Catch Ya' on the Flip Side

As I file the checklist on the recently completed basketball tournament, which I directed, I carry a heavy heart concerning my beloved hometown, East St. Louis who participated. I get it that change creates circumstances, which does not allow me to return and casually walk down the memory lane of that city along the Mississippi River. I shall always ache for that denied homecoming. Moreover, I am saddened by the situation many residence of East St. Louis must face each day. The last day of this tournament, the East St. Louis Coach bid me farewell and shared with me that it was going to take his team a little time to adjust their play without guard, Alfonso Fifer. You see, Alfonso was in the wrong place at the right time and a gangland bullet struck and killed the young boy last summer. Oh my, may our God comfort the family.

In an attempt to avoid having a 'flat-tire' in my head or chest, I am removing myself from this typing machine, the home telephone and all other daily drudgery for the remainder of this week as Gerry and I seek a little relaxation time Ozark style! I always enjoy an Ozark (Missouri) hill country retreat. I find the local cuisine good, the entertainment slap-stick-goofy and the slower pace an invigorating stimulant. I'll catch up with you come this Saturday morning.

While away, I will give thought to a do or not to do question rolling about in my grey-matter; shall I orchestrate that infamous, year-end Christmas letter to stuff into our Christmas cards or perhaps let it go this season. Another pending decision that needs resolve is my 'New Year's resolutions.' True, I seldom, if ever, keep them but I do maintain that everyone should engage the activity of writing down on paper New Year's resolution contemplation; if for no other reason, it becomes an exercise of mental cleansing through a quasi self-confessional of our bad habits and desire to rid ourselves of undesirable addictive behaviors and become more like Mother Teresa or Billy Graham; notice how I covered two tribes...of course I have pissed off the Jews and Muslims; I'll make it up to them next time.

Another brain rattling that I should engage is the consideration of 'doing-something-good' for someone or something else! I simply have too many comforts. I am too blessed and consequently I must look for more ways or avenues to 'pay-the-good-fortunes forward.' Oh, this reminds me, I need to send the montly 'milk-money' for the fourth grader @ an un-named Elementary school. I think I'd like to adopt a dog from the shelter but this might be a tough sell to my wife.

In Spite of Others; Do Good!

Mostly it was intense, although at times cut-throat; always competitive! No, I'm not referring to the 'Black Friday' retail store scenes, I speak of the basketball play at the week long 43rd annual Decatur Team Soy Tournament. Springfield Southeast walked away with top honors as they defeated Pekin in an entertaining and hotly contested title match.

After the game, I was moving about the venue beginning my last duties as tournament director when a Pekin parent approached me with rather angry loaded comments regarding what he believed was bad officiating thus costing his Pekin team to lose. He said, "That's the worst refereeing I have ever seen!" I paused attempting to gain composure, which I seldom do in these latter years. As I spoke to this 'fanatic' however, I think I managed to make my point. I turned to face the irate gentleman and told him. "Perhaps that is the worst officiating you have ever seen but since you raise the question, I will tell you this: I have coached nearly 1,000 games and likely seen another 4,000 high school games. The worst officiated game in my opinion was on a Tuesday night in 1969 when I took my Washington high school team to Pekin to play."

For me, this tournament was far more than basketball. On Wednesday we honored Linda Shanklin, mother of Olympian Gold Medalist and current NBA player, Andre Iguodala as a former tournament participant. On that same evening, we also lifted up five local city 'heroes' for their volunteerism. On Friday night, we paused between games to honor the Decatur High 1964, 3rd Place State team, which posted an impressive 30-2 record that season. The point is profoundly this,we used the attraction of the tournament to seize moments to make others feel appreciate with praise while nudging others among us to reach for achievement.

On a personal note, I am running out of the necessary sustaining energy to continue this charge, thus I will muster up what I might and do one final tourney next season. I will step aside with hope someone will embrace the possibilities.

Thanksgiving Is An Attitude Not a Calendar Day

Well, I suppose that today, Thursday, November 22, is the specified day set aside to recognize 'thankfulness.' Oh, I know all that history about the Pilgrims, the Indians and the first so-called 'Thanksgiving' but I scratch my head over the current goofy hullabaloo surrounding this National Thanksgiving. Shall we acknowledge an American twenty-first century fact, our Thanksgivings have become a day of over-indulgence in food, football and more recently, shopping folly! I suspect many of my 'conservative' friends feel they don't need "Big government" telling  them that a certain day is when they should be aware of a thankful heart.

As for me not a day passes that I fail to offer my God spoken (aloud) words of thanksgiving for the countless blessings of health, joyous relationships, comforts and opportunities. Within my heart, as it is with most people, I desire so much for love ones, family and fellow man and yet the greatest of these wishes are beyond my weak human abilities to make them happen. When those 'gifts' appear in my life, I do not take them for granted nor believe for a moment that I deserve such blessings. I am humbled and offer my God Praise!

I prepare now to embrace my family and soak-up the goodness and healthy joy about our home this day. I will say a family prayer before we share our meal but throughout this day I shall whisper countless 'thank you words' to my Lord for incredible memories of 'this' day from my past as I hope and pray that my children and grandchildren build similar precious memories.

I hope and pray for the many unknown readers of this blog. I thank you for joining me each day and I ask God to give you tolerance because my wife and others have told me that I test one's patience and tolerance. May God Bless!

I Just Dunno

This is not a criticism but a mere observation of change, which may reflect a larger picture of society; I am not wise enough to know if the change is for the good or not so good.

In the late 1980's, I became athletics director at Jacksonville high school. The athletic 'code' at the time was all over the place with each sport having its own code. We brought all parties together and requested input to develop a 'uniform' athletic code, which would serve athletes, parents and staff with consistency. It worked during my seven year athletic director tenure. During that time the code was tested; it worked!

I left that position in 1994, and now count four athletic directors since. I have not reviewed the JHS current athletic code but suffice to say, it certainly has been modified if not undergoing wholesale changes. I know this because recently, I hear of a pathway to avoid game suspensions if upon the heels of a code violation the athlete goes to the school administration and pleads a case that could perhaps be addressed at a local rehabilitation facility should the infraction fit that category.

I believe it is noble and correct to seek re-direction help for anyone, especially youth, with addictive issues yet on the other hand I raise eyebrows when I suspect the 'busted-alcohol-party' scenario where underage drinkers are caught and some take their so-called 'medicine' while others cry some bogus personal need just to circumvent punishment.

It reminds me of the time I heard a vase break in another room and five grandkids came running towards my wife pointing fingers of blame while exonerating self! The whole thing smells of our current political landscape: "It's not if you win or lose but how you place the blame."

And It's Thanksgiving Season

Yesterday afternoon, I drove past a street-corner beggar who had a Marine flag staked at his side and a sign that read, "Homeless and Hungry Vet." I did a little research and discovered that our veterans make up about eleven percent of our nation's population yet they make up better than 25% of our nation's homeless. This statistic does not surprise me although it certainly disturbs me.

Not always but often our military recruits have historically been those young men and women who have struggled in school and enter the military services to 'find' a career path while serving their country. Naturally, when war erupts these young lives are on the line of fire sometimes fighting for noble freedoms and other times serving a greedy corporate world. Think of my statement in another way; what percent of corporate America's CEO's kids are sleeping under a viaduct tonight or begging for coins on a street corner?

Okay, these young men and women come home from their military service and cannot find employment because they are not prepared for the twenty first century job market. Some of the young veterans grow depressed quickly with disillusionment and often turn to destructive life styles.
Personally, I agree with the outcry that our society should do more for our returning military service-people. However, I would really like to see our nation do a better job educating these kids in school and then perhaps this nation would not have enough volunteer military personnel, which would  compel us to re-institute the draft. The draft would bring back an even playing field and cause Americans to look more carefully at war solutions, educational pathways and certainly it would reduce the 'homeless' numbers.

I did circle back during my drive and give the fella a couple of bucks. My neighbor Friend saw me and later suggested that my money likely went towards booze. He likely is correct but what-the-hell, my tax money bought the guy a gun and perhaps nightmares.

It's a Hardwood-Homecoming Thing

This week has finally arrived and the weather promises to be great; let's do it! 'It is the 43rd Annual Decatur/Team Soy Capital "Turkey Tournament." Eight of Illinois' finest prep boys' legendary basketball programs will compete before eight thousand plus fans and a number of Division I coaches from Tuesday through Saturday. If you believe that I use the term 'legendary' freely, I suggest you do just a tad bit-of research on the following schools' basketball history: Harvey-Thornton, Peoria Central, Decatur, Springfield-Lanphier, Pekin and East St. Louis.

This is my twelfth year to serve the Decatur Public School District as 'Coordinator' of the 'Turkey Tourney.' I usually begin working casually on the pending event in mid-August and by mid-September all systems are full-throttle with a number of corporate sponsors coming on board to offset approximately $38,000.00 needed to meet team guarantees, officials, hospitality room services, game workers' expense, security and administrative costs. The financial health of the tournament is documented in its ability to offer monetary support for numerous other school-district-sports' programs.

The tournament has become more than basketball games perse'. Each night offers some additional 'special' features. This year, we will honor Denver 'Nuggests' NBA star Andre Iguodala and his family. Iguodala is one of 55 Division I players coming out of the Turkey Tournament over its 43-year history and of course, Andre was a member of this past summer's USA Olympic Gold Medal Team at the 2012-London Games. The tournament will also honor five (5) citizens who serve the city of Decatur in various volunteer roles, we call them 'Heroes.' Finally, one night, members of the 1963-64 Decatur High 3rd Place State Team will be celebrated as those players and Coach Kenny return for one more round of applause.

If you want to see some of the best prep basketball in Illinois then checkout the action at the Decatur/Team Soy Capital 'Turkey Tourney.' Stop by the raffle table and buy a chance; you might win a year's supply of Pepsi or some forty other prizes.

Stop 'Crapping' Us, Already!

There is a sports radio station in Chicago, Illinois that has a weekly segment called, "Who you crapping?" It works like this: Listeners are invited to call-in with a comment about some sport celebrity who may have said something outrageous or phony; the caller then paraphrases the statement, sets the record straight and then says, "(Person's name), who are your crapping?" I thought of this program yesterday morning when Mitt Romney offered publicly the reasons he thinks cost him the election. Essentially, he said Obama bought votes through 'gift' giving.

"Please Mitt, Who are you CRAPPING?" Do any of you reading this 'rant' believe for one moment that adult children allowed to remain on their parents health care insurance until age 26, is a freaking Democrat Party thing and not embraced by all parents regardless of any political persuasions?! Romney has the 'balls' to suggest otherwise?  "Who you crapping, Mitt?" And shall we please, remove the cloak of hypocrisy surrounding contraceptives once and for all. The majority of child bearing-age people practice birth control with the assistance of contraceptives...a fact...a fact even amongst practicing Roman Catholics; so get off the 'high-horse' of bogus righteousness.  "Who you Crapping, Mitt?"

I suppose had Mitt won the Presidential election then Democrats could bemoan the thought that Romney won because he gave all those 'tax breaks' to his millionaire buddies who supported his campaign with 'Super-Pac' monies, but that would be crapping folks! Or perhaps had Mitt won, we Democrats could complain that Romney won only because those 'Brown-face' voters were forced to stand in excessively long lines to vote and...whoops, they were made to do that but Romney still lost!

Romney just cannot look at himself with any critical self-critique and accept the role he may have played in his own ass-wuppin'. The fellow needs to be a man and 'own it!' Mitt, you have done enough damage to one political party in a lifetime...move on; and take longer 'walking-strides', you remind me of a fella who is...never mind just stop talking and move on!

Others Should Not Define You; Especially Nuts!

My goodness, it has been better than a week since Obama was re-elected to a second term and the Republican Party is 'still' dithering over the 'how comes, what happened and who's at fault' mind-game exercise. Let's put this thing to rest. Romney lost as did many Republican candidates because its Party leadership allows 'crazies' to define it; when leadership fails to denounce nut cases then those nut-jobs define your organization!

Rush Limbaugh is undoubtedly the most recognizable Republican spokesperson and when he referred to a young woman as a 'slut' not one Republican Party leader nor did Presidential candidate Romney denounced Limbaugh. Republican, Mitch McConnell stated openly and proudly on the heels of the 2010 mid-term elections that the Number one priority of Republicans was to stop a second Obama term. No Republican leader argued suggesting that the Party's #1 concern should be addressing immediate governing needs in the best interest of the American people.

Two Senatorial Candidates, one from Missouri another from Indiana made various comments that women raped could cause some body contortion to stop unwanted pregnancy and any pregnancy resulting from rape was likely God's intention or 'will.' (I will bet that these two 'Bubbas' can't understand the scientific evidence associated with 'global warming.') Not only did the Republican Party leaders, such as Romney not denounce these two goof-balls, he (Romney) and Newt Gingrich continued to endorse those Senatorial candidates.

This campaign season several States found Republicans leading attempts to suppress the Democrat voter with all kinds of voter registration and ID laws; most ideas were found unconstitutional and thus stymied. These attempts to deny certain citizens their voting rights resulted in those people standing in voting lines some 4-to-7 hours; it pissed them off.

It is simple folks; American people see these antics and comments as thoughts from nuts and they are NOT going to vote for them generally speaking.

Really NOW, do you think Republicans who signed that Grover Norquist pledge to never vote for any tax increase exemplifies logical and proper thinking?  Never is a long-ass time cousin! The Republicans need to take back its Party from those extreme right-wing wackos or continue to lose major elections.

Perhaps the answer to, Why did the Republican Party fail in the 2012, Presidential election can best be understood by filtering through this scenario to some conclusion: Former Democrat President, Bill Clinton proved to be an effective campaigner for Obama whereas the more recent Former Republican President, George W. Bush did not campaign one day for Romney. WHY?

Who Can Know?

I believe it was approximately nine and a half years ago when the family began to notice that my, then seventy-three year-old sister-in law, Jeannie was demonstrating frequent short-term memory and recall loss. Quickly, as the clouds of a gathering spring storm advance, this dreadful robber of  remembrance blanketed this widowed mother of six and the subsequent visits to her home and more recently the nursing facility became an exercise in detached staring into the dark hole of Alzheimer.

This Friday past, my wife received a telephone call from her niece with news that Jeannie had suffered two Grand-mall seizures and the family had been 'called' to her side. Obviously, my wife and I consoled each other with the resolve that the actual breathing-end to Jeannie's darkness would be God's welcomed blessings. We were embracing feelings of relief and prepared to say our second and final goodbye.

Yesterday, we traveled the ninety-minutes journey to the Alhambra, Illinois nursing home to engage  a final time into Jeannie's fixed wide-eyed gazing-look of bewilderment. We were prepared to 'say' that private goodbye to my wife's 82-year old sister who was her family's blueprint for 'giving' and sacrifice. We entered the room to notice two of Jeannie's daughters sitting at her chair side. Neither Patty or Diane spoke to us but instead allowed the incredible anticipated episode to unfold in its absolute miraculous moment. Jeannie turned her head to face both Gerry (her sister) and me and then, as if cued by Almighty God she spoke two simple words; "Gerry, Moe!" For the first time in over nine Novembers, Jean Marie (Bischof) Conrad recognized a our faces and spoke our names.
We stayed for better than two-hours and visited. Although, Jeannie was not using conversational sentences she was listening with obvious 'awareness' to our talking and followed our faces with an intriguing study. On occasion, she would speak words, clap her hands quietly and motion for us to place our toy poodle back onto her lap where she would whisper over and over, 'Puppy."

I have no explanation and medical care takers offer likewise. Perhaps the seizures caused some brain activity change, which culminated in this momentary escape from the darkness of Alzheimer's.

We plan to return this Sunday to visit once again with Jeannie. Perhaps, she will be even better, then again the mystery of her journey may take another road.

See Ya In Church!

Okay, I am NOT going to be critical of your clergy; I'll 'pick' on my own Methodist preachers! The Methodist ministers have gotten softer and softer throughout the years. They no longer work up a pulpit-frenzy Sunday mornings, they don't conduct any week-long tent-revival meetings and they quit making 'house-calls.'

Back in the 1940's, Washington Park (East St. Louis) days, I recall a least two sermons a-week when our Preacher-fella got to shoutin' about the fires of eternal HELL! He was pretty convincing about repenting and most folks paid attention. He'd carry-on both Sunday morning and at Wednesday evening Prayer Meetings. Seems as though our Preacher had a lot of buddies traveling the Circuit and consequently, Grace Methodist held at least three week-long Revivals a year. You could make 'book' that any week we held a Revival it would rain all week; I think the Preacher-man had a pack with the Almighty because there ain't nothing like an 'alter-call' about the time of lightening and thunder!

I also remember the Pastor coming to the house often. Sometimes he and his wife would stop by after Church for fried chicken (my Mammy's fried chicken NOT Church's Fried Chicken!) and other times he would stop by on business; always the Lord's business! Our Church would have one of those yearly 'Pledge Canvasses' when members would form 'teams' that would visit folks and request tithing money pledges. Once in awhile the Preacher simply came by to sit a spell and talk but before leaving he would always offer prayer for our family, neighbors and Church. The last time I saw a Methodist Preacher in my house was in the 1980's. It was Reverend Robert Mushrush from the Jacksonville Grace Methodist Church; nice fella and as I recall, we had a nice visit. Today, Preachers are like Doctors...No more house calls; it's all good with me, I recall once when the Doc and Preacher showed up the 'same' day; NOT a Good Sign.

I remember that back in my youth, the pulpit messages made me feel 'uncomfortable' and so did the hard pew benches! Today, we have seat cushions to baby our butts and the sermon is usually a softball topic, which makes me glow inside with a warm fuzzy feeling and that new age 'Rock & Roll' Christian music is far more entertaining than the Women's Temperance Union Choir of 1949 singing, 'Do, Lord, Remember Me.' Although, those old gals, Eula, Bertha and Mary DID get your attention with the gospel hymn, 'The Old Rugged Cross.' Thanks ladies.

There Are No Guarantees; Only Risks

Kudos to the Jacksonville high school girls' volleyball team for finishing 4th in the 2012 IHSA State Volleyball Finals held over the weekend on the campus of Illinois State University @ Normal.

This week it is back to the focus of putting some last minute touches to the Decatur 'Turkey Tourney' 8-Team basketball extravaganza scheduled for Thanksgiving week. My wife and I will interrupt those endeavors as we make a quick run this afternoon to the Metro-East area to visit my 93-year old mother and my wife's older sister, Jean who has recently experienced seizures; Jean has been an Alzheimer's victim  for nearly ten years.

Several events the past few days cause me to remind myself of an anonymous writing that I often call upon when facing frustration with some people...perhaps you are familiar with this, if not, I offer it now:

                                                                       ANYWAY

                                      People can be unreasonable, illogical & self-centered.
                                      Love them anyway.
                                      If you do good some people will accuse you of ulterior motives.
                                      Do good anyway.
                                      If you are successful you win false friends & true enemies.
                                      Succeed anyway.
                                      The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
                                      Do good anyway.
                                      Honesty & frankness make you vulnerable.
                                      Be honest & frank anyway.
                                      What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
                                      Build anyway.
                                      People need help but many will attack you if you help.
                                      Help anyway.
                                      Give the world the best you have & you may get kicked in the teeth.
                                      Give the world the best you got anyway.

Enjoy While the Enjoying Is Handy

I will take a breather from the rather intensified pre-Turkey Tourney preparation pace this weekend, beginning tomorrow, as Gerry and I will shuttle back and forth from Decatur and ISU @ Normal as we attend the IHSA State volleyball final-four Championship action, which finds  our granddaughter, Erica with her Jacksonville team seeking that coveted Title.

Let me stop and explain 'Turkey Tourney.' The Decatur School District has hosted a boys'  8-team Thanksgiving  basketball tournament for the past 43 years; the last 12 years, I have had the charge to coordinate the event. This 'Turkey Tourney' is a four-day affair and represents somewhat of a 'homecoming' celebration week for many Decatur folks. Approximately 8,000 fans will attend games between some of the State's premier teams with several Division I players competing. One evening, Denver Nuggets NBA player and recent USA Gold Medalist Olympian, Andre Iguodala will be honored as a former participant at this tournament. No fewer than 54 former Turkey Tourney players went on to play Division I College basketball.

The intensified pace that I reference is a tad more so with some additional charges. I continue to assist the Decatur School District with several other sport related issues and programs. However, tomorrow and Saturday, I plan to be a 'Boompa,' aka, grandfather. I should probably 'retire' from all the work-related 'stuff' and concentrate on being a Boompa full time.  In my aging course, I note a growing lack of inpatients for many folks with whom I interact on the professional level whom I perceive as lacking in staunch courage; that's a nice phrase to describe 'spineless.' On the other hand, if I had no environmental conditions to stimulate my ire, I would likely wilt, droop and sag; no grandkid wants a droopy 'Boompa!'

GO CRIMSONS!

Dad would say, "Straighten up & Fly Right!"

Two days after losing the Presidential election and numerous other political races, the Republican Party finds its self vacillating between attitudes of denial, blame, and accusations. Many from the GOP point to a voting population that 'wants' giveaway programs as the main losing cause. This smells like left over roting food, i.e. Mitt Romney's remarks about the '47% of Americans.'  Other conservatives blame the horse they bet upon...Romney. Excuse me but I recall a lengthy Republican (primary) 'dog & pony show,' which seemingly was an endless parade of episodes similar to the recent television series 'Desparate Housewives,' where the underlying theme appeared to be topping last week's public display of dirty laundry hanging.

These people needed a different upbringing! Let me tell you, my Father was on me like a wet underwear after competition. If I had a stalwart athletic performance, my Dad would matter-of-fact comment, "Nice ball game BUT..." Then he shared a list of things that I could improve upon before the next competition. I was never allowed the crutch of blaming others for defeat; you competed, you owned it!

During my 39-year coaching career, I gave kudos when players deserved kudos but I never gave out 'false praise' just to stimulate some desirable self-esteem. I believe it to be counter-productive to throw about insincere compliments because a true winner 'KNOWS' if they have performed well.
I personally, never allowed my successes or setbacks elate or depress me to extremes. I kept the focus that this challenge of life is a marathon not a sprint.

That television shrink-guy, Dr. Phil famously states, 'If you keep doing the same thing you're going to get the same results.' As long as this Republican Party allows its self to be hijacked by crazy-ass extreme hate groups it will continue to distance its self from the twenty-first century and changing face of the American population. You gotta be plain dumb to offer a Wall-Street type Presidential candidate three-years after the Nation has been scandalized by Wall Street. You must know that when two Senatorial candidates from your party make asinine statements about rape and women, you (the Presidential guy) MUST denounce and rip the ass of such idiots instead of being a wimp saying, "I disagree with those comments but I support the person making them." REALLY? The Republican  Presidential candidate won the majority from one voting segment; the descendants of 'White Plantation Owners!'

Am I Missing Something?

Please accept this acknowledgement and my apology upfront regarding the posting of this blog; I needed to 'SEE" these thoughts in writing for my own edification!

Our nation and its people pontificate in grandiose and glorious terms regarding our beloved 'freedoms.'  "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free." These words appear on the Statue of Liberty's pedestal. Lady Liberty invites all who come to our shores to step through into freedom. The First Amendment to of U.S. Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an established religion or prohibiting the practice thereof..."

After we digest the aforementioned why is it that 'some' Americans make absolute claims that we ARE a Nation that is compelled to follow the teachings of Christianity? Stop with the hypocritical crap of 'give me your tired, poor, and be free in America and embrace the constitutional doctrine stating that no established religion shall be respected over other religions while no one can stop you from worshiping as you please!!!

Personally, I am a born-again Christian who does not believe in abortion, homosexual behavior, too much homework and coaches who yell at players; oops, I lied about the last two items. If we Americans really like the freedom stuff  then it must be okay if another citizen follows Buddha, Mohammad or 'Waldo.'

 If a woman wishes to abort a pregnancy, I believe that in a truly 'free' Nation she has that 'right.' If Charlie wishes to take Paul to the Prom, I don't give a rat's ass and if the student body elects them 'King & Queen,' it's okay with me; personally, I'd still vote for the 'jock' and the gal with the best shape.

I know why these topics will forever be debated while completely ignoring any factual logic and the law; because media pundits will always tell boogieman stories to the vulnerable masses. The ulterior motive is always power and/or greed!

Simply A Good Person

I returned to our home about mid-afternoon yesterday and to my surprise, I found my wife changing the diaper of a very young Hispanic child. I asked, "Who is the baby?" She answered, "This is little Caleb." "Caleb who,?" My wife responded, "I don't know his last name."

Okay, let me solve the riddle for you but avoid any futile attempt to explain my wife. Caleb is the four-month old son of Gus and Sandra Rodriguez. Gus, we have never met but understand that he is employed at Tate & Lyle of Decatur. Sandra is a young lady who came, a week ago, to our garage sale. My wife, Gerry struck up a conversation with the young mother and discovered that she has no relatives or trusted friends in Decatur who could babysit little Caleb should the need arise. Well the need did occur when Sandra  began her extensive orthodontist work today. Gerry agreed to babysit Caleb and the rest is where I came in!

After about two-hours, mother Sandra returned to pick-up her little boy and told Gerry that If her Mother, back in Indiana knew that she allowed a relatively unknown stranger babysit the boy, she would have a fit! I can relate to that notion. Sandra claims that she just knew that the Roustios were good people. I would suggest that there are many folks who would maintain that 'opinion' to be only a half-truth.

Sandra offered to pay Gerry and naturally, Gerry declined. I am sure that I will see Caleb again and that's okay with me; he is a darling little child, his Mother has a need and my wife can help...it's all a slam-dunk! I'll bet all-comers that the name Caleb Rodriguez appears on our Christmas list along with Gus and Sandra Rodriquez.

Suffice to state, there are those who talk the talk...my wife walks the walk; the walk of which, Jesus Christ spoke.

Likely My Own Distorted View

I commented on my blog recently that I was a person of 'slightly-above-average-intelligence.' An individual emailed and asked if I could substantiate such a claim. I said, I could defend my statement predicated on two common factors, which define 'average and intelligence.' If one uses all the agents and measuring instruments available, I would certainly 'shake-out' as an ordinary chap; color me average. My intelligence quotient score ranks me a bit above the medium...thus color me a tad brighter than the other chap at the super-market.

My slightly above average intelligence is on the RISE! Please do not misread this claim. I am not suggesting that my IQ score is rising nor am I touting greater brain-power manifestation. Keep in mind that all average calculations result from math-application to the masses. This phenomenon appears to find wings in the strong likelihood that people 'around' me are dumbing-down! I compare this to the 'objects appearing smaller in your auto rear view mirror;' it's an optical distortion!

Shall I advance a couple of examples to support above claims? Two politicians recently made extremely derogatory comments about women and rape, tossed in God's name to the conversation and those two-idiot politicians are still being endorsed by Presidential candidate, Willard Romney. Many women will vote for ALL three candidates. If you are a woman, have a mother, wife or daughter (this should cover most folks) and you vote for people who speak this nonsense you are helping me to appear smarter.

 I heard a gentleman yell at a political rally, "I want the government to keep its hands off my Medicare!" Was he kidding us or perhaps there is a long line of 'stupid' holding this sentiment. I have a neighbor on my street who is a nice fella and I think a better person than I but he also helps my positional claim. He said to me one day, "You show me one instance where even a hint of 'socialism' has ever helped our country?" Instead of talking to him about our police and fire departments, public library or interstate road system, I told him, "I'll give that some thought and get back to you." His comments and rationale makes me sad but also smarter!

My God, We Are Brothers & Sisters!

I think my assessment is correct but I could be wrong; you may judge. I cannot remember in my lifetime when Americans carried so much anger. Never mind the faith you follow, your political persuasion or social status; we Americans are angry! I channel surf from MSNBC to Fox News to CNN and it appears someone is speaking angry-finger-pointing comments at the 'other' guys. Whether it is about the economy, religious freedoms, government responsibilities, education, jobs, taxes, marriage definitions, etc., whatever the issue someone has found fault and someone IS to blame, thus people are MAD as hell!

Anger sells; let me explain. If one nation gets sufficiently pissed at another nation they can begin a war-conflict and there is monetary profit for someone albeit loss of life for others. The very 'spin-doctor' television shows conducted on MSNBC and Fox News realize huge advertising profits getting the desirable negative-cut throat message of hate and anger onto the airways.

As an American of somewhat slightly above average intelligence, I also find myself drawn to be angry towards someone for no other reason if but that of having a reason to underscore 'no fault of my own' thus shoring up my gravitas. Here lies the sadness fallout from this growing societal anger; we continue to move farther and farther away from embracing reasonable compromise of beliefs and ideas, which might collectively bring us closer to solutions.

We seem so committed to this anger attitude so profoundly that it identifies us as a people. Suddenly, it seems more important to BE RIGHT than to GET-IT-RIGHT! Watch and confirm the day after this upcoming National election and the Presidential Inauguration of January 2013, the MSNBC and Fox News pundits will sharpen their respective critical axes and start all over condemning. However, across this great nation someone will die in those days, new babies will cry their first sounds, a young man will propose marriage, a sick woman will have chemo, a father will apply for work, a child will ponder his homework and a family will walk slowly from a cemetery plot leaving behind a love one but clutching to precious memories. We Americans are so very much alike in desires and needs and yet unfortunately, we are so angry at something or someone that we become paralyzed and unable to embrace compromise solutions.

May God Bless America for we Americans sure place her in need of Divine help.

PS. May I give a shout out congratulations to the Jacksonville high school girls' volleyball team, which won the Sacred Heart-Griffin IHSA Sectional and moving on to the Salem Super-Sectional.

The Candy Safari

Decatur Halloween 'trick 'n treating' is a much more civil observance than I recall from the 1940's, (Washington Park) East St. Louis days. First, the RULE 'Don't stop if the porch light is NOT on'  seems to be closely followed by treat-seekers. Secondly, the roguish activities of window-soaping, burning porch bags of poop and garbage-can turnovers is reduced to very rare incidences and I truly believe that the large number of parents 'walking' the neighborhoods protecting their children serves as the major deterrent to those prankish activities. The adult in me is happy with this more genteel candy-begging stroll; my juvenile boyish recall still snickers deep inside guarding untold adventures of 'the devil-may-care-rides-again!'

I do notice one aspect of the annual parade of sugar seekers that I don't think is a better deal than back-in-the-day; today's treats are not nearly as delightful or filling. Today's glucose treasures are not those wonderful huge 'Baby Ruth' bars or the king size 'Milky Way' but instead something called 'Blow-Pops,' which explode upon saliva contact and release a terrible artificial syrupy taste that compromises one's taste buds until your Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, no more does a neighborhood have that special house that gave incredible homemade popcorn-balls covered with a sweet Carmel-like coating...nope, that lady gave up the 'ghost,' no pun intended,' because she just knew parents were tossing those goodies due to the wackos who cause periodic problem-issues with criminal activities of lacing candies with dangerous substances; what parent nowadays is going to trust anything 'unwrapped?'

The costumes today are absolutle terrific and costly. I suspect the fun of creating the homemade costume 'sunk' with the 'applebobbing' event!