A Place For Everything; Everything in Its Place

My wife and I have fifteen grandchildren, therefore one can just imagine the number of youth activities we attended over the years. I have seen my fair share of little league baseball, basketball, football, cross-country, volleyball and soccer contests. I have sat through tumbling, dance and cheer competition not to forget theater plays and piano recitals.  Most of the competitive sports activities will find me sitting by myself rather than next to family. My wife recently asked why I sit alone. Before I could answer the question, she was distracted by a passerby and she did not bring the issue to me again but she will. That said, I thought I'd run my reasoning by you readers first.


There are basically two reasons for this conscientious choice to be off by self at grandkids' sporting events. May I disclose the most logical reason without fanfare. I am a man of opinion and most often people (especially my adult children) prefer that I keep my opinions to myself. This is best accomplished if I am 'away-by-myself.'


The second force of separation from the 'gang 'at the old ball park is a bit more involved but let me give-it-a-go. Remember this Mark Twain quote? "When I was fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the 'old-man' around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the 'old-man' had learned in seven years." Now, make no mistake, my adult children do not think that their old man is ignorant but they often do find me overbearing and sometimes I sense they are anxious thinking that I will say something in-front of their friends that could embarrass them or offend others.


Life comes full circle in this regards. When my children were very young, I sometimes feared that 'out-of-the-mouths' of babes etc. Today, the shoe is on the other foot. The seventy-five year old father has tossed candy-ass patronizing language to the wind; after-all, I must be expeditiously direct: I don't know how much time I have to make my point. My children may love me but I am easier loved from a distance.


...and my adult children are like most parents...they sure the hell don't wish to hear any critical comment about their kids.

Union Meetings @ The Student Union

As the late New York 'Yankees' announcer, Mel Allen use to say, "How about that?" The national news is all over the story coming out of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) where a Regional Director of the National Labor Relations Board granted Northwestern University athletes the 'right' for form a union.
It was a slam dunk that such a union organization-effort move would either happen in Illinois or New Jersey; bet your 'Final Four' tickets Wisconsin and any State with a high Hispanic population will not have union sports' teams.


I see both an 'upside' and 'downside' to this college sports' union thing. On the positive side, there can now be counter leverage against the unbridled power of the greedy, pompous and phony organization known as the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Perhaps now the rights of a student-athlete would be protected. For example: When a coach recruits an athlete out of high school for his program and then leaves THAT university for another coaching job, the student-athlete should be free to leave for another university (without penalty) also. This is a simple 'goose-gander' story.
The possible 'downside' to college athletes' union is real-- You do know that all State and Federal contracted jobs require specific quotas. This means that any and all colleges and universities receiving tax monies must have a certain number of athletes on all teams representing specific percentages of all minorities including gender equality playing opportunities. We will need an additional chair at the scorers' table to keep THAT record book. Furthermore, this union-stuff, just like many sports rules will trickle-down from the college ranks to high schools. This will open 'Pandora's Box.' Parent organizations and high schools sports' unions will have permanent tents and picket lines at School Board meetings. Native Americans will now expect all high school cafeteria's to offer casino-style gambling machines expecting those profits for the right to use an Indian mascot.


Wake me when the high school athletes have union reps and they get in a standoff with college athletes' union reps over the possibility of the NCAA NOT televising college sports on Friday nights thus allowing high school turnstiles to get some share of the entertainment money. I wish to attend that debate and offer a few comments I have tape recorded with the late Hall of Fame basketball coach, Al McGuire. McGuire told me that if the NCAA does not give the high schools Friday Nights those high school community-supported programs will go the way of the buffalo nickel and Indian head dime.




Finally, anyone out there wish to make wager on how this issue will fall along political lines???

Get a Clue or Expect a Bomb

More often than not, I find myself wishing that was a smarter fella. Take for example this National Security Agency issue. Even former President, Jimmy Carter believes that Americans' privacy rights have been compromised since 9 / 11. I simply don't know how far this 'snooping' by the government should be tolerated. On the one hand I want to feel safe and be secure; if snooping insures those desires then I say, 'Snoop.' On the other hand I don't want to be the 'ONE' spied upon. 'You all can trust me; it's my neighbor of whom you should be leery.'


I suppose that my growing up years in my parents' home kinda set the mentality regarding snooping and privacy rights. At that house during those adolescent and teen years, I can affirm that I felt love, secure and comfortable. However, I never thought about having any 'privacy' rights. I recently broached this subject with some friends and I was surprised at the mixed bag reactions. Most parents seem to embrace the philosophy that their kids / grandkids have privacy rights and adults should NOT snoop around their kids things/stuff.


I must confess that I used my parents 'blueprint' on this issue...I snooped and spied on my kids. My kids will even tell you this day that when asked if I trusted them, I said, "No but it has nothing to do with loving you."


With no apologies, reservations or regrets, I believe teenagers are not to be trusted... too much pressure on this underdeveloped mind and thinking process.


On the issue of National Security...you cannot have safety in a free America without extensive snooping and spying; therefore bullshit your friends with your gobbledygook but don't bullshit me

Shall I Define 'Cute' & 'Rude?'

I recently overheard two grandmothers chatting and comparing photos and stories about their grandkids. They both did a convincing job with pretending interest in the other's protégé. I am sure that such conversations are shared thousands of times daily in every given city and town.
Finally the chit-chat took a tone turn. One matriarch said that recently her young nine year old granddaughter corrected her spoken English. Now make sure that you HEARD that...the kid corrected the adult. The old gal hearing this 'report' said that her ten year old grandkid does that 'correcting' thing on HER frequently and she finds it 'cute.' Holy crap, I thought I was experiencing a nightmare!!


This kinda shit literally floors me! My parents preached to me from the first moment I could decipher the spoken word: "Listen boy, YOU are to be seen and not heard around adult company!" "If an adult ask you a question, you answer the question and say yes sir no sir; yes mam and no mam along with the appropriate thank you." In fact, I was told as a kid that I was to be scarce when adults came to our house. "You are not to hang around listening to adult conversations," my parents explained.


Since overhearing that granny-talk, I have given thought to this language correction thing. I recall, as an adult, a superior of mine in the work place told me that I was using a word incorrectly. I truly appreciated him taking the moment to do that correcting; it served me well. The key element is he corrected me in private. He did not embarrass me in public. That stated, I believe it is never okay for a child to correct an adult; privately or publicly and I hold parents responsible for insisting on that guideline.

Here We Go Loop De Loop

I miss the yesteryear barbershops. Those barbershops had only men cutting hair and only men as customers. Today's haircut places are barber/beauty shop combinations or the shop has women cutting guys' hair. Dadgumit, I miss those all-male gatherings when getting my ears 'set-out.' I don't think barbershops back-in-the-day were laced with a lot of vulgar language but it was a place that a fella could tell a tad bit raw-joke and no one was terribly offended. I notice the magazines in today's beauty shops are all about cooking, beauty products and landscaping. I miss the sports' magazines and those "Playboys." Of course, I never paid much attention to those  Playboy centerfolds, I was like most men; I enjoyed the articles. Come to think, I don't believe those Playboys of the 1950's were as nasty as the prime time sitcoms of 2014.
 I notice that most women have a strong opinion on 'how' they wish their hair to be cut and styled. I have listened to my wife communicate to her beautician the desires of the hair fixin' experience...the directions can be mind-boggling. When I climb into the barber's chair, I usually tell the guy or gal, "Start cutting and stop when you get tried." I'll admit this is not always a good method. Most barbers and beauticians 'GET TIRED' in about seven minutes...this computes to an hourly wage of approximately $120.00, which is about $119.37 more per hour than I made 'coaching.'


I must stop now, I have to take breakfast up to my wife and go get a haircut. I have no idea which barbershop I will patronize today...in Decatur it is strictly eenie meenie miney mo.'

The Age Factor

Those whining 'old-farts' who are always complaining about things are full of crap. Do you know that we oldsters are constantly getting a 'pass' on this age issue thing? The young people seldom get any age-break. Young folks must be sixteen to get a driver's license and then they are limited on the number of people they can have in their auto while keeping an eye on the curfew time. Young boys must register for the military at eighteen years old but they cannot drink alcohol until they are twenty-one; go figure... they can GET SHOT but they cannot buy a SHOT.


A  smart thirty-two year old person cannot 'run' for the office of President until they are thirty-five but old goats like me and John McCain can hold office forever. Come NOW...Studies indicate that when a person reaches age 65, they are too damn old to hold public office. It is proven that the sixty-five and older crowd don't think too good after 8:30 P.M. and we are best served with afternoon naps instead of meetings!


 I should have my driver's license revoked in ten more years when I hit # 85; hell, I'm already bored with 'turning around' when backing up. Revoking driver's licenses of 'seniors' would be a good policy because it would reduce the number of handicap spots needed outside Target and Walmart.


I must stop now....  I always take breakfast up to my wife in the morning....This activity has no age requirement or restriction; just good policy. Afterwards, I'll go to McDonald's for my .64 cents 'senior' coffee.

Real News / Rumored News

Several days ago, a Malaysian Jet Liner mysteriously disappeared. The ensuing days have found world-wide media outlets filling the airways with endless speculations, possibilities and quasi experts' opinions. Sadly, the eventual findings will likely be confirmation of a heartbreaking tragedy. My prayer petitions for those lost and others who keep a vigil continues.


I find myself, at these disaster-moment, watching more CNN News than any other broadcasts. Of course, MSNBC preaches my political philosophy but too often those MSNBC folks behave like the 'brainwashing' clowns on Fox News; thus CNN is the middle of the road choice when one seeks 'NEWS.' My only pet peeve with CNN is the constant posted 'BREAKING NEWS" tag at the bottom of the screen. That Breaking News tag is always there and damn if the people on air are not re-hashing old crap; there's nothing 'BREAKING.'


I have heard a viable rumor that could become CNN breaking news  if proven factual. It is rumored that one CNN investigative reporter is following this unconfirmed story: In the spring of 1948, a new born baby was supposedly left on the steps of the building next door to CNN. The child was never claimed or identified...having no home the baby boy stayed on site...a nearby neighbor began calling the boy "Wolf." ...AND NOW you know the REST of the Story!

Let's Be Honest

Every Christmas, birthday and Father's Day, my children always inquire as to what they can 'get' me for the occasion. I appreciate their kindness and remembrances but that question always catches me 'off-guard.' My goodness, I am seventy-five years into getting 'stuff;' what can I use? None-the-less, to avoid the stammering as I attempt to offer gift suggestions, I am going to send the kids a list of items to consider buying for the 'old man.' Here is the list I shall forward to them:


(1) A roll of postage stamps since I seem to always be 'going-to-the-post-office' for stamps. (2) Perhaps a package of underwear; these advanced years find me changing more frequently...I'll let that go right there! (3) Maybe one of the kids could buy me a new 'weed-whacker.' My wife has so damn many flower-garden areas it is becoming more difficult to negotiate the lawn mower in and out of areas---I think a weed-whacker could work fine.  (4) I would like an electric pencil sharpener. Actually,  I find them both practical and sensuous.  (5) A Barnes & Noble purchase is a good bet. I like reading humorous stuff or biographies; sometimes you can find 'both' in one book. Please don't buy me anything written by Bill O'Rielly, Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh; I don't care for science fiction and these three guys are the antithesis of Christ's teachings of love and tolerance.


One note. Considering my age, I suggest that any gift you purchase for Pop, you may wish to keep the receipt or buy things your husbands also like. Let's be honest.

Say What ?

Several weeks ago, I said to a grandkid, "Get us each a soda from the ice box." His puzzled look coincided with his befuddled question, "Where's the ice box?" My mistake, I did not say, refrigerator; a throw-back terminology slippage. You readers who recall the 1940's also recall the 'ice box.' The ice box is where we kept today's refrigerator things. The main differences: refrigerator is larger, holds more and keeps 'stuff'' cold because of electricity monitoring inside temperatures. Back-in-the-day, my folk's ice box did not plug into a socket but things were kept cold due to blocks of ice delivered to our home and placed in (what else) the ice box. I remember that window card that all ice box homes placed for outside view: Each side of the four squared card had the amount of ice you wished the ice man to cut at his truck and bring into your house...none / 25lbs / 50lbs / 75 lbs, etc. A hot summer day treat for the neighborhood kids was the ice man using his pick to chip off a piece of ice for us.


The term misunderstanding incident with my grandson caused me to think of some 'other' words that would be foreign to his ears...I did not bore him with the list but I did write a list for my own reflection. Here it goes: (1) running board, (2) coal shoot (3) white bucks   (4) duck-tails (5) curb-finders (6) finder skirts  (7) shyster (8) 'rabbit-ears' (9) stick-shift (10) 'Poodle-skirts' (11) Pea coat (12) 'character-book' (13) car-hop (14) DA (15) pedal pushers.


My thinking on this generational-language-gap spilled into others areas. My grandkids would not know the connection between a television antenna and tin foil nor relate to candy treats named candy necklace, ring pops, baked beans, Big League Chew, lemon heads or jaw breakers.
Next time the little grandkids visit, I believe I'll teach them how to play freeze-tag and Mother May I. Too bad that these days won't permit kids to play outside allowing their parents to tell them, "You can play outside UNTIL the street lights come on...then come inside and get your bath."

Once Upon a Time

I acknowledge that I am an incurable romantic. Folks my age traversed those adolescent and teenage years in the 1940's and 1950's. Our rear view mirror reflects the best of times. America was 'feeling' its stride coming off the democracy-saving World War II victories and then embracing a resurgence of (National) industrial growth. Our parents built suburban neighborhoods, we went to drive in movies,  hung out at sweet-shops where three-plays-for-a-quarter-Juke Boxes blared the songs of 'Fats' Domino, Patti Paige and Chuck Berry as we 'Rocked Around the Clock with Haley and his Comets. We turned away from our parents' jitterbug dancing and did our 'stroll' and accepted Chubby's invitation to  'twist.' We always wrapped up the Homecoming or Prom Dances slow-dancing with our favorite girl to the Four Lads singing 'Moments To Remember'...and do we ever Remember!


Growing up in 'blue-collar' pride rich East St. Louis with its plethora of jobs and great high schools sports teams was likely duplicated in many similar communities across America. Today, however, my youthful companions cannot return to take that nostalgic walk through old haunts in our Mississippi River hometown due to crime-ridden unsafe streets. The past fifty years have finds all East St. Louis high school classes of yesteryear holding class reunions in the nearby towns of Collinsville and Belleville. Our playgrounds, theaters and community parks are forbidden hangouts because of the social climate.


I frequently listen to those 'oldies' radio stations, sing the songs aloud....I may reminisce more than others even to the point that some have suggested that I may 'live-in-the-past.' I obviously refute that notion but make to attempt to defend those little personality  idiosyncrasies. It makes sense that when one cannot re-visit then one readily reminisces because the mind triumphs over man's destruction of memory lane streets.


All who read today should pass along those once upon a time stories...it is the romantics gift to a cynical world.

'No Fool Like An Old Fool,'...

My wife and I are immensely blessed with three adult children, their respective spouses and fifteen grandchildren from those unions. That said, I note over the years that many of our grandkids as well many youngsters are becoming more and more sensitive to disciplinary words, corrective-criticism or even simple advice should my words lack a degree of 'sugar-coating.'


I suppose I am rather slow on the 'up-take' of this new-era 'adult-child' interaction. I should be more sensitive to 'how' I give (deliver) suggestions or advice; perhaps I am too much 'old-school' and not well versed in this new age motivating philosophy. I confess I am a product of growing up more motivated by the 'fear-factor' and straight-forward directives. I recall, as a youngster that my Grandfather, E. V. Bennett would simply point to an old leather razor-strap, which hung above his sink and say, "Boy, if you don't straighten up and behave right, I gonna get that razor strap." Shit-fire-and-save-matches, I never wanted that strap put to my ass...no sir, I feared that old strap!

I even remember that old Methodist preacher-man, back in the day, delivered  'fearful' Hell-fire-damnation-messages and had the props working FOR him... let me explain. Those 1940 and 1950's Church sanctuaries did not have air-condition and your butt was not pampered with soft cushions against those hard pews. Those East St. Louis (Mississippi Valley) summer days were brutal with relentless sweltering heat and unforgiving humidity. Unlike today's sugar-coated Sunday morning sermons in these modern and most  comfortable churches, I recall the old East St. Louis Pastor preaching about 'seeking' forgiveness, becoming saved and living righteous lives or suffering the consequences of the burning hot fires of eternal Hell. Those sermons lasted too long and often, I would look at my hand held fan with its local funeral home advertisements and know in my heart that there was likely a hotter place. It planted 'fear' in a fella's mind making him think long and hard about eternal life and salvation. That 'soul-saving' approach won't play Peoria TODAY!




I guess, I should back-off preaching so much to my grandchildren. I am sure the grandkids and their parents look at me as some old fool who is out-of-touch. If I could, I would blow smoke up their butts and tell them how wonderful they are at all they do but I know that I cannot embrace that approach without feeling disingenuous...thus I should do what Archie told Edith to do; stifle myself!

"Money That's What I Need"...Barrett Strong

The union that represents hotel, airport, casino and textile employees is worried that their respective employers' cost for Obamacare will hurt their efforts to garner significant wage increases during their next contract negotiations. These are the same middle class American workers who marched, demonstrated and voted for Obama to get the affordable health care proposal passed into law. This means that a few years ago this union group was so pissed about the lack of health care insurance coverage paid by their employers they did something about it. Now, they are angry about getting health care coverage because the accomplishment, they believe, will compromise another unmet desire...wages. This is a sad reality for working class Americans; they may get a slight hourly wage bump or maybe some health care coverage but they ain't gettin' both. It simply does not work that way. 'Boss man' is going to grab you by the tender parts and squeeze out their profit margin!!! If more Scott Walkers are elected Governors the 'union-contract negotiation-process' will likely go the way of the Condor.


Do those union workers really believe that corporate America gives a rat's ass about workers financial circumstance, albeit health insurance or wages versus their own profit? If so what's up with the boy who lost his job pumping your gas? What's up with all those freaking self-checkout lanes at Walmart; where did that nice middle-aged cashier lady go? If washing my hands frequently, during the flu season, is such sound medical advise THEN why the hell does my Doctor's office have one of those self-sign-in machines where sick-ass people place their flu-germ-ridden hands on an ID plate? The answer to these questions is simple...subtract a job and realize more profit!!!.



I always wondered: If you "can't have your cake and eat it too;" why the hell bake the cake?


"The best things in life are free but you can give'm to the birds and bees; I need money." Singer, Barrett Strong

Umm Umm Good Gift !

Because I deeply appreciate all who take time to read my blog, I wish to 'reach-out' and offer something in the way of gratitude. Many months, I have contemplated and as grandpa E.V. Bennett would say, 'pondered' expressions of thankfulness. Obviously, my ability to physically contact everyone is impossible, therefore it would seem logical to 'give' you all something via, what else...the blog. After 'digesting' my gift, you will undoubtedly have the desire to thank me; suffice to say, 'you're welcome.


Okay, here goes! Promise that you will ALL eat a 'cold bean' sandwich before April 1, 2014. I know that many folks when offered ham & beans or ham & bean soup could take it or leave it. However, I ask this question: Have you ever eaten a cold-bean sandwich? If no; you don't know what you're missing and the treat that awaits you sometime THIS month.


Preparations: Make some ham and beans for supper one evening. Place the leftovers in the refrigerator for a couple of nights. THEN on about the third night around 10:30 P.M. (while everyone in the house is in bed, quietly go to the family room area. Do not turn on any lights except one low voltage lamp. Engage the CD player with your favorite singer (I suggest Carly Simon for guys and Lionel Richie  for you gals). Go to the fridge and remove the leftover cold beans. Between two pieces of white (unhealthy) bread spread on a thick layer of beans and with a favorite drink in hand head to your 'Sheldon-spot' and do that which comes natural. Remember..
...'cold bean sandwiches are best when eaten alone!!! Just the way the bean slides.


A reminder: There will be an urge to eat a second bean sandwich, which you must avoid doing. The following will help you to remember...'what goes up must come down and what goes IN must come OUT.


My wife is having chicken & dumplings for supper tonight. I must put on my eating game-face and concentrate. I must rid my mind of  collecting eggs from E.V. Bennett's chicken coops...those chickens are nasty-ass creatures

You Gotta Find a Way

Recently, I had a telephone call from a young high school basketball coach. He expressed frustration with people in his 'basketball-family;' players and parents. His source of irritation appears to be trenched in the lack of commitment from both parties. He detailed his exasperation pointing to his players' lack of accountability and parents who seemingly enable their child to shun responsibility. Finally, the young mentor said it is becoming increasingly more difficult to verbally motivate. I understand the coach's annoyances and disappointment. I found it compelling how he could outline the negatives of his players and parents so reticently and I have little reason to doubt his assessments.


I attempted to explain that over a thirty-nine year coaching career, I also noticed a gradual but definite attitude change in high school players and their parents. I was more specific when I said, "Let me give an example: In the mid-sixties, I could grab a player by the arm and escort him to the baseline and with a scolding/harsh voice- tone tell him to get his butt in position and cut off this baseline and if necessary, pick up a charging foul."  The players of that decade questioned nothing. However, twenty years later, 1985, I found myself placing 'charge-stickers' on players locker much like the kindergarten teacher places that smiley-face-sticker on a child's school work. I recall making a supper-table comment to my wife during my second-to-last season coaching: One evening after a basketball practice,  I  said, "I don't recognize these players anymore," meaning players have changed over the years. The next season, I told my wife, "I need to walk away from this coaching, I don't recognize myself any longer," meaning, I have changed as much as I can without compromising incontestable principles.


I did suggest to my telephone-calling-protege' that he should not focus only on the negatives he perceives in others but he must self-examine his communication methods. Bottom line is this: The coach must communicate the message...even if it is necessary to sugar coat more or re-examine that which is negotiable-collateral. Everybody wants something! What do you control that others may desire?

Spinning Wheel; Spinning Around...

Last month, nine hundred ninety-eight folks read my blog; slightly over 15,000 people have read it since posting these blogs. I likely don't know most of these readers. One reader, I do know, recently made the following comment: 'Mel, I understand why you are often sympathetic for educators (an obvious nod to my life-long educator's career) but why are you so adamant in defending  Black people?" He concluded saying, "You DO know that Black people are just as prejudice as White people?" Holy crap, I had no idea that Blacks were capable of prejudice!!


Okay, he deserves my answer so here it is; others are welcome to read-along.  Hell yes, I know that many Blacks are equally prejudice as are many Whites. In fact, I am a student of Gordon W. Allport's writings, which explains in documented details how every corner of the earth has prejudicial expressions spewing from every kind of person. Prejudices towards people of color, ethnic origins, religious doctrines, political persuasions,...and the list goes on and on. These beliefs are anchored in deep-seeded-learned negative attitudes. It comes NOT from family DNA but from family table-talk and expressions.


Hang in there readers, I am about to conclude this lesson. The reason Blacks perhaps need more compassion on this issue is found in arithmetic...majority rules and minority often must yield to the authoritative majority. Wrap your brain around these dots: "Power corrupts absolute power corrupts absolutely."...Lord Acton   "It is not power that corrupts but the fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it."...Aung San Suu


Perhaps my great-great-grandchild (yet to be born) will one day live in a society, which finds Blacks in the majority, holding-the-power and that descendant of mine will be writing a defensive blog in behalf of  the minority White folks who are being crapped on by those prejudice---Black people.


In the meantime: John 13: 34-35 will help us all, today...and the next day...and...

Love THAT Money; Love MY Gun

It's that time again, politicians are gearing up for the campaign-runs with a plethora of yard signs, radio ads and television pleas. Someone once said, 'After being elected to office, a politician will attend a legislative session, vote himself a pay raise and then begin holding re-election fund-raisers.' Bring on those ads!


I 'hear' a common refrain by GOP folks running for office:...'I will work to repeal and replace Obamacare.'  However, I have never heard a GOP consensus-plan offered as a replacement plan. This brings me to my next thought. Perhaps I am missing something but the GOP Conservative position most often agreed upon by the 'NO' party is predicated on a simple theory: Don't spend money! Therefore, do not give wage increases, do not fund public schools nor offer any government assistance programs, except for those 'farm subsidies.


Wisconsin (GOP) Governor, Scott Walker was successful dismantling that State's labor unions. Of course, studies suggest that the minimum wage is problematic for lower-middle class families. Historically, this nation's poor have watched sick family members unable to access life-saving health care and die, which raises the moral question. Enter Obamacare...it is that law, which the GOP candidates insist on repealing and replacing???


Just last week the Kansas supreme court ruled that State's educational funding practices is 'unconstitutional.' This ruling has the Kansas GOP Governor and his colleagues upset. Exactly! Many from the Republican political party wish to see our public schools become the underfunded learning centers for 'brown-face' people while lobbying for tax break-vouchers to send 'white' kids to private schools.
Let me get my head around this...cut welfare programs, cut school funding, reduce effectiveness of unions and repeal health benefits for the poor but DON'T cut our military budget. Oh, don't forget G. W. Bush's desire to do away with Social Security and have folks financially secure their retirement years with 401K's. Oh boy, that has proven sound!!!


I will say this...the Republican love affair with the NRA and the subsequent 'conceal and carry laws' being passed has me personally behaving better.  I elaborate:> Recently, I spent some time in Florida where I kept all my 'liberal' opinions to myself and out of any public-square-debate scenarios. I suspect everyone in Florida is carrying a gun and they can't wait to shoot your ass and then claim 'Stand Your Ground' as a defense.


Whoops, as I was preparing to post this blog, I heard a television commercial from that Bruce Rauner who is running for the GOP spot in the Illinois governor's race. Rauner said, if elected, he wants to put parents in charge of our (schools) education system...surely this silly, shallow pandering politician shits us!! His notion suggests that the biological drive to engage in coitus and propagate qualifies the participants to make educational decisions. Actually, the thought THAT occurs to me is birth control methods should be incorporated in the school curriculum!!!

Find Me a Good Boss

Gloria J. Davis will retire next week from her Superintendent's post at Decatur Public Schools, a position she has held since 2006.
I enjoyed my experience working for the Decatur Schools as a sport education consultant under Ms. Davis' leadership. I liked the fact that she gave a charge, and supported without micro-management; I welcomed her 'hold-your-feet-to-the-fire' leadership style. That said, many folks did not like Davis' shake-up approach. My thoughts on that in a moment but first this: Superintendent Davis made some significant educational program changes to the Decatur Public Schools' landscape during her tenure and brought about a much needed  'school-uniform' policy and was most instrumental in successfully 'passing' a county sales tax, which benefits many county schools and specifically brings about two re-constructed Decatur high schools. (Eisenhower & MacArthur).


Now, if I may, my perception of some folk's irritation with Superintendent Davis. Status quo stokes comfort and comfort, although a stagnation risk is most peoples' zone of choice.  I hope Ms. Davis did not take personally much of the negative rebellious clatter because it is the nature of our work force creatures.


Answer this question and one may gain insight into that which drives today's 'Don't Hold Me Accountable Attitude! If you blow smoke in a child's butt all his adolescent years, spend endless hours heaping on bogus praise encouraging 'feelings' over responsibility and slap a smiley-face super-star sticker on every freaking thing the little turd-blossom touches...then why the hell would you think he's going to grown up ready to take kindly to workplace accountability or criticism???


There are two kinds of leaders. Incidental leaders and intentional leaders. The incidental leader can and often times emerges in a crisis situation and with a spontaneous 'take charge' approach assumes that leadership role...he is often 'the hero.' The case of the intentional leader is more defined in clinical terms. A 'guidance' role (leaderships position) has been defined and a person is appointed to fulfill expectations. Everybody else then stands in the wings and second guesses the leader or bitches should the leader point out where others could DO BETTER. Come now people; America's 21st Century thinking is simple: a good boss is a boss with low expectations, which enables employees to achieve 'success' easier...and make sure we have 'casual-dress' Fridays my 'Dear Watson!'


Good luck and God speed Ms. Davis.

Some Take Them Serious

Yesterday afternoon, I was checking out a television weather report for this coming weekend when a commercial interrupted. Suddenly, I am taken back by three 'white' guys who are dressed in work-style clothing and wearing John Deere ball caps...I got it...these guys (in the commercial) are supposed to be 'farmers!' The product they were 'pitching' was either a 'seed' or herbicide; not sure. I am sure that all three farm-gents 'fist-bumped' each other on three occasions during the commercial as to underscore their collective endorsement of the product. These were three All-American 'looking' 'white guys. I emphasize the "WHITE" because Fox News is always good at subliminally 'suggesting' the 'BLACK,' as in the White House GUY.


Let me jog your recollection. Do you remember when President Obama and wife, Michelle did a public 'fist-bump' at a 2008, campaign rally-night? Sure you do because Fox News used the incident as a lead for a news story for a few ensuing days: The fair and balanced reporters-pundits kept asking the question: "Is the Obamas' fist bump harmless or is it a secret terrorist-jab?" I watched Fox News off and on last night and damned if there was any mention about these freaking-farmer-boy-terrorists!


I know some-of-you-all don't cotton much to this kind of shit pointed out but I do enjoy the moment! ...And while I am at it, watch for the boys like Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham pointing out the wrong steps by President Obama during this Russia-Ukraine crisis. Of course, I don't often refer to those two as Senator (s); I like to think of them as the 'Weapons-of-Mass-Destruction-Seekers.'


Springs just around the corner. I'll have the backyard swing up in a couple of weeks; stop by for a 'swing-chat.'

It's was a Survival Technique

In the midst of a thirty-seven year varsity basketball coaching career, an assistant coach once said to me, "Coach, a lot of people think you are aloof and pompous." I responded, " If those folks said that to my face, I would simply ask, what's your point?" That comment perhaps seals the belief but please pause to look beneath the surface.  I never recall turning a parent or reporter away from making an inquiry that I always offered to answer. That said, I was guarded knowing most often with parents the answer given will not satisfy. The reporter asking the questions 'already' has a 'story-slant.'  I was cognizant of the story's direction and did my best, with comments/quotes, to sway the article towards a more positive slant.


I did my best to keep family and school personnel in my immediate  tight circle of friendships. I was aware that I was coach to everyone in a given community. Since I could not interact with everyone socially, I did not wish to alienate one soci-economic segment by appearing to attach to another segment. That posturing will come off as aloof and perhaps pompous...what's the alternative choice in a predominately self-centered and often mean-spirited society?


Near the end of my coaching career (Jacksonville, Illinois), I had retired from the daily grind of 'teaching' but remained as 'coach.' With  morning hours' spare time, I accepted an offer to have a morning DJ radio show on WLDS. My format was '50's & '60's music along with a daily shtick allowing listeners to call in with opinions. I often engaged in 'lighthearted' bantering with callers.The owner of the radio station told me that people listening could not believe that 'this' radio personality was the same Roustio the basketball coach; 'They are seeing a different side of you, " he said. I was in a studio behind controls that I held. Topics, comments and personal expressions came from the 'real' Mel Roustio...always the incurable 1950's romantic; a side well guarded and hidden.  An intentional survival-mode departmentalization.


This past weekend was a GOOD ONE. I got lucky each day. I went to Walmart on Saturday and Target on Sunday; both days when leaving the stores, I found my car immediately!

The 'NO' That Needs No Explanation

I am sure that many blog readers find me a tad bit critical of the Baby Boomer generation's parenting. I shall not deny that position. It would appear many Boomer parents are incapable of saying 'No' to their children and the result is devastating. Hear my reasoning-concern.


One mid-nineties spring, I was a presenting-speaker at the annual Midwest basketball coaches clinic held at a St. Louis Hotel. Between sessions, on this Saturday afternoon, I noticed many high school age youngsters 'checking-in' to the hotel. The high school kids were with dates prepared to spend the night at the hotel after their school's prom dance. Parent's had signed permission slips assuming responsibilities for any problems or hotel damages. As one young man explained to me, "Our parents know we are going to drink and party on Prom night and they don't want us out driving autos." Therefore, mom and pop gave the okay to 'drink and shack-up' at the hotel. Later, I asked my wife if our parents would have 'signed-off'' on such a night back in 1957?...she laughed but never bothered to answer.


Most of today's high school students will leave home and attend college and many parents will assume thousands of dollars debt over many years. I was fortunate to receive athletic financial assistance and thus my parents did not take-on debt for my education. None-the-less, my Father expected me to work every summer between college years.


In the next four weeks, one and a half million college and some high school age students will rush to Florida beaches and other warm weather areas to embrace what has become a mythical rite of passage...'spring break.' This generation of self-absorbed, self-centered children are, in most circumstances, being raised by pathetically enabling parents who will foot a 'spring break'  (collective) expenditure of over one billion dollars.
 The average male (breaker) will consume 18-drinks each day while females hammer-down 10 alcoholic drinks daily; fifty percent of these kids will stop drinking each day when they begin to puke or pass-out...that is a statistical fact. Many young spring-breakers will return to their home college campuses with souvenirs...various STD's. Most of these diseases will be treatable many will NOT be curable and some will cause lifetime emotional scares.


I never had a problem saying 'No' to my three kids; I admit that I used my Father's parenting philosophy...'I love you kids but I am not interested in winning your friendship.'


Matthew 5:37..."Let your yes be yes and your no be no...whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one."
A final thought: Every year, at least one young person falls to his death from a balcony during spring break. I will be praying for God's comforting grace upon the family who will receive that tragic news and I will wonder how painful the re-visit to that earlier conversation when "NO' was not invoked.