I am an original baby boomer, born in 1946, who attended a very strict Catholic Grammar School for nine years. Parents back in the early 50s, not knowing or wanting to raise their own children, made a decision to punish them into submission. Understanding came from a B.V.M. nun with a stern hand wielding a yardstick. How did we survive and how did some of us turn out? From Kindergarten, when only six year old, to thirteen, we made it through the tension and anxiety of attending St. Tarcissus Grammar School. The experience was intended to teach us the correct way to conduct ourselves. Do you think it made a lasting impression in the years ahead? Education has come a long way. Did those good Sisters know what they were doing? Did our parents play a bigger role in our up-bringing? Some of my conclusions actually make sense. The hard truth is history. Our working careers are over. From the craziness of those grammar school years comes our final report card. All of us from that graduating class of 1960 are now senior citizens. Lets find out just what happened. Planning this reunion took six months and made me think about my whole life. It made me realize that life is a struggle, but happiness can be achieved, if you work at it. My other committee member, who was supposed to help me, gave me a migraine. Would this reunion be a success or a bust? It was all on my shoulders. To be sure, it is funny, thought provoking, and I assure you, 100% true.

I am an original baby boomer, born in 1946, who attended a very strict Catholic Grammar School for nine years. Parents back in the early 50's, not knowing or wanting to raise their own children, made a decision to punish them into submission. Understanding came from a B.V.M. nun with a stern hand wielding a yardstick. How did we survive and how did some of us turn out? From Kindergarten, when only six year old, to thirteen, we made it through the tension and anxiety of attending St. Tarcissus Grammar School. The experience was intended to teach us the correct way to conduct ourselves. Do you think it made a lasting impression in the years ahead? Education has come a long way. Did those good Sisters know what they were doing? Did our parents play a bigger role in our up-bringing? Some of my conclusions actually make sense. The hard truth is history. Our working careers are over. From the craziness of those grammar school years comes our final report card. All of us from that graduating class of 1960 are now senior citizens. Let's find out just what happened. Planning this reunion took six months and made me think about my whole life. It made me realize that life is a struggle, but happiness can be achieved, if you work at it. My other committee member, who was supposed to help me, gave me a migraine. Would this reunion be a success or a bust? It was all on my shoulders. To be sure, it is funny, thought provoking, and I assure you, 100% true.

Most of the stories in this book are those that I lived throughout my life. I recently retired, and I had the time to write these stories down. At least as many as I can remember (memory may not my best trait anymore). Someone often says something that triggers the depths of my memory. I wrote down a note to remind myself, and then I added that item to this book. There are over 230 such stories here. I removed the names and places from my stories, to protect the innocent.

Dr Wai-Fah Chen — a Chinese-born American academic and widely recognized structural engineering specialist in the field of mechanics, materials, and computing — has certainly led a fascinating life. A well-respected leader in the field of plasticity, structural stability, and structural steel design over the past half-century, he has made major contributions to introduce the mathematical theory of plasticity to civil engineering practice, especially in the application of limit analysis methods to the geotechnical engineering field. Having headed the engineering departments at the University of Hawaii and Purdue University, Chen is a widely cited author and the recipient of several national engineering awards, including the 1990 Shortridge Hardesty Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction.This book traces the life journey and reflections of Dr Chen. It presents a remarkable opportunity to understand his personal history and cultural passions: his struggle to achieve the American dream, his life as an eyewitness to the rise of China, and his career path to establish a solid engineering reputation. Presenting his scientific achievements spanning the last 40 years of his career, readers will thus be privy to his personal thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on these events.

"A historical biography of one woman's survival through the Great Depression in the American south, and the story of her sons' achievements afterwards"--Title page verso

Grief, Golf and Reinvention, is the inspiring story of a retired man who suddenly finds himself widowed, alone and needing to define his new life. It is a story about the long journey from shattered pieces, through acceptance, to renewal, strength, and personal reinvention. It is an absorbing, quirky, and amazing journey from loss to a new normal, with the love of friends & family, a beginners mind, and the regularity and peace to be found in the wonderful game of golf. Mick Rothmans beautifully written book is as therapeutic as it is fascinating. I found it impossible to put down as it drew me into his lifes sudden crossroad. His emotional honesty is truly admirable and his journey extraordinary. Ron Perlman, Ph.D. President, The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning Well written and very entertaining. An excellent illustration of the importance of meaningful activities and meaningful relationships in a persons life during a time of loss. Kim A. Meyer, Ph.D., BCBA-D Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst This book will be helpful to men who find grief and grieving unmanly. On the other hand, as a woman, this is very insightful into how a man processes emotion differently than a woman. A much-needed guide to finding our emotional comfort through the process of grief. Lynne Shupp, EA

Mary is no stranger to the theatre. A graduate of Moser Conservatory of Drama, Voice & Music in New York City and a graduate of Empire State College with a degree in Theatre, Film and specialized in Voices/over’s. She teaches Piano, Drama and Voices/Over’s. She taught for 5 years in the Commack & Sayville school districts. She also has appeared in “Lovers &other strangers, “Fiddler on the Roof” “Grease” and was directed by “Brian Dennehy in “Guys & Dolls”. She has appeared on Broadway, off Broadway, Radio, and TV & Stock. Her cast members are all seasoned professionals.