Too Much Too Soon !

I am well aware that I piss off you gun-lovers but perhaps you can appreciate this comment from another perspective, however don't get the notion that I would apologize for my gun control beliefs; that ain't never gonna happen!
If it is 'okay' for an eight-year old child to receive instructions shooting a machine gun then why is it NOT okay (with parental permission) for the same age child to practice automobile driving and attend a brothel to observe; would this not be education and preparation for real life experiences and issues? Steady folks, don't come unglued with my question after all recently the highest rated television shows are those that offer violence and nudity. We Americans have broken those Puritanical shackles. Dad-gum-it, good parenting is getting our kids ready...get'em a uzi submachine gun and some porn.


Okay, the thought of the aforementioned driving or brothel observation for a child is ridiculous and sick. Can one imagine how sick it is to imagine an eight year-old forging through her life trying to erase a horrific sight at her hands? There must be laws to protect the vulnerable from idiots.

Keep A Perspective

With the start of another school year, we anticipate the coming sports' hoopla. Many communities across this nation will see the Friday  night football lights glowing and the cafe' talk turning its attention from weather and politics to the local high school sports' scene. The beat goes on throughout the school year.


I would hope a parent or wise mentor would caution young sport participants on two significant matters. First, it is important for young athletes to understand and embrace the fact that sport successes or failures DO NOT alter self-worth. The sport participant is not more worthy when they win or have personal accomplishments nor or they less worthy after defeat or poor performance. It's a game!!
Secondly, there are NO guarantees in sport but there are risks. In simple terms, the athlete may practice a lot, work hard and yet play very little in game contests. No guarantees. The athlete may be criticized by the 'fanatic' (fan) and the sport participant can be injured during play. There are risks.


There is a tremendous up-side to sport participation. The opportunity to test one's physical and emotional resolve. The chance to embrace humility on the heels of success while drawing on resilience after defeat and applying learned lessons.


The two greatest anchors in my life, which have served me for my entire adult life are: religious teachings and sport participation experiences...I call on these anchors each day of my life.

Virginia Slims

In 1988, Virginia Slims menthol cigarettes debuted marketing the professional women as the company parlayed the phrase, "You've come a long way baby." That slogan came to mind yesterday morning.
I returned from my morning 45-minute walk and sat-a-spell with my wife to enjoy a cup of coffee. She was watching a popular morning television program and some women were discussing 'sex'. The four ladies came to an agreement that 'after about seven years of marriage, the missionary style (sex act) becomes boring.' In a million years, I would have never believed I'd hear such a conversation on American airways.
I recall my parents concern that should they take me to the drive in theater to 'see' Gone With The Wind,' I would hear Rhett Butler say, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!" Several years later, I remember the 1952, I Love Lucy episode when Lucy could not say the word 'pregnant' on television; she told Ricky, "We're having a baby." Lucille Ball's pregnancy was an issue and the television censors decided her belly could not be shown.
Like Virginia Slims..."You've come a long way baby."
 Personally, considering ALL things, I always found algebra boring; in any 'position.'

Pusillanimous

The American Academy of Pediatricians have concluded that teenagers are not getting the recommended 8-to-81/2 hours nightly sleep resulting in poor academic school performance, bad diet habits (leading to obesity) and depression. Those doctors suggest that our American schools should start at a later time; not before 8:30 AM. Well kiss my ass, please don't tell the parents to insist that Missy and Junior get home before 8PM (school nights) and haul ass to bed before 10PM !
Let's acknowledge once and for all, not all BUT many parents today are enablers who give impetus to many problems facing their kids and that is an irrefutable fact. Parents are simply reluctant to hold children to a tighter rein and insist on greater accountability. We note more teens with social network devices at an earlier age and parents who refuse to monitor the time spent by children networking. Check out any school parking lot and note the number of student driven autos. Most parents perceive these autos as necessary.
Here is the obvious question: Do you really believe that employers, in the real world, give a rat's ass how much sleep their employees get ? The only thing 'boss man' cares about is PRODUCTIVITY ...another word meaning... 'accountability.'


Pusillanimous means timid, cowardly, faint-hearted, spineless. My father was not a pussy-foot parent!!

Sickness Within All Borders

One does not need a video of a beheading of a human being; just the mention or thought of such a sic-horrendous act paralysis our senses. Recently, an American journalist met such a death at the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This is a terrorist organization that goes beyond previous heinous acts committed by al-Qaeda.
  The American Ku Klux Klan, which began in the mid 1860's has similar characteristics and traits to that of al-Qaeda and ISIS. They burned down peoples' homes and hanged innocent men in front of their families; how sick was THAT? These groups are so embarrassed and ashamed of their devil-deeds they cover their faces with hoods. Another common denominator these groups share is believing that they have some religious cause to support their behavior.
The only people I know wearing masks and 'doing-good' is my surgeon, Batman and the Lone Ranger.

'Hello, Anybody Here ?'

Perhaps many of you, as I have noticed the declining number of sales clerks ready to assist you when shopping. Just the other day, I had to wonder around a store seeking an associate who would mix some paint for me. It happens in many stores; not enough sales people. It is obvious that the reduction of people on the payroll means more money for 'the man.' It also means more frustration for the customer.
It seems that there is a growing disconnect between buyer and seller; where is the service?

Touche' Gents

Yesterday morning, I stopped in at a local restaurant for a cup on coffee and a newspaper read while waiting for a meeting time to arrive. It was impossible not to hear the conversation exchange between four fellas at a nearby table; they all spoke loudly trying to get their opinion's on the table before interrupted. The topic choice was the demonstrations and rioting in Ferguson, Missouri. Since the fatal shooting of a young Black boy by a police officer that city continues to be in turmoil.
I heard some worthy thoughts expressed by these fellow patrons but for the most part this all white gathering strongly suggested that young 'Blacks' seemingly have a problem accepting authority. I wanted so badly to interject a tidbit but I remained stifled. I would like to have asked the rather nearsighted group if they had any thoughts about the plethora of mass killings in our schools and public square perpetrated by 'young White boys?'

The Cost of T-Shirts and Apathy

Back in my 1950's youth, I often heard my paternal grandmother scold her children for NOT buying American MADE products. Grandma Rosedelle was a strong 'Union' supporter! She would be sad with the 2014, American working landscape. Our trade unions are the weakest they have been in decades and most of those low-semi-skilled jobs are no longer available in the United States but have been outsourced. I browse the clothing aisles in various department stores and read label after label...'Made' in China, Bangladesh, Honduras, Mexico and on and on. The clothing industry is but ONE example of lost USA jobs. The cost of our non-union made 'T-Shirt' is low in the department store but the citizenship-relationships and tax payer cost is immeasurable. Many young people who meander aimlessly about the chaotic streets in Ferguson, Missouri could benefit from a T-shirt factory.


Before  any reader would take exception to my suggestion that minimal jobs are the only jobs inner city people can handle...JUST STIFLE your thought. You know very well that many young people in our nation's history have made a good living (financially) working at those jobs which are now done in foreign countries so that corporate America can turn a greater profit.
 We protest too late the wrong issues. Oh, that apathy cost? Many people in Ferguson, Missouri complain about the political power structure in their city. Check it out: In the last city election only 1,500 of the 15,000 eligible voters went to the polls and the mayor ran unopposed. I suppose we have even outsourced our 'caring.'

'Cuts Both Ways'

 A very sad loss of life and accompanying negative events occurred in America's heartland (Ferguson, Missouri) where a young eighteen year-old 'Black' young man was murdered in daylight by a 28-year old 'White' police officer. The predictable rioting, protesting and chaos followed and continues to erupt and simmer. Once again all the expected accusations and racial-laced rhetoric surfaces with the same old finger pointing.


The 'root' of the problem, in these too frequent detestable events is multi-faceted. There are deep-seeded racial issues buoyed by profound regional economic woes.


The raw emotions are anchored in the reality of a young lad dying at the hands of a police officer's pistol when lesser force could likely sufficed. The facts will slowly come forth but the obvious haunts all who witnessed a young man with hands in the air (posturing a surrender) was shot and killed. Many supporters of the slain victim and protesters expressed immediate anger suggesting the police department was withholding information, stonewalling and failing to be transparent. The police finally released the name of the officer who shot the youngster and at the same time released video of the victim who was involved in a robbery act minutes before the shooting. Some protesters are angered by the video being made public by the police. That scenario reminds me of the movie, "A Few Good Men." In that movie, Col Jessep (Jack Nicholson) is asked by Attorney Kaffee (Tom Cruise) "I want the truth!!" Col Jessep responds, "You can't handle the truth!"


When we beg for truth, we must accept that which helps and that which hurts...it is the only way which HEALS. If our nation is ever to have 'THAT' racial-healing conversation, the masses of rainbow colors must check all ethnocentric attitudes at the conference room door; seemingly, "The Impossible Dream." We cannot heal by evaluating other's cultures based upon our own standards.

R E S P E C T ?

I try not to use this blog as a personal sob-story exercise. Forgive me today, I must let flow some 'feel-sorry-for-myself' tears.' Lately, people have been stomping on my ego... It began about five weeks ago when my wife and I traveled to the Metro-East area to see our first born great-granddaughter. Surprise...I was told I cannot 'hold' the child because I don't have a whopping cough booster shot.


Let me state a personal position about chemical-injections into my body. I have had my share. I never get a flu shot. I had the flu one time; 1986, when I got my one & only flu shot. I have had all those inoculations along this journey plus a pneumonia shot and shingles shot. The only shot I'm entertaining these days is a cortisone shot in a problematic tendinitis inflamed shoulder. I suppose I will hold my great granddaughter when she is 'out-of-the-woods,' as they say, of course by then, I'll likely be the one vulnerable.


A couple of days ago, my wife and I traveled to Illinois State (Bloomington) and took our granddaughters, Loren and Erica out for dinner; we do this often during the school year. The girls are now sophomore sorority sisters. After dinner, the girls invited their Nana up to see their room. I was told I could not enter the sorority house because I am a male. Therefore, I sat in my auto in the parking lot and deflected doubtful glances from sorority girls coming and going as if I was some suspected pervert.
On the drive home, I asked my wife if she remembered when we were middle school sweethearts and during the summer months, we would attend a nearby open-rec gymnasium where she would 'rebound' basket shot attempts by me. She acknowledged she did recall those days. I then said, "I could have gotten more shots-off if you had been quicker retrieving the basketball." She responded, "You could have gotten more shots off had you hit the basket more frequently requiring me to run less after your missed shots."

Who's In Who's Out ?

Growing up in the very diverse East St. Louis, I was exposed to a lot of different ideas, thinking, opinions and beliefs. One rather strong influence was religion; my own Methodist faith and the many other religions. The Roman Catholic Church held a strong presence in that river city and was special in my growing up years. Let me explain. Aside from the fact that my father's people were mostly Catholic, the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) offered some special sports' programs from which I benefited. Each of the some 10 Parishes were allowed to have one 'outsider' on its grade school basketball team; I was the designated 'outsider' for a couple of years at St. Martin School. I honed my basketball skills in the CYO leagues.


Interestingly, one summer, my Catholic boyhood friend and I attended a open gym play day at the newly completed Assumption Catholic High School. We had not been on the court but a brief period of time when a Priest called my friend aside and told him to tell me that I HAD TO LEAVE because only Catholic boys could be in the gym. As I left the gym that morning, I thought, 'what bullshit !' I was good enough to score a shit load of points a few years earlier for St. Martin's to compete for the CYO title; suddenly my Methodism was showing.


I am not dishing on the Catholic Church, God only knows that people of all faiths need to look within!! I'm just saying,  we need to be careful 'deeming' others as 'outsiders.' 'Outside' of what ?


Jesus angered the nation of Israel when He said His kingdom was for ALL. The Jews felt they were the only people headed for 'Glory.' Jesus' 'inclusive' preaching is simply missed by most folks who call themselves CHRISTIANS...and so it goes, we have THOSE outsiders!

Expect Less From Others

I hear much conversation and debate about a 'polarized' America. I think we all notice that separation is very transparent in American politics. I am sure that my average intellectual capacity will over-simplify any cause, therefore let me show my ass.
Anytime two differing opinions emerge, which separates people it always 'smells' of self-centered 'entitlement-expectations' butting heads! When a couple's relationship (married or not) hits a wall usually one or both are convinced they deserve more from the other.




Classic conservative-liberal standoffs are perhaps the most ridiculously transparent polarized fighting. Here is an example: "White" rural farmers are pissed about inner-city entitlement programs benefiting many 'Blacks' yet those "White" farmers have no problem accepting excessive farming subsidies. Most Union workers believe corporate is making 'big' money at the expense of 'blue-collar workers,' and corporations feel they take all the risks and pay too much in taxes.


I'm convinced that feelings of 'entitlement' is the cause of our polarization; at every turn and in every relationship. We stumble when 'thinking' we are deserving of more from others. That said, I need to write each of my children and grandchildren and express my appreciation for their willingness to share time with me and their Nana...we oldsters are not necessarily 'entitled.' to such.

Why Not?

August 19, 1951, Major League baseball owner of the St. Louis 'Browns', Bill Veeck sent a 3' 7" midget, Eddie Gaedel to the plate to bat. Veeck told the little man that he was NOT to swing the bat; if he should swing a rifleman on a nearby rooftop would shoot him! The small fry hitter followed instructions and received a base-on-balls. A couple of days later the MLB Commissioner banned all midgets from playing major league baseball.


I think it's time for parents of midgets to bring a class action lawsuit against professional baseball. Let's face it, there is another St. Louis baseball team that needs base runners!!

It Keeps Coming Around

Fifty-even years ago this fall, I entered Illinois State Normal University as a freshman. The year was 1957, the average annual American family income was a tad above six thousand dollars and while the White House was dealing with the segregation issue in Little Rock, Arkansas the Russians flexed their muscles with the space exploration 'Sputnik' launch. Before the year's end all polls suggested that Americans believed integration to be the Nation's number one problem.


Today, twenty thousand eight hundred and six sunsets later, Russia is still flaunting its chest pounding and the United States border crisis still suggests that we Americans are no closer to resolving the skin-pigmentation-phobia. Be not dismayed; the football Super Bowl and 'party time' is just around the corner. It is that glorious day when we Americans will overindulge in foods and alcohol, which allows us to break through our inhibitions and cheer for all colors.

Perhaps We Should Write It Down

One of several wonderful positives from a thirty-nine year coaching career that took my wife and I through six different communities is the many terrific friendships forged along the way. The 1960's opened friendships in Assumption, Mason City and Washington, Illinois. The first seven years in the '70's decade brought Edwardsville folks into our lives and from '77 until 1998, we enjoyed so many Jacksonville friendships. Since then, we have made more friends in Decatur.


In these, our retirement years, we meet up with those friends for some social gatherings. It is so very special to sit around chatting and reminiscing about our shared past. I have noticed those reunion-evenings turning into an exercise of each of us trying to help the others fill in names, remember places and occurrences...our commonality appears to be some memory loss. My (Kentucky born) Grandpa E.V. Bennett would say, "Y'all don't rekalek so good."

Who Are 'THEY?'

I speak prayerfully each day. I lift the names of people who are suffering; some I know by name while others who are facing peril throughout a troubled world are unknown. I repeat many of the same daily petitions to the Lord. Here are a few of those prayer staples: I ask God to speak to the hearts of good people and motivate them to act in behalf of those in need. I ask God to humble the leaders of the world that they may seek compromise and relief for the weak. I prayerfully thank God for the health, safety and potential in my children and grandchildren.
 I always ask God to give wisdom and passion to my children and grandchildren to ignore the soothsayer (the they say) folks and claim the power in life's journey through service and thus insure the rewards of eternal life.
...and finally, I have a post it on my bathroom mirror that reminds ME:  "Love the self-centered asses that you will meet THIS day."

...and ONE more thing FELLA !

I frequently stop at intersections and beckon the nearby beggar to the auto window and hand him a couple of bucks. I suspect that many of these vagabonds may have addictive issues that I maybe supporting however, not knowing positively, I still offer the handout.
My wife reminds me of the give-out  'gamble' with a mild lecture about my possible folly. I know very well what my wife wishes to do; she wants to turn the hobo's life around with some 'words.' The fleeting moment never allows that verbal lesson because the 'light' changes and we must drive ahead.


Lo' and behold, my better half had her preaching moment on a recent trip to Michigan. We were taking turns walking our pup, Yodie outside a McDonald's restaurant while each of us used the restroom and purchased coffee. While my wife was inside McDonald's, a rather large gentleman perhaps 6'4" and 230 pounds, told me he was 'hungry.' I said nothing to him except to ask if he was working to which, he answered, "No." My wife walked to the car window where I was seated and handed me my coffee. I handed her a five dollar bill and told her to give to the man behind her for something to eat. She turned with money in hand and walked up to the fella. Her 5 foot one hundred twenty-five pound frame dwarfed by the huge man. As she handed the money to the stranger, she pointed a finger upwards towards his face and said,  "You go get something to eat and don't be buying WINE!"
Now there's a win-win moment.

Just Sayin'

My wife and I attended the St. Louis 'Muny Opera' last Thursday for the opening night of 'Grease.' Good show and again a big thanks to our son, Steve and daughter-in law, Kathy for the treat. I suppose it's been over forty years since we attended Muny productions. Back in the 1970's, my parents were Muny Opera season ticket holders; they often took us.  The Muny venue is still magnificent, the crowds terrific and the performances top drawer. One thing has changed...the attire worn by attendees. Opera goers are not near as classy a group as yesteryears' patrons and the men are especially sloppy. I'm JUST SAYIN'.
I recall my high school contemporaries wearing khaki pants button down shirts or knit pullover shirts and 'V' neck sweaters. Most of the girls wore skirts, bobby-socks, blouses and sweaters. Today, except for those high schools that have uniforms, most teens left to their own choosing wear torn pants, pants that 'bag' low, and or athletic shorts. I'm JUST SAYIN'.
Every kid from my generation-neighborhood knows well what "Sunday Clothes" meant...those were the best clothes in your closet and were 'only' to be worn for Church attendance or special occasions. From my 'back row seat' at Church, I see folks in Sunday clothes, beach clothes, play clothes and hardly any clothes. I'm JUST SAYIN'.
 I hear that many business companies designate Fridays as 'dress down' ( casual) day. I prefer the philosophy, 'Dress to impress."
I'M JUST SAYIN'.
Geeze, I wonder if Moms still insist their kids wear good- clean underwear; you know the reason !! I'm JUST SAYIN'.

Cry Me A River !

A St. Louis sports' writer, last week, presented the 'human-interest' side of the broken relationships and separation of teammates following a baseball trade between the Cardinals and Red Sox. Not only did the soap opera angle leave me 'cold' but it somewhat angered me.
Okay, it's great to know that these highly paid professional baseball players forge life-long friendships with others in the organization but this 'thing' cuts both ways. With 'free-agency,' a significant aspect of financial wind-fall contracts, many of these same players have NO PROBLEM 'leaving' so-called friends in the dust as they gallop off to greener pastures.
Please know this: Monies paid to major league baseball players in any given era relates specifically to the economics of those times. That said, MLB players of the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's needed to 'get' off-season jobs to pay they bills.

There Are No Excuses; Should Never Happen

I got my driver's license in 1955; we had fender skirts, big whitewall tires but no air-conditioning. Many of the autos that I drove back-in-the-day were 'stick-shift' with no turn signals thus requiring me to stick my left arm out the driver's side window to signal a left or right turn. My right arm was freed up to stick in front of our young child who was standing in the front seat at any time I slammed on my brakes.


Okay, this explains why I had difficulty relating to the fella yesterday on the radio who was telling listeners that during 'hot' weather parents should place a 'teddy bear' in the front seat of the auto to remind them that  there is a kid in the back seat!  The radio messenger thought this technique would reduce the number of times parents leave children strapped in a auto inferno. I believe the reason young parents keep forgetting that they have 'kids' is because the off spring went from womb to room. Most young children today are being raised by day-care workers, pre-school teachers, public school teachers and after school program providers.


Perhaps requiring parents to know 12 nursery rhymes before getting a drivers' license would be a starting point. Then maybe instead of those ding-ding bells that sound when you open the car door...a voice could come on automatically: "Hey turd blossom, don't leave the KID !"