Some Ponderin Best Abondoned

Yesterday, I mowed my lawn for the first time this spring. Not many years ago, I would cut the front, sides and backyard in about fifty-minutes; these days I mower-meander and sit a spell between the front and back cuts. Now the grass-cutting job takes me an hour and a half. Actually, the sitting spell midway is good 'ponderin'-time.' I put the backyard swing seat and cushions in place and while swinging, I pondered about the following:


1...Whatever happened to those 'slide-rules' the smart kids used in high school?
2...I recalled the days when ONLY girls wore earrings.
3...Why did I never get sick from eating mayo-laced egg-salad sandwiches that sat in my high school locker from 7:30 AM to 12:00 noon.
4...Is my desire to wear white leather tennis shoes (today) some sick attachment to those teeny-bop 'white buck' shoe days gone by?
5...Why don't we call heterosexuals 'gay;' after all can they not also be happy, light-hearted and fancy free??
6...Why does the company that sells me a $60.00 product to give my computer anti-virus and security protection offer me a warranty plan for an additional $5.00; oops, never mind,  I think I know THAT question.


Finally, I came upon a thought that caused me to get up and start cutting grass again; If a man speaks in a forest and no woman hears...is he still WRONG?

We Are Filled With Self

A few days ago, I was speaking with a gentleman who was sharing with me his concerns about his church-people needing to come-together and agree on hiring a new minister. Readers, I am seventy-five years old and my early 'church' memories go back seventy years when my family was always dragging me into the Methodist Church for worship, prayer meetings, revivals, Sunday School Vacation Bible School, church potlucks and or ice cream socials. The Roustios were always in and around the Church House. My maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett was the driving religious force in our family.


I suppose I have heard every type of preacher man who ever embraced the spreading of the Gospel. I have listened to the hell-fire-damnation sermons, the feel good messages and the membership drive and tithing charges over and over. I have observed my Methodist folks and every other Church doctrine practitioners fuss and fight over their 'own' worship ways and perceptions of 'how religion should be.'  Suffice to say, the world has likely experienced more fighting over religion than any other particular issue. That condescending religious unrest is often found in local sanctuaries  as members fight over their own desires to impose their Biblical interpretations and how the pastor presents and serves. Some of these back-biting church folks 'think' they are serving Jesus Christ when in fact they are all foolish to believe that Jesus Christ needs any thing we could supply; He is omnipotent. Christ simply asked of us three request: (1) Confess me as your Savior (2) love one another as I have loved you and (3) do for the least of my people.  
Church folks are much like high school basketball fans; they are passerby experts without significant investment.


Can I get an AMEN?

Sadly, Part of Our Nation's DNA

Cliven Bundy is a Nevada cattle rancher. He has grazed his stock on Federal land for several years and never paid any fees. Mr. Bundy believes that he should not be charged. Mr. Bundy also believes that the Federal Government does NOT have legitimacy. Mr. Bundy said he does NOT recognize the Federal Government.


The Federal Government sent agents to confront Mr. Bundy and many Bundy-sympathizers showed up with 'arms' in support of Bundy's perceived rights. This standoff motivated the ever-ready anti-Obama crowd to join Bundy's support troops; first came Fox News with the likes of Sean Hannity and then two "Tea Party' Republican Presidential hopefuls, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul who added their verbal support of the Bundy-anti-government stand.


Mr. Bundy seems to relish the spotlight, therefore he began 'holding' his own news conferences. In a recent microphone-in-hand-moment, Cliven Bundy made some deep-seeded prejudice point suggesting that Black people would be better off 'back in slavery and doing what they do best....picking cotton.  Suddenly, Hannity announces his Bundy disclaimer while Tea Party Republicans Rand Paul and Ted Cruz were last seen running from the Nevada Rancher. REALLY?




It appears to me that many comments coming from Tea Party folks and many positions staked by this ultra-conservative group suggests a belief that the Obama Presidency somehow dismantled the 'White' monopoly and subsequently their majority privileges.


This past week an alleged racist laced tape recording from L A Clippers' NBA owner, Donald Sterling has everyone in a dither. Please,  Sterling has a suggested history of problematic anti-racial posturing. Many years ago the housing mogul settled a race-discriminatory lawsuit and before that Sterling was sued for allegedly saying, he would prefer having a Southern white-guy coaching black NBA basketball players.


I ask the question: Are some so stupid or naive  to be surprised by these two occurrences???

How Time and People Slip Away

I have the responsibility of addressing and mailing out Roustio Family Reunion fliers to some ninety families with relationship ties to the first generation Roustios who settled in French Village, East St. Louis and other communities within the Metro-East (St. Louis) Area. The first Roustio Reunion was held in 1949; I was ten years old...that's right this is the 65th Annual Family Gathering.


As I addressed envelopes last week, I seem to recognize fewer families and the 'connection.' This feeling has come full-circle. As a young boy, I was often confused trying to figure out who all those old grey-headed folks were at the reunion. Now, I have a dickens of a time figuring out to which branch current attendees belong.  I suppose we all relate to 'cousins' but someone's great uncle or third cousin removed is a brain strain. Therefore, I will get these fliers mailed out next week announcing the 65th Annual Roustio Reunion slated for Sunday, June 29, 2014.


I have decided to make a sincere effort to visit with all who show up and connect some dots. I also intend to identify one person, relative or non-relative who was significant in my past and then either write a note or telephone that individual. I just believe it would be a good, decent and worthy act.

Let's Go !

I count my blessings daily! At the moment, my seventy-five year old body parts seem to be working and I still have car keys. My wife and I are blessed with three adult children, 15 grandchildren and soon to be a second great-grandchild. Those blessings even have icing-on-top; the activities of the grandkids cause two happy and proud grandparents to jump in the auto and go to the next activity.


Over the years, I logged many hours at dance recitals, plays, football games, basketball games, soccer matches, baseball games, volleyball matches, gymnastics and cheerleaders being tossed high into the air. Personally, I have never re-lived (vicariously) through children and grandchildren sport play. That said, anybody who ever engaged in an activity as a child (young adult) will relate for a lifetime what that activity means to the youth who embrace it in the moment. I know that connective-feeling of a basketball leaving the finger-tips and the follow-up snap-swish of the goal net; I know the feeling of the baseball meeting the bat on-the-sweet spot and I relate to the downward action of a pitched curve ball.



This week's Nana & Boompa schedule had us at the University of Illinois Tuesday night watching our grandson's Eastern Illinois University baseball team then traveling to Granite City yesterday for another grandson's baseball game before spending this weekend attending EIU baseball games in Charleston. Next week, I will load up the auto for a five day stay in Barrington and take in yet another grandson's baseball games at Barrington high school.
I have many feelings, opinions and attitudes about those games I played. I do my best to keep my thoughts to myself; I help insure that approach by 'sitting AWAY from parents and other family members. Once in a while, I do remind some that sport DOES NOT define self-worth...it just affords the opportunity to find out a helluva lot about your 'WILL.'


PS. I do give sport skill-technique-advise to my grandsons but I sometimes wonder if they pay much attention to this old man...I think I can help but then I may be suspended in my own time-warp.

Have It Your Way; I Did

A neighborhood seventeen year-old lad was helping me with yard work recently and shared the following: He told me that his upcoming high school Junior-Senior Prom was costing him a lot. He elaborated beginning with his tux rental cost at $179.00. He seemed blown away by the wrist corsage cost of $45.00. I didn't ask any questions about additional costs because he was using hedge trimmers at the particular time. I did recall my high school senior year remembering that gasoline sold for .24 cents per gallon and I believe you could buy a nice men's sport coat for about $19.00.


I think that two Prom factors have changed drastically over the years: (1) price/cost factors and (2) behavior expectations.


My high school prom of some 57 years ago would be chump-change compared to today's Prom expenses. I recall formal attire with boy's dressed in tuxes and young girls in formals. The corsages and boutonnieres were necessary accessories and the pre-dance meal attended in groups seems to have survived the many years. I don't recall any big deal with post-prom parties. Perhaps I was in the jock-nerd crowd and was not into that party-scene, if indeed it existed. I do remember my parents expected me home at a most reasonable hour...perhaps before 1:00 AM.


As a parent, I felt the strains of change as I had to 'hold-the-line' with my teenage children who were constantly explaining to me how out-of-touch I was raising kids. I was told over and over 'what other kids' were allowed to do on such special occasions, i.e., Prom / Homecoming / Graduation. I always championed myself on winning these parent-child standoffs; I refused to be 'educated' by people living under a roof they were not supporting. I offer the following as my personal success story, which was supported every way by my wife: our three adult children who turned out just fine.


I think many parents today assume a more matter-of-fact (these kids are going to do it) attitude. In some instances the parents arrange post Prom Parties with alcohol and supervised controls just as they make sure their teen children have necessary birth control usage.
I suppose the issue of change offers fodder for debating the question: Is the 1950's Puritanical-Parenting approach unrealistic and phony denial or is the 2014, parental approach simply an enabling-throw-in-the-towel.


I'm glad my 2014 problem is too much ivy growing over my sidewalks...at least I will not need to get on hands and knees to trim it; my neighborhood boy needs Prom Money!


Don't we just love 'spell check' on our computers...I would never have included the word 'boutonnieres' in a blog without 'spell check.'

That Was A Bit Ago

Recently, my wife and I received an invitation to a 50th high school class reunion. No, the reunion is not my high school nor my wife's school; nope, it is the 50th class reunion of the Assumption 'Comets,' my very first teaching/coaching assignment (school) from 1962-63-64.
 Upon graduation from Illinois State University (1961), I did not enter the teaching profession but instead, I joined my father's St. Louis based company, American Industrial Linings. It was a decision driven by a heartfelt-alliance but wrong-headed thinking. I was not prepared for a sales position in corrosion protection fabrication. After one year going through the motions, I made the right decision and entered the enterprise for which I had attended college; teaching/coaching.. I was eager to find something as soon as possible and jumped at the Assumption high school/junior high school job. That vacancy consisted of a junior high teaching assignment in geography, history and physical education while serving as high school head baseball coach and assistant football and basketball coach.



The two years Gerry and I spent with toddler son, Steve in Assumption, Illinois remains one of the greatest experiences of our nearly 54-years of marriage. Since moving to Decatur (23 miles North of Assumption) eighteen years ago, we reconnected with old Assumption friends from a half-century past. Unfortunately, we have said final goodbyes to several of those dear friends.


Our interaction in Assumption went beyond the teaching/friendship experiences. During the two summers (1963 and 1964), I conducted a youth morning baseball instructional camp and evening baseball league while Gerry conducted an afternoon youth-craft program. Our work and school involvement put us in contact with many of the 1300 Assumption residence. That said, Gerry and I look forward to May 24th this year when the Assumption high school class of 1964, will recall 'The Way They Were.'



Holy crap, those kids are now old farts, too!

Gotta Do What You Gotta Do

I met both Bruce Pearl and Cuonzo Martin in the late 1980's. Pearl was an assistant basketball coach at the University of Iowa who spent time at Jacksonville high school attempting to convince Andy Kaufmann to attend THAT University and play basketball for the 'Hawkeyes.' Martin was a senior basketball player at East St. Louis Lincoln High and his 'Tigers' came to Jacksonville to play my 'Crimsons.' Kaufmann's Jacksonville high team defeated Lincoln that evening but Martin's team would later capture the IHSA State Title.


Bruce Pearl impressed me as a very easy and out-going friendly personality. Upon meeting him, I thought he could be successful in coaching or sales; I would buy an auto or encyclopedias from him in a heart beat. Cuonzo impressed as an intense basketball player on the court and a gentleman off the court. Kaufmann 'passed' on Iowa for the Illini; he would have been equally successful at either campus. Cuonzo would play at Purdue and later coach there as an assistant.  In time Martin would become a head basketball coach at Missouri State (Springfield, Mo.).
Pearl became the head basketball coach of the Tennessee Vols and appeared to be in the midst of a very successful coaching-'run' when he violated NCAA rules and lost his job. Martin followed Pearl into Tennessee but his contrasting methodical style of offensive and defensive basketball compared to the up-tempo Pearl-style did not sit well with the Tennessee fans. Some 36 thousand fans signed a petition to fire Martin and 'bring back Pearl' once Pearl's banishment was revoked.


Pearl, in the meantime took care of Pearl and signed to coach Auburn; Martin finished this past season (his third at Tennessee) in successful fashion leading Tennessee to 24 wins and a Sweet 16 NCAA berth. After the season, Coach Martin told Tennessee he would be going WEST to coach California...a tongue-in-cheek 'take this job and shove it message!' Hooray for Coach Martin!


Sometimes a job can be the right job at the wrong time!  Been there DONE THAT!

Where Are The Keys?

I heard a television sports' analysts offer the 'keys' for each teams' success before a Final Four basketball game. I once was told by a dietitian what the 'keys' were to maintain proper nutrition and weight. Many years ago, I had an investment fella explain the 'keys' to retirement security. It would appear that successful, healthy and happy living is ours if we only USE the KEYS!


My children and grandchildren have all been told where our extra house key is 'hanging.' Likewise, they know where the bank safety deposit-box key is hanging. These are informational items to enable them to access should they need.




My wife and I also gave our children and grandchildren the following information:: 'The 'key' to Heaven is hanging on the cross.'


May you embrace this 'Holy Week and unlock its promise.

Oh, Well it Gets Me Out of the House

I cannot decide if the Walmart shopping experience is a positive heart-stimulating exercise for this seventy-five year old 'ticker' or if the drill is a taxing-stress-filled detriment to my aging nervous system. Let me share my mental anguish.
Entering Walmart's parking lot, I must be keenly alert to other entering drivers who believe they increase personal worthiness by securing the parking spot nearest the main entrance; these folks are on a mission from hell. Laying claim to a shopping cart would test the patience of the late Saint, Mother Teresa. The carts are tightly soldiered into one another and invariably the first cart I attempt to dislodge will be hooked to the second cart by the child-safety belt, which is never used by any mother who places her child in the cart seated in their own carry-seat. After much haggling and a pinched finger or two, I am successful in separating. As I pull my cart out I look over my shoulder to notice an elderly women with a walking cane displaying a longing gander at my available cart; I give her the cart and turn to the long row of tightly stacked carts and begin my struggles again. Finally, I have a cart and enter the store. As I head towards the produce aisle, I notice the cart is 'pulling' a hard- right towards the Men's Underwear section. The right front wheel of the cart appears to be having a seizure as it wobbles uncontrollably making a loud squeaking noise, which causes all other shoppers to turn and gawk at the old fart.


Upon securing my vittles, I search five minutes for lawn bags, which Walmart moves frequently to different corners of the store for the purpose of causing you to 'notice' something else on 'sale.' With my 18-items in cart, I head to the express checkout lane, refusing the 'self-check' passage. In the 20-items or less line, I find myself behind a rather robust lady with a cart filled and over-flowing. I do my best to suppress my anger as I suspect her blatant disregard to her rule-breaking lane choice; telling myself that she is unaware of her misstep.


In the parking lot, I spend an additional 3-to-4 minutes trying to remember the lane number (today) where I parked my auto. During my drive back home, I recall my teen years when I worked for my Aunt Irene as a grocery store deliver boy. Neighborhood customers telephoned the store and my Aunt would take their order then hand me the order ticket. I would traverse the aisles of the corner store and fill the box, which I would later deliver to that customer's home. Why is it that I seem to always be on the wrong side of the game?

Talk to Me

There is little doubt that my grandkids know so much more than I do when it comes to operating all these Internet and social media gadgets. I am always asking them 'how to do this or that.' However, I dare say, they are completely wrong when they embrace the notion that their generation is more connected with others than was my contemporaries.


Here is my contention: It is true that in seconds, this younger crowd can tweet, text or facebook interact globally. The question is: 'Are they more connected?'
In the 1940's and early 50's, we had a telephone 'party-line,' which meant that when you picked up the receiver you might hear two other people having a conversation; the telephone line had two (2) households sharing. perhaps your first thought is that we sacrificed privacy; you would be correct but I dare say, we were 'connected' because we not only knew what was going on in our life but we could eavesdrop and hear who was having an affair, who had gall bladder surgery and which local grocery store carried the best meats; we were connected.' Of an evening, we all sat on the front porch and visited with neighbors walking by or a competitive game of backyard Crockett was the evenings choice; both activities kept us 'connected.'


Of course the week had certain staples as part of the routine and each event kept us very connected. There was Sunday morning worship service with an evening follow up. Mid-week found us back at the Lord's house with Wednesday night prayer meeting. Friday evening families loaded up the vehicle and headed to the local drive in theater. It was a gathering yard with elevated mounds that position the auto for movie viewing. Before the dusk took over and the feature began, parents 'connected' at the swing-sliding board play area at the grassy knoll area in front of the over sized screen. Saturday's were set aside for house maintenance, perhaps a late afternoon picnic or that 'Church Ice Cream Social...we were connected  !


Today, I observe many people side-by-side in restaurants, shopping centers, movie houses, sporting events and my own living room; each often show disinterest in other nearby as they prefer to connect with their handheld phone.

Some Ideas are Simply Stupid

It was back in 2008, an idea for a mega task force was proposed by some government agency. (I have not heard much about this task force the past six-years). As I recall, officials were worried about a flu pandemic or a catastrophic event causing chaotic situations as responders would attempt to administered to sick and or injured. It was concluded that it would be impossible to 'save' everybody...thus a need for a task force, which would determine guidelines for whom to 'save' and whom to let die.
This 'god-like' committee provided the following 'eenie-meenie-minie-mo' out-of-luck list:
  *  People older than 85...(I suppose I best 'carry my birth certificate in case).
  *  Those with severe head trauma from shootings and auto wrecks. (Chalk up a win for the anti-stem cell research folks)
  *  Severe burn patients over 60. (Message here: I should stop charcoal grilling NOW!)
  *  Those with dementia or Alzheimer's (This without doubt flies in the face of a Christian Nation)
  *  Those with severe heart, lung or diabetic disease. (Reminds me that I must stop by Walgreen and pick up fish oil and baby aspirin).
What a PLAN; what a Country ! I support out troops; they suffer head trauma serving our nation and come a flu pandemic, they are shit-out-a-luck.


  I cannot fathom listening to this committee's conversations !!! Don't you know that many of these committee members would be right-wing conservatives who pontificate the Judea-Christian principles upon which America was founded. I find it absolutely amazing how these folks pick and choose when to hold Christ's hand.


Had I been asked to serve on this task force, I would offer a much different list. In the event of a pandemic or catastrophic event causing a select few to get treatment or saved, I suggest we pass on television sports' analysts & political pundits, sex offenders and third term politicians.

More About Green Than Black

"Sure this country has a black President, but when you look at a black President, President Obama is left with his foot stuck in the mud from all the Republicans with the way he's treated."...Hank Aaron (Hall-of-Fame Baseball Great) Aaron continued saying, "The bigger difference is that back then (when Aaron chased the home run record) they had hoods (KKK). Now they have neckties and starched shirts." Sounds as if,  Aaron can still be called, "Hammerin' Hank !"


There are a couple of things laced into this equation referenced by the great home run king. There are many racists who find no trouble cheering the Black football running back as he dodges tackles seeking the end zone. However, it simply becomes too much of a jump to cheer a black man in the Oval Office of the White House. This would require those prejudice minds to concede that the black-fella is a smart fella.


Mr. Aaron is correct with his assessment of Republicans saying NO, NO, NO to this President. Aaron thinks that Republicans wish this black President to fail; he is Right On! However, we should be careful overgeneralizing. The prejudice-attitude is fickle, it will 'hitch' a ride with any body going the preferred bigotry-racism direction. Don't forget that Abe Lincoln was a Republican but he was a Republican on the wrong side of the race issue for the Southerners. Those Bubbas never got over the fact that they had to have their kids get off their 'white' ass and pick cotton.


This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Bill signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. We must keep in mind that 'civil rights' transcends 'race'. Let's not forget the rights of women, workers (unions) and gays; 'CIVIL' speaks to the rights of American citizens.


We may only speculate that the Republican Party might cooperate with a 'white' President more than Obama, who is a 50-50 mixed- race guy. Aside from that guess, I am sure the Tea-Party-Republican Party resistance against gays, unions, minimum wage, education funding, immigration reform, affordable health care, environmental protection, food stamp programs, etc, would not waver. They do vote YES on occasion; they vote "YES" on any attempt to disenfranchise poor and 'black' voters. That said, we should be careful NOT to attribute ALL the  Conservative resistance as a RACE MATTER. As much as those Tea Party folks may see the color black negatively, most of their logic is predicated & driven on and by the color GREEN.

Always Two Sides, Rushie !

On occasion, I turn the radio dial to hear the most current Limbaugh-Rant. Today, El Rushbo was at his best spewing disingenuous conservative logic. Okay, don't take my word, as if you would; I'll present his argument and you decide. Of course, Rush's bottom-line mission remains the bashing of Obamacare. Yesterday, Limbaugh stated that the liberals are bemoaning that medical physicians are making 'too much' money and they should not be profiting from the sick to that extent. On a personal note, I believe television weather forecasters make too much money considering their batting averages.


I suppose now you have accepted Rush's premise or rejected it. I just have one question for the Cape Crusading-Cape Girardeau, (Missouri) college drop out: Should teachers' make so little money educating the future physicians of our Nation?


I'm getting forgetful...I POSTED two blogs yesterday...did I confuse you?

Legends In Our Own Minds

A fanatic is a person filled with single-minded zeal; his passion for a cause is oft-times played out in unreasonable enthusiasm and destructive behavior. Soccer fans from around the world are the best example of over-the-top fanaticism; thank God, soccer is NOT YET America's National (Sport) Pastime!!
The American sport fan is busy enough, in this 21st century, physically attacking and beating-up opponent fans in stadium parking lots who dare wear the 'other' team's apparel. We have our hands full turning over automobiles and setting fires to property after our baseball team wins the World Series. And good deal when our college kids have their basketball team win the NCAA basketball tournament; they have good reason to get 'wasted' and engage in Sodom and Gomorrah  vice like activities...after all, they are entitled!
We Americans are much like most other nations...we believe our own propaganda...we are the best...we are number ONE. By the time we reach young-adulthood, we are blinded by the smoke pouring out our own ass. We believe that God is on OUR side; expect during the Winter Olympics.

Indeed...A Best Friend

I appreciate the opinion of those who don't like dogs; I just don't understand it.  I acknowledge the possibility that some people may have allergies to animals but that aside, I 'scratch' (no pun intended) my head wondering why it is that many people simply don't like dogs. Okay, I imagine some could fear the larger-menacing dog or perhaps suffered a youth-biting experience, which causes reluctance embracing any pooch.


Personally, I had a family dog most of my youth and only a few brief periods in our 54-married years have my wife I not had a pup.    I readily recall my adolescent years when parental-discipline or peer relationship issues would cause one of those pout sit-on-the--front-steps moments and talk aloud to self as a little boy attempted to sort-things-out...always nearby was 'my' best friend, my dog. He would cock his head from side-to-side as I went on and on with my gibber-jabber. He seemed to sense my companionship need and patiently waited for my next move or beckoning.
 I have read many studies about the health benefits coming with a dog. I never needed a medical study or a  physician to convince me of those dog-ownership health advantages; some things you just get a 'feeling' and know without doubt: THIS IS RIGHT; THIS IS GOOD.
Today our four bedroom home is occupied by two seniors in their seventh decade and a seven pound toy poodle named, 'Yodie.' Without a doubt, we are a 'pack.' Yodie usually goes with us anytime we get in the auto. On those occasions when left behind, he comes 'unglued' with tale-wagging, uncontrollable hind-end wiggling upon our return home. Within minutes, Yodie is at my feet with his rubber duck enticing me to get down on the floor and wrestle for control of the squeak-toy. There are those times sitting in my easy chair with lap top positioned when I feel a distinct scratching of a small paw against my leg. As I move the portable computer to side, the pup quickly seizes the opening to jump up and stake out a piece of the chair next to his buddy.
I suppose the greatest joy this little dog brings occurs with the start of each day. You see, Yodie sleeps on our bed near the foot. Every morning I wake up with this 'God Wink' rubbing his head against mine and find him wagging tale and wiggling body with the excitement of overwhelming joy. He appears to be surprised and overjoyed that we have another day to share and at that moment, my wife's fibromyalgia eases while my arthritis from three back surgeries disappears...perhaps those medical studies about 'Fido' are right on!
It is said, "If you wake up to a good start, your days holds potential for joy and miracles." I have a seven-pound fluffy friend that is a day-breaking joy-producing enabler.

Proud To Be An East St. Louis-American!

A few years ago, my wife and I were vacationing in Florida and met up with East St. Louis high school classmates from 1956-57. While lunching with our friends, a conversation with a couple at a nearby table ensued and when asked where we were 'from,' I quickly said, "East St. Louis, Illinois. Later, my friends told me that they NEVER tell strangers that they are from East St. Louis. This is not the only time I have experienced the denouncing of my hometown by others who shared that time. I am not ashamed of East St. Louis but rather feel a sadness for my dear friends who suffer from a sic smugness and would throw the history of their parents and good East St. Louis neighbors under the proverbial bus; not to mention the personal insult to me.
The East St. Louis in which I grew up was a wonderful city and its people displayed an unprecedented toughness, determination, will and working pride. We left front doors un-locked and played under-the-street-light games such as kick the can and hide-and-seek. I remember second generation immigrants who 'melted' in the work place and cared for family. These were people who would never think of sending an elderly family member to a nursing home or 'assisted-living' homes; our aging relatives 'came-to-live-with-us...it was part of life's journey expectations.
Teens worked part-time jobs at corner grocery stores, drug store fountains, 'filling' (gas) stations and news stand/delivery paper boys. Those teens gathered around juke boxes to 'fast-dance', acted silly and played kissing games at the drive-in theater. We cruised (harmlessly) about our city's streets showing off our 'whitewall' tires and fender skirts as we loudly played one of Chuck Berry's latest hit songs.
We were not oblivious to the organized crime about our city. We drove past those known gambling joints, cigar/bookie/numbers establishments and the infamous Third Street prostitute houses. It would be many years later that we would come to understand the sad reality of the weak economic anchors of East St. Louis.  East Coast business investments in our neighbors to the immediate West across that muddy Mississippi River deemed East St. Louis to be that dirty town that provided the great railway terminals, stockyards and entertainment vices for the more affluent folks from other nearby pristine communities.
The streets of my hometown are no longer safe to take those 'memory-lane' walks...thus in my mid-night hours I do my memory-lane  'walking' and in every waking occasion, I tell folks, "I'm from East St. Louis, Illinois."

Right or Wrong, I'll MAKE The Call

President Harry S. Truman had a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that read, "The Buck Stops Here." He even suggested a coaching scenario to explain what it meant. I paraphrase: 'It is easy for the Monday morning quarterback to say what he thinks the coach should have done the previous game but it is the coach in the heat of the game who must make his decision without benefit of hindsight.'


Keep this preface in mind as I share the following. Recently, I was made aware of two public school stories.


First, a fourth grade (elementary) school teacher expressed concerns to her administration that a 10-year old female student in her classroom had personal hygiene issues, i.e., dirty hands, elbows and unclean clothes. The teacher is troubled by other students who are beginning to make teasing comments 'openly' about the girl's uncleanliness. The teacher envisions the problem escalating, over time, from teasing to taunting, then rejection and perhaps by the time the child in in middle school she will be a truant with failing grades. The teacher reported this scenario to her building Principal requesting some type intervention by the administration, health services and social workers. The instructor was told by the Principal that little could be done and she should NOT 'make it' a bigger issue by calling it 'bullying.'  Somewhat like that sign: "Racism? Not In Our Town."  Bullying? Not In My School."Don't put that dollar bill on this Principal's desk!


Secondly, a coaching candidate is interviewed for a high school vacancy. The interview process finds a building Principal, athletics director and three other adults, some with no educational credentials to evaluate or interview. The candidate is told, "If you are called for a follow up interview, some student-athletes will also sit-in that interview session." How about THOSE (interview) qualifications joining in?


In the first story, we notice a public school teacher acting on a moral obligation to assist a child with potential health and social issues and an administration inept in leadership skills suggesting to downplay the issue. The second story is all about 'hiding' from and 'avoiding' the BUCK from stopping on MY desk. Superintendents, Principals and athletic directors have the State certification to make recommendations and evaluations of staff and those administrators' salaries reflect such expertise and duty. However, if a committee is formed to do 'interviews' then all individuals avoid accountability. If the hire works out, individuals and committee can take credit. Conversely, if the hire is a bust all individual committee members can and will hide behind anonymity in numbers.


Androgenic hair (body hair) begins growing over the human body after puberty; unfortunately some humans have little hair on their posterior!

Think About It

I am certain that many blog readers believe that I imitate a Terrier pup refusing to relinquish a squeak toy when it comes to the topic of generational change. Nevertheless, I wish to approach this issue from a different angle.


Questions: Have we, as a society, experienced some moral slippage? If so, what specific factors drive this change? Perhaps a sketchy five decade comparison of the following might shed light: (1) Entertainment (2) Professions (3) Family (4) Church (5) Education.
Mid-1950's, entertainment found us laughing at television comics, Red Skelton talking like 'seagulls, Lucille Ball stomping on grapes and Jackie Gleason's 'Ralph Kramden threatening to 'send' wife, 'Alice' to the moon. Today, we laugh at Tosh.O on comedy central as they lace together one 'big' 'F' and 'Motherfu#*^# after another and we find humor in Howie Mandel's produced, 'Deal With It,' which videos daring-obnoxious behavior for money.The voice of Rosemary Clooney singing 'Hey There' gives way to meat-dress- wearing, lady Gaga. Today, we have teen idol, Miley Cyrus rubbing Robin Thicke's crotch during their MTV Awards Show duet, 2013.
The movies have made a fifty-year journey from 'An Affair to Remember' in which movie stars Cary Grant and Debra Kerr had a passionate romance aboard a cruise ship, yet never kissing each other on screen, to the recent over-the-top on screen raw-sex display of Patrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale) in 'American Psycho.'


The professionals ( Doctors & Attorneys) of the 1950's did not advertise services in such an open manner as those today. Pharmaceuticals now 'push' their wonder drugs, medical doctors prescribe them oft times 'willy-nilly' and lawyers chase potential damaging suits caused by 'bad' drugs and malpractice; we have indeed lost our innocence.


\Families no longer eat meals together, most traditional churches have lost numbers and public education is a target-lightning rod for blaming others as politicians and parents avoid all responsibilities.


It's a mess out there! Connect the dots!!!

Best I Not 'DO' Facebook

When I read the return address on the large envelop, I knew immediately that my 'special' gift from a dear friend had arrived. I carefully opened the package and read the enclosed note card, "Dear Coach: Pretty darn fancy, I say." It was signed  "Enjoy, Anna." Anna was my Edwardsville high school basketball statistician during the State Team Tigers of 1976. We have stayed in touch over the years.
Several months ago, Anna sent some tie dye handkerchiefs for a gift. Most recently, my 10-year old granddaughter Alexa saw those tie dye hankies and made a tie dye bracelet for Anna. A few blogs ago, I made some off the cuff comment (difficult to believe, eh) about tie dye men's underwear to camouflage various stains...and now you know how Coach Mel got his tie dye skivvies!


The art of tie dye can be traced back to around 500-800 AD when people used the pigments from berries, flowers and leaves. Although, I am certain my friend does not use such primitive methods, I dare say, she would take a back seat to nobody, including modern techniques.


Of course, I immediately took off the underwear I was wearing and put on one of my 'new' tie dye undies. I moved quickly through our large home in search of my wife. As soon as she saw me she asked the question, "Will Anna bail you out of jail because I envision you showing off one day at the Mall and being arrested for indecent exposure?"


She may have a valid fear...these sure are neat Boy's Ventilated Drawers..

Tell Me What To Believe

The late wise-cracking and lovable humorist of the early 1900's, Will Rogers often said, "All I know is what I read in the newspapers."  Poor old Will, he and others of his era were not nearly as well-informed as we folks of this twenty-first century.


I not only read a couple of newspapers every day, I also have 24/7 cable television news to bring breaking stories' and re-hash old stories in endless program 'loops.' Also, most of these cable news networks realize that I am only slightly above average intelligence, therefore the story-telling political pundit sitting at the desk looking into the camera helps me to understand the news. This newscaster fella is also most helpful assisting me when 'choosing sides' on issues. In simple terms, the cable news pundit points out 'good-guys' / 'bad-guys.'


I must stop now. I need to head to the news stand for the morning papers; old habits die slowly.

A Great Lady with a Wonderful Message

My maternal grandmother, Mary 'Mammy' Bennett instilled in me a tolerance for all God's people. From the time I can remember, I sat at Mammy's knee listening to her Biblical based teachings. Her philosophical Christian indoctrination was anchored in all words spoken by Jesus Christ. Therefore, I embrace all people of color, ethnic origin and religious persuasions.


Because of Mammy's indoctrination-teachings, I refuse to purport that my religion (Christian-Methodist-faith) is the best way to eternal life. I do believe that my own salvation requires me to acknowledge Jesus as the Son-of-God who died for my sins; I STOP right there and simply plug along trying to keep rust from forming on ME! I refuse to find fault with other religions even when Pastors such as Pat Robertson and others suggest that some disasters befalling people is caused by homosexual behavior. I do not hold anger towards the Roman Catholic faith because some priests have sick minds.
I know that Jews are His chosen people and yet their faith denounces Christ as the Savior. I understand that Muslims, Buddhists, etc., are following other religious tenants other than Christianity. Nevertheless, Jesus said,  "I have other sheep not of this fold; them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Please note: Jesus said 'I' meaning Jesus-Christ must bring these sheep into the fold. Christ DID NOT say or suggest that some television pundit with a particular political agenda would decide the 'sheep' issue.


Mammy told me often that I should 'love others as Jesus loves me.' I think that I am best embracing all the folks and let the rounding up into one fold to the Lord. For my money...Christians would do well if they would truly 'listen' to the words of the song: "They Will Know We are Christians By Our LOVE." I owe my Mammy my 'peace of mind.'