Write it Down!

Write that down! That is a statement that might not be used that much in the future. Thanks to modern technology, and advances in the computer industry and with the Internet, you might not be “writing” that down anymore. You will probably be typing that down...if your not already doing it.

With lap-tops, ipads, and even smart phones, you just might find that you rarely, if ever, need a pen and paper anymore. For middle-aged people like myself, that is not a habit I plan to get into. I still have my lap-top and would love to have a i-pad. I use to make notes on my iPhone, but it gave-up the ghost and, thinks to my current financial situation, I was forced to down-grade (theres a phrase you don't hear very often) to a flip-which I really love. But, I will always “write it down.”

Some friends have asked if I have thought of purchasing a e-reader. My response is, that, in my opinion, is a readers sacrilege. My quick response is that the books I read do not need batteries...to say the least. Before I go further, let me say for some of you who might be offended by my use of words, the definition of sacrilege is; the violation or injurious treatment of a sacred object. Can a book be considered, sacrilege.

This is not a history lesson in the printed word, but man has always used a hand-held writing instrument and a writing surface to transfer his thoughts to written form. We know that the earliest American's write on walls of caves, a birds feather was used to write on scrolls. And thanks to the invention of the printing press, civilization was well on it's way to having the printed word. By the way, according to Wikipedia, German, Johannes Gutenberg is credited for having invented the printing press. And yes, I do appreciate the written word and books as almost sacred. The bible, after all is a written wor.

There use to be a cigarette that was marketed just to women many years ago. I can't remember the name of the product, but I can remember the slogan they used to promote the female “smokes.” It was, “You've Come a Long Way, Baby.” I guess that is what we can say about writing and recording our words. We have come a long way from ancient writings on a cave wall to computers, tablets and smart phones allowing us to continue to “write it down.”

Before I go further, I will say ipads and e-readers are a good idea for students, if they ever catch on. Students can have their text-books down-loaded on one device. From elementary school to college to graduate school, students can get rid of their backpacks and messenger bags. They can trade them in for one device. Also, homework could be done without pen and paper. If the device has Internet access and e-mail, a student can read their assignment and then complete their assignment. Afterwards, they can e-mail it to their instructors. Once more, the instructors can grade their “papers” on the computer and e-mail it back to the student. Grades can even be sent the same way. This might be a practice that is being used, somewhat, these days. Copy right laws could possibly be hampering the process.

When I was going to college, even though I had a laptop, I took notes the old fashioned way, with pen and paper. However, my homework was completed on my laptop and emailed to my professors. This was a big difference from my first days of elementary education.

Which brings me to my earliest days of “writing it down.” When I was a student in Mrs. Hall fifth grade class, she required that we keep a journal of our homework assignments and the dates we completed our assignments. Also, we were required to write a one page summary in our journal telling what we felt we learned.

When I got to Jr. High School, I had a science teacher named Mr. Walters. He was a young, cool teacher who was a recent graduate of Western Kentucky University. We liked Mr. Walters I think in part because he was closer to our age and seemed to relate to use. But the one thing that I have never forgotten about my Anton Jr. High teacher is that he required us to take notes, every day of class. I still remember the first day he started us on our journey of note taking. He told the class, “ I am still your science teacher and I am still going to teach science, however; I am going to grade you on your note taking ability as well as your assignments.” We did not like the sound of that at first. It meant we were going to be graded on two fronts. But, as we got further into the school year, we found that we were actually learning a little more than usual. Many of use began to take more notes in our other classes. I think it made some of the teachers a little jealous.

Mr. Walters would give us tips on how to take notes and what to listen for. In his lectures, he would sometimes tell stories related to the science world. Just little tidbits that made the lecture more interesting. And then sometimes, he would get off the subject and tell an unrelated story or joke. Later , when he would grade our notes, he would tell use what was important and what we should have left out of our notes. He said, “I hope as many of you that can, will go to college. And if you do, you will need good note taking skills.

Now, let me stop here and say that most people I know or have read about that like to write, also like to read. Many popular authors; Steven King, John Grisham, J.K. Rowling or Patrica Cornwell, will tell you they also like to read.

It was at the same time that Mr. Walters required our note taking that I had an English teacher who required us to read a few books a write book reports for class. One I will never forget, as a matter of fact, I still have my copy of “Sounder.” A story about a sharecropper family and their dog, Sounder. It was a book written for my age group. It has since been made into a movie. It was my first time to read a book from cover to cover, but certainly not the last time. I am thankful that I had that experience in both those science and English classes.

Now on to my “write it down” experiences in high school. Unlike many of my friends, I did not attend the local public high school. Due to accessibility restrictions, I was forced to go to a private school. (Did I say forced?) You can be the judge of that later I guess.

The private school I attended was a Christian School. While a student there, we were required to go to chapel services and one of the classes (required) was a bible class. Our bible class teacher required us to take notes of the sermon during chapel and to take notes in our church's during the sermon on Sunday morning. This meant I could not skip church. And if we were absent on any given Wednesday, we had to ask our fellow students what the message was about and write a summary of what we were told. Also during high school, I had an English class where I was required to read such literature as George Orwell's, “Animal Farm.”

A little side story about that adventure was that I tried to bluff my way through it. It was about that time that I started working part-time at a Christian radio station...started by the school. I was having a bit of a problem learning to juggle my homework and night-time job. So I wrote a bogus review about Animal Farm. I wish I had kept a copy of that paper. It was so far removed from the “real thing” that I bet Orwell turned over in his grave. As I look back, I have a smile on my face. Because of how I tried to bluff my way through it and my good natured teacher, Bro. Head, who gave me a second chance to do my assignment over...with a lesser grade of course.

Well, I had the Christmas break to read Orwell's classic. And if I said I loved it, that would be an understatement. My teacher said that my paper was the best he had read. But, he was sorry that he could not give me the grade he wanted too because of the second chance. I think I have both paper-back and a hard-back versions of “Animal Farm” today in my library.

“Write it down” does not end with high school. I attended a small, two year community college right after high school. My best friend from elementary school to high and then part of college, attended a history class in college. I was so involved in taking notes, that I would also write down his jokes. But, I just wasn't interested. I did return to college many years later and earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management.

Before that, I wanted to work full-time in radio and began pursuing a career in broadcasting. My dreams came true. I have not only worked in radio for over 30 years, but I actually worked at the radio station that had been my dream job since I was about 8-9 years old. I remember in the summer time, my mom would drive by WTTL as my future employer and good friend, Jerry-O would be hosting a call-in show, “Coalfield Comments.” Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that my dreams would not only come true, but that I would one day host that same show. My prayers had been answered.

My journey into the land of broadcasting eventually took me from being a Disc Jockey to becoming a news reporter and then director. I was a one-man operation. Not something I really approved of, even in such a small town where opportunities to gather news is not that easy. But I had no formal training. I had helped out in the news department of various stations and did learn a little. As I look back, I realize that I was using the skills I had been trained to do since elementary school...taking notes.

My “write it down” abilities become more and more in depth. Everywhere I went, City Council, Fiscal Court, meetings, dinners, interviews...just to name a few, required me to take notes about the events so that I could write a news story about what had happened.

One story that will probably stay with me for the rest of my life, occurred in 1999. I was one of seven media witnesses to view the first execution of a Kentucky inmate by lethal injection. Talk about “writing it down.” They turned the lights out in the viewing room and then opened the curtains where we could see the inmate about to be executed. We were only allowed to have a pen and note pad, (provided by the state). I was sitting on the third row from the front. When the warden asked if he had any last words, I raided my hands so I could see from the dim light in the hallway how to write. But I froze. Not because I was overwhelmed by the event. Actually, the inmate said he was read for what was about to happen. I froze because I was wearing an arm band that got my attention and took it away from the execution. I was wearing a WWJD bracelet. I remember thinking that, “Jesus would not be out here, but inside the execution chamber ministering to the inmate.

I will never forget was at a city council meeting. As I pulled up to the front, I unzipped my jacket and took out my reporters notebook. Then I reached in for my pen. The meeting was just about to start when I realized I had left the one and only pen I had with me in my car. I even remember laying it on the passenger side seat. Well, panic began to set it. “What am I going to do,” I thought? I did not have time to go outside to get my pen. I was afraid I was going to miss something. Well, after years of learning what to listen for and what to write down, I thought this might not be that difficult. I was confident in myself of being a good listener and able to remember what I heard. Also, the Mayor's executive assistant provided a “media packet” at every meeting. It would contain an outline of the meeting and sometimes, details of some of the items on the outline. For example, there would be information in the packet pertaining to a tax increase, a departmental promotion, street closings, etc. This was enough information that, coupled with what I could remember from the meeting, I would be able to write my story. A side note, I did have a pocket tape recorder with me, and I did use it that one time. But, I always took pride in my ability to take notes and did not want to use a recorder unless I absolutely had to. As former presidential candidate, Ross Perot once said, the news media provides nothing but sound bites. I never agreed with that statement, it even angered me. However, if your a radio news reporter, your listeners would always appreciate a sound-bite of an event. So, the tape recorder did come in handy for that purpose from time-to-time.

I hope to get back into broadcasting one day, even if I have to find someone willing financially back my purchase of a station. Or, start my own Voice Tracks and Voice-Over business.

My “habit” of note taking has never left me. One day a friend and I were in Evansville. One of our favorite stops, since he and I both enjoy reading, is always Barnes and Noble. He and I have been going there ever since the place opened.

Not only do I enjoy reading, which has become a hobby of mine, but I also enjoy writing. I began doing my research in learning how to write by picking-up as many books as I could that gave tips on how to be a good writer. It was in one of those books that I learned that good writers always carry a notebook with them everywhere they go. One author even suggested a particular notebook called a, “Moleskin” book. No, it is not made of mole skin. That is just the commercial name for it. The author said that the book had lined, blank pages that could be used for note taking. The books come in pocket size and are hard back with an elastic strap to hold the book closed with not in use. So, I went to Barnes and Noble looking for one of these books. I could just imagine the store clerk giving me an odd look when I asked if they had any in stock. To my surprise, she said, “Yes we do. They are with the journals at the front of the store. So, I bought what has been my first of many since then. They are great for writing down ideas for stories. However, I never used it for taking notes for news stories.

Have you ever noticed how everyone will grab for their cell phone when one rings in a crowed room? Well, I am kind of the same way with writing. If someone was across a crowed room from me and yelled, “write it down” you would probably see me grab for my pen and notebook. A habit that I got into years ago.

As I look back, I wonder if God wasn't using the events of my past to groom me for my profession.

I can't seem to go anywhere without an urge to take notes or “write it down.” If I go to church, I take notes during the sermon. I have taken notes in Sunday School. I was once a member of the Kiwanis and would take notes of the meeting...and I wasn't the club secretary or required to take notes. I have even been known to take notes of the preachers message at a funeral.

Not being a news reporter right now, you would think that I would no longer have the urge to take notes, but I do.

Finally, writing this blog reminds me of my Grandmother. I use to spend a lot of time with her when I was in Jr. High and High School. Being a history buff, I was constantly asking her about the “good ol days” and about family history. Even though she was in her late 80's to early 90's, she was a wealth of information about the past. I can still remember a few things, but I could kick myself because I did not write down the hundreds of stories she told me. I do remember one amusing story about my dad. On the home from grandmothers, I asked him if he remembered about an event in his life involving a bicycle. It was a story my grandmother told me earlier that afternoon.

My dad said he and his family were living in Crofton, KY. It was during the days of the depression. Money, like today, was tight.

My dad use to have some good friends that he would hang-out with during and after school. Everyday they would leave school and ride their bikes to a local “mom and pop” grocery store to get a soft drink. Everyone would ride their bikes, that is, except for my dad. He did not have a bike.

My grandmother said one day he came home from school and was somewhat upset. When she asked what was wrong he said, “I want a bike.” He told her how all of his friends would leave school and go to the store and get a drink. He would hang-out with his friends until they finished drinking. He would stand on the front porch of the store and watch them ride away...of to boyish adventures. So, like many young boys of that day, he wanted a bike. Grandmother reminded him that times were tight. She suggested that he pray for one. So, he did.

Driving home in the car, he told me that he had been praying for the bike for a couple of weeks when he found one. It was far from new, rusted and without tires. And, to his amazement, it was behind the grocery store that he and his friends frequented.

My dad said he did not remember seeing that bike in the past.

One day, after school, He and the friends were making their daily trek to the store when he spotted the rusted old bike. He ran into the store and asked the owner where did he get the bike. Well, it turned out that the bike had been sitting there for years, just rusting away. When my dad asked if it was for sale and how much, the clerk laughed and said he would gladly give it to him just to get rid of it.

Dad told me that for the next few weeks he would by-pass his daily routine with his friends and instead go home to restore his bike. He said his friends were so excited for him, that they began to help. One friend had two extra tires. He found some paint brushes and old paint. Soon the rusted old bike was brought back to life. He said it did not look like much but at least he was able to join his friends on their daily afternoon adventures.

Then, one day my dad's life with his bike changed. After school, he and his friends jumped on their bikes and headed for the store. When they came out with soft drinks in hand, he noticed that one of his friends was just getting to the store. When he and his friends inquired why he was late, the boy informed them that he had left his bike out in the yard of his home and that it was stolen during the night. Dad said he and his friends expressed their regrets for their friend. However, when they finished their drinks, they mounted their bikes and headed out on their daily bicycle trip.

My dad said said that as they were pulling away, he looked back to find his friend standing on the porch with a familiar sad and lost look on his face. He said that got to him. He knew what it felt like to be left alone by your friends. Without hesitation, my dad turned that bike that he prayed for around and headed back to the store and his friend.

He said, “here, the bike is yours.” The boy could not believe it. My dad told him to hurray before the others got too far ahead of him. Dad said that he had a different feeling then as he watched his friends ride away. He said he no longer wanted a bike...that he was given something much better.

There are so many things that we should write down and make note of. Some things should never be forgotten. From a class lecture, to the events for a news story to a special story of kindness by someone special to us.

This is one of many events that were told to me that I never wrote down, but It has been forever engraved on my heart with a special pride and love for my dad. And, a reminder that I need to always “write it down.” Not just so I can remember, but so I can share what I have written with others.

Oh, and by the way, A Dell laptop was used to “write down” this story. My pen and notebook are taking a break.