Summer Eyes Online

For our hard copy readers, please visit http://members.cox.net/dcorbin/SE2009.html to see all of the links.

33rd Anniversary, 27^th Computer Issue * 17^th Macintosh Issue * 11^th Online Issue

January 2009

Summer Eyes Online continues to promise to deliver the following: 1) a cheap substitute for holiday cards; 2) a lofty tradition of impersonal, self-laudatory, and infrequent correspondence; 3) a pun on the word " summarize," 4) a guarantee that this newsletter will not be sent before Christmas so that it can also serve as a single mailing of holiday cheer as well as serving as an inexpensive thank you card to gift givers (and to serve as a gentle reminder to those who fail to realize that it is better to give than receive), and 5) a method of avoiding printing, copying, paper and postage costs, i.e, being cheap. (Eyes by Lily)

A newsletter from David Corbin and Josie Metal-Corbin

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Patriarch Dies

Omaha, NE--This year brought sadness as David's father, Don, passed away at age 90 1/2 years old. Summer Eyes paid a pictorial tribute to Don Corbin in last year's issue. He is greatly missed. His many years in education earned him the respect of countless people. See his obituary by clicking the following link in the Albuquerque Journal. Here is David's tribute to his Dad.

"Student, son, musician, sailor, salesman, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cowboy, yoga practitioner, man of many faces, mentor, senior athlete, health nut, body builder, traveler and, of course, educator--That's my dad.

Fortunately, Dad lived a long and mostly healthy life. He taught me many things from my first guitar lesson to how to ride a horse to how to drive a car, although I must admit the driving lessons were not that pleasant-- but I did learn how to drive.

When I was growing up, he frequently quoted this A.E. Housman poem:

The time you won your town the race

We chaired you through the market-place;

Man and boy stood cheering by,

And home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,

Shoulder-high we bring you home,

And set you at your threshold down,

Townsman of a stiller town.

So, Dad you knew this time would come when we would set your threshold down, and without you, we are clearly the townsmen of a stiller town,

Years ago I sent Dad the Dan Fogelberg's song "The Leader of the Band" to pay him tribute and to remind us both of the value of saying "I love you" to each other--which we learned to do.

So, now I'll say good-bye with a modified version of part of Fogelberg's song.

The leader of the band is gone

He let the good times roll

His blood runs through

My instrument

And his song is in my soul --

My life has been a poor attempt

To imitate the man

I'm just a living legacy

To the leader of the band."

Prized Pets Pass Away

Omaha, NE--Beloved family pets Ruza, the boxer, and Fiona, the dachshund, died this year. Both had health conditions which required daily medications and both died before their time, but both brought many years of joy to David, Josie and Quinn.

And Now for the Brighter News

Buenos Aires--Josie and David celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary by visiting Argentina. Josie was on sabbatical in the spring semester, but David managed to get away to join her on her trip. After all, it takes two to tango! Other than tango lessons, the couple roamed the streets of Buenos Aires, rode horses in Patagonia and visited glaciers. How much do you have to tip an iceberg? Josie also worked on an archival project about The Moving Company, one of the oldest university dance companies in the USA. The documentary, in collaboration with filmmaker, Jeff Curtis, is scheduled to be shown on statewide public television. One lesson learned is: "History isn't what it used to be."

Argentina collage

Quinn Takes a Bite Out of the Big Apple

New York City--Quinn moved to New York City, first to take courses in photography and graphic design at Parsons The New School of Design, then to work for Stuart Thompson Productions (STP). STP is on Broadway. Quinn has had her name in several Playbills and has attended A-list gala events. Although she has been in NYC for less than a year, she already despises tourists. At this time of year it is difficult to get to her job due to the madding crowd.

She is living in Ridgewood (on the border of Queens and Brooklyn) with Mitch Raftery and Braden Nelson, both graduates of Omaha's Central High School. Josie and David had a chance to visit Quinn for a few days, including Christmas. They packed in five Broadway shows, a movie and a high tea. Vacationing is a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

View from Quinn's office suite

Quinn, Josie and David in Central Park

Do Children View Childhood as Adults Do Adultry?

Anywhere, USA--When does a person become an adult? According to Disney World's admission rates, at age 10 (Isn't that Goofy?). According to over-the-counter medicine labels you are an adult at age 12 --you can drive in most states at age 16 but you can't drive yourself to drink until you are 21.

Summer Eyes Scoops The New York Times

Omaha, NE--If you were a reader of last year's Summer Eyes, you were a witness to a story that scooped The New York Times. SE published a rendering of an Edward Hopper painting that was later published in The New York Times Book Review. Can a Pulitzer be far behind? Way far!

Lily Joins Family

Omaha, NE--At the urging of Quinn, Josie and David went to the Humane Society to look at puppies. (As if one could walk away empty-handed). They chose Lily, a Husky and Border Collie mix. She is torn between pulling and herding. She is very energetic. So much so that a dog whisperer needed to be called in. It worked. "You know what I herd?" Lily asked in a husky voice.

Lily's different color eyes adorn this year's SE masthead.

Lily and the light at the end of the tunnel

"Bagdaddy" Doesn't Meet Goal--Shame Follows

Internet, USA--In last year's Summer Eyes, David Corbin set a goal of 5000 views for his "Bagdaddy" video on youtube. Sadly, the goal was unmet at about 4300 views. Perhaps a telethon will be needed to raise public awareness to this serious problem. You can help save the bag by visiting www.youtube.com/ednibroc and clicking on the "Bagdaddy" video. While you are there, you can view the "Bagdaddy" sequel, "Bag Monster." Corbin was tired in this video. Please forgive the bags under his eyes. The newest posted video is inspired by Thomas Friedman's book Hot, Flat, and Crowded. If you have the time to watch a dog on a skateboard, you can make the time to watch these videos! Thoreau said: "As if you could kill time without injuring eternity." How many eternities have been injured by youtube? Joseph Campbell said, "Eternity has nothing to do with the hereafter." So, what are you here after?