.  
    It seems funny that someone like me, who writes a blog that has been read in 10 different countries, is still shy and self aware about something as mundane as hair, but that is one of the things that make me the neurotic head-case that the world has come to know and tolerate.





Saturday, September 22, 2012
 
     Lisa Whelchel was teen actress back in the 80's on a little show called "Fact of Life" Looking back, it's hard to believe It was that long ago. Her character, Blair Warner was a typical spoiled princess type in contrast to Jo, the tomboy, played by Nancy Mckeon.
     Unlike the stereotypical child star, when Lisa left the whole of show biz behind, got married to a minister, raised children, and lived happily ever after (sort of). When she was a panelist on "Politically Incorrect", Bill Maher half jokingly asked where she went wrong.
     Recently, Lisa and her minister husband got a divorce, a fact I was unaware of until she became a contestant on the TV show, "Survivor". I just saw the first episode of season 24, and I must say I'm impressed. At age 49, she still looks somewhat the same. Make no mistake, she's nothing like her character of Blair. I noticed that she was working just as hard as the younger set. So far only one of her tribe-mates has recognized her, Mike, the guy who was forced to leave because he fell into the fire during the Australian game in season 2. If anyone else knows, they kept it to themselves.
     The theme song to "Facts of Life" tell us that "You take the good, you take the bad..."It's nice to see Lisa living that out. We all have to do that. Even though she's a "has been" in Hollywood, there are still a lot of people who are watching her. I for one am glad to see that despite whatever troubles she's had, that Lisa is able not to let it get her down. At least not publicly. That's something Blair could never do. I can hardly wait to how she handles herself in the coming chapters of this story! 





Monday, September 17, 2012
 
     Today we celebrate the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution is indeed a most remarkable document. It covered everything that was missed by the previous Articles of Confederation. Our Founding Fathers even took the imaginative step of allowing the Constitution to be amended, so they wouldn't have to come back every 10 years of so to do the whole thing over! As a result, those same Continental Congressmen would not recognize the present system that is in place. Women have the vote now, there is no slavery, and we even get to vote for our own Senators. Indeed we've come a long way.
     DWU had a Democracy Project video about political campaign reform at Java City at Noon today which was most enlightening. It was videotaped in 1996, yet some of the issues that were covered are still around today. The big difference is this new thing called Super PACs that I really don't understand. One thing is for sure, people still want to get the money out of politics. I doubt that will happen.
     One reason I decided to wait to bring back the Holabird Advocate until next year was because I wanted to see how the election went in November. It was a custom of mine to endorse political candidates, and I wanted to avoid that during this election cycle. Of course it doesn't really matter, since this site has only 5-6 Readers on any given day. the current exact figure is 5.5 (I wonder who that half Reader is)! But  seriously, I feel that I must endorse in print all the politicians to whom I donate money in the interest of full disclosure. 
     This year there has only been 1 such politician. His name is Kyle Schoenfish. Kyle is running as a Republican in the District 19 State House race. I also donated to his campaign in 2010 when he ran as a Democrat. His party may have changed, but I believe Kyle to be a man with the same intelligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion that I'd like all of South Dakota's statesmen to have, regardless of party. Only one thing gave me pause when I was asked to donate. That was the fact that he is not running in my district, District 20. If I could to any of the voters in Kyle's district, I'd tell them that I could have donated to anybody I wanted to, but chose freely to donate to Kyle because I had the chance to get to know him while we were students at DWU. Even though he is much younger than I, he took the opportunity to get to know me, and I'm glad that he did. Anyone who takes the time to get to know Kyle will be glad that they took that chance! I'll close with this pledge. If I'm wrong about Kyle Schoenfish, If I discover he isn't as honest as I've told you, I'll go over to his home in Scotland, SD myself and smack him in the face with a kuchen from Pietz's Kuchen Kitchen!
Have a Happy Constitution Day! God be with you and do the best you can!





Sunday, September 16, 2012
 
     The contest between Noem and Varilek for the lone House seat in South Dakota has taken a rather silly turn. I must admit that I am a little late in reporting this, but I just heard that both the Republican and Democratic candidate have both claimed that they have picked rock on a farm, and that such activity is a reason why they should get our vote.
     Picking rock is a popular past time in rural South Dakota. By popular, I don't mean that a lot of people like it, but rather that a lot of people do it, sometimes by hand. I myself did that a lot as one of the activities of my misspent youth. I did more of that than both of my brothers combined because one or the other of them got to drive the tractor. I seldom did that because I had trouble operating the hydraulics and steering at the same time.
     As campaign issues go, I hope this one fades away. If these two do another debate one will try to convince us that they picked more rocks than their opponent. To which the other will reply that they picked bigger rocks, or that they picked rocks more often, and on and on it goes.
     If this issue doesn't go away, I may have to run for House in 2014, because I'll bet I picked more and bigger rock in my day than either of those kids! Maybe the candidates could win over undecided farmers by picking rock for them before the election. Anyone watching TV or listening on radio already know that they are good at pitching crap, which is another time honored rural South Dakota past time!  Can't wait for this election to be OVER!
     





Saturday, September 15, 2012
 
     Charity hardly ever tastes as good as when Perkins Family Restaurant has their free pancake day for the benefit of Give Kids The World, A resort that cater exclusively to children with life threatening illnesses and their families.
     Those of you who are longtime Readers will recall that I am not a morning person, but I got up and over to the Perkins at 7 am As it turned out the Mitchell Perkins did not participate in the free pancakes. They did, however, have a place to take donations. I hope that all of you who were able to also gave to this worthy cause.





Monday, September 10, 2012
 
     After the Fusion service, there was a picnic consisting with walking tacos, cookies, watermelon and Coca-Cola products. There had been plans to fly kites, but as it turned out, the wind stopped blowing. I mean to tell you that yesterday was the only windless day in South Dakota that I can remember.
     After a while, I decided it was time to go home. As I was getting out of my car, I saw my neighbor, Jane, walking the apartment building. She sees me and says "Hi, stranger" It turns out that she had been to the Chinese restaurant and ordered takeout, something called peanut butter chicken. I asked if I could join her, and she said, "Go fly a kite" I told her I couldn't, because I was out of wind! 





Sunday, September 09, 2012
 
     Mitchell Fusion started weekly services today, so at least for the next few weeks I'll be driving to church. I must say I enjoy walking to the Downtown service, but I've also enjoyed watching the Fusion service take off.
     During today's service we were asked the question "Does Everything happen for a reason?". Some of us believe that, while others do not. I am one of the few people who find comfort in that maxim, because I believe that God allows bad things to happen to test our faith, like in the story of Job. Not everyone believes that, and I can respect that. If we truly understood the way God works, we might not rely on him so much. Whenever something that, in my perception is bad, happens, I try to use it as an opportunity for growth. I could be wrong, but it usually works out eventually!
     So does everything happen for a reason? I don't know! I'd be skeptical of anyone who says they have it all figured out! We'll all understand it someday. Getting there is half the journey! God be with you and do the best you can!





Saturday, September 08, 2012
 
     Recently, my brother Doug participated in a fundraiser for the MDA, raising $125 for that organization. He also spend his vacation time fighting fire in the Black Hills while others were touring. It kinda makes what I do irrelevant. On the other hand, I'm not inclined to fight fire, although I might be willing to go to jail for the MDA or any other worthy cause.
     The hardest part of that is having to listen to my parents bragging on the guy like he's won the Nobel prize or some such thing. Of course, instead of giving into my primary instinct, I must say I'm proud to have a brother who is able and willing to do those things. And yet, he doesn't do them because he wants to be put on a pedestal. He's doing it because it's the right thing to do.
     My other brother Darrel is just as willing and able to help others. He does it in another way. He's handy to have around. Ask any of his neighbors! They'll be sure to back up that claim. But he's also a top notch husband and father!
     Wesleyan is big on Service or Sacrifice. They talk about it quite a bit. But I learned about that stuff a long time ago from my parents and grandparents, just like my brother's did. We may not cure cancer or stop world hunger, but we do what we can. Truth be told what we do isn't all that impressive. It's just sort of expected from us. When Grandad died, I thought that it was my job to carry on some of the values that he believed in. I haven't done very well in that respect, but I'm glad to see my brothers doing that. if it's possible, I hope Grandad and Grandma can see that we were paying attention to them! God be with you and do the best you can!





Wednesday, September 05, 2012
 
     I was watching "100 Eyes on SD Politics" yesterday, and caught Matt Varilek's TV ad. It was nice! I thought that he had a good message, and managed to keep it positive with a little self deprecating humor. I'm not that good at horseshoes myself! It appears that I'm in the minority on that! But it beat the radio ads where he talks about Noem attacking him or some such thing. If she is indeed attacking him, I've never heard it! The fact is, had it not been for some of the discussion about him on  "100 Eyes", I'd have never known what he was talking about.
     Rep. Noem has made a few mistakes herself in this race. Questions of her attendance in Congress, and in committee hearings went unanswered for too long, and inaction on the Farm Bill seem to be hanging above her. It remains to be seen if these issues will be a factor in the race. I've noticed that Varilek also likes to beat the Tea Party drum. This doesn't help with me. By saying that Rep. Noem can't get the Tea Party to fall in line with her, he is causing me to wonder if he can do any better with them. I'm thinking not!
    
    





Sunday, September 02, 2012
 
     When I was growing up, I thought I had it rough, and maybe I did. I must say that the older I get, the more I realize that my parents did a pretty good job with my brothers and me. One thing that they did that I am beginning to realize was awesome was how we always managed to take in the South Dakota State Fair. Since I have become a family of one 5 years ago, I've only managed to take in the Fair once. I can't imagine what it took to get myself, a spouse, and 3 kids there!
     As best as I can recall, we started out with Wednesday, Carnival day. Thursday was family day, and Friday was 4-H day. Saturday we went back home because the next day was the first day of Sunday School. Of course there was more to it than that! the Fair was such an amazing time and place. I met  Senator McGovern, Tom Dashcle, Tim Johnson, Steve Hemmingsen, Doug Lund, Dave Dedrick/Captain 11, Bernie Hunhoff, and several other lesser people for the first time at the South Dakota State Fair.  
     I learned a lot about how the world works at the fair as well. I remember once, when I lost 50 cents at a crooked carnival game. It taught me not to gamble any more than I was prepared to lose. After Dashcle became the Democrat leader in the Senate, and required Secret Service protection, I saw how isolated he became. Most people are intimidated by Senators and Governors, but not me. Senator Daschle's security detail was very intimidating to the point I decided not to do the usual handshake at the Fair after that. The Fair was a chance for me to get away by myself for a while.
     I hear people complain that the Fair is a waste for the state because it loses money every year, and it may be. but there are certainly worse places to waste state revenue. Some say it needs to be moved to Sioux Falls. I can't see people from Rapid City going to that Fair if they won't go to Huron, though. 
     The bottom line is that even though I'm not able to go to the Fair anymore, I hope it keeps going for as long as possible. My dad once told me that my mother wanted to pack up the family and go to Disneyland, and asked what my thoughts were. I told him that I'd rather go to the State Fair, and that I was afraid that disneyland would disappoint. It's true, that's how I feel! I hope I'm not the only one who loves the State Fair. I love it, and I miss it! 





Saturday, September 01, 2012
 
     After a lot of prayer and thought, I've decided to bring back the Holabird Advocate Newsblog. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to do that yet, as I want to make sure I can bring back the same energy. So effective January 1 of next year, The Jerry Hinkle Program will be off the web, and the original name will be back where it belongs.
     I must say that in the last almost 3 years, I have missed referring  to myself in the 3rd person from time to time, and I also like the idea of stepping behind the curtain and becoming dynamic and courageous again. It is my hope that when this change happens everything will be perfect, or as close as I can get. Right now I'm wondering if I should put the Roman numeral XII or VIII as the Volume. See this is why I won't be reviving the old name until January! So much to consider!




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