Happy Miss Piggy

We Americans do a lot of gobbledygook talking!  A recent study concludes that 'overweight' issues found in early elementary children is a strong indicator of life-long obesity. How about that sports fans?? Therefore, parents are wanting 'schools' to address the problem with 'exercise-fitness' programs. Personally, my take...That's what parents tell officials but don't 'bank' on the request sincerity.


The following opinion, which I am about to state is based upon 'frontline' trench knowledge resulting in my 25-years experience as a public high school physical education instructor from 1962-1987. I recall in the mid-1960's when our physical education classes were held daily. The routine back then was always vigorous calisthenics, running, physical testing and competitive games. Every student dressed for physical education classes in approved uniforms and every student took a shower after class...no exceptions. This policy was supported by school policy makers and the administration. The landscape slowly but surely eroded over the years and by the 1980's all kinds of excuses were advanced to avoid physical (activities) education, which might cause kids to sweat. The deterioration and dismantling of physical education classes as a viable attempt to help promote a child's physical health can be traced to four factors: (1) Mothers who sent endless, "Please excuse...notes, (2) School administrators who became weak-kneed in support of the physical education program. (3) School districts began identifying physical education classes as non-essential when financial cut backs were made and (4) The athlete's began getting waivers from physical education participation; then every other extra-curricular activity organization made its demands to be given equal treatment, i.e., the athletes. Soon the physical education class was reduced to the borderline highly probable drop-out student with whom teachers would argue daily about doing anything. The popular daily 'fuss' between instructor and students was wearing the proper uniform and taking a post-class shower. At every turn the parents stood by their kids and fought the system.
And NOW, I am to believe that the little turd-blossoms of 1980's who used all those bogus 'please excuse me from P.E. notes' wish for the gym-teachers to 'crack-that-whip' on THEIR kids...PLEASE, don't crap me! You parents will fold like a cheap accordion when Missy and Junior play the pity-card!!
Many Mommies and Daddies want to make their kids happy...even at the risk of creating little happy-fat-asses.

The Few, The Proud & The Bully

Michael Grimm, New York, Republican congressman has apologized for threatening a cable news reporter Tuesday night. The former Marine was asked by the young reporter to comment on a recent alleged scandal possibly involving the politician.  Grimm told the news reporter that he did not want to talk about the scandal and suggested that if the microphone carrying fella ever approached him again with the question, "I will break you into like a little boy and throw you off this balcony!"
I believe it is understood by the masses that when one chooses to run for public office, one will be scrutinized and elected officials are certainly fair game. This Michael Grimm may be many things; some good and some bad however, make no mistake, he IS a blustering person who is oppressive to others weaker than himself...that makes this ex-Marine and current congressman a BULLY.

 In 2010, Marine Commandant, General James F. Amos made the following proclamation:  "A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there is no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There is no such thing as a former Marine." It appears official: 'Once a Marine; Always a Marine.' Therefore, Congressman, Michael Grimm needs to apologize to the United States Marines.

I Should Let It Go

I recall as a junior high/high school student, I prayed the teacher would not 'call-on-me' for answers. Today at seventy-five, I now have all the answers and nobody ever ask me the questions. Just last week some politically conservative chap was on television explaining the Republican philosophy of 'individualism' as it pertains to the acquisition or loss of wealth based on the individuals abilities and work ethics. There I sat on the edge of my easy chair, yelling at the lecturer and shouting questions; I looked like the poster person for institutional living. This fella continued the often pontificated American myth of individualism fulfillment and there was nobody able to challenge one damn thing he said except me and I did not have a microphone. Note: I later discovered it was a Fox News presentation, dah!


Here are a few questions I wanted to pose: Why does the government bail out corporations but we think the regular guy who gets hammered in foreclosure was a fella who simply made bad choices; did NOT the corporate folks make Bad choices? Why does the government give big tax breaks to oil companies (18 billion dollars) and those companies made 120 billion dollars while our gas pump prices soar? Many conservative politicians wish for private school vouchers while cutting public school spending. The conservative entrenched followers believe it is okay to outsource jobs from America for cheaper production costs then reduce welfare assistance while sending relief to foreign countries; this logic gives me a migraine headache.


As Brother Ray Charles sings, ..."them that gots is them that gets and some ain't got nothin' yet."

Hope is Empty Without Leadership Passion

 Yesterday, a Colorado high school boy set himself afire in the school's cafeteria; 80% of his body is burned. Two days earlier, a nineteen year male randomly shot and killed two Maryland Mall employees before taking his own life. A retired Florida police officer recently shot and killed a movie-goer over 'texting.'  A week ago, an acquaintance of mine received a telephone call telling him that his 31 year old son had committed suicide. This past weekend two Illinois State University students died tragically. The male student, attending a fraternity function passed out outside in sub-freezing temperatures and froze to death. Across town, the same night, a female coed died; alcohol poisoning is suspected. Also, within the past ten days, a Purdue University (graduate teaching-assistant) engineering student shot and killed another engineering student.


I know of no one who can advance any logical reasons for the destructive behavior that appears rampant in our society. I can offer nothing to explain this escalating madness. I believe we can agree that the one common denominator amongst all these events appears to be 'hopelessness' acted upon.
Perhaps, many prevailing psychological issues go ignored or undiagnosed. Maybe the continued economic woes of our nation have contributed to profound despair, which plays out in vicious acts. Oh, I am sure that some would trace some cause-effect to the failures of the American educational system while many more point the accusing finger at poor parenting skills.


When it comes to gun-violence, we are all cognizant of the negative polarizing factions that become engulfed in heated debates over our nation's gun laws. I would think that it is time for multiple agencies/organizations to 'come-together' forging a positive polarization, which can agree on a mission to pool resources and formulate a short-term / long-term 'fix-it' approach. Personally, I have little faith in government agencies thus I shall dismiss them as part of the solution.


Historically, the three institutions that have been the anchors of America's fabric is Family, Church and education. The effectiveness of these three institutions have eroded.  The Family institutional strength waned due to  (1) Dr. Spock, (2) single parenting and (3) an economy requiring young mothers to expect the educational institution to raise their kids;  'womb-to-room.' Once the family eroded the kids were not found IN Church thus there became fewer opportunities for The Church to impact the moral fabric of the child. Consequently, we have asked the last standing institution (education) to assume all three jobs.


If this 'fix-it' is going to happen there must be an awakening, rebirth or revival of all THREE  institutions. This begs for and requires passionate leadership with equally passionate followers. Jesus Christ with but 12-followers began one of the greatest movements known to mankind. The passions found around issues of gun rights and abortion need to be emulated in the need for the institutional renaissance.
Then again, jus maybe our best Hope is the return of The Christ!

God IS Good !

My wife and I experienced a fully packed and most enjoyable weekend past.  Let me give you the Cliffs Notes and perhaps the emotional whys and how come!!


Let's begin here: My wife, Gerry is one of six children in her immediate family. Two older brothers died six months apart approximately 45 years ago. (Both were in their early forties; one left six children the other left five). Her two older sisters, Jean and Lois have  also died. Lois passed six years ago and Jean a little over a year . The only siblings remaining are Gerry and younger brother, Glenn. Gerry was particularly close to her sisters and she misses them terribly. Her introduction to 'sudden' loss began early in her life when at 19 years old, she lost her father who was only 54. Gerry had to by-pass dreams of nursing school; she had to go to work to financially assist her mother.
Therefore, one can understand her anticipated excitement when Lois' two daughters, Kathy and Missy joined two of Jean's daughters, P.J. and Patti for a road journey this past Saturday from the Metro-East area to Decatur. During the six hour visit, Gerry and her four nieces beamed with smiles and laughter as they reminisced about days gone by. Of course, there were many moments which found 'Aunt' Gerry filling in the family history blanks. I confess that I also wiggled my way into the group for about an hour...they were having too much fun.
The girls drove off and were hardly out of sight when Gerry turned to me and said with a tearful smile, "My sisters would be so proud of their girls for making the effort to be with me and show me such love."


The next day was another family gathering and celebration of a different type. Our youngest daughter, Pam, son in-law, Tim and their children Caleb(21)  and Erica (19) gathered around a dinner table with cousin (and ISU sorority sister) Loren and Caleb's girlfriend, Morgan. The celebration centered on four birthdays. Pam's birth date is January 22 and Caleb's was January 26. Erica and Boompa's birthdays are February 17 and 18, respectively.


Last night, I fell asleep counting blessings wondering 'why' God has been so good to me.

Many are Looking Out for Me!

President Nixon's 'war on drugs' began forty years ago, although the United States started drug prohibition policies in 1914. This year is the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson's 'war on poverty.' We don't fight those wars too hard any longer. Many Americans, today, are consumed fighting for the right to conceal and carry a gun while other folks spend a lot of time and energy fighting to keep homosexuals from marrying.
In my lifetime, I have witnessed cigarette commercials removed from radio and television ads and replaced by 'ambulance-chasing-lawyers' ads urging 'sue-the-bastards;' I agree that secondhand smoke is bad for our health; I also think the law-suit-greed mentality is bad for our Nation's moral compass!!  Today, I am protected in most states from smokers  in the public places. Currently, I understand that there is a legislative proposal to ban smoking in autos where children are present; I suspect soon all American homes will have cameras installed to monitor this one.
 I recently had a medical doctor tell me that 30% of the prescriptions he writes is motivated by patient request, which is driven by  television ads.  This will put more drugs in medicine cabinets for teens to seize and fabricate 'mid-buzzing cocktails.' How stupid can we become as a nation?


Some gentleman in Texas is fighting hospital authorities to disconnect the ventilator on his pregnant but brain-dead wife. Test completed on the fetus confirm the forming child has significant brain trauma and deformed lower extremities. Do you think there just might be a connection of this tragic circumstance to the fact that a fetus is trying to form in a dead body?? Of course it has nothing to do with those anti-abortion nut-jobs.


Each trip I take to Wal Mart seems to reveal one major underlying corporate mission...that company will not rest until its customers search the aisles for goods, SELF-CHECK OUT and bag; sound familiar? It should. The big oil companies trained us well at the convenient store pumps! Of course, there is a plethora of 'conservative' pundits who will bitch about link-cards,  school lunch programs, food stamps, etc. and pontificate that 'those' people on those government programs need to get off their ass and get a job. I ask REALLY? How about our government doing away with one of the biggest socialists programs in America...Farm Subsidies???!!!




Spare me the poppycock crap!

Here Ad, There Ad; Everywhere an Ad

Unsolicited advertisements have become my number one pet peeve replacing the weatherpersons who repeats six or seven times in a 4-minute television spot that it may rain tomorrow. I often telephone one of the local movie theaters to get start times. They will go through all the scheduled flicks and times each begin. I guarantee that by the time all the previews play and the advertisements run, the featured movie will start 15 to 18 minutes after the stated start time.


When watching a thirty-minute television program, we have all become accustom to 12 minutes of commercial advertisements and 18-minutes of actual programming. The much anticipated Super Bowl will be played on February 2 and the television commercials will be much discussed after the event. Some of those commercials will be entertaining and some boring. All commercial spots will cost big bucks and you can bet there will be ads at every time out, all injury delays and scheduled program spots.


When requesting any thing on the Internet, we now must listen to or negotiate around a 30-second ad before extracting our information. Just two days ago,  I had one of those 'pop-up' ads for a 'Magic Wand.' I let it play and damned if it wasn't a pill for male enhancement. The reference to 'magic wand' was reference to the male organ. I am not a prude. I have heard the penis called many things...'Mr. Winky,' 'Big Boy,' and 'Sir Charles' along with many names less designed for mixed crowds. I have seen some of these male enhancement product ads before and always wondered if there was a chance that the pill might act on another part of the anatomy and the 'dude' ends up with real large ears or a big nose/


I am baffled by man's misconception that 'bigger is better.' I remember when I was about fifteen years old and working alongside my grandfather. I was helping him with a home carpentry project. We were both driving nails. Our hammers were equal in size. Grandpa E.V. drove half again more nails than me and bent fewer.


The  pop-up Internet ad did give me an idea; next time a auto driver cuts me off, I am going to call him a 'wand-head!'

Surely, You Have a List

Once in awhile attending a high school basketball game, I hear the shouts of "overrated-overrated" from fans of the team 'pulling-off'' the upset win. I always think, 'how stupid.' What does it SAY about your team winning and you are shouting taunts, 'overrated?'


Recently, I made my own personal list of things that I truly believe are overrated:
*  Texas Roadhouse
*  Ronald Reagan
*  Television weather forecasters
*  That once used Homeland Security color alert terrorists warning
*  Chicago 'Cubs' pitching the past ten years
*  Acting abilities of Schwarzenegger & Stallone
*  College education (Note: my plumber does not have one and he is indispensable)
*  Miley Cyrus' voice
*  United States judicial system
*  Coaching
*  Jewelry 'discounts'
*  Political 'election process'
*  Winners of the political election process
*  Psychics

*  Weddings and funerals; although one IS  more fun

A Coach's Challenge

Edwardsville and Jacksonville high schools have one thing in common; the two (2) schools/communities had greater basketball success when the teams presented a good mix of 'White' and 'Black' players.
 When I interviewed for the Edwardsville basketball position I was taken by a question posed by one interviewer when he asked, "What is your approach coaching the 'Black athlete?" I had been warned ahead of the interview that some 'race' issues preceded me. Actually, I did not know that skin pigmentation shades caused a coach to alter 'coaching methods.'
 I grew up in the very diverse and multi-cultural East St. Louis. I competed with and against 'Blacks,' 'Whites' and a whole bunch of third generation immigrants, most of whom represented a broad tint brilliance. That said, I became aware early in life, that when our USA  'glorious-melting-pot' of folks came together, nobody seemed to be without doubts, myths and suspicions about the 'other' guy.


In Jacksonville, I was once told by an adult Black that he grew up being told that "Whites' paid coaches to play their kids. Two of my Black ball players (1984) told me that it was not until their junior seasons that they finally dismissed the 'hood street talk' warning that the 'coach' would favor the 'White' players.


When it came to coaching, I followed a simple approach: Bring together teenage players from all ethnic, race and socio-economic backgrounds and mesh them into a singularly-committed group. Identify that group's collective basketball strengths and weaknesses and CAUSE them to accentuate their positives while eliminating their negatives, thus giving the heterogeneously diverse group a chance to be collectively successful. I LOVED THAT CHALLENGE and I could do THAT!


The aforementioned stated, let me speak to another coaching-technique that I brought alongside: I DID NOT treat all players the same , however, I held each boy to the same standards of expectations. I likely wrapped nearly 100-thousand ankles in 39-years and every time I seized those minutes with that player to ask a myriad of questions about his family life. At those times and with those answers, I equipped myself with information to better understand the player's home life, attitude and any baggage. I could and would engage that kid away from the court to mentor him predicated on individual needs as I perceived.


The last three years I coached was here in Decatur (Stephen Decatur and Eisenhower). My teams were primarily comprised of 'Black' players. I fought the battle to the end. Those years I would call the first week of practice for 5:30AM. Each year, I would hear many colleagues state, behind my back, "Those kids won't get out-of-bed' and report at that time." I would then telephone the mothers of the 'Black' players and tell them to help me with my fight against 'old myths and prejudice' beliefs. I never had a kid not show on time.


Jacksonville's African-American population during my 21-seasons, ran about 6%; my Crimsons' basketball teams averaged 42%. Next question! Make no mistake, coaching would be a hellava lot easier If most players could avoid the family table-talk.

I Cannot Make All Things Okay for My Children

I was reading the 'history-corner' section of my local newspaper this past Sunday when I noted the mention of the first anniversary of the death of baseball great, Stan Musial. It is interesting how one memory jogger causes other remembrances. Shortly following Musial's death last year, I recall my twenty-four year-old granddaughter, Lindsay telephoned me. She spoke in simple and sincere expressions when she said, "Boompa, I know that Stan Musial was your boyhood hero; are you doing okay?"


This past Sunday's 'history-corner' report on Musial triggered not just the youth-idol memories of my hero but certainly the caring inquiry and concern of my granddaughter.


Okay, I shall make my point. I have fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandson. The grandkids' gender-breakdown looks like this: eight girls and seven boys. I rejoice and lift each of their names in daily prayers of thankfulness. I praise the Lord for the profound blessing of each child's life. I thank God for those wonderful gifts of health and travel safety bestowed upon our grandchildren.


Understand that I love each grandchild with equal celebration and joy. Therefore, you might ask, 'What's the problem?' I have no problem but at times, I detect vibrations that 'others' may experience angst. Perceptions can easily become realities. Once in awhile I sense that a grown child may think that I don't show 'equal' attention to the combined litters. There is a simple explanation regarding time spent with grandchildren. I reach out with equal interest and attempts to engage with every grandkid; some 'reach-back' more frequently and engaging thus THAT conversation takes longer flights!


It's similar to the different degrees of relationship I have with my mailman, trash hauler and newspaper delivery guy. The mailman stops and visits with me frequently. He talks politics, weather and sports. The newspaper delivery guy stops by the house at 4:30 AM and I am not getting up to visit at that hour. The trash pick-up fella seems to be in a great hurry; we only exchange pleasantries.


I could tell each of my adult kids (at this moment in time), which of their children WILL likely continue to engage them in years to come. I will not do that because of two reasons; (1) They would disagree with my assessment and (2) I wish not to' spoil the movie.'

Real Leaders Seize Real Moments

 During my thirty-nine seasons coaching, I noticed a decline in leadership willingness. This apathy picked up steam in the 1980's. The slow disappearance of school letter sweaters and monogram jackets began to escalate. The athlete began to value greater acceptance in the student body mainstream versus the visual identification apparel labeling him as 'the jock.' The athlete also seemed to 'back-off'' any perceived or real role of policing the team as a manager of peers.  Most often, I had co-captains and gave them specific responsibilities. I sought ways to enhance 'togetherness' and team pride. I discovered that the best co-captain scenario was to require team members, 'returning' the next season, to elect one co-captain and then have my coaching staff select the other co-captain; this struck me the best assigned leadership representation.


Once in awhile a team is fortunate to have an individual who feels motivated to speak or act at critical times to ensure 'good-for-the-order' moment. Let me share one such moment-in-time.


It was the Jacksonville 'Crimsons' 1987-88 basketball season. Andy Kaufmann, the State's two-years running leading scorer was poised for his senior year and he was complimented with great teammates' talent. Junior Rick Conn, who would later play at Wichita State was a strong re-bounder and double-figure scorer. Alongside 6'5" Kaufmann and 6'5" Conn was our opponents' worst nightmare, 6'6" Mike Petefish, who was terrific with inside defense and rebounding and Chris Trumbo, who was a deadly outside shooter.  Danny De Groot was a 6'5" forward who was the first off the bench to spell a front line player. In most years, De Groot would have started on JHS clubs. Joining Kaufmann in the back court making significant contributions were Todd Myrick, Thad Stremming, Jay Meyer and Bobby Hoffman. Rounding out the team was Lance Looker, Michael Johnson and Dana Fox. The team would finish 25-4 with Regional and Sectional Championships and became the first JHS State Team in better than two decades; however, that team nearly derailed in self-destruction. It was saved in a needed leadership moment...it came from reserve forward, Danny De Groot.
 Early in the season, we had much child-like jealousies tugging at the fabric. Some players could not rejoice in others' successes and when the attitudes began to play out with selfish play, I had my full. One night at practice it was obvious that a player refused to pass to an open Kaufmann. I 'went-off.' I sent them to the dressing room and told them they needed to resolve their differences or I was going to FIRE the entire starting players and address the media from Chicago to Centralia explaining that I had to get rid of a bunch of self-centered spoiled babies!


Our adult trainer, who eavesdropped on the locker-room confab, told me later that he never heard such yelling, cursing and expressions of disgust.
Finally, after thirty-minutes of this screaming and accusations, Danny De Groot took the center stage and told his starting teammates that they were a bunch of greedy and self-centered people. He said, I sit on the bench pulling for you guys just waiting for some bits of playing time and I have to watch your selfish crap...not fair. Five minutes later, the Crimsons returned to the floor having dodged a near-fatal self-inflicted wound.


De Groot WAS NOT a captain; De Groot was a leader...a hero!

Perspectives Change

At nearly seventy-five years-old, I am blessed immensely. One blessing is my ability to remember; that may change but it's intact now!
My 1973-74, Edwardsville "Tigers" were very good; perhaps it was on the cusp of being one of the best Edwardsville teams since the mid-1950's. We were on a roll and ranked in the State's top ten when our 6'9" post player, Tom Gammill dislocated his shoulder. Tom would never fully recover and what could've been fell short and we finished @ 20-7, with no post-season run.


Let me preface my recollections with this acknowledgment: I grew up playing basketball and pitching for the East St. Louis "Flyers" in the Southwestern Conference. As a kid, I played basketball against Sherrill Hanks', Alton club, Virgil Fletcher's 'Kahoks" and competed as a baseball hurler and basketball player against Joe Lucco's Edwardsville teams. I had a sincere respect for each of those men. I later coached against Hank's Quincy 'Blue Devils" and Fletcher's Collinsville teams.


The '73-'74 Tigers and Kahoks had two high profiled, high-scoring guards. Edwardsville's Dick Brown and Collinsville's Marc Fletcher put a lot of points on the scoreboard. Fletcher, the coach's son, was not shy about shooting and equally free expressing emotions on the floor, which seemed to irritate opponents. Brown was closed mouth and deadpan with expressions. I often thought he'd make a good
poker player.


We were hosting Collinsville and the 3,200 fans were geared and ready before the J.V. game began This was to be somewhat of a 'shootout' between two highly touted downstate guards.


As the varsity warm-ups ended the players were returning to their respective benches to await the starting line-up announcements. At this moment two Edwardsville high school (male) students walked onto the court holding high above their heads a well-fashioned bright and colorful paper mache' hot dog-in-a-bun. Leaving no doubt the intended target; FLETCHER was printed neatly on the hot dog in contrasting black letters. The crowd was crazy with reactions. The PA began to announce the visiting Kahoks as the hot dog made a lap around the court.


The announcement of the first Kahok player seemed to settle the crowd down somewhat and then the second eruption came: As Marc Fletcher was introduced six or seven raw hot dogs came flying onto the court, thrown by some EHS kids.  It was at that moment, I walked directly towards Coach Fletcher with a specific mission. I intended to apologize for the rudeness of throwing objects onto the court. I was okay with the paper mache' hot dog but I strongly felt that the raw hot dog thrown at a high school player crossed the line.


I said, "Coach Fletcher, let me offer an apology for that behavior." Fletcher, holding  half a hot dog he had retrieved, threw the hot dog at me hitting my chest and responded, "Roustio, you put'em up to this!" He was incorrect; I had absolutely no knowledge of the events unfolding.. I changed pace and said. "Virgil, you get ready to have your ass beat!!" We beat Collinsville that night by 15 points and Brown embarrassed Fletcher. Actually, Brown, late in the game, held the ball on his hip and beckoned Fletcher, who was then guarding Brown, to 'come-on!' I immediately, called a time out and told Dick to knock off the taunting.


A few weeks later, we were playing at Belleville West and Fletcher and Frank Pitol (assistant) were in the stands with their wives 'scouting' my Tigers. Tom Gammill dislocated his shoulder a second time. One of my assistants nudged me and pointed to Fletcher's party...they were all standing, glad-handing, laughing and applauding. Did I tell you that I grew up in the SWC respecting...never mind.

Think It Through

I enjoy a good 'Western' movie. I often checkout the Saturday morning movie channels for those Western flicks. Just last Saturday, I watched the movie, 'Un-forgiven' and the week before I watched 'Rio Bravo' for the seventh time. Actually, I don't refer to these films as Westerns, I call them 'Cowboy movies.' As a kid growing up in East St. Louis, I would join a couple friends on Saturday mornings and go downtown on Collinsville Avenue to the Avenue Theater and watch a 'cowboy double-feature;' the cost in 1951, was nine cents.


There is a common 'honor-theme' in many cowboy movies: A fella must be armed and a willing participant in those street gun fights.    I am not positive about our present day cowboy engagement rules. Don't you think for a moment that we are NOT still cowboys. BET YOUR SPURS WE ARE!! We love our guns.


 My own State of Illinois has passed the conceal & carry law. This means that my wife and I can be certain that when we shop at the Mall, dine at any restaurant or attend the movies, somebody near us IS carrying a loaded gun. I just hope the bastard is having a good day and nobody crosses his path!


I wish our legislators would go the next step and enact laws requiring all gun confrontations to 'go outside' in the streets as was protocol in the Old West; damn it I wish to finish meals and watch the end of the movie without some idiot shooting another fella seated near me because the guy will not stop texting. Of course any gun-killing that happens in Florida these days finds the potential to receive a '
go by jail card based on the Sunshine State's "Stand Your Ground Law. I like the sound of that; sounds cowboy to me, 'Hey cowboy, STAND YOUR GROUND!'


I recall sitting in the Avenue Theater, back in 1951and imaging what it might have been like, living in the old gun-slinging West; I believe that I will soon find out.

Where Is the Bar of Soap?

When my wife and were dating in the mid-fifties, we attended many movies. Then came those married years with endless work and (eventually) parenting time requirements. We were lucky to have a break after supper hours to 'watch' a little television.
The children found their way into adulthood and soon the 'nest was empty;' we now find ourselves 'dating' again and going-to-the-movies.
I recall my parents discussing the wisdom allowing me to go with them to the Drive-Inn theater to see the movie, 'Gone With The Wind.' Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) said a bad word, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."
Over the weekend, we saw the flick, "August: Osage County." Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts use the 'F' word freely and often. I understand that the movie 'Wolf on Wall Street' floats the country's national anthem 506 times; I guess that's a film record.
If you watch 'Comedy Central' on television it is obvious that very little is funny to the American public without an 'F' laced presentation.
I refuse to judge on the matter but I will say this: The American public needs to be less 'holier-than-thou' pontificating a Puritanical moral-code superiority as it looks 'down' on other nations who are seemingly 'ungodly.' We must  understand that frequency of vulgar-language, the easy availability of weapons and promiscuous behavior will have negative societal consequences...PLEASE, don't put this one at the Educator's feet! Own it folks!

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

A high school coaching career is problematic.  I believe there are two kinds of coaches: those who want to coach and those who must coach. The wannabees  usually leave the profession when faced with a few relationship negatives. The negatives might be parental craziness, power source vindictiveness or administrative impotence. There are stories upon stories from across this  nation about coaches quitting or getting fired because.. . Some kid does not make the team; another kid did not play enough or some kid was not made 'captain' or not afforded top-attention. These coaching-pressures run rampant as parent perceptions become parent realities and are acted upon by mommies and daddies.. Then there is the power source that seems threatened and becomes a constant source of irritation as they fear some prestige loss.. I faced all of these factors by my second year at Edwardsville.


Often the coach with a sub-par record is more easily fired when his adversaries point out losing records. My Edwardsville teams were too successful to fire the coach. However, those adversaries did not disappear, they invented road blocks to deter program development or frustrate the coach; that's what I dealt with for the last five seasons at Edwardsville.


You wish for specifics? .I advance the following:  I  was charged $230.00 gym rental for a week to conduct a summer basketball 'feeder' camp.  Occasionally, a building administrator would come to my high school varsity practice and tell me that they received a telephone call from a superior stating that a school board member was accusing me of playing  'Black Players' but those players don't come to practice; I suppose the building administrator came to my practice to count 'Blacks."  Once an administrator came to my practice and he was upset with a telephone call he had just received. He was told to check a particular player's locker for drugs. That administrator said to me, "I told my superior to have the accuser join me and we would check all 1,820 student lockers."


 One particular season, EHS coaches were NOT permitted to have keys to the school. That's correct, we did not have carte' blanch access to the gym. I suppose the policy makers were saying, 'We trust you coaches with our children but not with the keys to your workplace.' Coaches could CHECK-OUT keys FOR WEEKEND PRACTICE AND MUST CHECK-OUT KEYS WHEN PLAYING OUT-OF-TOWN GAMES.  Therefore, in the midst of a highly competitive basketball season with such demands as scouting, film breakdown reports, player-academic checking and practice preparations, I had to remember to check out a building key. One out-of-town game night, I forgot to check out the key and realized my error as our team bus pulled into the school parking lot at 11:00 P.M. I knew that some of our players left car keys, wallets and homework assignments inside that building's locker room. Realizing that dilemma, I blurted aloud, "Ah, shit, I forgot to get a key!" Immediately, a 15-year sophomore ball player spoke up. "Ain't no problem, coach, I 'll get us in." As the team approached the main doors to the gym foyer, the youngster reached into a nearby dumpster pulled out a coat hanger and made a simple bend in the hanger. He then fished the hook-end through the seam of two doors, pulled the panic bar towards himself and WALLA!.. A coach with two advanced college degrees can continue his passion to coach because of a street-smart kid.
While the youngster was working his 'door-opening-magic,' one of my upperclassmen, a 'Black' player, leaned near my ear and whispered, "Coach, how does it feel to have a little 'brother' get you IN your house?"




That was a particularly good night; we won a ball game, circumvented our spiteful adversaries' games and had a laugh!
 I stayed the coaching- course for a total of 39-years and loved ALL the challenges!

A Bittersweet Recall

Charles 'Chuck' Garrett was a notable prep basketball/baseball player from Centralia, Illinois. After one year at SIUC he transferred to McKendree College and was an outstanding performer at that school in basketball and baseball; he is a member of McKendree's Hall-of-Fame. After college, Garrett worked under basketball Coach Jack Hartman at Kansas State where Garrett was head assistant responsible for recruiting.


I first met Chuck when he was recruiting Dean Harris who was playing for my Edwardsville "Tigers." I had many enjoyable conversations with Chuck. I found him to be most sincere and personable. He was successful in his efforts recruiting Dean Harris and Dean validated Garrett's quest during his freshman season at K-State performing at a quality level..


The last time I saw Chuck Garrett and spoke with him at length was during Dean Harris' funeral. Chuck did a beautiful job eulogizing Dean. In spite of his devastated feelings he did GOOD.


One conversation I had with Garrett during his efforts recruiting Dean was not about Dean but another younger player in the Edwardsville 'Tigers' Basketball program...Fred Barton. At the time Fred, who comes from great stock and a basketball family, was a rather frail and physically weak freshman. Chuck and I were standing near the foyer-end of the gymnasium when Barton walked by us prompting Chuck to comment, "There is a great kid, but he likely won't be big enough to ever play Division I basket ball." At that time no one would intelligently dispute Garrett's assessment and prediction.


Fred Barton, however epitomized desire the next three years. He was one the most dedicated players I had in my coaching tenure. He spent endless time and energies developing a strong body and a solid offensive and defensive game. Barton was one of those unique  players who understood the importance of leadership and playing within oneself.  I was so proud and happy when Fred enrolled at Kansas State and was a starting guard on a K-State basketball team that won a Big 8 Conference Championship.


 I often used Fred Barton's story in various speaking presentations around the nation when emphasizing the need for dedication and determination  regardless of coming from an affluent background. Fred understood early in life the relationships between desire-passion and hard work.


There is one sad note connected to this flashback recollection: Charles "Chuck" Garrett never saw Fred's ultimate basketball accomplishments; Garrett died in an auto accident while on a K-State recruiting mission while Fred Barton was leading my 'Tigers" to a 'Sweet 16' State birth. My faith-belief tells me that Chuck knew about Barton's climb to success at his precious Kansas State Campus.

There IS a Difference

Yesterday, I mentioned former Jacksonville basketball player, Andy Kaufmann and his uncanny ability to score points. Kaufmann, undoubtedly was the best scorer I coached in a 37-year coaching career; his all time #2 ranking in the IHSA boys' basketball history attest to that conclusion.


Interestingly, Kaufmann was NOT the best shooter I coached. Let me explain. Several years ago, I was watching a basketball contest between Jacksonville high and Alton high school at the Meijers Winter Classic hosted by Chatham-Glenwood high school. During half-time, longtime but now retired sports' writer, Steve Porter of the Alton Telegraph approached me with the question: "Who was the best shooter you coached during your career, Andy Kaufmann or Ricardo 'Dick' Brown," he asked. (Brown played for me at Edwardsville high school in the mid-1970's). The sports' writer seemed a bit surprised when I said Brown was the best shooter but Kaufmann was the best scorer. When I explained the difference between scorer and shooter, Porter was satisfied.


Here is that explanation: Andy was a big strong-bodied high school player who could, and often did, muscle his way to the interior shoot score and get fouled and then convert the free throw. He would also shoot, miss, rebound, shoot again and get fouled then make the free throw. That is truly a scoring machine. Stop and do the the stat numbers. Andy went on to have an outstanding career at the U of  I.


Dick Brown was a super quick, stop and pull-up in the blink of an eye and pop a 22' jump shot. He was impossible to stop in the open court transition. Brown went on after his graduation from Edwardsville high school to play one year along side Robert Parish at Centenay and completed his college career at Pepperdine University. Brown then played professionally for the Philippine National Team.

We Easily 'See' How Others Could Do Better

In Matthew 7:3 and Luke 6:42, Jesus asks the question, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in our brother's eye when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye?" There are many more references by Christ, which calls us to NOT judge others. My grandfather, E.V. Bennett reminded his wife and daughters to 'tend to your own knitting.' I have often reminded others that it is very easy to coach the other guy's team. It is equally easy to raise his children and manicure his lawn.


I was blessed with some the opportunity to coach some talented basketball players. One such player was Andy Kaufmann (Jacksonville high school) 1985-to-1988. Andy lead the State three (3) consecutive seasons as top individual scorer with 32 Points Per Game. Today (2014) Kaufmann remains the IHSA boys' basketball second all-time individual scorer behind Charlie 'Chico' Vaughn of Tamms, Illinois.




Andy scored 50 points in a game on two occasions; this tied the individual Jacksonville scoring mark held jointly by Francine Blackburn (1980). The tied record caused many JHS fans to ask me why I didn't allow Andy to break the record. The answer is a simple straight forward 'deal;' I never gave the matter a first or second thought! In those particular games when Kaufmann scored his fifty (50) points, I thought about the following: (1) Do we have this game won, (2) Can I get more reserves into the contest; those players who practice as hard as Kaufmann but play much less, (3) If I leave Kaufmann in to get sixty (60) points should I keep the other four starters in the game so they might elevate their scoring averages and (4) what goes around comes around...how is my coaching colleague, sitting on the other bench, going to pick up the pieces for his team next Monday at his practice????


Therefore, I coached my own team, making those tougher decisions in the arena, and ignored those who thought they wanted to coach on Friday and Saturday nights; they could 'tend to their own knittin.' This scenario plays out in all walks of life...don't you ever ask why don't the talk show critic-pundits don't run for public office and why don't those sport analysts get out from behind the microphone and grab a coaching whistle?




I'll just bet that Tonto once said to his 'second-guessing tribesman, "Walk a mile in my moccasins before you rip-the-mask-off-the-old Lone Ranger.""

Sometimes Must Ignore The People You Love

Saturday past, my wife and I traveled to Mason City, Illinois to join the friends and family of Nash Shawgo to celebrate his 80th birthday. Nash and Darlene Shawgo have been dear friends of the Roustios since 1964. Nash was one of many 'crazy' Mason City "Huskies" basketball fans. Nash operated an appliance store and drove a propane gas truck. Once when the winter roads of Mason County were snow-covered and impossible in an auto, Nash drove the young and 'anal' Coach Roustio to Havana (16 Miles away) to scout a game.



The birthday party gathering numbered well over 200 hundred people and there was more than a few 'old-time' basketball fans who were kind enough to stop by and visit with their coach of some fifty-years ago. One local fan ask me what games I recall most from the Mason City days. I told him that one game, which comes to mind was a game my "Huskies" played at Tremont during the 1965-66 season. The game established an IHSA scoring record at the time. When the dust settled, the scoreboard read: Mason City- 114 Tremont-89.



Former Mason City athlete, Ken Bracey, who graduated from that high school in 1956 and went on to play professional baseball told me the following story: (Bracey went to the local barber shop the Saturday morning after the Friday 114-to-89, Mason City victory over the Tremont "Turks." He stopped by my house after his haircut and was laughing. He suggested that I not go get a haircut THAT day because the locals were 'cooking-me' about giving up 89 points. Understand...the Coach who preceded me and was there for several years was successful but his teams would win 50-to-25.



I made a mental note that day: "Coach to your team's strengths and ignore the 'fanatics' sitting in the bleachers. I left Mason City after three years. I was blessed with some great kids and outstanding players during that tenure. Those teams tallied 62 wins against 14 losses; won two conference championships; two county championships and two IHSA Regional tournaments. Mason City was a wonderful moment-in-time for a rookie coach and the Shawgo's were wonderful friends.


Really now; stop and consider...50 points over 25 points and 114 points over 89 points IS the SAME point differential but as the 'late' Ricky Nelson sang: "You can't please everyone...so you might as well please yourself."

Doctor Doctor

During my journey, I have served on several advisory boards. Each appointment held opportunities to learn more about 'the process' and influence change. I enjoyed the experiences. There was four (4) different Illinois High School Association advisory board assignments each with an specific focus and all with the mission to identify problems and offer solutions. I served the IHSA on the Boys' Basketball Advisory Board, the  Athletics Directors' Advisory Board, the Legislative Commission and two years as the IHSA National Liaison to the American Sport Education Program; a program designed to certify non-educators as 'coaches.'

Recently, my wife and I accepted the invitation to serve on the Springfield Clinic's 'Patient Advisory Board. Our second meeting is coming up January 17.  I am 'feeling' my way with this medical-service-opinion-committee membership.

At the first meeting, I weighed in on the obvious lack of cooperation between the two Decatur Hospitals; Decatur Memorial and St. Mary's. Everyone in attendance shook heads in agreement and the liaison person taking notes to report back to the "Doctors" wrote every thing down...I am sure nothing will change because our two hospitals 'see' competition equating to monetary gain...take THAT customers!

This next meeting, I intend to broach the subject of doctor-patient contact. In the 1940's I saw my family doctor on three occasions: (1) office appointment, (2) house call or (3) Friday night at the local high school basketball game. Today, I 'see' my doctor if I make an appointment, although that ain't a given because I might be ushered to the 'Physician's Assistant' instead. Note: Through the years, I MUST SEE the Doctor before he would prescribe medication. Now there is a 'new' Doctor-Patient relationship-contact on the horizon: 'Doctor-on-Demand.' You bet! I can now use my iPhone to transmit a photo of my sore throat to the Doc and he will prescribe meds...are you shittin' me?

I will have several question to ask at this next meeting but the ultimate question requires a two-part answer...
Does Doctor-on-Demand improve patient service and lower medical costs? You all care to guess?!

I must be careful with the manner in which I pose these questions; I wish not to upset the 'medicine-man... and cause an angry attitude that could play out during my next rectal exam.

Re-Packaging Yesterday

"...And if you're willing to play the game, it's comin' around again...' As I listened to Carly's voice singing the greatest love song lyrics ever, the 'Itsy Bitsy Spider,' I realize things in my early- life are coming around again. When I was a young boy growing up in East St. Louis, it seemed as if every street corner either had a Church, tavern or grocery store, which meant that nearby was either a preacher, priest, drunk or butcher. The neighborhood Church, tavern and grocery store were staples in our lives. My people were grocery store folks. My grandmother, Mammy operated a grocery store for years and later she held court at her dry goods store.

Aunt Irene and Uncle Bud Hughes took over the grocery store when Mammy opted for dry goods. I had another great Uncle Harry Hood that operated a corner grocery store on Peoria Road (Springfield). Those little neighborhood stores carried the many needed staples and fresh meats for families who depended on these nearby availabilities since many families had no automobiles; people walked to the corner store, tavern and Church.

This 1940's generation engaged in other less sophisticated activities.  Most families sat together in living rooms every evening staring at a large console radio that challenged listeners' imaginations as they attempted to figure out what Fibber McGee & Molly really looked like, just  how big was 'The Fat Man' and would 'Gangbusters' ever have a story episode about our own, East St. Louis' gangster, Frank 'Buster' Wortman.

Today, our dry good needs are met by Jo Ann's Fabrics, the gasoline (filling) station won't pump but they do offer some donuts / bakery products, pizza, bread and milk. If this gas-station-convenient store fails to offer all 'corner' needs just across the street on another corner is either Dollar General, Family Dollar or Dollar Tree. Like I said, it's comin' around again.'

Good Player; Good Coach & Good Laugh

Johnny Orr died December 31, 2013; he was 86-years old. Orr spent a lifetime on the basketball courts. He played on the Taylorville high school 1944 basketball team, which was the first ever undefeated IHSA State Champions with a 45-0 record. Orr later played at Beloit College and played professional basketball. Most of his basketball years found Johnny Orr on the sidelines 'coaching.' He had tenure stints at UMASS, University of Michigan and Iowa State, which totaled 27 head coaching years.

I first met Johnny Orr in the late 1970's. I was coaching basketball at Jacksonville high school and I conducted a Saturday morning 30-minute Sport Show on WLDS radio (Jacksonville). I often taped interviews with sport personalities for later play on my program. Orr was speaking at the annual 7-UP Basketball Coaches Clinic in St. Louis; I was in attendance and picked a time to interview Orr. Stating the obvious, Johnny Orr was a most colorful individual. He was engaging, charismatic, edgy with his humor and a good guy.

Before I began my Orr-interview, Johnny shared with me that his family lived in Jacksonville for a time before moving back to Taylorville.  It was an interesting story and it hinted about what might have been had the Orr family remained in Jacksonville. Johnny recalled fondly one teacher from South Jacksonville grade school.

Before beginning the interview-taping with Michigan Coach Orr, I checked the volume levels on my cassette recorder. The recorder had microphone and cord that plugged into a connection jacket on the recorder. This connection was 'problematic;' the plug often fell out of the recorder's receptacle hole. I thought I was all set up and began my 'introduction' saying, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit with Illinois basketball legend and current coach of the Michigan Wolverines; a gentleman with Jacksonville connections, Johnny Orr." Johnny said, "It's a pleasure to visit with you Mel but before we continue, is the end of that microphone cord suppose to be in my ass or yours?"

Many years later, my wife and attended ceremonies at Taylorville high school when that school retired Johnny Orr's uniform number. Johnny and I visited that night and had another laugh about the interview line he delivered some thirty years earlier.

Thanks for the memories, Johnny; rest in peace.

A New Year's Note

Tomorrow, I will send the following note to my grandchildren:

Hey Guys and Gals: Please read this note aloud before throwing it away...Thanks, Boompa

I am certain that you will be like most others; you will want to be happy during your life. That said, I must tell you that your current happiness is a myth, which is predicated on your parents provisions. There comes a time when IT (happiness) is ON YOU!

You can get to happy land if...
* Respect your Father but embrace your Mother as your greatest gift.
* Wish to understand before wishing to be understood.
* Recognize 'dangers' of loving unconditionally; then love unconditionally.
* Remember that most people go to their grave never knowing their mission...find and embrace your mission.
* Happiness finds all who serve others.
* Hold a passion for living.
* Avoid fads.
* Fear of Failure will rob you of joy.
* Feedback ONLY happens when you share.
* Know that which you control and that which you do not control; you both control and OWN your responses.
* Know the difference between... 'I WISH...I WILL.'
* Avoid cynicism.
* Beware of 'Can't!'
* Always question who "THEY" are.
* Come to understand the difference between worth and esteem.
* BUILD
* LOVE
* You will have a better chance to be more pleasant than smarter than others.
* If you believe 'things are getting worse' THEN find out what made THINGS  BETTER yesteryear.
* Before you 'Get-it-Right,' you may have to admit you were wrong.