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Doses of humor, leaping canines, Schoolhouse Rock still rocks
© St. Petersburg Times Dr. Mort Brown, a retired clinical psychologist, knows all too well about the positive effects humor can have on the human condition. So after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and having a portion of his colon removed, Brown went to the American Cancer Society and asked if there was a support group for survivors of his specific type of cancer. The cancer society said no but invited him to form one. Brown, who lives in Lutz, took the challenge, and decided he had just the right name. "We call ourselves the Semi-Colons," Brown laughed. The pun not only illustrates Brown's sense of humor, but it illuminates his courage. If asked, Brown will speak with great candor about his trials with cancer. His graphic descriptions may not meet what we call the breakfast test, but his openness is admirable. He was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago this month. Brown went to the emergency room on a Sunday night. The next day he had surgery and began his journey to recovery with determination and comical asides. The journey continues this week in Washington, D.C., where Brown and other Tampa residents affected by cancer will participate in the the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life Celebration on the Hill Thursday and Friday. Brown's candor and humor should serve him well when he meets with U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis to discuss the concerns of cancer patients and caregivers. The hope is to protect existing funding and support efforts to pass a bill that would cover the costs of screening tests for certain types of cancer. At one point during my conversation with Brown, I struggled to find the right words to ask a particularly sensitive question. Brown advised me not to hesitate. I hope Bilirakis takes that same approach. Michelle and Mark McConnell found themselves with some high-energy sheep-herding dogs, but with a home in Carrollwood, there were no sheep or cattle to herd. On occasion, the dogs would make sure everyone stayed in a circle around the dinner table, but they needed a better outlet. So the McConnells turned to Frisbees. "It was the best we could do in a neighborhood," Michelle McConnell said. Soon the McConnells became involved in Frisbee dog competitions and clinics around the state. And along the way they added a few dogs. Now Thunder, Dalton, Joules and Turner are going out on the road to offer entertainment at children's parties. The Ruff-Flyers can come to your kid's party or your company's event and perform for a half-hour or an hour. Michelle McConnell said the dogs perform to music she and Mark provide, and can show their skills in a yard of any size. They also can be used in a safety demonstration that teaches young children how to act around dogs. The price ranges from $95 to $120. I'm proud to say my kids seem to have learned quite a bit since my wife brought home the 30th anniversary edition of the famed Schoolhouse Rock series. For those who don't know, the series of animated videos teach kids about grammar, math, science and history. I'm not proud to say that after 30 years, I'm still learning from the videos. That's all I'm saying. -- Ernest Hooper can be reached at (813) 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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Times columns today Ernest Hooper Gary Shelton Sara Fritz From the Times Metro desks |
