“Come here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty. That’s a good Kitty, Kitty.” First off, my name ain’t “Kitty.” It’s Thomas. Not Tommy, not Tumpkins, not Tom Boy or Tomerino. Just plain Thomas. And haven’t we talked about you not using that “baby talk”? It embarrasses me in front of my posse. Hey, is that food I smell? “I’ve got a big bowl of your favorite nibbles. Come and get it.”
I like to think that we’re always growing. Maybe we are old enough to be done growing physically, but not mentally and emotionally. Every single day is a chance to grow and to change for the better. Nothing shows me my own growth more than Facebook memories. My Facebook account began in 2008. I was 14 years old at the time, and to be honest, I had no business on social media. My account saw the days of all black clothing and heavy eyeliner, the breakups, the makeups, the oversharing... Facebook saw it all. As I grew, I forgot all about the things I had said and posted before. I moved on with my life and matured, and eventually, I couldn’t tell you if I had ever held hands with a certain boy or if I made the team I tried out for. Facebook remembers. Not only does Facebook remember, every single day it shows me the excruciatingly awkward former me.
I freely admit I’m not an intelligent man. I’m witty at times, occasionally I juggle, and I’m thoughtful enough to never play my banjo in public. But when it comes to algebra, interest rates, home equity loans or remembering birthdays, I’m pert near hopeless.
I am a Trustee at the Pentecostal’s of Pittsburg Church. At a recent meeting with our pastor, I learned that the FCC has auctioned off the 600 MHz frequencies currently used for wireless microphones and other related sound equipment to the TV broadcasting industry. We have until July 13, 2020 to replace our current equipment which includes six microphones, our transmitting unit, and most of the sound system at a cost of about $1,500. This will also affect other churches, schools, conference centers, sport stadiums, theaters, and other users who use such devices. It upsets me that the FCC has the power to make money while costing our community thousands of dollars. If this is upsetting to you as it is to me, write Washington and tell them how you feel. Sincerely, Harold E. Beauman ll
