Advice That Still Floats

I grew up subjected to the 'KISS' philosophy. (Keep It Simple Stupid) That's right, my adult family members gave simple and direct advice. Nothing was left to interpretation and for damn sure nothing was left for negotiation.
My maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett always reminded me, during those teen years; "Jesus is coming a second time, so don't be doing anything shameful should HE come back tonight." That kept the lid on some potential crazy-ass behavior.
My mother was always reminding me; "You must respect a girl you date." "If you don't respect the girl you disrespect yourself, your family and our God." My father was even more practical with his reminder; "Hey boy, when you're out on the streets tonight don't let your mouth overload your ass and BE HOME BEFORE midnight!"

God Bless Those Who Follow Us

The late legendary humorist, Will Rogers once said, "The only thing I know is what I read in the newspaper." Rogers would likely not subscribe to a newspaper THESE days. Yesterday morning, I digested the following stories in my local paper:


Parents of an African-American teenager, who was shot and killed by a police officer want answers NOW.
 Public schools seek constitutionally guaranteed monies from the State to fund education in their districts.
 Health experts fear Ebola threatens the world. 
Air flights at Chicago's Midway Airport are cancelled due the arson fire at the control tower.
United States bombing air strikes hit ISIS terrorist groups while political debates over the issue falls along predictable 'Party Lines.'
Survivalist wacko ambushes and kills a State Trooper. Teacher sentenced in student rape case.
Drought and fires continue in the Far West. Bomb scare causes evacuation of Florida school.
Politicians up the 'nasty' accusations targeting opponents in 90% of commercial ads...while 3% of ad time is devoted to solutions talk.
An Oklahoma City man, fired from his job, returns to the work place and beheads a young female co-worker.
Polio and 'pot sales' are on the rise in Colorado.
NFL star running back strikes girlfriend with his fist knocking her out.
NFL Star runner in limelight, not for his running skills, but leaving physical abuse marks on his young son.
Investigation continues in clergy pedophile case.
NBA star endorses his 12th tennis shoe brand and style, which will retail for $200.00.


I'm going to stop here and pray for my grandkids' future and the young inner city Black boy who contemplates a bad decision in an effort to get those damn tennis shoes.

It's a Matter of Choice !

I really think that too many people die spiritually long before they die physically. Personally, as I grow older, I note that 'self-pity' wishes more of my thinking-time. However, I am convinced that I don't need youth, money or fame to live majestically. I must simply wake up each day and accomplish three objectives: (1) Share an experience that will become a good recall-memory days ahead, (2) Laugh aloud; at something, someone or myself and (3) Make another person feel special before the day ends.
While You Live; Live Gloriously

Believe as Ye May

Rarely will one of those Internet 'pop ups' catch my eye and cause me to investigate. Yesterday, I found myself following up. The headline: 15 Celebrities Who Don't Believe in God.
Some findings did not surprise me because of previous information through interviews. Of course, all names came from the entertainment world rather than the sports' arena, although the propensity to physically abuse children and women found in the NFL suggests at least some 'ungodly' behavior.
Instead of listing names, which does not appeal to my needs, I offer a common comment shared by these celebrity non-believers.
Many of them stated that 'religion,' in and of itself, is a man made notion. Whereas I welcome a debate, argument and even a fight over politics, I have no desire to debate the notion of God or religion with anyone; God and Satan only knows that their is enough fighting and wars over religion already 'on-the-books.'
 I will however, say to the atheist/agnostics who 'think' religion is a man made thing, 'we should ' invent more such 'stuff.'.
On a personal note: Although it was likely politically correct casting Morgan Freeman to play 'God' in the film, 'Bruce Almighty,' Morgan Freeman is NO George Burns!

Own It and Become Better From It

There she was, big as life. making her self-proclaimed 'come-back.' That Georgia drawl was as deep and syrupy as ever as Paula Deen attempted to explain once again how she thinks. Paula Deen is an American success story. A person who came from little wherewithal to become a 'celebrity chef' and develop a multimillion dollar enterprise. Today she operates 'Lady and Sons' restaurants. 


You recall a year ago, Deen got her 'tit-in-the-ringer' (as said in my old neighborhood) when she admitted using the 'N' word. Okay already! John 8:7...'He without sin among you cast the first stone.' I defy any adult who claims they have never USED a racial slang or terms.


I am not defending my shortfalls nor those of Paula Deen's. I would just like to have Deen get-over herself and move on>>make some lasagna. The more she talks the more she sounds like Flip Wilson's character, 'Geraldine;' "The Devil made me do THAT!"

Phantom Fella

 The past two weeks, my wife has been cleaning out the closets and throwing away much unused and outdated clothing along with other miscellaneous items. I have transported five large filled storage containers to Grace United Methodist 'Economy Shop.'


 My wife showed me a photo of a rather large-robust smiling young fellow, which she found in the back of a closet. In matter-of-fact tones, she asked me, "Who is this?" I said, "I have no idea." Later, I put the photo in a trash bag only to notice it was back upstairs in the hallway the next day. When I asked my wife why she got the picture out of the trash, she said, "Well, I'm not about to throw away a photo of a person we should know; after all it's not the guy's fault."
I'm thinking, sum bitch, neither of us know THE this guy in the photo and sure as hell my wife is going to have me hang that picture in the hallway with forty other photos. If that happens, I am hanging the damn picture with her side of the family.

Lines Are Disgusting !

The iPhone 6 was released last Friday and hundreds of thousands of people across the nation stayed awake many hours and stood in long lines to await the moment they could purchase the newest Apple 'toy.' I heard many reasons offered for the line-waiting and most of the logic seemed rather trivial if not childishly-foolish. I am all for free market products driving our economy but the mentality demonstrated by 'camp-outs' to get iPhones or 'One Direction' concert tickets suggests that a helluva lot of folks need to get a life and obviously, some need to get a job!


The longest line I have ever stood in was one of the men's urinal lines at Wrigley Field. A couple of years back, I was watching my Cardinals play the Cubs at the 'Beautiful Confines,' as the Chicago North Siders prefer to call it, when I had to relieve myself. The actual line to get into a Wrigley Men's restroom was not that long...it was the long-communal-line' where I stood shoulder-to-shoulder alongside dozens of fellas holding their respective 'pee-pees' and staring at a trough holding a collection of various colors of liquid-waste  intermingling and flowing down hill on the long-winding journey to the Chicago River. It was during that moment that I vowed NEVER to wear sandals to Wrigley Field!
I wonder if Cheney, 'The Dick' has ever attended a baseball game at Wrigley?

I'm Glad Our Paths Crossed

The news out of my family physician's mouth was not good; he is leaving Decatur and after fourteen years, my wife and I must find a new Doctor. That's not a fun thought. I understand that some things will stay the same with a new doctor; he'll be a social liberal doing God's work attending to the sick while embracing a fiscal conservative philosophy as he worries about the re-distribution of his money! Funny thing about all of us...we are liberals at heart when it comes to US and OURS but we turncoat-conservative when it is an other's problem. For example: A few years back when Obama offered that 'cash-for-clunkers' deal to stimulate the auto sales, a very Republican-conservative doctor was all over that liberal moment as he 'cash-for-clunker' a new auto for his daughter.(I suppose that was ONE Obama idea the anti-help the middle-class conservative liked). You can take this thought to the bank: When we meet Saint Peter at those 'Golden Gates' if asked why we should be allowed entrance, we will quickly begin listing all our liberal moments and actions. I hope no fool dare shows the 'gate-keeper' his bank account...Matthew 19:24.

See The Love

Many, if not most, Christians fall distinctly on the side of 'anti' on many social issues. Perhaps, in fairness to those folks, I should say that the issues are often perceived as 'moral' questions. Examples: Most Christians would be anti-abortion and anti gay but interestingly not anti-capital punishment.


I believe myself to be a Christian...yes, I am a born-again Christian and yet I refuse to judge the mother who aborts or the sexual orientation of people. (I don't think I have the 'right' to judge those folks with those beliefs or persuasions). Many who claim Christianity would say that I am not a true Christian but I will ignore that judgment and await my God's opinion regarding my soul..
I do find myself big on tolerance.


Last Friday afternoon, my wife asked me to pause for a moment and watch a first grade boy's reaction to his parents announcement that they were going have a baby. Perhaps many blog readers saw that YouTube video. Well, the boy and his mother were guests on Ellen Degeneres' television show. After Ellen's interview of the delightful lad, she said she had a gift for the boy. When the curtain opened, the wife's husband and boy's father appeared for a surprise reunion...the father was on leave from military duty in Afghanistan. Needless to add there was not a dry eye in the audience. My immediate thought?...what a warm expression of our Lord's commandment 'to love one another as I have loved you and do for the least of my people.'
I understand that Ellen is gay however, I have no idea if Ellen is a person of faith. I do know her actions often represent God's love. I suggest that if one must judge...could one factor in the love of which Christ spoke??

I'll Stand Pat

As I entered the sun room, my wife looked away from the television and spoke, "I want to talk to you about dying." My first thought was perhaps I look a tad sickly... then I remember my father's favorite line about his daughter-in law; "Gerry, he'd say, "you are as subtle as a punch in the nose." She continued, "If I die before you, I am worried that you'll become a recluse," she explained.
She then added, you don't have coffee buddies, don't do the hunting, fishing or golf thing. She concluded, "I worry about you being lonely one day." Strange as it may sound, I am comfortable alone. I never gave much thought to the reasons; I know who I am and I am okay with that fella.


Please understand, I enjoy people. However, I am one of those people who can be a bit overbearing. I find myself dominating a conversation at times and I am too free expressing my opinions. Obviously, I must desire doing such but I don't like it in hindsight. Therefore, I am best paddling solo. There's a handful of folks who know me well enough to both ignore and tolerate my short falls. I need not push my luck seeking to increase that number.

'Where's The Beef?'

NFL player, Ray Rice punches his girlfriend with his fist knocking her out; I observe NO OUTRAGE or sit-in demonstrations. The fact is African American women have the highest rate of abusive victimization (35 per 1000) of any racial group.


In 1987, a Los Angeles Dodgers' Vice President makes insensitive racists comments about Blacks suggesting that they did not have the 'necessities' to be 'IN' management positions. Al Campanis was washed out of baseball as the result. A few months later, television football analyst, Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder is fired for racist's remarks about Black athletes.
The two aforementioned incidents were only hurtful words...a man hitting a woman in the face with his fist would seem far more painful.


Recently, the National Basketball League, under extreme pressure from African-American basketball players turning jerseys inside-out and angry voices around the nation forced 'Clippers' team owner, Donald Sterling to sell his team because of Sterling's racists comments.


On the heels of Ray Rice's abusive behavior, I ask, where the hell is Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton; where is the demonstrations and pressure to protect the vulnerable? As Clara Peller (1984-Wendy's television commercial) said, "WHERE'S THE BEEF?"


Another  spelling for disingenuous...'phony.'

$ Fame Talks; Bullshit Walks

Although there are significant differences and discrepancies between the South African and American Judicial Systems, is it NOT interesting and noteworthy that the two differing court systems can render similar mouth-dropping verdicts;
 'Juice,' say hell-o to 'Blade Runner.'

She Can Be Puzzling

I am not a gun owner. My wife recently posed the question when she asked me, "Do you believe we she have a gun in our home for protection?" I said, "I haven't given the matter any thought." Her response, "Well, think about it and if you decide we need one get it." "If you do buy a hand-gun, I have one stipulation," she continued, "keep the bullets downstairs and the gun upstairs so you don't shoot anybody." I'll stop right here.

Be Careful Name-Calling

I never could imagine any grown man physically abusing a woman. I can think of nothing so shamefully disgusting unless it would be the abuse of a defenseless child. I view such men as sick low-life's. There appears to be either an escalation of such relationship-behavior or perhaps a greater frequency in its reporting.
I recently heard a panel discussing the incident of abuse involving NFL players; one debater suggested that too many professional football players were, in his words, "thugs." I thought that was a rather incorrect and cheap statement. I will say that our NCAA system of college admission reeks of ignoring academic standards in pursuit of athletic revenues and thus produces too many questionable personalities representing 'higher-education' but that's another story.
Withholding much statistical mumble-jumble on the abuse subject, let me just leave you with this sobering fact: The law enforcement (occupation) domestic violence is nearly double the average rate. And these folks swear to 'protect' and serve. Be slow to call people of certain occupations 'thugs.'

Dumb & Dumber

This 'blog-post' falls under the category, 'You gotta be shitting me!' ...with apologies to readers who deplore vulgar slang, have no sin or skin blemishes.
It comes to my attention that there is a growing nationwide parental-push to do-away with school homework. Come now, we cannot be one bit surprised. Since Dr. Spock (1946) entered the picture with his permissive parenting ideas, we Americas have seen children move from well-behave and respectful to sassy, contentious and rebellious. Not only has there been a moral nosedive within the family unit there is a continuation of idolizing Junior and Missy's very existence and placating them at every turn.


Today's parenting reality finds mommy and daddy embracing conciliating roles as they attempt to gain goodwill and friendship from their children. Hey, why not take up the cause to 'do away' with homework, which displeases those little self-centered turd-blossoms? However, the next time you note an Asian kid kicking ass at the spelling bee or you notice more and more  Asian physicians, remember as young students, those kids attended schools longer days and more days a year than did American children. The Asian student was encourage to embrace academic competition and expected to face endless homework and memorization.


Make sure your kid plugs in his 'smart-phone' tonight because he'll be texting his ass off all day tomorrow and into the wee hours of the morning. Yes sir, just a few weeks ago there was a study that concluded kids needed more sleep so the suggestion was 'start school latter.' If we combine that with no homework our precious darlings are going to just love us! Dumb and dumber !

The Coin Has Two Sides

I am happy with confidence to place my racial, religious and ethnic contour (examination / comparison) against any measurement offered. That said, I think we would agree that on the heels of every racial conflict or incident in this nation, we hear the same conversation about race-relations and all the possible interwoven and connected debates. I welcome such conversation and debate on the subject of race provided the focus is on improving relations rather than blaming or character attacking of easily identifiable groups.


What I am not interested in is the suggestion about some bogus need for 'Black History' to be taught in public schools. I also do not wish to have Irish history, Hispanic history, Polish history, Italian history or Jewish history taught per se' in our public schools. Don't get me wrong, I believe there is much to be studied about each of the aforementioned groups but I think we need not mandate specific studies, which suggests that 'whitey' does not understand thus he needs to be educated. Fact-of-the-matter everybody is ignorant about 'the other group.' Everybody suffers from ethnocentric tendencies. Tolerance education as it relates to race, ethnic, and religious acceptance is necessary for all peoples.  Let us approach the conversation, debate and any studies accepting the premise we all carry baggage !

'Say Cheese'

The recent 'hacking' of celebrities' nude photos from their private computers jarred my memory of another similar moment. I was a sixteen year old lad working in a St. Louis factory (1955). The factory employed perhaps 20-25 people who worked at skilled and semi-skilled blue-collar jobs. These folks were not college educated but they were for the most part good family people and patriotic Americans trying to keep the wolf from the front door.


One particular co-working fella, I will call 'MT,' was a amateur photography-geek who liked to photograph himself in the nude. He obviously had one of those time-delayed cameras that permitted him to set the shutter-release and jump into bed with his nude lady-friend and assume various fornicating positions.  'MT' would bring nude photos to work and enjoyed sharing the pictures with all the guys. One interesting observation; in every photo, 'MT' was looking directly into the camera lens and smiling.

I often thought, 'What a weird ass, sick pervert!' Fast forward from 1955-to-2014, I am amazed at the perverted narcissism, which is apparently common among many highly regarded celebrities and entertainers.
"Oh, no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors."...Charlie Rich 
Perhaps there is a potential money-making market in 'Entertainers' Nude Trading Cards' I.e., baseball card-shows.

Reflections

I suppose every man nearing life's end seeks a personal mental solace, which validates a purposeful journey. Perhaps many men take liberties identifying with Frank Sinatra's song, "My Way" because it suggests that a man must beat-back perilous struggles to succeed. I am sure most men justify making the aforementioned case with conditional concessions to reality measured against one's perception. Regardless of one's thesis or a counter-argument, we all listen to that inner spiritual voice that says, "Well done; you did good."
One certain factor is the ability for every person to evaluate and draw conclusions about our neighbor's life rather than self-scrutiny.
I believe our Lord saw this inherent weakness. Did He not speak with clarity of the speck in one's eye versus the speck in others' eyes?

Sometimes Winning IS Everything

I was always amused by basketball 'people' (coaches & fans) who would suggest that a coach is either a 'defensive-coach' or 'offensive-coach.' Consider please, a coach can play a very deliberate offensive style and the final 'low' score perhaps would suggest he is a defensive coach; ain't necessarily so.  My first head-coaching job was at Mason City (Illinois), which is now a consolidated school called Illini Central. I followed a coach into that position who was a deliberate offensive and good defensive coach. I recall once my second year when my Mason City team beat an opponent 114-to-89. Many local fans thought I was not teaching defense because they were accustom to their Mason City teams winning 50-to-25; a similar point-difference but low scoring thus suggesting 'defense.'


I remember the late, Joe Lucco (Edwardsville high school coach) who once told me that he believed a good defense started with a great offense. Joe's theory was 'put up' twice as many shots as your opponent and you'll win.' I personally believe that since high school coaches cannot (legally) recruit players it behooves the coach to determine, in the preseason, the strengths and weaknesses of his players and then orchestrate offensive and defensive approaches that give the kids a chance to win. As they say, 'accentuate the positive (strengths) and eliminate the negative' (weaknesses). That said...don't call me a defensive or offensive coach; most fans didn't, they called me other things!


PS. On another matter, I recently said in a blog that Harry .S Truman was second only to Abe Lincoln when listing our best Presidents. Obama  needs to take a page from Harry's 'playbook' and drop the 'Big One' everywhere we know ISIS terrorists are active. Again, sometimes the best defense is a good offense!

Speak For Self Not For Jesus

Can we agree that both the Christian 'Right' and Christian 'Left' believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; they differ in what they believe Jesus wishes from us and for us. The Christian 'Right' embraces the gospel of prosperity, which suggests that if you are a sinless believer you will be rewarded with material things. The 'Right-wing Christian' infers that the poor are lazy and sinful.


The 'Left-wing Christian' believes that the poor is poor because they are not valued except for cheap labor. The 'Left' asks for social justice through wages that allow for provisions of body and spirit. A plethora of issues put the two Christian viewpoints at odds. The 'Conservative Right' will become motivated to fight abortion, stem cell research (using embryos), availability of contraceptives through health care plans as well as the very affordable health care plans designed to benefit the poor. The 'Liberal Left' will  call for a woman's choice, protection of the poor and wage fairness. 'Right-wing Christians will state the former is sinful and the latter is redistribution of wealth.


Believers thus face a choice between 'Conservative Right-wing thinking' Christians and 'Liberal Left-wing thinking' Christians. Ultimately, we seek to answer the question: 'What would Jesus do?' I can MAKE that decision (choice) without assistance from others; hope you can, also.

Some Win, Some Lose; Some Remain The Same

I often wonder, which of the following sad circumstances will end first: (1) prejudice / racism, (2) the Middle East conflicts or (3) the Chicago Cubs' World Series drought.  I am convinced that it will take three more generations to die-off before we bury prejudice attitudes and discrimination. As for the Middle East conflict, it appears much as the Ten Commandments; written in stone; those folks ain't ever going to stop fighting! The good news seems to be coming to the North side of Chicago. I believe those young Cubbies' fans entering college this year will celebrate a Cubs' World Series winner before they graduate from the higher institution of learning. In the meantime, they'll continue practicing celebratory-drunkenness for all kinds of reasons!

No Strategy / Bad Wardrobe

I would not claim to be some type of 'Presidential Historian;' like most Americans with limited in-depth knowledge, I have my favorite Presidents. Those Commander-in-Chiefs are Abraham Lincoln, Harry S. Truman and George Washington. The listing order is intended and significant.
We (countrymen and women) have always been critical of our leaders; I liken it to my critical eye on St. Louis Cardinals' managers.


The other day, I caught a portion of President Obama's press conference as he spoke briefly to the nation about the economy numbers, which seem improved and the mess confronting the world by the activities of the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
The President stated at one point that he would be engaging Congress regarding the desired direction after the Pentagon weighs in with more information but at the moment there IS NO firm strategy. Holy cow-crap, the right-wing group went off on the President who would dare suggest WE OMNIPOTENT Americans don't have a game plan. Shit-fire-and-save-matches cowboys, we should just bomb the bastards and hoist a flag stating: "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED." Oops, scratch that idea that's what put us in this shit hole!




Another thing Mr. President what's up wearing a beige suit during the press conference. Ronald Reagan NEVER wore a tan suit representing our country.