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Author Archives: Ken Dowell
Growing Up in the 50’s: School
A lot of planning goes into preparing for my 10-year-old’s school year. It may start in February when we have the chance to tour other schools in the district and decide whether to stay put or switch schools. We will … Continue reading
The Commoditization of Technology
I spent most of my career in the media, publishing and public relations businesses. For the last decade or so I looked at and tried to figure out some use for dozens and dozens of new communications platforms, systems and … Continue reading
Growing Up in the 50’s: The Gym
“The gym” had a completely different meaning in the 50’s than it does in the 21st century. First of all, in the 50’s exercise was free. There was no gear or equipment of any … Continue reading
Of Bullets, Germs and ‘Numbing Pomposity’
Most Americans, even if you exclude those who don’t read at all, don’t read American history. It’s a result of their upbringing. They were subjected to enforced exposure to some of the dullest, ugliest, least imaginative textbooks in existence. James … Continue reading
Growing Up in the 50’s: Groceries
Groceries in my house happened once a week on Friday night. My father came home with his pay and handed my mother some cash. Before making dinner that night, since there was absolutely nothing left from last week’s shopping excursion, … Continue reading
Growing Up in the 50’s: My First Concert
My first concert was at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. The Steel Pier was an entertainment complex, with various shows, including an aquatic show of some type at the end of the pier. At one time I think that … Continue reading
Posted in Growing Up in the 50s, History
Tagged 50's, Atlantic City, Bill Haley and the Comets, history, music, Steel Pier
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Rockwell as Chronicler of the Civil Rights Movement
If you are in the New York/New Jersey area you have a couple more weeks to catch the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Newark Museum. I would encourage you to do so. I found the exhibit to be a revelation. … Continue reading
Posted in Art, History
Tagged art, civil rights, history, museum, Newark Museum, Norman Rockwell, racism
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Requiem for the Newark Bears
The last of the Newark Bears baseball team was up for grabs earlier today. The bus, the lawnmowers, the mascot’s costume, the nacho cheese dispenser, all offered up in a … Continue reading
A Growing Up in the 50’s Book Review: Ike and Dick
Prior to reading Jeffrey Frank’s book my opinion of these two men was that Eisenhower was probably a decent man and fairly good president. Nixon, on the other hand, was Tricky Dick. I was half right. If your image of … Continue reading
Posted in Book reviews, Growing Up in the 50s, History
Tagged 50's, books, civil rights, Eisenhower, history, Nixon, politics
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Growing Up in the 50’s: Thinking in Ethnic Slurs
I often wonder what idiotic backward thinking might still be lodged in the recesses of my brain based upon what I was exposed to growing up. My father ranked high among the most prejudiced men on the face of the … Continue reading
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