A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....01-20-04 ~ RDB - Once.. Twice... Three Times

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine, deadhead ~

rdb3's grandfather on the left, in 1951, and his father at right, 1973

I believe that I was an "ooops" baby; when I was born, my parents already had six children, with the oldest being a freshman at Ohio State and the youngest in the second grade. However, I do think my Pop was happy that I came along AND that I was a boy because his name hadn't passed to my three brothers. I don't think there's any way in the world that I was "meant" to be. But, nevertheless, here I am!   ;-)

rdb3 at two years, 1974

The youngest of seven, rd has always been extremely close to his parents. He was born and raised in East Cleveland, Ohio, but spent nearly every summer in Arkansas. His father owned a delicatessen, along with numerous coin-op businesses, such as laundromats and car washes. His mother worked in the Cleveland Public School System for over 30 years.

My father pitched briefly in the Negro Leagues for the Cleveland Buckeyes. By the time he got in, the color line had already been broken in the Majors, and since he was in Cleveland, he got to meet legendary Indians players like Bob Feller, Larry Doby, and my favorite: Satchel Paige. There's an 11" X 18" black and white picture of my father and Satchel Paige in their respective uniforms over the mantle at home. And he won't even let me scan the picture! One day it will be mine, but I can wait; Pop has to pass away first.

I was able to escape the Cleveland Public School System. I was in the 8th grade at the time. Father Juhas and another recruiter liked how I planted quaterbacks deep in the soil, never to be seen again until the next spring! Next thing I know, I'm at St. Joseph High. I received a tremendous education there. Also got to play football with Desmond Howard and Elvis Grbac, and Eric Riley in basketball. Clark Kellogg is also an alum. He is a commentator on CBS' NCAA broadcast for college basketball. Matter of fact, they retired his number at my school, but his number isn't in the rafters. They put his number on both sides of the half-court line on the court. Different, isn't it?

rd graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. (As a matter of record: six of the seven siblings hold degrees. Not too shabby, huh!) He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Information Technology/Systems. As he will tell you, "I'm a geek's geek. I'm elated to be back in the Information Technology field. My expertise is well-rounded (Linux, AIX, C/C++/C#, Java, Oracle, RHCE, among many, many others)."

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You can also find rd every week in our Military Monday threads - Vet Group 4. He served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne @ Ft. Bragg, NC, from 1990-1993. Thank you for serving, rd!

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For more on what makes rdb3 tick, about his politics and his Christian beliefs, he has this to say:

While I'm firmly planted on the political Right, I no longer consider myself a conservative because the definition of that term is murky. I'll admit that my political stance is hard to pin down, other than the fact that I'm a vociferous anti-Leftist. I also have no problem admitting that I detest Democrats and what they stand for on a level that would seem inhumane. However, I would be a political vagabond because I don't have a political home. Go figure. No matter how one looks at it, just know that I relish the autonomy gained by sprinting away from that God-forsaken plantation mentality. I take my faith in Christ seriously and without doubt (non-denominational/Calvinist).

Married for seven years, together for ten (with one stepson), rd says his pretty wife, pictured below, "still gives him butterflies!"

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There's way more to this guy! You could check his profile page and see much more than revealed here. He's been a FReeper since December 2, 2000; he flies three flags on his page - Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas:

           

He plays the bass guitar and the violin. His musical taste is very eclectic (just don't play country around him, he says!). He writes short stories and poetry and has an artistic side, as evidenced by the Dark Knight drawing below, which he did six and a half years ago in CIS229 class at SMU.

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And last, I love to cook. BBQ is almost religious to me (if you can pick up a brisket with a fork and remove it from the grill, then it is no good, or, if you need sauce with your BBQ, then it is no good).

That's about it. Nothing special. I'm a regular man.~ rdb3

A "Regular Man"...
...And Today's Finest!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-19-04 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Billie]

Hi, Sistah - thank you!

[rdb3]

We've been taught that when we ask God for something through prayer, His answer may be yes, no, or wait. We're told that even no is an answer, though obviously not the one we may want.

Amen. And He may not give us what we want when we want it, but He's always on time for what we need.

He is an awesome God.

[Billie]

Good! You did get back. I will let you take your bows for a while. Will be back. :)

[rdb3]

(If Jesse Jack$on and I meet, face to face, it's gonna be a misunderstanding...)

A man after my heart!

Believe me, I'm only half-joking when I say that.

[mhking]

Excellent, man! You're a man after my own heart, and one I'm glad to call friend!

And I'm glad that everyone else here recognizes how great a guy you are!

Congrats on your extra special day!!!!!

And self-serving or not, this deserves to be seen by the rest of the B/C list!

[Donaeus]

Good morning, good morning!! Happy to be here, our system was down for a while and I wasn't sure if I'd make it.

Glad to meet you rdb3, always good to make the acquaintance of freedom loving Americans! Hope your day in the sun is a good one.

[Donaeus]

Very happy to hear your wing is on the mend. :)

[rdb3]

Oh, I forgot.

I'm just a leg, who the heck would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane ?

YRUALEG? ;-)

Yeah, it's a perfectly good plane. But you just have to put ya kneez in da breeze, soldier!

HOOAH!

[cyborg]

Hey what are YOU doing in FReeper's Finest????

[rdb3]

Interesting family you have there.

Yeah, they're a buncha weirdos. ;-)

[LisaMalia]

Congrats! Just a note to say I always enjoy your input and thoughts here on FR. Looks like you have a wonderful family. I'm sure you're very proud. Would love to hear some sports stories about your dad.

Have a great day, and thanks for sharing a part of your world with us!

Just one more thing...you are still a Buckeye fan, right???

LM

[rdb3]

Hey what are YOU doing in FReeper's Finest????

Uh... I dunno.

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' to the Finest.

Great way to start the day - Coffee and the opportunity to meet another outstanding FReeper.

I've always enjoyed reading rdb3's comments throughout FR.

It's a pleasure to meet you rdb3. Keep up the good work.

AttaBoy, rdb3!!!

[cyborg]

LOL awwwwww see someone does love you!

[Gracey]

Congratulations, rdb3. You certainly are very deserving of this.... YOUR day. And you're surely a man with CHARACTER.

Always enjoy your posts, as you're that type individual who gives us pause to reflect. Wish there were more of your ilk around.

Enjoyed learning more about you and your family. You have quite a dad, too.

Speaking of baseball, I was a rather young girl in Brooklyn, New York, when Jackie Robinson came to the majors. He also, was a man of great Character. Then Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe and others followed. Baseball's a great game.

[jwfiv]

rdb3, pleased to meet you, FRiend...I've seen your handle many times, and always like the you 'sign' your name....welcome to the Finest neighborhood...you're gonna get a lot of attention and praise today, so be prepared. Thanks for sharing the pics and story of your family. I really admire your independent streak.

Thank you, Miss Billie, for your lovely introduction and profile of rdb3...it's a great way to start the day,

I woke up this morning, still giddy from watching Coward Dean's head explode last night, bland Gephardt's surrender, and the Hollow Men exult in their momentary triumphs.

It's a long road to Election Day...the President's opponents will be not just two men, but the entire, rabid, Leftist bloc, with all their soft money and control of the media...and their allegiance to all their false gods and goddesses.

It's time for us to stand tough and together.

Bring 'em on.

[Gracey]

Oh... and would you please tell your mom and dad that FReepers are so thankful that they had that "ooops" baby.

[MEG33]

Great post...we'll be praying for a good SOU tonight!

[King Prout]

this is a nifty piece of work, about a FReeper I rather admire.

[The Thin Man]

Welcome to FR's Finest, rdb3! Really enjoyed reading about you and your father's past.

My expertise is well-rounded (Linux, AIX, C/C++/C#, Java, Oracle, RHCE, among many, many others).

Well, I know how to turn on a computer.....if the button is clearly visible. :-)