Connect The Dots !

Maternal Grandmother, Mary 'Mammy' Bennett was a Central City, Kentuckian transplanted in the 1920's  East St. Louis, Illinois. Her husband, E.V. Bennett left the Kentucky coal mines to pursue a carpenter's life 'up North.' Of course, the crash of '29 devastated the hopes of E.V. and certainly made him a somewhat bitter man towards government. E.V. did hold on to a few houses and his grocery store where Mammy managed and worked. Mammy Bennett was a God-fearing woman who preached and personally witnessed the gospel of Jesus Christ. As they say, she' talked the talk and walked the walk.'


I was one of many frequent targets of Mammy's sermons; I hung out at my grandparents home often and loved them dearly. Mammy's actions were as powerful as her words. I watched her carefully as she interacted with family, friends, neighbors and grocery store customers. Back in the 1940's, the area had frequent transient workers some noted as ''train-jumpin' Hobos.' Mammy would often befriend these vagabond beggars. She would find them some leftover vittles and perhaps an old shirt of E.V.'s to replace a tattered one. I suppose Mammy was hung-up on that scripture about 'share what you have for such is pleasing to the Lord.' Maybe it is the scripture suggesting: 'Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord.'
 Mammy, on several occasions knowing that a family was going through tough-times would enter a penciled number into a store customer's account booklet and tell them, "When you get back on your feet a bit you can catch-up with your payment." Overtime that customer would find times better and begin; making-good on the account. Mammy would often accept the monthly paybacks to a point and then tear up the bill. I guess Mammy was living-out the scripture about 'doing for the least of HIS people.'
Come to think of it, my Mammy's thinking and behavior was a forerunner to today's government 'link-card' and welfare assistance...why Mammy followed the teachings of her Lord...you connect the dots !


'After the game...both the King and pawn go into same box.'  Old Italian Proverb

Drink of Choice

Recently, a friend emailed to tell me that he attempted to read my blog but stopped because he thought I had consumed too much 'Obama Kool Aid.' He went on to imply that I likely have second thoughts about Obama considering 'his' White House Administration' and the impotent folks with which, Obama surrounded himself. I gave the emailer's comments some thought and still cannot square-it-all.


A few days later, I read where many Republican Senators argue that Obama's proposal to cut the military budget is unacceptable to these 'war hawks.' Of course, the pro-war crowd will stand before microphones and lament the weakness of our Nation's defense should we reduce forces and trim back on expenditures. Damn if that makes any sense at all to this Kool Aid guzzling liberal. If we are no longer fighting a war in Iraq and plan to withdraw more soldiers from Afghanistan then why the hell would we keep our expenditure levels at the same higher (at war) mode. I pay my professional lawn care guy $250.00 for lawn protection during the spring-summer and fall months. I sure the hell would not give him lawn care money during the winter dormant months.


Let's cut out the bullshit, okay. We all know that war is an economic boost to our nation's economy; always has been and seems to be the likely scenario in the predictable future. Never mind trying to explain to the 'Hawkers' about human sacrifice. We all know which socio-economic status makes up the most 'foot-soldiers.' Whereas most ranking military officers come from higher income families, the greatest number (percentage) of ground (Army) soldiers come from the middle-class... and Blacks are disproportionately found in greater numbers in the Army.  While country club members watch the market closing numbers; union card-holding families watch the evening news war coverage.


We certainly would not be 'cutting' the defense budget or even withdrawing troops from any occupied country if that 'other' outfit had been elected back in 2008. Why Senator John McCain would ante 'up' in both Iraq and Afghanistan as well as bomb the Iranians while  sending troops to Syria and Ukraine. As for the little GOP darling, Sarah Palin, she would be content shooting rockets from her back porch where she "can see Russia."
...my emailing friend needs to drink some PRUNE JUICE !

To Thine Ownself...

Michael Sam is a Missouri University football player who anticipates being drafted by a National Football League team this May. He is likely a middle-round draft pick but he is receiving first-round media attention due to his recent announcement that he is a homosexual...'gay.' A few days ago, I watched a press conference conducted by the rather affable athlete. He answered one question after another about his personal life, which was totally unrelated to that which he apparently does well>>>play freaking football.
Several days later another professional athlete, Jason Collins stood before a similar group of scribes to answer questions about his sexual orientation. Collins plays NBA basketball for the Brooklyn 'Nets.'


While watching these pencil-scribbling media-reporting-homophobic nut-bags, I had another thought; suppose Michael Sam or Jason Collins were proven successful brain surgeons who were going to do delicate and complicated surgery on your child; they have done this procedure successfully hundreds of time. Would you give a rat's ass about their sexual preference? Would you give a crap that they were Catholic, Methodist or atheist? Before opening your child's skull, would you ask the doctors if they were 'banging' any nurses? The answer to all these questions and others not posed is absolutely...NO ! Therefore, why are we Americans such Puritanical hypocritical prudes?


Just weeks ago, Arizona lawmakers passed legislation that will permit businesses to 'deny' service to anyone if the person (s) seeking service has different beliefs than the business owner. I recall a few years ago when a physician refused treatment on an injured person because that person had tattoos and piercings. The ultra-conservative Christian physician said, 'scripture' instructs us not to pierce or mark on our bodies. To paraphrase our Lord...'He who is without sin cast the first stone'...'Physician heal thyself.'
Meanwhile, a question for Arizonians ...if a North Carolina tobacco farmer opens a restaurant in your State why can't he allow HIS patrons to smoke inside HIS building where HE is paying the mortgage? Is that issue not centered around  personal belief and choices??

Dr. King Deserves Better

Last Sunday evening, I watched a 3-hour 'routine' on ESPN that reminded me of the famous comedy routine delivered thousands of times by the late comedic-team Abbott and Costello. This ESPN routine (show) was NOT funny but somewhat pitifully sad. More on that soon but first about the Bud Abbott / Lou Costello shtick. You all recall how little-chunky 'would-be'  baseball player,  Lou asked pretend baseball manager-straight-man Abbott, "Who's on first?" Abbott responds, "WHO IS on first." The next seven-to-eight minutes has audiences in stitches.


The ESPN show was filled with similar gobbledygook and misunderstood semantics double-talk similar to the "Who's on first" comedy routine; unfortunately, this ESPN subject left no laughter!! In fact, it caused me to be disgusted. The three-hour long debate focused on the use of the 'N' word. Dozens of celebrities, (mostly Black) including sports' writers, athletes and entertainers weighed in on the topic with their opinions as did many ordinary folks who were attempting to get their minds around what was being stated...believe me, what was stated, mostly, was nonsense.


The question...is usage of the 'N' word ever acceptable? The obvious conclusion after much beating around the bush by all parties who were trying their best not to offend anybody was this: White people should not use the 'N' word but some Blacks believe it to be okay for Black people to use the 'N' word because they take the negative power away as they use the 'N' word with other Blacks as an endearing term. I say bull crap and I stand on solid ground. Throughout the years, I coached many White and Black basketball players. While coaching at Edwardsville high school (1970's) and Jacksonville high school (21-years) I received anonymous telephone calls and letters calling me a "N.....-Lover." I always suspected that those anonymous attacks came from prejudice White parents with self-interests and low basketball IQ's. I played the best male athletes at each high school where I coached; most were White kids; many were Black kids. I had this insatiable appetite for winning...I would play the kids who gave me the best chance to WIN!


The underlying supportive comment giving Blacks the okay to use the 'N' word, while denying usage by Whites was based on the notion that the 'N' word is part of the Black culture and thus belongs to Blacks and society should understand. Again, I say bull crap  and ask the following question: If that 'N' word is such a cultural THING for Blacks for public bantering THEN we must acknowledge the Confederate Flag as White-Bubba's cultural THING!
Folks who argue for the use of the 'N' word are a personal affront to the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King...shame on them!
"WHO'S On FIRST?"

Wanna Play Catch?

"Let's have a catch, Dad." That was the underpinning phrase from the movie classic, "Field of Dreams." A grown man builds a baseball field in the middle of Iowa corn fields. Legendary baseball greats 'use' the field to play their beloved baseball game. Ultimately, the field's owner sees his deceased father on the field and joins him for a 'catch with Dad.' The movie with its moving father-son  relationship theme was embraced by movie-goers, especially men of all ages who had those days-gone-by-memories of playing catch with their father.


My own recall of 'catch' with my Dad also marks the moment in time that my career path was put in place. My father insisted on 'using' (the game) my sport participation as a vehicle to instill a myriad of 'living guideline-lessons.' I missed a thrown ball and the message: 'You'll some times miss the ball but it's your responsibility to go for it.' I garnered news clip attention for a pitching achievement and my Dad acknowledges it but quickly dismisses the words of praise asking when is the next game played; he completes the lesson saying, "People have a way of expecting more when you once deliver."


Throughout the my high school and college athletic journey, my Dad showed great support but did not dote over the my every effort. My father waas always careful to keep praise at a minimum while pointing to areas where improvement could be made or pointing to the efforts and contribution of teammates; all his actions and comments were designed to promote and instill a balanced focused life for his son.


Today, in the stillness of my personal midnights, I often allow my thoughts to fly across the many years and I recall a vast history of wonderful memories; none more sacred than those baseball 'catch' times and the comments of praise and challenge. Thanks Dad...Thanks for 'the catch.'

Only in America...Ageless Pizza

Sometimes, my wife will read my blogs but often she does not; I am hoping she does not read today's post.
I once noticed that my father ate everything and anything that my mother made and put on the family dinner table. I recall asking my Dad, "Is there any foods that you don't like?" He answered with a question of his own. "Boy, you have never gone to bed hungry have you?" I did not follow with another comment; I understood his point. Okay, here is the deal about my wife. I don't know that she ever went to bed hungry but I am convinced she values 'left-over foods' to the extent that she thinks it to be sinful to 'throw-away' left-over morsels. Whereas, I seldom if ever bring home restaurant 'left-overs', my wife never leaves a any food 'ordered' at the restaurant; "Can I have a 'to go' box, please," she insists.


I would not categorize this idiosyncrasy as one of my significant pet peeves if she actually ate the damn stuff that she brings home and shoves into the fridge! That is not often the case. I usually throw the dried up, ugly looking item into the trash four-to-five days after paying the restaurant or when it begins 'growing' fungi-fuzz.
Now comes this frightening news from our military;  they call it the 'holy grail' of ready-to-eat meals.. they have developed a pizza that has a self life of three (3) years. Oh boy, a college roommates nightmare!


This military food development should have been 'classified information!'

Not 'The Four Tops'...but..."It's The Same Old Song"

USA Today News Paper, Tuesday February 18, 2014, page 2A...'Clinton-Lewinsky Tale Won't Fade.' Oh my goodness, I cannot believe that anyone can possibly think that 'old-crap' is STILL news worthy!!! This 'sex' stuff, which Americans forever embrace and consume with insatiable appetite has no end.


It appears that the Benghazi story will not be enough to derail the Hillary Clinton 2016 Presidential campaign...so the 'right-wing' guardians of the Holy Bible, protectors of CHRIST staying IN Christmas, anti-abortionists, pro-capital punishment, water boarding and 'Shock & Awe' bombing crowd will drum-up the Cinderella 'stained-dress story.' Never mind you sorry-asses that Hillary was not guilty of anything except being married to a man who had a tryst with a subordinate., Shame on WHOM?


Here we go again...never mind that folks don't have a job when they wake up each morning; just tell us WHO THEY WERE  SLEEPING WITH THAT NIGHT.


While the self-righteous pious-paragons of virtue, i.e., Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz continue to say outlandish gobbledygook about 'Obamacare' (a law of the land), they ignore the random killings in our public square for fear they could alienate the NRA supporters. Innocent Americans are murdered daily in movie theaters, malls and schools. We continue to ignore the obvious that old ' White guys,' consuming Cialis and Viagra really get their 'gun-off'' shooting teenage 'Black boys' who look suspicious or play loud music. And for God sakes, let's all accept laws that allow us to carry concealed guns and use them in crazy-ass States that encourage the use thereof because every freaking Cowboy has the right to 'stand-your-ground!!


Dear God save us from our self-absorbed saintliness!!

Many Happy Returns---Already !

My 4th grade teaching granddaughter telephone yesterday to wish me happy birthday. She shared with me that her class of 10-year old students are 'working' on arithmetic-fractions. When she mentioned to them that she was going to phone me on my 75th birthday, one youngster concluded aloud that his teacher's grandfather was "three-quarters finished with his WHOLE life." I'll run with that!


Let me assure all who read or don't read this blog that the journey thus far has been filled with the riches of God's blessings and gifts; I wish one day to ask my Maker a simple question; Why were you so good to ME?


I spent my birthday evening celebrating with long-time friends. Dick and Fran Pawlow grew up in East St. Louis sharing the same teen years' journey with my wife and I. Dick and I played American Legion baseball together and held to a life long coaching passion; he in the college baseball ranks and I on the high school basketball courts. His wife , Fran and my wife Gerry attended grade school and high school together; it was wonderful watching them laugh together once again. Also spending the day with us was Ken and Sharon Hickman. Ken was my assistant coach for over twenty-five years at Edwardsville and Jacksonville high schools...friendships like the Hickman's doesn't come any better.


Throughout the celebratory evening, I received telephone birthday wishes from my three children, their spouses, nine of my fifteen grandkids and one of my two brothers. I received three email greetings and several birthday cards from friends, former colleagues and two from Edwardsville students (1970-77.) Note: I did not say 'players....' I said students.


It was a wonderful celebration day. I did awake at three o'clock this morning unable to sleep. I am troubled by the knowledge that so many others are not as fortunate...not as blessed as I; even troubled more by those who are blessed but fail to embrace  the full goodness. Quality trumps quantity ever time; I am fortunate to have both.

Silence IS Golden

My wife woke me at 2:30 A.M.; she said, "The television is making a noise." My first thought as I opened my eyes was, perhaps the television was not turned off. This was not the case. My next thought was obvious...I have always suspected some 'strange' DNA from my wife's family tree. Actually, I don't care if the television is talking to my wife in the 'wee-hours' just as long as it does not instruct her to go shopping.


Five minutes after telling me that noise was coming from the T.V., she nudged me again and told that our son had just text her. (Note: Please refer to my suspicions about her family DNA). The text message said, "I love you guys." Of course, my wife text back asking why he was awake at 3 A.M. and he responded telling her that he is often up at that time. (Note: Obviously, he is not the only family member UP at that time!)


My children and grandchildren know very well that I DO NOT TEXT! If they wish to communicate with this old-boy, they pick up the telephone and call or come to my home. I expect to hear 'real' voices (not T.V. voices) or 'see' faces with whom I interact.
Actually, there is another reason I do not text...my fingers are too fat for the small telephone key board. I cannot wait to go to bed tonight...perhaps our son will appear on our television.
Should you believe that my comments about my wife are harsh...please consider the following: Several weeks ago, I entered the kitchen after washing my hands before joining my wife for supper. Seated at the table next to my plate was the Schwans' delivery driver. My wife introduce us and said to me, "Our Schwans' driver is joining us for dinner."

At Ease Big Al

Although I have never personally met Al Rocker of the 'Today Show' on NBC, he appears to be a very sincere and genuine person. His quick wit and lighthearted demeanor is delightful.


Recently, Rocker was highly critical of the NYC Mayor for not closing that city's schools in spite of a  pending huge  snow event. As I sorted through Rocker's comments, I thought his prediction that the Mayor would have but one-term in office went a bit far with obvious 'mean-spirited' tones. Rocker apologized for the 'term' comment but stood by his general criticisms of the Mayor's decision not to close New York city schools..


I would offer Mr. Rocker the following to consider: Why do you take valuable television programming time to complain about a decision made about your 'daughter's schools' without researching and weighing in on all America's daughters' schools when inclement weather affects them??? Secondly, does a weatherman really wish to begin second-guessing others' professional actions (decisions)?


For every parent who thinks school should be canceled due to weather conditions, there will be 10 parents bitching about the need to get a babysitter because schools are closed!


There! You heard it from one who is often wrong...but seldom without an opinion!

Blah, Blah, Blah !

Word filtered in from the Metro-East area (Illinois) that a large school district is contemplating 'cutting' all physical education programs out of the elementary and middle schools. Of course, this is always the approach when public schools find it necessary to reduce cost... cut physical education and sports. In recent years, we became accustom to hearing the purported philosophy that places sport and physical education as 'non-essentials' in the public school curriculum.


The term 'essential' means 'necessary' or 'rooted-in-basic-fundamental-need.' If that frames the premise then we ask the question, what are the essential curriculum subjects? Perhaps we could all agree that basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic would be curriculum anchors.
 Beyond this assumption, I have always believed that the public schools should graduate (produce) students with a marketable skill as a basic standard or achievement bar. Those who wish to pursue the professional careers requiring advanced educational degrees would likewise be positioned to do so through the high school offerings. Unfortunately, we all seemed to buy into the ridiculous philosophy that ALL American children SHOULD go to college...that is absolute folly and we all KNOW this to be true. Over the years high schools discarded the home economics, industrial arts (shops) and physical education programs. Today, the post high school 'technical training' schools fill the void as less than physically fit youngsters attempt to become market-worthy.


Regardless of the 'amount' of education, I would maintain that personal health awareness through nutrition education and regular-exercise (programs) should be one of the fundamental staples of our public school curriculum. Those who reject this notion also reject all concerns about childhood obesity and  / or diabetes. Simply 'removing ' the soda & snack vending machines will not address our Nation's escalating health issues.


On a personal note, I took algebra in the 9th grade and have not used it since...I do see my 'AC1' score figures every three months when my doctor checks my blood sugars. He reminds me that I may stay relatively healthy and live longer if I watch what I eat and 'EXERCISE.'


Please, if we are going to 'cut' physical education from our schools' curriculum then please do not pontificate all that bullshit about our youths' health problems....It is insincere and models dishonesty for our children!

The 'Who Cares' Age

Next week,  I will turn seventy-five. I believe my entitlement rights increase significantly at  this three-quarter-century mark. I am resolved to shift gears; ...now hear me roar...


*  I shall no longer give a second thought about 'repeating' stories; I may likely tell it better the second time.
*  I am no longer going to struggle holding back a 'fart' in public places, in fact, I am thinking about asking people to 'pull my finger.'
*  I am not going to bend over for dropped objects but wait for another to pick it up.
*  I intend to throw away all my dress shoes and colored socks...I plan to wear only tennis shoes and 'white' socks!
*  I intend to make a noise every time I am waiting in line at Wal Mart...when they first opened that corporation's stores motto (printed on the back of vests) said, "At Wal Mart, You Are Always Next in Line."
*  I am going to 'market' Men's Tie Dye underwear for seniors; it will disguise 'skid marks' & other areas of discoloration.
*  I plan to 'dunk' food items in milk or coffee while in public places; those same food items I normally 'dunk' at home.
*  I presently prepare about 60% of our meals. I intend to increase that to 75%; my wife deserves the break.
*  I am going to walk more and complain less...well, for damn sure I plan to walk more.
*  I intend to 'burn' (copy) more of my '50's record collection onto CD's ; I plan to give them to grandkids.
*  I intend to expand my vegetable garden in hopes to reduce my waistline.
*  I will continue to get on the floor twice daily to play with the Toy Poodle, Yodie until the day that I cannot get up off the  floor.
*  I shall continue expressing my passion for the St. Louis (baseball) Cardinals...it remains the 'only' sports team I have ever followed.
*  I will 'try' to curb my use of bad langue while watching the Cardinals !! Hope springs eternal.
*  I plan to continue my efforts to improve the Decatur high schools' (Eisenhower & MacArthur) sports programs.
*  I shall attempt to avoid being in any snow.
*  I will continue, at age 75, to thank God morning and night for the opportunities, abilities, health and love ones between those times.

'Suck-It-Up'

In the early 1970's, the late comedian, Flip Wilson's female character, Geraldine Jones often told us that 'The Devil made me do it !" Anytime Geraldine deviated from the norm or broke any conventional rules or indulged in frivolous buying, she was not to blame...that powerful Devil made her do it.
Oh, we all laughed at Geraldine but make no mistake Geraldine's 'logic' and 'excuse-me-it-ain't-my-fault-reasoning' is prevalent across this nation. The diverted blame and shifting of responsibility / accountability may not always be placed on the Devil but that evil spirit, which manifests in people near us; it is their fault; somebody else is to blame! 


The many years that I coached basketball, I was quick to chastise players who pointed the blame finger at a teammate who erred near the end of a closely contested game, which we lost. I also corrected the media when they wished to focus on the miscue. In both instances, I would raise the question about 'missed' opportunities or mistakes made in the three previous quarters


There were several early television years that found 'talk show hosts' parading one celebrity's child after another who would eagerly tell of their personal issues and problems as they laid the cause and blame on their parents.  I thought that format was disgustingly a 'cheap-shot.'


I have always believed that the quickest way to successful outcomes was through  the group's commitment to 'ownership;' conversely when the project fails...all assume responsibility. If you cannot accept this approach, I don't want you near my program and I will not be calling you to go to lunch!

He Had It Right

I suppose because I had a dream about my father a few nights ago, I have been thinking about him a good deal lately. My dad was a man of few words...however, when he spoke he commanded your attention. He had but an eighth grade education. He married my mother in 1937. He was working as a 'coal truck' delivery driver (winter) and delivered ice in the summer. In those days, we heated homes burning coal and had 'ice-boxes' not refrigerators. He told me that he made about $4.00 per day in 1937. He became a 'lead burner' and made deceit union wages in the early 1940's before being drafted into the Army early 1944 @ age 26 and father of two boys.


After a two year stint under General Patton, he returned home to East St. Louis. He worked with the operating engineers for a few years before going into the lead burning / construction business. He was offered a sales position with New England Lead Company in the mid- fifties. This opened doors and soon he headed is own Corrosion Protection Company specializing in lead , PVC, rubber and fiberglass linings, which were protection linings against corrosion caused by chemicals.. He had industrial plants in St. Louis and Dallas. He retired from that business and opened up a successful Steak House that existed for 14 years. When my father died at age 76, he left my mother in good financial circumstance.


My father was a terrific motivator. He would give kudos but followed quickly pointing to another area of your performance that could be improved. I recall the start of every school year when my dad would tell me,  "Boy, pay attention in class and don't do any thing that would cause me miss work to go the school. In my teen years, my father would give a subtle reminder before I would leave the house at night. "Hey boy, you be home before mid-night; every thing after mid-night is shallow hours." His parting charge,  "Don't let your mouth overload your ass out on the streets," he cautioned.


I seldom questioned his guidelines because I knew the come back line well, "Boy, yours is not to reason why; yours is but to do or DIE !"


Too bad my father and his friends did not collaborate on writing parenting books. Had they, we still spank a kids ass when he misbehaves and we would have more accountable and respectful young people.

'Show or Go ?'

Many folks are handing out 'kudos' to CVS Pharmacy for its decision to remove tobacco products from its shelves. CVS now joins my personal 'Retailers Hall-of-Fame Club.' More on that later.


First, here are a few things that I cannot filter in this aging brain. First, why does a chain store have the autonomy to decide that cigarettes will not be sold in their stores while an individual restaurant owner cannot decide to allow smoking in his place of business. This seems to be a simple reminder of the "Goose & Gander Story." Tobacco users who frequent CVS will now need to go elsewhere for their nicotine fix...and I am certain they will; I doubt many will quit smoking because CVS does not sell cigarettes any longer. On the other side of this coin, why not expect the non-smokers to dine elsewhere?
Someone once suggested that I pay attention to decisions because you can often categorize the decision as either  'show or go;' I think we can all agree the category for the CVS edict. Let's acknowledge that the CVS removal of tobacco products from their stores is a public relations (show) move. CVS claims the move is in the best interest of their customers' health. If that's the CVS moral mission then CVS should remove all excessive sugary items, i.e., candies and soft drinks, which feed to our nation's obesity, diabetes and heart problems.


I recall another decision made in the mid-sixties by a gentleman who owned and operated a Drug Store in Assumption, Illinois. Hafner's Drug Store offered the prescription drugs and other items one might imagine on the shelves of a pharmacy. Well, one exception, Mr. Hafner was a devout Roman Catholic who made the decision not to sell any birth control products. He once told me that my wife and I should 'rhythem-method' as any good Catholic.' When I told him I was NOT Catholic, he said, he was sorry; I did not bother to ask what his 'sorry' inferred.





Mr. Hafner would roll-over in his grave if he knew that it is estimated that 98% of Catholic women use birth control, today.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition

Is it just me or are there others who find the Florida laws of concealed and carry and stand-your-ground laws to be an obvious cocktail for disastrous events??
February 26, 2012, George Zimmermann shoots and kills teenage boy, Trayvon Martin whom he believes is suspicious looking.  November  28, 2012, Michael Dunn shoots and kills teenager, Jordan Davis because the music coming from the vehicle occupied by Davis is TOO LOUD. January 13, 2014, ex-police officer, Chris Reeves shoots and kills fellow movie goer, Chad Olson who was texting his child's babysitter during showing of previews.
Two victims were 'Black' teenage males; the third victim was a 43 year old father. All three shooters had permits to 'conceal & carry' guns. Zimmermann was found not guilty predicated on Florida's 'Stand your Ground Law;' the other two accused shooters also plan to invoke the Stand Your Ground Law. The  Stand Your Ground Law is defined as justifiable self-defense killing if the shooter feels he is in imminent danger. Let me explain it this way...it's kinda like 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder !' What's beautiful to you may not be beautiful to me Your perception of imminent danger may be very different from an others perception of the same.


Don't you just love this American TREND. Shoot first and claim that you felt threatened thus you 'Stood Your Ground. Hot dam that's the American sacred 'Cowboy' tradition.


Where some scream, 'It's the economy, STUPID !' I shout, It's the gun (s) morons !'

Jesus Didn't Change, We Did !

 Perhaps THE MOST driving words in America's culture the past years is the words 'feel or feelings.'  Suddenly, we began excusing all kinds of verbal expressions and many attitudes as we gave a pass to folks saying, "Feelings are Okay...don't judge because of one's feelings."


I believe that personal feelings had a big part in changing America's religious landscape. Follow my thoughts...I am a Methodist bred boy. Never did think that any one denomination had the 'inside' track on the heaven-bound train; I'm just sharing that I was born into a Methodist family. I won't suggest that I know a great deal about religions but I do know a good bit about the Methodist Church and certainly how the worship practice has changed in the past sixty-three years.  People figured out that they did not always  FEEL comfortable sitting in those pews...attendance waned and so did the monies from 'collections.' Today, we all put 'feelings' ahead of truth.
I once told the following story to my children: "When I was a teenager (mid-1950's), my maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennetrt would often mention to me just before leaving for a social/Friday-night date, "Now remember, Honey, Jesus is going to 'RETURN-A-Second-Time; should HIS return occur tonight don't you be doing something He'd frown upon!" Folks for a teen boy who had attended many tent-revival meetings and heard 100's of alter calls to 'BE SAVED and AVOID the ETERNAL FIRES of HELL,' I was troubled by that reminder. My kids said, "Your people used Jesus and religion as a controlling scare tactic' to which I responded, "NO they didn't they used eternity in Hell as the motivation to do right!" Proverbs 1:7..." The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge...wisdom."
I cannot recall the last time I heard a 'hell-fire-damnation' message from a Methodist pulpit. Today, my Methodist Church has a lot of 'feel-good' sermons.
The only thing that remains the same over my many years of attending Church...I still get there early before all the 'Feel-Good Seats' in the BACK are taken!

Nana's NEW Brownie Recipe

I am always reminding my grandchildren to 'make good choices.' I suppose when we beseech others to choose wisely, we are really asking them to think through all possible consequences. Interestingly, most things just happen or come about and then after a few negative consequences individuals, society and government agencies respond by establishing some guidelines and/or laws because someone didn't 'think-it-through !' I offer for your consideration Colorado's newly enacted marijuana law.


Since legal sales of marijuana began January 1st, the Colorado retailers cannot believe the skyrocketing sales of and demand for pot-laced-edibles. PLEASE, do you honestly think (for one minute) that this brewing storm with its ominous problems has been fully anticipated??


I shall assume the responsibility to warn of some pending problems resulting from the pot edibles, which will be exploding in Colorado. Parents will no longer check kids' Halloween candy for dangerous objects but will now be test-tasting the child's treats. (This will likely result in some nasty 'ownership' arguments.) Grandparents eating Thanksgiving diner at a grandchild's house will risk post-meal speech-slurring similar to George Carlin's 'Hippy-Dippy' Weatherman reporting. Colorado sport venue parking attendants will have a totally new challenge directing patrons out of those high rise parking  lots after the fans ate the cotton candy.


I just hope that the Colorado Girls' Scout Organization closely monitors their 'cookie bakers !'

Uh?

The sign says, "Welcome To Alabama The Beautiful."  I have traveled through the State of Alabama numerous times and I would not refute the claim. 'Bama IS beautiful country and the deeper south you travel the more beauty unfolds. However, beauty does NOT exonerate a region from 'Bubba logic.' Let me explain. The last time I traversed Alabama I experienced the following: I stopped at a large State Rest Area to use the facility and stretch a bit. Walking a good distance across the parking lot, I approached the facilities' entrance. There next to the main doorway was two signs: "NO Pets and NO Weapons Beyond This Point."


Really?? Let's suppose it is raining and some fella dashes several yards across the parking lot and comes to the door entrance where he reads that he is NOT to enter with his concealed 45 caliber pistol. Do we truly think that this chap is going to return to his vehicle to leave his gun and risk 'dirtying' his skivvies while getting soaked just to comply with the law? The answer is NO and we all KNOW IT. By the way, my 7lbs. Poodle has yet to kill anyone!


Later the same day, I ate a meal in southern Alabama and ordered a beer. I was asked to 'show my ID.' The last time I was carded was 51 years ago. The waitress' explanation..."It's the Law in Alabama." I inquired about Alabama's 'conceal and carry law' as applied to restaurant patrons. She said, "We don't care if you all have a gun." You cannot 'smoke' in that restaurant because it is determined that 'secondhand smoke kills; kiss my Illinois butt, stray bullets also kill!


I cannot wrap my head around THAT conflicting logic...suffice for me...if 'Bama Bubba's follow their Laws, I shall be able to safely  'crap' on State property but elsewhere safety is a 'crap shoot !'

I Disagree Mr. President

I voted for Obama in 2008 and again in 2012; I would do that over again however, he is wrong on one point he made in the last State of the Union message. I will comment on that after this: I make no apologies for my 'liberal political' views. I would not suggest that I am so well read that I grasp issues and could defend all liberal viewpoints at every turn. Simply, I am drawn to the liberal political view more often because it appears to be compatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ. That said, I am not suggesting that Jesus signs off on the Democratic platform! I leave that claim to the 'other' crowd.


Okay, back to President Obama's statement last week. He suggested that women AND men are not getting a fair-shake in 'paid' time off for maternity issues. I believe that a woman giving birth should have a reasonable maternity leave period of paid time off but reasonable would seem to be approximately six-weeks. I believe a father should have a couple of days off (around the birth).


It is absolutely ridiculous to embrace the notion that employers owe couples excessive time off for child birth/care. This poppycock pushes the envelope of entitlement. Look, constitutionally, I agree that women have the 'Choice' when it comes to abortion issues. Whereas I defend that constitutional right, I do not believe it is morally right, however that decision is a woman's choice and her moral issue to resolve. With this logic, I defend the employers' positions regarding maternity-leave abuse BECAUSE it was a couples' CHOICE to get pregnant. Don't counter with that nonsense story of 'unplanned pregnancy.' When two people engaged in sex...the CHOICE is made! Own the pleasures, own the blessing and own the responsibilities; don't ask employers to own it !
Many military men are standing their guard in foreign countries when wives 'back home' are having babies. Let me approach this self-centered thinking from another perspective. I recall every once in a while when a basketball player's parent would telephone me and ask if their son could be excused from a week of practice to go on a Christmas vacation trip. I said, "NO!" I explained, "I chose your son to be on the team while 'cutting' another boy. Your son made a commitment to THE TEAM and I expect him to honor that commitment. How would I defend the excuse to the boy who failed to make our team?" I would like to state that once I explained my decision the parents understood; however self-centered folks never do.