Summer Countdown
Summer Countdown
Before you read, consider this. As we type, the battle of the Congress has not been resolved. That is stated as a fact - not inserted for accuracy. It may explain why the topic today has absolutely nothing to do with the status quo. It is too difficult to keep track of the situation as it changes from hour to hour, sometimes from minute to minute. Meanwhile the ubiquitous electronic clock keeps blinking away millions by millions and Armageddon continues to raise the blood pressure of a watching world. So, relax, unwind, takes a few deep breaths and let's change the subject for the remainder of this page.
It is always hard to believe when someone says, "Can't be! The summer is half over. Where did July go?"
Well, it's true. It began June 21st - ends September 21st - and as we step gingerly into August, the very word "August" sends a signal as obvious as a rocket blast off. August means the countdown to Labor Day has begun - the advent of school and college resumptions is closer than anyone could imagine - and vacation time is dwindling if you failed to book whatever by now!
None of this comes as a surprise. You've gone through this period of disenchantment year after year - and you still can't believe it. You remember May and the early part of June as great weather days - perfect for the beach or golf course, checking the remaining supply of usable sun lotions from last year, and why, oh why, doesn't summer begin earlier?
Don't think it hasn't been broached by interested parties - like educators who think kids should be out playing, not sweating in un-airconditioned classrooms! Political types can give you more reasons than you need to form groups that make hay during hot weather - from selling hot dogs at board walk enterprises, to launching the annual monster campaign to sell air conditioners for home and office.
Summer is SUN! You know how cautious the medical world views exposure to sun rays. And, it is quite true that improper exposure to midday sun can lead to harmful damage to skin and all the human elements sub derma. But you also know how good it feels to bake in the sun after a damp and chilly March and April. You also see all the ads heralding places to go where sun is king! Beaches, cruises, golf and tennis areas, parks and roof tops, name it and you are sure to see and accept the human need for the one and only planet that delivers fun, enjoyment, good health, and even dollars of profits - good ' 'ole Sol, our dependable Sun!
Let's give it a shot. Try for a movement that changes the seasons to suit the human race. Start "Summer" in May, Memorial Day, end it Labor Day. The number of days will remain similar to the current method. But the anticipation and delivery of sunny days earlier will bring warmth to the soul as well as the body. Moods improve when the sun shines, and people tend to be more satisfied with
life in general. And, Boy! - Man! - we sure can use a large dose of something good for the citizenry as well as the country - and at no additional cost - not even a tax (unless... well, skip that notion!).
Get this going on FaceBook or Twitter and by dawn tomorrow millions will be cheering the idea. Then, you can say you helped bring about a true revolution in the way we behave. It's time to hit the keys!
Richard Carlton
July 31, 2011
Issue No. 17
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