Dr. Ted Colson spent his entire teaching career at the University of North Texas in Denton.  At about 82, he is the last alive of those who taught me, and of course, you knowing me like you do, you know that he and I remain in regular contact.

I come early to the park each Sunday so that I can gather my thoughts in a peaceful countenance before you get here.  It's the lesson that Dr. Colson taught me so many years ago.  The idea was to pull in karma before class so that my mind was ready to accept what would be in store for me.  This morning I realized that I do this without premeditating as to why I do.  And I had to dig deep to remember where I had learned it.

Thanks for stopping by for our weekly Sunday visit in the park.  Have a seat here on the bench.  I've dried off the morning dew from the bench.

Coming Out.  Our sociology, acceptable personal behavior and tolerances of other Americans has certainly changed since, say the Korean Conflict.  Yesterday I was in our neighborhood Wal-Mart looking for a birthday card.  I saw a section of cards titled "Coming Out."  Apparently these are made for gay people to use when they decide it's time to tell their family and friends.

Lessons from Our Children.  Last week our friend Robert Lacquement sent me this.  "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."  Billy.  Isn't it true and wonderful?

Edward R. Murrow.  Still today Mr. Murrow is considered to be the world's greatest and most ethical broadcast journalist ever, even though he's been dead since 1965.  The 2005  movie written and directed by George Clooney about Mr. Murrow's exposure of the famous McCarthy Hearings should be seen by all Americans.  It's titled "Good Night and Good Luck," the signature closing of every Murrow broadcast.

Those who remember seeing Mr. Murrow's news pieces will find David Stratharin's portrayal of him totally uncanny.  If you haven't seen "Good Night and Good Luck," rent the DVD.  We got ours from Netflix.  Eric Sevareid said at Mr. Murrow's funeral, "He was a shooting star; and we will live in his afterglow a very long time."

Bud Buschardt.  You've undoubtedly heard the voice of Bud Buschardt at sometime during his fifty year career if you've listened to any of the national radio music broadcasts over the years.  Bud, who recently retired from ABC, has a home in the Dallas' Park Cities.  While he's from Houston, he's lived here for next to ever.

For some reason, Bud's dad began collecting records - 78s, LPs and 45s - a very long time ago.  Bud inherited the collection and continued the practice, and his home contains what is arguably one of the largest catalogued collections in the U.S.

Tonight, Bud's famous 1974 tribute, "The Day the Music Died" will be re-broadcast on KMNY - 1360 AM between 6 and 9.  Streaming is at http://www.hificlub.net/.  A fascinating account and loaded with lots of memorable recordings.

This coming week Bud and I plan to have our irregular monthly lunch together.  We used to go to the Steak and Ale over by the huge ABC broadcasting complex on Monford, but I'll bet we'll find some place closer to North Dallas from now on.

Annuities.  About 1965 I knew I was deficient in my knowledge of life insurance.  Irrespective of what the business professors thought when they were lecturing on it, they hadn't left the class with enough practical information much less the technicalities of insurance products and underwriting.

So for my own benefit, I registered in the Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU) program in Houston, knowing that I couldn't actually attain the designation because I was not employed in the industry.  From its course study reputation, I knew I could learn there what I wanted to know.  I want to pass on to you what I think is the most important lesson I learned. 

There is nothing more misunderstood or is their an insurance product where there is the potential for more underwriting abuse than in annuities.  Nevertheless, with people living years past their retirement, there is no financial product that has more importance in the foundation of a person's wealth.  If you haven't already, you should study the many anuity products available, along with a trusted financial adviser, and pick the correct one for you and your situation.

The Real Definitions.

Arbitrator:  A cook that leaves Arby's to work at McDonalds.

Avoidable: What a bullfighter tried to do.

Bernadette: The act of torching a mortgage.

Burglarize:  What a crook sees with.

Counterfeiters: Workers who put together kitchen cabinets.

Eclipse: What an English barber does for a living. 

Eyedropper.  A clumsy ophthalmologist.

Heroes: What a guy in a boat does

Suedafed: Brought litigation against a government official.

Thanks for stopping by today for our Sunday after church visit.  Although it's cloudy and misty today, a bit chilly, the air has the smell of an early Easter.  See you next week, and remember...

GOD Blesses!

Pen and ink drawing of Bill in the Park by Galveston artist, Carlotta Barker

Copyright 2008 - William S. Cherry

All rights reserved