‘Wisdom’ from the mouths of babes
I’m always fascinated by the things children will come up with, all on their own.
Sometimes, it’s just plain funny. And other times, it’s profoundly deep.
About a week ago, I was sitting in the living room, reviewing an email I had just received, when my son came up to me with an all-important question.
“Caa aaa saa maa vaa?” he asked, mouth wid open.
“What?”
“Can you see my voice?” he asked again before re-opening his mouth wide for me to look inside.
“Yep. It’s definitely in there,” I said, playing along.
“What’s it look like?” he asked.
What are you supposed to say to that? I guess such is the thought process of a 4-year-old boy. But, he unloaded some “wisdom” for his sister a few days later.
I had been playing a game with my daughter when the conversation turned, very seriously, to the topic of “Bronies.” For those who don’t know, “Bronies” are adult men with a fascination with “My Little Pony.”
Yes, I’m serious.
Think about the stereotypical comic book geek. Now, instead of running around with “Green Lantern” figurines, picture him with “My Little Pony” posters on the walls.
Creepy doesn’t begin to cover it. But, my daughter is even more fascinated with horses in general than “Bronies” are about the budding relationship between Shining Armor and Princess Cadance (for those you attempting to have my ManCard rescinded, I only know this because: a) my daughter has their wedding set, and b) I’ve been asked to “play the role” of Shining Armor — a “boy pony” — about a dozen times since Christmas).
So, anyone else who shares her appreciation for horse culture is OK in her book. And, yes, I understand this means I have a very long and difficult few years ahead of me.
Anyway, my daughter ended the conversation by suggesting I would be more eager to play “My Little Pony” with her if I was a “Bronie.” Such is the thought process of a 7-year-old girl.
Immediately, however, my son swooped in to save the day.
“No. That’s not going to happen,” he said a very matter-of-fact manner. “Dad is a boy, and that’s just not what boys do.”
“I’m a boy,” he added. “I like monster trucks, tractors and Transformers. That’s what boys do. Boys who like ‘My Little Pony’ are wrong.”
Say what you will, but it’s pretty difficult to compete with logic like that.
Win-Win Situation
Last week, we announced our new partnership with the Jasper County Tribune in Colfax. Since then, I’ve been asked by several people what this means.
No, we’re not “absorbing” the Tribune into the Daily News. It will remain an autonomous newspaper — and I believe — a great community newspaper for years to come.
No, we’re not moving the Tribune’s office to Newton. If you go to Colfax right now, you’ll see the Tribune office is still there.
Dana King is still working there, and from time to time, Daily News publisher Dan Goetz — now publisher of the Tribune, too — or me (I’m now the editor of the Tribune, as well) will be over there. My “office hours” will be on Monday afternoons, during the weekly production process.
So, if you’re in “the neighborhood,” feel free to stop by and say, “Hello.”
Last night, Dan and I interviewed the three finalists for a permanent full-time staff writer to work from the Colfax office. We hope to announce a new hire for that position in the very near future.
Really, it’s a win-win situation that should be a benefit to readers of both newspapers. Tribune readers will get the benefit of weekly recaps of Colfax-Mingo and Collins-Maxwell/Baxter sports written by the Daily News sports staff, as well as countywide reports from Daily News news staff.
Daily News readers will benefit from more “around the county” coverage on our inside pages from the western part of Jasper County. And, our sports pages will benefit from having a few more photos from Colfax-Mingo and CMB, freeing the Daily News team to continue expanding its coverage of Newton and other area schools.
Like I said, a real “win-win.”
Super Solution?
After all the controversy surrounding the second-half power failure during Sunday’s Super Bowl, many were suggesting perhaps the Halftime Show, which arguably consumed a lot of power to put on, was to blame. I can’t say it’s a far-fetched theory.
But now there’s word next year’s Super Bowl, which will be played in a cold-weather environment — without the benefit of a domed stadium — for the first time in decades, won’t have a Halftime Show. It seems organizers are struggling to figure out how to put one on in potentially bone-chilling temperatures.
Maybe that isn’t such a bad idea. Obviously, this would create more opportunities for commercial slots (Other than GoDaddy’s vulgarities, who doesn’t love the Super Bowl ads?). And, it would allow for better analysis of the first half of the game without forcing players to sit through an overly extended halftime break.
If it works out well next January, perhaps the NFL will have found something to stick with.
If you’re reading this, thank a teacher. If you’re reading this in English, thank a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.
Editor Bob Eschliman may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 423, or at beschliman@newtondailynews.com via email.
