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Offensive Driving
There I was, in the empty high school parking lot, behind the wheel for the first time ever. My mother was in the passenger seat, and I’m not sure who was more afraid, her or me. “You can do this,” she assured me, “just think of all the morons out there who managed to get their driver’s licenses.” While that helped, it sealed the deal on me becoming a defensive driver from the start. Hands at ten and two, scanning my rear view and side mirrors, I drive in anticipation of some carefree idiot barreling down the road in their two-ton murder machine coming right at me. Knock on wood, I haven’t been in any accidents. My husband, whose driving is a bit too aggressive for my taste, insists that I am a bad driver—too defensive. Maybe he has a point, so I’ve tried to become a bit more aggressive. One lovely morning, I was driving around Baltimore and needed to take the beltway to get to my destination. As I approached from the on-ramp, I could see a long line of slow pokes driving in the right lane. One after another, these cars crawled by at such a glacial pace that it was impossible to merge onto the highway. Nobody would let me in. I was determined not to be a defensive driving patsy anymore and decided that by hook or by crook, I was getting onto this roadway even if none of these drivers had the manners to help me out. I nosed into traffic ahead of a minivan. The driver begrudgingly let me in. He made one of those “what are you doing?” gestures with his hands. How rude! I’m not one for road rage, but I had no choice other than to give him the finger. I was beside myself, seething under my breath at all these selfish jerks who had no consideration for their fellow motorists. I made my way over to the next lane and as I passed the other drivers, I gave each one of them the finger. I must admit it felt good. That is, until a moment later, when I passed the hearse and realized that I had just flipped off an entire funeral procession—offending all but one.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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Important Resources
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Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m.
TU Arena
Get ready for an exhilarating evening of camaraderie and college basketball at OSHER Night at TU Arena! Join fellow Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members as the Towson Tigers take on the William and Mary Tribe in a thrilling matchup you won't want to miss. Cheer on the Tigers and enjoy an atmosphere filled with energy, excitement, and plenty of team spirit. As a special perk for Osher members, you can receive up to 4 complimentary tickets to this action-packed event. Plus, if you're looking to bring along more friends or family, additional tickets are available at a special discounted rate of just $5. GOH Tigers!
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Osher at Towson University and Osher at Johns Hopkins University present
Shtisel Watch Party with Jonathan Palevsky
Wednesdays 7–9 p.m. on Zoom
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2025
Price: $90
Universal themes of family, love, loss, and the connections between art and religion make the Israeli series Shtisel call out to be shared with others. Though set in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Geula, populated by Haredi or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, it is, in essence, a family drama that can and does appeal to all cultures. Pithy and complex story lines along with excellent direction and casting make Shtisel a fascinating journey to watch and discuss.
Join Osher instructor Jonathan Palevsky, along with additional Osher instructors, to view and discuss this fascinating series.
Jonathan Palevsky, MM, is program director for WBJC, 91.5 FM, where he can be heard as host of Face the Music and Past Masters. Mr. Palevsky is an adjunct faculty member at Baltimore Hebrew University and has studied at The Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Conservatory.
Note: This series will meet online via Zoom. Registrants will receive Zoom link prior to the first session. This online series will not be recorded.
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Jack Burkert’s roots are old Bawlmer. He grew up in blue-collar, 1950s Brooklyn, attended Poly, and graduated with a degree in history and education from the University of Maryland. After teaching in the Baltimore City School system and then at Penn State University, his career in education eventually took him to Washington, D.C. and New York City.
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Are you interested in participating in Osher's new Membership Engagement Committee? The Membership Engagement Committee will focus on ways to bolster a sense of community among Osher members through a variety of activities and events. Participants will work with Osher staff to decide on activities and events and will help plan and implement them. To express interest and to learn more, please contact osher@towson.edu.
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While we work hard to provide accurate updates, please let us know if you are aware of an Osher friend’s passing by contacting osher@towson.edu.
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Support Osher at Towson University. Your tax-deductible contribution helps to provide a rich experience for our members and a vibrant, affordable program for years to come.
Donate online through the link below. If you prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Towson University Foundation, Inc.” and note Osher fund in the memo line. Mail to: Towson University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219.
If you would like to honor a friend or loved one with a donation in their memory, please consider supporting Osher at Towson University with a gift to the Osher Excellence Fund.
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