Stolen Youth And Booger Bangerstein

 January 5, 2026

   I think this is the first year in memory where I have fluidly and automatically switched to the "26" without reverting to the habit of writing 2025 on my checkbook and in this blog. So far, anyway.

   Sometimes I work from old photographs and a moniker or nickname will come tumbling right out of my mouth.

Daily Whip Out: "Booger Bangerstein"

   I actually grew up with a "Booger." He lived down the street from us on Hilltop. His father was a highway patrolman and a little league coach.

Booger's dad patrolling Route 66

      As with all things from the past, eventually certain people and events fade in our memory. As time went on the image of Maria faded.

Daily Whip Out: "Faded Maria"

   Growing up I had several encounters with "wild" girls who seemed so liberated at the time, but when I look back on it now, I have a nasty hunch there was something darker going on at home.

Daily Whip Out: "Stolen Youth"

"Arguing with a fool, proves there are two."

—Doris M. Smith