As I 'see it' men hate to give up two things: 1) the car keys and 2) standing to pee. At the present, I'm okay driving but the peeing is becoming problematic. Let me explain.
We American men grew up admiring the Cowboys of the Old West. We liked horses and the open range. Translation? Till this day we speak of automobiles in terms of 'horse power.' We fellas also enjoy our 'guns,' which brings me to the second topic...peeing.
Let's go back to my potty-training days. I remember Mother-Lucille coaxing me to pee-pee into a Coke bottle as a way to get me excited about peeing in something other than my pants. I soon caught on and when my output exceeded the regular Coke bottle size, which was the time long before 16-oz bottles, I was then told to stand at the toilet like the big boys and make 'bubbles.' Throughout the years, I have enjoyed many various pee stances.
The recent problem I have is two-fold: pee frequency and puny streams, which often become 'dribbles.' This means, I am in front of the commode more often experiencing reduced 'hose' power. Dadgummit, I recall in my late teens and early twenties, I feared I would knock the porcelain off the back of the toilet. At seventy-seven, I notice that I can only 'make bubbles' if I lean far enough over the commode with my upper body hanging over the target area and my forehead resting against the wall behind the commode. Picture THAT sports fans! Since this is not the most comfortable posture while waiting for things to 'kick in,' I was told by my Doctor to consider 'sitting' down to pee as a girl. No more stand like a 'Big Boy?'
I ain't too excited about this option...I think I'll go to Walmart and get a 16-ounce bottle of Coke.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
The Trade Off
This aging thing finds more 'stuff' beyond my ability to comprehend. My lack of technological education coupled with a lack of motivation to dig deeper into the tech-world literature places me in the bottom of the communication and informational class.
On the 'one-hand,' I envy the younger generation with this 'new age' knowledge. On the other hand, I sense they have been cheated or at least compromised. Let me explain.
In this New Year (2017) walk into most any American home and you would likely find a family seated around a large screen television. During any commercial break each person, adult and teens will then engage a personal 'computer-cell-phone devise. They are mostly oblivious to others nearby.
That same home setting 70-years ago saw all family members seated in front of a large box with huge dial knobs and a lighted numbered face with a arrow-needle, which was moved across those numbers by turning the large knobs. It was a console-radio. We 'listened' to stories told and voice-acted threw that radio's speakers. Programs like 'The Lone Ranger,' 'The Fat Man,' 'Gangbusters,', 'The Shadow' and 'One Man's Family.' We were required to use our imagination as the verbal stories unfolded. We had to 'paint' the story's picture. Oh, and during commercials, we visited with one another and sorted out opinions of the program's storyline and where it might be going.
Seventy years ago, we did a lot of 'stuff' like that as a family. We ate supper together and often went to the backyard to play croquet, badminton or shoot baskets. We sat on swings together and cranked the handle of a homemade ice cream maker. Neighbors often walked into our backyard and visited us. We actually knew everybody who lived near our house.
I guess the thing that concerns me is that the lack of tech-smarts can be circumvented by calling a 'Geek Squad' member to your house for consultation. However, who the hell will my grandkids call to hone their imagination or develop family relationship bonds?
On the 'one-hand,' I envy the younger generation with this 'new age' knowledge. On the other hand, I sense they have been cheated or at least compromised. Let me explain.
In this New Year (2017) walk into most any American home and you would likely find a family seated around a large screen television. During any commercial break each person, adult and teens will then engage a personal 'computer-cell-phone devise. They are mostly oblivious to others nearby.
That same home setting 70-years ago saw all family members seated in front of a large box with huge dial knobs and a lighted numbered face with a arrow-needle, which was moved across those numbers by turning the large knobs. It was a console-radio. We 'listened' to stories told and voice-acted threw that radio's speakers. Programs like 'The Lone Ranger,' 'The Fat Man,' 'Gangbusters,', 'The Shadow' and 'One Man's Family.' We were required to use our imagination as the verbal stories unfolded. We had to 'paint' the story's picture. Oh, and during commercials, we visited with one another and sorted out opinions of the program's storyline and where it might be going.
Seventy years ago, we did a lot of 'stuff' like that as a family. We ate supper together and often went to the backyard to play croquet, badminton or shoot baskets. We sat on swings together and cranked the handle of a homemade ice cream maker. Neighbors often walked into our backyard and visited us. We actually knew everybody who lived near our house.
I guess the thing that concerns me is that the lack of tech-smarts can be circumvented by calling a 'Geek Squad' member to your house for consultation. However, who the hell will my grandkids call to hone their imagination or develop family relationship bonds?
Thursday, December 29, 2016
The Gift of Life
It was four years ago that our family left the Metro-East area having gathered there to bid a final farewell to my mother, Lucille (Bennett) Roustio. She died at age 93. In her memory I share this poem from many years ago:
The Gift of Life
I came to her in times of need
A broken heart or skinned up knee.
Her comfort made me feel okay,
She eased the pain and sent me to play.
As years rolled by challenges grew large,
A mother strong to lead the charge.
'Big Boys don't cry,' I was told everyday,
While my mother said, it would be okay.
Bonding with father is special indeed,
Assurance from mother was always a need.
The years unfolded; a sweetheart I'd find,
My mother approved and loved from behind.
Tho' life became busy with family care,
In time of need with mother I'd share.
Notes and messages she'd send in my strife,
A mother will nurture throughout her life.
Delighted when called her spirits we lift,
I hope she knows she's our greatest gift.
The Gift of Life
I came to her in times of need
A broken heart or skinned up knee.
Her comfort made me feel okay,
She eased the pain and sent me to play.
As years rolled by challenges grew large,
A mother strong to lead the charge.
'Big Boys don't cry,' I was told everyday,
While my mother said, it would be okay.
Bonding with father is special indeed,
Assurance from mother was always a need.
The years unfolded; a sweetheart I'd find,
My mother approved and loved from behind.
Tho' life became busy with family care,
In time of need with mother I'd share.
Notes and messages she'd send in my strife,
A mother will nurture throughout her life.
Delighted when called her spirits we lift,
I hope she knows she's our greatest gift.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
I Witnessed Close Up
I would think we would agree that young people 'under-the-gun' to produce in the PRESENT are not enthralled with suggestions and recommendations from rocking-chair retirees telling them how 'it' used to be done. Many years traveling the nation, I gave hundreds of speeches to athletic administrators, athletes and parents. I was adamant and sincere to underscore the fact that today's athletes benefit from healthier lives, cutting edge training methods and more specialized coaching techniques. I believe the only modern day secondary school sport negative is the fact that relationship dynamics lags behind, resulting in a less than satisfying sport experience for athletes, parents and coaches. In every speaking presentation, I do address the methods necessary to adopt in order to reverse this negative...but that is not what this 'rant' is targeting.
I am beginning to 'feel' that my self-deprecating 'tank' is getting empty. I am not inclined to do a 180 degree turn but many observations of current behavior is pushing me to the edge. I am thinking that perhaps an old-timer needs to 'call-out' this younger generation when they apparently have it wrong. Consider the following personal note. When I quit coaching after a 39-year tenure, I did so because I no longer recognized the current athletes' work ethic and commitment. That persona, which was once characterized by a team-driven philosophy laced with personal humility had become more self-serving and boastful; questioning the leadership was more common as parents focused on 'theirs' and school administrators loss courage to support teachers and coaches. Here is a fact-check...I was not the one to change over the 39-years.
I am sure some readers are thinking that I am old fashion and out of touch...perhaps they are correct. However, I ask them to 'square' this: In the mid-1980's, I was on the IHSA Legislative Commission. We had to implement, for the first time in IHSA history, rules pertaining to sportsmanship; particularly the issues involving 'taunting' opponents and grandstand-celebrating. The reason and need to do this at the IHSA level is like many things in education: Teachers and Coaches must do much of today's parenting. You do understand that parents of the 1940's and 1950's sent kids to school who had already been trained and coached in 'attitude,' humility and dignified behavior because anything less reflected negatively on the family.
I am beginning to 'feel' that my self-deprecating 'tank' is getting empty. I am not inclined to do a 180 degree turn but many observations of current behavior is pushing me to the edge. I am thinking that perhaps an old-timer needs to 'call-out' this younger generation when they apparently have it wrong. Consider the following personal note. When I quit coaching after a 39-year tenure, I did so because I no longer recognized the current athletes' work ethic and commitment. That persona, which was once characterized by a team-driven philosophy laced with personal humility had become more self-serving and boastful; questioning the leadership was more common as parents focused on 'theirs' and school administrators loss courage to support teachers and coaches. Here is a fact-check...I was not the one to change over the 39-years.
I am sure some readers are thinking that I am old fashion and out of touch...perhaps they are correct. However, I ask them to 'square' this: In the mid-1980's, I was on the IHSA Legislative Commission. We had to implement, for the first time in IHSA history, rules pertaining to sportsmanship; particularly the issues involving 'taunting' opponents and grandstand-celebrating. The reason and need to do this at the IHSA level is like many things in education: Teachers and Coaches must do much of today's parenting. You do understand that parents of the 1940's and 1950's sent kids to school who had already been trained and coached in 'attitude,' humility and dignified behavior because anything less reflected negatively on the family.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Made Your List?
Sur-nuf it's quiet around this big old house this morning. Let me assure you that when 24 family folks depart after a Day long Christmas celebration-marathon it is eerrie here for the next 24- hours. The family love, bantering and laughter releases an amazing adrenaline rush for several hours and then suddenly the emotional-high bottoms out.
After my wife and I do the post-celebration tidy-up chores, we sink into chairs and a moderate depression. We will soon recover. While reflecting, I contemplate another year's ending. I think of the past year's family highlights and look forward to those television 'end of the year presentations;' you know, the ones with best lists and next year's predictions.
I got to thinking that if I was inclined to make a New Year's Resolution List it would probably look like this:
I resolve...
1. not take politics so seriously.
2. to accomplish #1 by not listening to Hannity or Limbaugh and discontinue Facebooking.
3. not criticize St. Louis Cardinals baseball manager, Mike Matheny.
4. to praise more and criticize less.
5. to embrace the possibility that those who disagree with me are not necessarily wrong or worse.
6. to clean my closets, garage and the utility room.
7. to spend more time with a Toy poodle, Yodie.
8. to prepare and cook more meals for my wife.
9. to begin writing a fifth book. This one entitled a 'A Calling to Coach.'
10. to do more for my Church.
Okay, I just stepped away from my New Year's resolution list and returned for a re-read. My conclusion?
I could accomplish 4-of-the-10...hey, that ain't bad!
After my wife and I do the post-celebration tidy-up chores, we sink into chairs and a moderate depression. We will soon recover. While reflecting, I contemplate another year's ending. I think of the past year's family highlights and look forward to those television 'end of the year presentations;' you know, the ones with best lists and next year's predictions.
I got to thinking that if I was inclined to make a New Year's Resolution List it would probably look like this:
I resolve...
1. not take politics so seriously.
2. to accomplish #1 by not listening to Hannity or Limbaugh and discontinue Facebooking.
3. not criticize St. Louis Cardinals baseball manager, Mike Matheny.
4. to praise more and criticize less.
5. to embrace the possibility that those who disagree with me are not necessarily wrong or worse.
6. to clean my closets, garage and the utility room.
7. to spend more time with a Toy poodle, Yodie.
8. to prepare and cook more meals for my wife.
9. to begin writing a fifth book. This one entitled a 'A Calling to Coach.'
10. to do more for my Church.
Okay, I just stepped away from my New Year's resolution list and returned for a re-read. My conclusion?
I could accomplish 4-of-the-10...hey, that ain't bad!
Monday, December 26, 2016
Humor as Beauty; In Eye of Beholder
Recently, I had a communication exchange with a newspaper writer who wrote a supposedly light-hearted (joke) comment about President Obama enjoying his Christmas (Hawaii) vacation on tax payers' dollars.
I challenged the writer's attempt at humor asking, "Are you implying that Obama is the only President to 'use taxpayer's' dollars taking a vacation?" His response suggested that both Democrat and Republican politicians "eat at the public trough." I say, "Fair enough." I agree.
The news-writer went on to state that he believed Obama, "so close to leaving office, could have saved tax dollars by waiting until he was out of office to go on vacation." Really?
Okay, here's an interesting tidbit... Former President George W. Bush took 1,020 vacation days while serving an eight-year Presidential term. FDR was President for 12-years and took 948 vacation days during that time. Is there a 'joke' in that little comparison some place?
If my newspaper friend and others believe President Obama used tax dollars carelessly on vacations, they may rest easy knowing that apparently 'none of these tax dollars' used by Obama on this 'last' vacation were tax monies of their Emperor-elect Donald Trump. All indications suggest that Emperor-elect Trump pays no taxes to support the America he wishes to "make great again."
I challenged the writer's attempt at humor asking, "Are you implying that Obama is the only President to 'use taxpayer's' dollars taking a vacation?" His response suggested that both Democrat and Republican politicians "eat at the public trough." I say, "Fair enough." I agree.
The news-writer went on to state that he believed Obama, "so close to leaving office, could have saved tax dollars by waiting until he was out of office to go on vacation." Really?
Okay, here's an interesting tidbit... Former President George W. Bush took 1,020 vacation days while serving an eight-year Presidential term. FDR was President for 12-years and took 948 vacation days during that time. Is there a 'joke' in that little comparison some place?
If my newspaper friend and others believe President Obama used tax dollars carelessly on vacations, they may rest easy knowing that apparently 'none of these tax dollars' used by Obama on this 'last' vacation were tax monies of their Emperor-elect Donald Trump. All indications suggest that Emperor-elect Trump pays no taxes to support the America he wishes to "make great again."
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Merry Christmas
May this Christmas Day bring family love and joyous celebration to you. Perhaps a moment of reflection gives you pause. In our 'pause' may we all give thanks to God's greatest gift...the Christ child. It is the gift that gives forever...an eternal life.
Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Thank God for 'Calling' Those Who Teach
Recently, I was driving through a nearby community and noted a sign in front of a school building, which read: "New Teachers' Institute-Today." I thought, son-of-a-gun, inspite of our government underfunding education, inspite of parents not supporting educators and inspite of low teaching pay, we still have 'new' blood joining the "Grandest of Enterprises-" Teaching!
Over the years, I vasccilated from amusement to anger when hearing the phrase, "Those who can do and those who can't teach." If that mindset does not speak volumes regarding how this Nation values education, I don't know what does!!
If our cable television 'magazine shows' depicts and underscores the interest of the American people then the Today Show (today) had a segment on the "heavy chest colds of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip" and Miley Cyrus' family photo. Meanwhile, as most American parents continue to 'fail' in all aspects of parenting, as politicians give insincere lip service to the importance of education, I will ask God blessings on the 'teacher' who will attempt to clean up the mess!
Over the years, I vasccilated from amusement to anger when hearing the phrase, "Those who can do and those who can't teach." If that mindset does not speak volumes regarding how this Nation values education, I don't know what does!!
If our cable television 'magazine shows' depicts and underscores the interest of the American people then the Today Show (today) had a segment on the "heavy chest colds of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip" and Miley Cyrus' family photo. Meanwhile, as most American parents continue to 'fail' in all aspects of parenting, as politicians give insincere lip service to the importance of education, I will ask God blessings on the 'teacher' who will attempt to clean up the mess!
Friday, December 23, 2016
Forever In Our Hearts
A few years ago, I was interviewed by a Metro-East sports writer about 'life after coaching.' One of the many questions he tossed my way was this one: "What was the most difficult or saddest coaching moments you faced?" Of course, I could have rattled off a number of those heart breaking last-second defeats that caused sleepless nights or perhaps the first home-game coaching at The JHS Bowl (1977) when our sophomore son was booed by his own student body when introduced; all because his coach-father cut a number of seniors. I do recall stopping the auto on our way home that night and turning on the dome lights then telling a 15- year- old boy that he did not have to play basketball to satisfy his dad but if he wishes to play, he must never talk about basketball at home in front of his mom or sisters. I never asked him how he felt about that...I should do that sometime...ah, maybe not.
I could have mentioned those moments but 'those' moments never lingered as a heavy burden on my heart like the premature death of...some of my former players. Many times I still wake-up in mid-night hours and for some reason recall moments with...Joe Smith (Assumption), Dave Forrette (Washington); Billy Mitchell, Tom Gammill and Dean Harris (Edwardsville); Eric Perrine, Kevin Ford, Randall 'Doc' McGee, Craig Wills, Greg Havlin and Bobby Hoffman (Jacksonville); Shalin Bond and Ishmael Adams (Decatur). The news of those deaths were horrible to my ears and made me physically ill.
Every Holiday Season, I think about those players / my boys. I think about their families. My wife and I pray each night during this season for each of those families. We pray that those families find comfort in fond memories and in the knowledge that their sons were a blessing many who knew them. Coach and Mrs. Roustio hold them in our hearts.
We wish those families a Merry Christmas and once again our appreciation for sharing their sons in our journey.
I could have mentioned those moments but 'those' moments never lingered as a heavy burden on my heart like the premature death of...some of my former players. Many times I still wake-up in mid-night hours and for some reason recall moments with...Joe Smith (Assumption), Dave Forrette (Washington); Billy Mitchell, Tom Gammill and Dean Harris (Edwardsville); Eric Perrine, Kevin Ford, Randall 'Doc' McGee, Craig Wills, Greg Havlin and Bobby Hoffman (Jacksonville); Shalin Bond and Ishmael Adams (Decatur). The news of those deaths were horrible to my ears and made me physically ill.
Every Holiday Season, I think about those players / my boys. I think about their families. My wife and I pray each night during this season for each of those families. We pray that those families find comfort in fond memories and in the knowledge that their sons were a blessing many who knew them. Coach and Mrs. Roustio hold them in our hearts.
We wish those families a Merry Christmas and once again our appreciation for sharing their sons in our journey.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Accept The Gift
The Holiday Season upon us and a New Year around the corner likely causes all to reflect upon our blessings and attempt to re-think going forward. I have always been big on celebrating the birth of Christ and embracing the family love as we bring a year to close; I have never been into 'New Year's resolutions.' I suppose the reason for the latter is due to my on-going re-examination that begs immediacy rather than waiting for an annual exam.
I have many blessings, which I count everyday; namely my wife of 56-years, three grown children and their terrific spouses, which gave us 15-grandchildren and two-great grandchildren. Certainly, I must mention my best buddy, Yodie (the 8-year old Toy Poodle) and since being diagnosed with diabetes a year ago, I must count the blessing of not being allergic to 'peanut butter.'
Most everyday, I share a blog-writing and over 300 people read my daily rant. I believe my motivation is simply sharing a perspective; a thought. I realize that many readers do not share the same perspective and often times they express their counter thought. Just as I appreciate others taking time to read that which I write, I appreciate your differing viewpoint. I want to thank you for reading the blog and still remaining a 'friend.'
I hope this Christmas finds you and yours surrounded with family love and wonderful reflections. My wish for you this new year is that you are blessed with good health and joy. I will pray that all my friends have that 'closer walk' with Christ.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I have many blessings, which I count everyday; namely my wife of 56-years, three grown children and their terrific spouses, which gave us 15-grandchildren and two-great grandchildren. Certainly, I must mention my best buddy, Yodie (the 8-year old Toy Poodle) and since being diagnosed with diabetes a year ago, I must count the blessing of not being allergic to 'peanut butter.'
Most everyday, I share a blog-writing and over 300 people read my daily rant. I believe my motivation is simply sharing a perspective; a thought. I realize that many readers do not share the same perspective and often times they express their counter thought. Just as I appreciate others taking time to read that which I write, I appreciate your differing viewpoint. I want to thank you for reading the blog and still remaining a 'friend.'
I hope this Christmas finds you and yours surrounded with family love and wonderful reflections. My wish for you this new year is that you are blessed with good health and joy. I will pray that all my friends have that 'closer walk' with Christ.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down?
My wife and I are 76 & 77, respectively. We have three grown (married) children who begot a total of 15-grandchildren of which two are married and one who has two of our great-grandchildren. They will all be at our Decatur home Christmas Day. This Christmas gathering has been a normal family-tradition for many years-running. It is indeed a wonderful celebration and one, which Nana and Boompa cherish....But....
With grandkids getting married and other grandkids entering into relationships it is obvious that on the horizons are extended families with expectations of their 'own' Christmas-gathering together! Why not?
My wife and I note the pressure is mounting on our children to juggle their 'gathering' wishes while cooperating with their children's' in-laws and hopefully not hurting Nana and Boompa's feelings with any family-tradition-change. Well, time to change, say I. I suggested to my wife that 'next year,' we (Nana & Boompa) hold our Christmas gathering on the Saturday before Christmas Day. This would avoid family conflicts on December 25 and permit school age grandkids the return home Sunday to take care of school attendance the following day.
My wife was warm to the suggestion although she did ask, "What are WE going to do on Christmas Day; we will be by ourselves?" I did not respond but thought: 'We once went out on New Year's Eve and got home at 2AM...the last several years, we are both in bed by 9PM and asleep for two hours before that mid-night ball drops...Things change...I'm good with it! Besides, I always did want Christmas to come earlier.
Any better solutions?
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Times-Styles and New Normals
I am not a prude when it comes to matters of sexuality. I understand that those adolescent years brought with them the awareness of male female differences and the accompanying 'feelings.' I suppose that's why all my junior high friends fought over the National Geographic Magazines when we went to the library to do 'research' papers. Of course, that magazine became blase' once a buddy brought his Dad's Playboy Magazine to the sandlot.
You can label it as you wish; call it discarding Puritanical ways, 'openness,' loss of innocence or 'smut;' whatever, we must admit things have changed across the American 'sexuality' landscape. As a 'passenger' on this journey, I have observed fashion changes and entertainment 'subject-matter' that has caused wide ranging debates, which eventually lead to movie-ratings and public school administrators using various methods to measure the length of a female student's skirt. Crazy trans-formative times, indeed. I would think most blog readers would agree that their deceased grandmother would 'roll-over' in her resting place should she 'see' her great-granddaughter's Friday night date apparel.
Never to miss the golden opportunity to make a buck off the female body, America's television network competition has an on-going war to get a 'leg' up on the other guy! Pun intended.
The fast food giant, McDonald's has told America, "I'm Lovin' It!" Hardee's countered with a sensuous 'boob-baring,' leggy chick sitting on a front-stoop taking a bite from an oversized sandwich causing ketchup to drip onto her legs as she seductively looks into the camera. Evidently, more fella's are Lovin' that!
Fox News' marketing philosophy is expanding to the Headline News Network...it's a simple marketing philosophy>>>have long-legged ladies' limbs bared as high as permitted...then watch those ratings soar.
I find those attempts to be somewhat shallow....although I would likely watch a weather channel with a female meteorologist wearing Victoria Secret's nighties.
You can label it as you wish; call it discarding Puritanical ways, 'openness,' loss of innocence or 'smut;' whatever, we must admit things have changed across the American 'sexuality' landscape. As a 'passenger' on this journey, I have observed fashion changes and entertainment 'subject-matter' that has caused wide ranging debates, which eventually lead to movie-ratings and public school administrators using various methods to measure the length of a female student's skirt. Crazy trans-formative times, indeed. I would think most blog readers would agree that their deceased grandmother would 'roll-over' in her resting place should she 'see' her great-granddaughter's Friday night date apparel.
Never to miss the golden opportunity to make a buck off the female body, America's television network competition has an on-going war to get a 'leg' up on the other guy! Pun intended.
The fast food giant, McDonald's has told America, "I'm Lovin' It!" Hardee's countered with a sensuous 'boob-baring,' leggy chick sitting on a front-stoop taking a bite from an oversized sandwich causing ketchup to drip onto her legs as she seductively looks into the camera. Evidently, more fella's are Lovin' that!
Fox News' marketing philosophy is expanding to the Headline News Network...it's a simple marketing philosophy>>>have long-legged ladies' limbs bared as high as permitted...then watch those ratings soar.
I find those attempts to be somewhat shallow....although I would likely watch a weather channel with a female meteorologist wearing Victoria Secret's nighties.
Monday, December 19, 2016
I'm Just Sayin
A few nights ago, my wife and I watched the movie, "A Christmas Carol" staring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. That movie was released in 1984. Of course, you know that Charles Dickens wrote the novel 'A Christmas Carol,' in 1843. Dickens was disturbed and moved by England's poverty and its profound impact on children.
Oh, likely as you, I've read the novel and seen various movie depictions of the 'mean' Ebenezer Scrooge but this time my wife and I watched carefully with a focus on the homeless and poverty stricken we see in some streets of Decatur. We also noted some similarities of 1843 attitudes towards poor homeless people, of which Dickens wrote and those same harsh condescending attitudes that exists today.
I will leave it at that and thus stop short of politicizing the movie's message. I will share this: My son and daughter-in law have apparently taken it upon themselves to keep a vigil on a homeless couple across the river from their Granite City home. This homeless couple sleeps near the St. Louis Arch on blankets spread upon the frozen ground under a plastic canopy. He is a Iraq War Veteran who struggles with emotional trauma issues. He is also a non-believer while his wife asked my son and daughter-in law to bring her a bible should they return.
Daughter-in law Kathy was most upset about another nearby couple who held a two-year old child in their arms in the frigid nighttime temperatures.
Well, Steve and Kathy have returned several times. They have been there with an East St. Louis minister and another educator-coach. They have returned with blankets, gloves, fire wood, portable propane heaters and also with the loving message of Jesus Christ.
My wife and I sent some money to our kids to help with the cause and I also sent a warning. I told them, "Be careful those situations of street people can pose great dangers." The answer coming back from them came in the form of a question: "How do you ignore the voice of Christ?"
And to 'think' we argue in this great nation about the solutions to this problem or worse, dismiss it because "it's their own fault."
Oh, likely as you, I've read the novel and seen various movie depictions of the 'mean' Ebenezer Scrooge but this time my wife and I watched carefully with a focus on the homeless and poverty stricken we see in some streets of Decatur. We also noted some similarities of 1843 attitudes towards poor homeless people, of which Dickens wrote and those same harsh condescending attitudes that exists today.
I will leave it at that and thus stop short of politicizing the movie's message. I will share this: My son and daughter-in law have apparently taken it upon themselves to keep a vigil on a homeless couple across the river from their Granite City home. This homeless couple sleeps near the St. Louis Arch on blankets spread upon the frozen ground under a plastic canopy. He is a Iraq War Veteran who struggles with emotional trauma issues. He is also a non-believer while his wife asked my son and daughter-in law to bring her a bible should they return.
Daughter-in law Kathy was most upset about another nearby couple who held a two-year old child in their arms in the frigid nighttime temperatures.
Well, Steve and Kathy have returned several times. They have been there with an East St. Louis minister and another educator-coach. They have returned with blankets, gloves, fire wood, portable propane heaters and also with the loving message of Jesus Christ.
My wife and I sent some money to our kids to help with the cause and I also sent a warning. I told them, "Be careful those situations of street people can pose great dangers." The answer coming back from them came in the form of a question: "How do you ignore the voice of Christ?"
And to 'think' we argue in this great nation about the solutions to this problem or worse, dismiss it because "it's their own fault."
Sunday, December 18, 2016
A Significant Staple
I enjoy music. I often spend hours embracing my recording equipment, which permits me to copy tunes/songs from my collection of LP albums or 'burn' 45's and CD's onto composite discs for friends and family. My stockpile of LP's, 45's and CD's is extensive to say the least. It affords me my mid-night hour retreat.
I am certain that my love of music finds its embryo stages in the Methodist Church. In my youth, Sunday School, Sunday Service and periodic Church Revivals were staples with the Bennett-Roustio clans. Perhaps it was in those church pews where I began testing my vocal chords unabashedly due to the Methodist congregations' historic loud singing. I took my singing voice self-assurance into the elementary and middle school choirs where I could enjoy the music more.
There are many fascinating aspects regarding the evolution of songs. The 'pop' tune culture always heightened my attention. Studies show strong connections between our music and societal moods and issues of the time. While young love and romance stimulates much song writing, we note historically in times of civil strife and war, we hear attitudes, fears and hopes expressed in our music. Some of my generation will recall those World War II triumphant songs, i.e., "Over There," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and also those protest songs of the 1960's. All songs provide avenues of expression and feelings. I particularly like Sam Cooke's song, "Change Gonna Come."
A few years ago, I read a study conducted by a 'relationship psychologist,' who purported that couples growing up and dating in the 1940's and 1950's were less likely to divorce than couples of subsequent decades. The author concluded 'their' music had much to do with the facts.
Don't tell my grown children and grandkids but I often send the CD composites of those 'wonderful' Fifties love songs we call 'oldies' as a subliminal message.
Looks like a nasty weather-day,I believe I'll go to my office (downstairs) today and 'burn' a CD composite of Bobby Darin, Connie Francis, Jackie Wilson and Etta James. After that, I sit back and just listen to my favorite poet: Chuck Berry.
Several years ago, a family member asked me if I had a morning coffee group. I said no. Then I thought, why would I. I have my music, my high school sweetheart, my Poodle Pup and a great backyard swing. I suppose that's a Grandpa E.V. Bennett thing....Whata you think, brother Tom?
I am certain that my love of music finds its embryo stages in the Methodist Church. In my youth, Sunday School, Sunday Service and periodic Church Revivals were staples with the Bennett-Roustio clans. Perhaps it was in those church pews where I began testing my vocal chords unabashedly due to the Methodist congregations' historic loud singing. I took my singing voice self-assurance into the elementary and middle school choirs where I could enjoy the music more.
There are many fascinating aspects regarding the evolution of songs. The 'pop' tune culture always heightened my attention. Studies show strong connections between our music and societal moods and issues of the time. While young love and romance stimulates much song writing, we note historically in times of civil strife and war, we hear attitudes, fears and hopes expressed in our music. Some of my generation will recall those World War II triumphant songs, i.e., "Over There," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and also those protest songs of the 1960's. All songs provide avenues of expression and feelings. I particularly like Sam Cooke's song, "Change Gonna Come."
A few years ago, I read a study conducted by a 'relationship psychologist,' who purported that couples growing up and dating in the 1940's and 1950's were less likely to divorce than couples of subsequent decades. The author concluded 'their' music had much to do with the facts.
Don't tell my grown children and grandkids but I often send the CD composites of those 'wonderful' Fifties love songs we call 'oldies' as a subliminal message.
Looks like a nasty weather-day,I believe I'll go to my office (downstairs) today and 'burn' a CD composite of Bobby Darin, Connie Francis, Jackie Wilson and Etta James. After that, I sit back and just listen to my favorite poet: Chuck Berry.
Several years ago, a family member asked me if I had a morning coffee group. I said no. Then I thought, why would I. I have my music, my high school sweetheart, my Poodle Pup and a great backyard swing. I suppose that's a Grandpa E.V. Bennett thing....Whata you think, brother Tom?
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Just One Look, That's All It Took
I suppose I am much like others during the Holiday Season. I find myself filled with joy as I embrace family and loved ones in a wonderful festive celebration of the birth our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, there will be moments of heart-tugging melancholy as thoughts and visions of Yesteryear flash through my head bringing back precious memories of family now gone from this journey. Those 'Christmas gatherings' at my grand-parents and later years at my parents shall always remain staples of who we were and what I am.
As a young boy, I recall the anticipation-excitement of my mother's sister, Aunt Kate coming home for the Christmas Holidays. Kate was my mother's elder by seven years and always hovered over her baby sister and her three sons. Kate herself was childless and widowed by her military husband who died young. Kate had left her East St. Louis home and discarded the 'down-home' Kentucky traits exhibited by her parents. She was a handsome well-shaped lady displaying the fashionable flare of that Washington D.C. career woman. Kate was a secretary to the United States Senator from Illinois, Senator Paul Douglas. Aunt Kate brought great Christmas gifts and lectures to young boys about proper dress and manicured finger nails.
Kate did not ask questions without pursuing the particulars in your answers. In Kate's later years (she lived to be 99) my wife and I assumed care of Kate. She could at times be a Jekyll & Hyde but a firm hand brought her Calmness.
I guess it was a year before Kate's death that Gerry and I took our youngest daughter, Pam and her children Caleb (a college student) and Erica (a high school student) to visit Kate at her Assisted Living Home in Belleville, Illinois. As always, with company, Kate was exuberant and giddy with delight. At one point she noticed Caleb's Eastern Illinois T-Shirt with words of admiration, which meant, can I have that T-Shirt? Pam sensed Kate's desires and gave Kate another Eastern Illinois T-Shirt. Kate was thrilled to the extent that she immediately took off her top exposing her 98-year old boobs (old women enjoy bra-less). Often, I still wonder if my grandkids, Caleb and Erica have flashbacks of that visionary trauma. She sure did like that T-Shirt! Precious memories....fly across the lonely years.
As a young boy, I recall the anticipation-excitement of my mother's sister, Aunt Kate coming home for the Christmas Holidays. Kate was my mother's elder by seven years and always hovered over her baby sister and her three sons. Kate herself was childless and widowed by her military husband who died young. Kate had left her East St. Louis home and discarded the 'down-home' Kentucky traits exhibited by her parents. She was a handsome well-shaped lady displaying the fashionable flare of that Washington D.C. career woman. Kate was a secretary to the United States Senator from Illinois, Senator Paul Douglas. Aunt Kate brought great Christmas gifts and lectures to young boys about proper dress and manicured finger nails.
Kate did not ask questions without pursuing the particulars in your answers. In Kate's later years (she lived to be 99) my wife and I assumed care of Kate. She could at times be a Jekyll & Hyde but a firm hand brought her Calmness.
I guess it was a year before Kate's death that Gerry and I took our youngest daughter, Pam and her children Caleb (a college student) and Erica (a high school student) to visit Kate at her Assisted Living Home in Belleville, Illinois. As always, with company, Kate was exuberant and giddy with delight. At one point she noticed Caleb's Eastern Illinois T-Shirt with words of admiration, which meant, can I have that T-Shirt? Pam sensed Kate's desires and gave Kate another Eastern Illinois T-Shirt. Kate was thrilled to the extent that she immediately took off her top exposing her 98-year old boobs (old women enjoy bra-less). Often, I still wonder if my grandkids, Caleb and Erica have flashbacks of that visionary trauma. She sure did like that T-Shirt! Precious memories....fly across the lonely years.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Ho Ho Ho
In a 1976 Playboy Magazine interview with soon to be President Jimmy Carter, he stated that he had many times committed adultery as defined by Jesus Christ when Christ said, "If a man lusts in his heart he has already committed adultery." Carter was simply placing himself in that group of all who are 'weak in the flesh.' Let's see now, who would that be? Oh, I know, that would be YOU & ME!
Well, you know that the shit hit the fan. Republicans were all over Carter and his 'vulgar' suggestion. Yes sir it's same holier-than-thou Evangelical-Party that today gives Donald Trump a 'pass' when he says, "I can grab a woman's p#**y because I'm famous."Actually, they go beyond pass-giving but defend Trump's vulgarity as 'boys will be boys' locker room talk.
And yet the important issue of the day is those evil-dancing-with-the-devil-liberals who won't let you good-heaven-bound Evangelical Christians say, "Merry Christmas." I'll tell you folks, we need to 'Make America Great Again!' Yes sir Bubba...bring back no Union protection, slavery, abuse of women and Mint Juleps.
Please spare me any rebuttal. Just swallow for you and I both know that we'd prefer standing in Jimmy Carter's moccasins on judgment day rather than those of Donald Trump's.
Well, you know that the shit hit the fan. Republicans were all over Carter and his 'vulgar' suggestion. Yes sir it's same holier-than-thou Evangelical-Party that today gives Donald Trump a 'pass' when he says, "I can grab a woman's p#**y because I'm famous."Actually, they go beyond pass-giving but defend Trump's vulgarity as 'boys will be boys' locker room talk.
And yet the important issue of the day is those evil-dancing-with-the-devil-liberals who won't let you good-heaven-bound Evangelical Christians say, "Merry Christmas." I'll tell you folks, we need to 'Make America Great Again!' Yes sir Bubba...bring back no Union protection, slavery, abuse of women and Mint Juleps.
Please spare me any rebuttal. Just swallow for you and I both know that we'd prefer standing in Jimmy Carter's moccasins on judgment day rather than those of Donald Trump's.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Little Things Matter
I wish not to overgeneralize or exaggerate and you blog readers certainly know how often I am WRONG, therefore I offer the following opinion with a degree of restraint if not an "excuse me."
I believe that the automatic dishwasher lead to a higher American divorce rate. Okay, hear my reasoning. First, my apologies to automatic dishwasher inventor, Josephine Cochran of Shelbyville, Illinois who applied for her USA patent in 1886.
I am not going to suggest that the following observed married couple (post evening dinner) behavior was common practice for all American couples who did NOT own an automatic dishwasher...but it was the daily routine at my youthful home. BTW, we never called it dinner; it's always been supper to this old boy.
Okay, shocking as it may sound to the mellinials, once-upon-a-time we seniors (family members) all gathered together for the supper hour...there's a novel concept for family bonding. After supper, I recall my mother and father co-opting dish cleanup duties. Yep, mom washed and dad dried. I never paid much attention to their conversation during that time but I do remember once in a while seeing a playful kiss and even a pat on the behind, which sent a clear message to young eyes that these two people truly cared for each other and I was fortunate to be living in such a loving safe place.
Today, I see more and more young married couples eating out at restaurants. As they wait for food they are usually independently engaged in their personal cell phones. No dishes to do and no reason for chit-chat.
These days at our crib, I usually cook supper and my wife and I share cleanup duty but she insists putting the dishes into that damn automatic dishwasher. Therefore, I pat her on the butt and take the dog outside.
I believe that the automatic dishwasher lead to a higher American divorce rate. Okay, hear my reasoning. First, my apologies to automatic dishwasher inventor, Josephine Cochran of Shelbyville, Illinois who applied for her USA patent in 1886.
I am not going to suggest that the following observed married couple (post evening dinner) behavior was common practice for all American couples who did NOT own an automatic dishwasher...but it was the daily routine at my youthful home. BTW, we never called it dinner; it's always been supper to this old boy.
Okay, shocking as it may sound to the mellinials, once-upon-a-time we seniors (family members) all gathered together for the supper hour...there's a novel concept for family bonding. After supper, I recall my mother and father co-opting dish cleanup duties. Yep, mom washed and dad dried. I never paid much attention to their conversation during that time but I do remember once in a while seeing a playful kiss and even a pat on the behind, which sent a clear message to young eyes that these two people truly cared for each other and I was fortunate to be living in such a loving safe place.
Today, I see more and more young married couples eating out at restaurants. As they wait for food they are usually independently engaged in their personal cell phones. No dishes to do and no reason for chit-chat.
These days at our crib, I usually cook supper and my wife and I share cleanup duty but she insists putting the dishes into that damn automatic dishwasher. Therefore, I pat her on the butt and take the dog outside.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
We Need to Move Along
Look, I voted for Hillary. My side lost. My teammates need to accept reality...Donald Trump will soon become our President.
This ongoing nonsense of criticizing Trump must stop. For example: The CIA cannot be trusted or believed. They were wrong about WMD and they are wrong about Russia 'hacking' USA political parties. On the other hand the FBI, which Trump often quoted regarding Clinton emails is a proven solid government agency. And as Trump has stated, "How do we know this 'hacking' is not done by some fat guy in his New Jersey bedroom..."and were not talking about Chris Christie.
And another thing, people need to back off Trump on this issue regarding his failure to embrace Government Intelligence Briefings. Mr. Trump has told the American people that he knows more about ISIS than our military Generals; even the ones he's appointed to cabinet positions. What else can he say?
Finally, our new President is correct and on the right road using 'tweets' to communicate his thoughts and feelings with the American people. We need a leader who can keep us up-to-snuff in 140 characters or less. Who has time to read more?
It's time for you losers out there to get with the program, join the parade, get into 'step' and stop looking for every small unimportant error Trump may make with his comments in order to criticize him unnecessarily. The best advice I could offer is listen to what he says and then allow 24-hours for him or surrogates to explain and filter his words.
Trumps leadership logic is becoming crystal clear...he recently appointed former Texas Governor, Rick Perry to head the Department of Energy. You all recall when Perry was a Presidential candidate and vowed if elected he would get rid of three government agencies: "Commerce, Education and uh, uh, what's the third one..uh, uh..." Rick it's the Department of Energy.
Things will be fine. America's going to be great...again.
This ongoing nonsense of criticizing Trump must stop. For example: The CIA cannot be trusted or believed. They were wrong about WMD and they are wrong about Russia 'hacking' USA political parties. On the other hand the FBI, which Trump often quoted regarding Clinton emails is a proven solid government agency. And as Trump has stated, "How do we know this 'hacking' is not done by some fat guy in his New Jersey bedroom..."and were not talking about Chris Christie.
And another thing, people need to back off Trump on this issue regarding his failure to embrace Government Intelligence Briefings. Mr. Trump has told the American people that he knows more about ISIS than our military Generals; even the ones he's appointed to cabinet positions. What else can he say?
Finally, our new President is correct and on the right road using 'tweets' to communicate his thoughts and feelings with the American people. We need a leader who can keep us up-to-snuff in 140 characters or less. Who has time to read more?
It's time for you losers out there to get with the program, join the parade, get into 'step' and stop looking for every small unimportant error Trump may make with his comments in order to criticize him unnecessarily. The best advice I could offer is listen to what he says and then allow 24-hours for him or surrogates to explain and filter his words.
Trumps leadership logic is becoming crystal clear...he recently appointed former Texas Governor, Rick Perry to head the Department of Energy. You all recall when Perry was a Presidential candidate and vowed if elected he would get rid of three government agencies: "Commerce, Education and uh, uh, what's the third one..uh, uh..." Rick it's the Department of Energy.
Things will be fine. America's going to be great...again.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Painting and Playing 'Dont' Mix!
A while back, I was watching one of those ultimate fights on television when a commercial came on in the middle of this blood-bath. The TV ad depicted a married couple painting a room in their house. The lady was half-way up a ladder with paint roller in hand and the gent was beneath her to the right using a paint brush. They glanced at each other with rather coy smiles. He reached for her paint-roller and assisted her down the ladder laying the roller next to his brush. At that moment the announcer said, "Cialas can make any moment the right moment." Now, I doubt that I need to go into great detail about this Cialas drug...it's for fella's who suffer with the 'limps.'
Every time I have a Doctor's checkup, the good Doc always asks if I need any of 'those' pills. Next time he asks I'm going to ask him if I'm giving off some clue, which prompts his inquiry or has my wife called him.
Anyway, back to the Cialas television commercial. The couple left the unfinished painted room and disappeared outdoors. I'm thinking the kids might be home or they have no close by neighbors. I thought back to last spring when my wife and I were painting the family room. If I recall, I used two gallons of paint at $26.00 each. The paint roller was $6.00 and the paint brush was $12.99. Now had I been taking those 'Getty-up' pills and I chose to act on the 'moment,' It could have ended up costing me money not to mention that my wife would not have resumed painting after the 'moment' figuring she'd done enough for me in one day. AND, if we would elect to go outdoors for our amorous engagement we could be arrested if the Catholic grade schoolers are out for recess playing on the sliding board adjacent to our backyard.
The final scene in that commercial showed the couple's naked backs sitting in separate bathtubs holding hands looking out over a lake. I have absolutely no idea as to that message. All I know is that we've got a couple more rooms to paint. If the doctor offers me Viagra during my next visit, I going to ask him how he likes painting.
The ultimate fight came back on and within a couple minutes the guy in the red trucks knocked the 'weenie' stiff of the fella in the white trunks.
Every time I have a Doctor's checkup, the good Doc always asks if I need any of 'those' pills. Next time he asks I'm going to ask him if I'm giving off some clue, which prompts his inquiry or has my wife called him.
Anyway, back to the Cialas television commercial. The couple left the unfinished painted room and disappeared outdoors. I'm thinking the kids might be home or they have no close by neighbors. I thought back to last spring when my wife and I were painting the family room. If I recall, I used two gallons of paint at $26.00 each. The paint roller was $6.00 and the paint brush was $12.99. Now had I been taking those 'Getty-up' pills and I chose to act on the 'moment,' It could have ended up costing me money not to mention that my wife would not have resumed painting after the 'moment' figuring she'd done enough for me in one day. AND, if we would elect to go outdoors for our amorous engagement we could be arrested if the Catholic grade schoolers are out for recess playing on the sliding board adjacent to our backyard.
The final scene in that commercial showed the couple's naked backs sitting in separate bathtubs holding hands looking out over a lake. I have absolutely no idea as to that message. All I know is that we've got a couple more rooms to paint. If the doctor offers me Viagra during my next visit, I going to ask him how he likes painting.
The ultimate fight came back on and within a couple minutes the guy in the red trucks knocked the 'weenie' stiff of the fella in the white trunks.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Don't Decipher so Good Anymore
I'm thinking that there is a direct correlation between increasing age and decreasing reasoning. With each passing year, I seem to 'get less;' I simply don't understand. The only thing more frustrating than my growing 'cluelessness' is having extra gravy on my plate only to discover we are out of bread.
Consider:
I cannot make sense of a President-elect who appoints a number of former military men to his cabinet and yet he openly dismisses the findings of his CIA.
I cannot imagine there is such a great audience for the plethora of 'Walking Dead' television re-runs. Who in the world believes that dead people 'walk?' Okay, I'll give you Ed Sullivan.
Why would anybody buy a product (advertised on TV), which promises a home face-lift in 5-minutes. Bathroom surgeries are seldom successful.
If 'political-conservatives' want less government in their lives then why is our President-elect appointing so many 'Wall Street' CEO's to his cabinet when it was many of these guys who benefited from using tax payers monies to 'bail them out' a few years back. Hells bells...that's benefiting from 'socialism.' This could lead to bigger government.
Since the Evangelicals demonstrated a strong voting block, should not Trump consider appointing a strong Christian voice to his cabinet? How about Joel Olsteen as Secretary of State? We might go down the toilet but we'd have a wonderful smile on our face.
How did MY children, who adored MY parents' ways, come to worship and trust MY grandkids so much? (Please re-read three times!)
Dadgumit, I just looked out the back window and noticed that my neighbor's dog is out of his yard. This is the third time in a week. If I don't chase him down its going to cost my neighbor another $85.00 to 'bail out' the critter. I'll just bet some secret service guy, right this minute on tax payers' dollars, is walking Obama's dog. That ain't right...makes no sense to me...but then again, I am an old fart!
Consider:
I cannot make sense of a President-elect who appoints a number of former military men to his cabinet and yet he openly dismisses the findings of his CIA.
I cannot imagine there is such a great audience for the plethora of 'Walking Dead' television re-runs. Who in the world believes that dead people 'walk?' Okay, I'll give you Ed Sullivan.
Why would anybody buy a product (advertised on TV), which promises a home face-lift in 5-minutes. Bathroom surgeries are seldom successful.
If 'political-conservatives' want less government in their lives then why is our President-elect appointing so many 'Wall Street' CEO's to his cabinet when it was many of these guys who benefited from using tax payers monies to 'bail them out' a few years back. Hells bells...that's benefiting from 'socialism.' This could lead to bigger government.
Since the Evangelicals demonstrated a strong voting block, should not Trump consider appointing a strong Christian voice to his cabinet? How about Joel Olsteen as Secretary of State? We might go down the toilet but we'd have a wonderful smile on our face.
How did MY children, who adored MY parents' ways, come to worship and trust MY grandkids so much? (Please re-read three times!)
Dadgumit, I just looked out the back window and noticed that my neighbor's dog is out of his yard. This is the third time in a week. If I don't chase him down its going to cost my neighbor another $85.00 to 'bail out' the critter. I'll just bet some secret service guy, right this minute on tax payers' dollars, is walking Obama's dog. That ain't right...makes no sense to me...but then again, I am an old fart!
Sunday, December 11, 2016
A Daily Possibility
Sports' happenings offer extremes and a mixed bag of emotions. Let me explain my premise.
As an athlete performing on a baseball diamond and running the basketball court or the 'coach' on the bench, I recall those seasons and specific games that remain forever embedded in my memory because of the unexpected and unforeseen happening. Even as the 'arm-chair' critical fan
I readily remember those 'Holy Cow' moments.
I still cannot believe what I witnessed that 1954 May day at Sportsman's Park when St. Louis baseball great, Stan Musial hit five (5) home runs against the Giants. A more recent unexpected performance was that of St. Louis player, David Freese in the 2011 World Series.
I recall the pressure (feelings) coaching several teams, which were expected to turn in banner years...some did and some did not. On the other side of the coin, I remember teams that offered very little to get excited about and yet shocked the faithful with unanticipated winning performances.
Perhaps these wonderful joyous moments from 'out-of-the-blue' motivates me to 'create the pleasurably unexpected for others. I recall the time picking up a restaurant receipt for a young family while traveling to my own rather lucrative speaking engagement. On another occasion, I remember a elderly physically handicapped woman admiring my wife's hand crocheted scarf while dinning out. As we walked by the lady's table on our way out of the establishment, my wife gently placed the scarf around the woman's neck and said, "Merry Christmas."
There will be those who read my words today and take away the thought that I praise self. So be it. You miss the point...just don't miss your opportunities to embrace the unexpected joys and give the unanticipated joys.
As an athlete performing on a baseball diamond and running the basketball court or the 'coach' on the bench, I recall those seasons and specific games that remain forever embedded in my memory because of the unexpected and unforeseen happening. Even as the 'arm-chair' critical fan
I readily remember those 'Holy Cow' moments.
I still cannot believe what I witnessed that 1954 May day at Sportsman's Park when St. Louis baseball great, Stan Musial hit five (5) home runs against the Giants. A more recent unexpected performance was that of St. Louis player, David Freese in the 2011 World Series.
I recall the pressure (feelings) coaching several teams, which were expected to turn in banner years...some did and some did not. On the other side of the coin, I remember teams that offered very little to get excited about and yet shocked the faithful with unanticipated winning performances.
Perhaps these wonderful joyous moments from 'out-of-the-blue' motivates me to 'create the pleasurably unexpected for others. I recall the time picking up a restaurant receipt for a young family while traveling to my own rather lucrative speaking engagement. On another occasion, I remember a elderly physically handicapped woman admiring my wife's hand crocheted scarf while dinning out. As we walked by the lady's table on our way out of the establishment, my wife gently placed the scarf around the woman's neck and said, "Merry Christmas."
There will be those who read my words today and take away the thought that I praise self. So be it. You miss the point...just don't miss your opportunities to embrace the unexpected joys and give the unanticipated joys.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
What's in a name? Memories!
Your hometown is probably unlike my hometown (East St. Louis) in every conceivable comparison or measurement except one way. I would wager that in your (youth) neighborhood, as in mine, many friends and classmates had nicknames. At least that was the case with the boys.
Perhaps we all recall a 'Buddie' or 'Smitty' but there were also the more unusual nicknames.
Here's a few cherished and memorable nicknames from my old East Side neighborhood:
'Poochie' Gigalotto, 'Thumper' Delaney, 'Stump' Foley, 'Radar' O'Brien, 'Lumpy' Landrum, 'Pud' Flood, 'Poo Poo' Harper, 'Welder-Brain' Blackwell, 'Huge' Campbell, 'Ollie' Altenberger, 'Butch' Fiegel, 'Marvelous Marvin' Jones, 'Big Tree' Harris, 'Little Tree' Harris, 'Cobby' Perez, 'Buzz' Shaw, 'Big Daddy' Glanton, 'Flea Boy' Washington, 'Pick' Dehner, 'Pepper' Dehner, 'Yonko' Basarich, 'Stinky' Steinman, 'Foz' Ryan, 'Skeeter' Evans, and 'Banana' Balletto.
Oh, I'll also bet you had at least one 'Moe' you knew.
Perhaps we all recall a 'Buddie' or 'Smitty' but there were also the more unusual nicknames.
Here's a few cherished and memorable nicknames from my old East Side neighborhood:
'Poochie' Gigalotto, 'Thumper' Delaney, 'Stump' Foley, 'Radar' O'Brien, 'Lumpy' Landrum, 'Pud' Flood, 'Poo Poo' Harper, 'Welder-Brain' Blackwell, 'Huge' Campbell, 'Ollie' Altenberger, 'Butch' Fiegel, 'Marvelous Marvin' Jones, 'Big Tree' Harris, 'Little Tree' Harris, 'Cobby' Perez, 'Buzz' Shaw, 'Big Daddy' Glanton, 'Flea Boy' Washington, 'Pick' Dehner, 'Pepper' Dehner, 'Yonko' Basarich, 'Stinky' Steinman, 'Foz' Ryan, 'Skeeter' Evans, and 'Banana' Balletto.
Oh, I'll also bet you had at least one 'Moe' you knew.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Say what?
My wife had her automobile accident back on November 9, about 4 1/2 weeks ago. Her left shoulder sustained a fracture and she has been in a sling to immobilize since the event. The orthopedic surgeon wishes for her to continue wearing the sling in public as a visual reminder to others to 'stay clear.' He fears some rotator-cuff issues if she does not begin some mild ( light) physical therapy, thus he gave her a script-order to begin therapy.
The therapy center of choice is very near our home. My wife scheduled an appointment and assumed by her conversation with the therapy receptionist that it was the 'same' therapy place my wife engaged on a previous post surgery occasion. We would find out later, it was NOT the same place.
The appointment was for 5PM last Wednesday. We arrived to a darkened office and locked doors at 4:50PM. The next morning, my wife telephoned the therapy center and they explained this mis-direction happens often because the two therapy centers' are near one another. I'm thinking, why would they not explain the potential confusion when making appointments. I expressed this to my wife when she explained the situation to me. My wife's response? " Well the young girl receptionist who made the appointment really felt bad about the mistake and I told her, it's not your fault because my arm is in a sling and I can't drive. My husband drove and he just took me to the wrong place."
Say goodnight, Gracie.
The therapy center of choice is very near our home. My wife scheduled an appointment and assumed by her conversation with the therapy receptionist that it was the 'same' therapy place my wife engaged on a previous post surgery occasion. We would find out later, it was NOT the same place.
The appointment was for 5PM last Wednesday. We arrived to a darkened office and locked doors at 4:50PM. The next morning, my wife telephoned the therapy center and they explained this mis-direction happens often because the two therapy centers' are near one another. I'm thinking, why would they not explain the potential confusion when making appointments. I expressed this to my wife when she explained the situation to me. My wife's response? " Well the young girl receptionist who made the appointment really felt bad about the mistake and I told her, it's not your fault because my arm is in a sling and I can't drive. My husband drove and he just took me to the wrong place."
Say goodnight, Gracie.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
"Stupid is as stupid does." Forrest Gump
The great showman, P. T. Barnum was credited with saying, "There's a sucker born every minute." Others suggest it was a Chicago con-man who first uttered those words. Makes no difference, I believe most Americans could site several personal experiences or those experiences of friends that would substantiate the meaning behind the old saying.
Let's be honest, we have all been 'taken' with product purchases. The carnival hawkers are pros at some little scams as are many television Evangelists who offer anointed oils, holy water and rocks or ropes from the Holy Land. Perhaps our gulliblness begs the quote, "If it sounds too good to be true it likely is too good to be true."
I offer this blog today on the heels of a recent telephone conversation I had with a long time cherished friend. He telephoned and during the chat asked me 'why I appear to be so critical of American's lack of smartness in many of my recent blog-rants.' I responded telling him that I should clarify my 'true' feelings regarding America's folks; I don't think they are necessarily stupid but suffer from underdeveloped common sense, narcissism and greed.
Let me cut to the chase on this one. There is some fella who advertises pillows on television. Personally, looking at the gent, I would never think him to be a pillow salesman...looks more like a used car salesman or the guy selling veggie choppers at the State Fair. Anyway, if you telephone him and mention the 'TV Promo Code Number,' you can purchase one pillow and receive the second pillow free. Non-allergenic with cooling pillow is $69.99; Anti-snoring pillow at $78.50 and a regular pillow at $59.95. Here's the terrific news: All pillows come with instructions.
I'm contemplating marketing a product called, "My Toilet Paper." Do you suppose I'll need to include instructions.
Let's be honest, we have all been 'taken' with product purchases. The carnival hawkers are pros at some little scams as are many television Evangelists who offer anointed oils, holy water and rocks or ropes from the Holy Land. Perhaps our gulliblness begs the quote, "If it sounds too good to be true it likely is too good to be true."
I offer this blog today on the heels of a recent telephone conversation I had with a long time cherished friend. He telephoned and during the chat asked me 'why I appear to be so critical of American's lack of smartness in many of my recent blog-rants.' I responded telling him that I should clarify my 'true' feelings regarding America's folks; I don't think they are necessarily stupid but suffer from underdeveloped common sense, narcissism and greed.
Let me cut to the chase on this one. There is some fella who advertises pillows on television. Personally, looking at the gent, I would never think him to be a pillow salesman...looks more like a used car salesman or the guy selling veggie choppers at the State Fair. Anyway, if you telephone him and mention the 'TV Promo Code Number,' you can purchase one pillow and receive the second pillow free. Non-allergenic with cooling pillow is $69.99; Anti-snoring pillow at $78.50 and a regular pillow at $59.95. Here's the terrific news: All pillows come with instructions.
I'm contemplating marketing a product called, "My Toilet Paper." Do you suppose I'll need to include instructions.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Why Not?
I doubt anything is more obvious than our Capitalistic culture driving Americans to do earlier Christmas shopping these days. The first cold turkey leftover (Thanksgiving) sandwich has not been made and American people are fighting over items in department stores on what we have famously branded 'Black Friday.' We begin 'getting into' this Christmas Spirit beginning around 6PM on Thanksgiving evening. This gives us approximately five weeks to build the crescendo to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. America's church pews will overflow on those warm and fuzzy candle-lighting Christmas Eve Services. Of course, we will be back to the 14-to-18 % regular Sunday morning attendance come January of the New Year.
I have no problem with starting the 'Christmas Season' early. Let me explain my reasoning. Beginning the Christmas Season early does not motivate me to shop sooner or more often, in fact I don't shop at all and I haven't for several years. Why don't I shop? If I need it or my wife needs it, we buy it. We don't wait for Christmas for material needs. Regarding children, grandchildren and great- grandkids, we give them money for Christmas. My goodness, why pretend we know what they need or like only to stress them out keeping track of return-receipts.
Here's why I like the Christmas Season beginning early: Christmas takes the edge off America's cynical attitudes. For a brief period of time we are a nation of people who really try to tolerate, show love, show a caring-kindness and purport a Christ-like message. Personally, I think we should all keep our Christmas decorations up year round and the shopping malls and radio stations should play Christmas songs periodically throughout the year. Once a month the Jimmy Stewart movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" should be aired on television.
Ray Charles said it best, "Why can't it remain all through the year, each day the same, that's what I want hear; it's truly amazing that Spirit of Christmas."
I have no problem with starting the 'Christmas Season' early. Let me explain my reasoning. Beginning the Christmas Season early does not motivate me to shop sooner or more often, in fact I don't shop at all and I haven't for several years. Why don't I shop? If I need it or my wife needs it, we buy it. We don't wait for Christmas for material needs. Regarding children, grandchildren and great- grandkids, we give them money for Christmas. My goodness, why pretend we know what they need or like only to stress them out keeping track of return-receipts.
Here's why I like the Christmas Season beginning early: Christmas takes the edge off America's cynical attitudes. For a brief period of time we are a nation of people who really try to tolerate, show love, show a caring-kindness and purport a Christ-like message. Personally, I think we should all keep our Christmas decorations up year round and the shopping malls and radio stations should play Christmas songs periodically throughout the year. Once a month the Jimmy Stewart movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" should be aired on television.
Ray Charles said it best, "Why can't it remain all through the year, each day the same, that's what I want hear; it's truly amazing that Spirit of Christmas."
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Possible? I Think So.
The FBI and other government agencies cannot positively determine the number of (race-religious-homophobic) hate crimes, which occur annually in the United States but it is estimated to be approximately 200,000-to-300,000. That's a bunch of 'hate' goin' on in a Christian nation...wouldn't you say?
Regardless one's views on the 2016 Presidential campaign, we would have to agree that race hate and religious intolerance were major 'hot topics' during the campaigns. I am not inclined to point fingers at either candidate or political party with this blog rant today. That established, I am wondering how much of this 'hate' is nurtured in American homes. It appears to me, predicated on observed attitudes, rhetoric and actions, that there has been generations of American children, which have been erroneously brainwashed to believe that Jesus Christ is a 'White man' with blue eyes and the boogieman is 'Black.'
Regardless one's views on the 2016 Presidential campaign, we would have to agree that race hate and religious intolerance were major 'hot topics' during the campaigns. I am not inclined to point fingers at either candidate or political party with this blog rant today. That established, I am wondering how much of this 'hate' is nurtured in American homes. It appears to me, predicated on observed attitudes, rhetoric and actions, that there has been generations of American children, which have been erroneously brainwashed to believe that Jesus Christ is a 'White man' with blue eyes and the boogieman is 'Black.'
Monday, December 5, 2016
It's Bullcrap and YOU Know It
One frequent target of President-elect Donald Trump while campaigning for the presidency was the media. I get that. The media certainly should be scrutinized. We would be fools if we did not accept the reality that MSNBC advances a liberal-leaning news message. On the other coin-side, we note Fox News to be a mouthpiece for the conservative cause. Okay, back to the point. Trump's campaign style was predicated on personal attacks. I would not argue with his successful outcome even though we still remain unsure about his methods to 'Make America Great Again.'
Trump's camp continues to offer the 'evil media' as problematic this post-election. Recently, when Trump was called-out for 'walking back' many campaign pontificated ideas, his campaign staff informed us that this IS the media's fault because the media took what Trump said, 'literally.' This mixed messaging can be confusing for consumption. I ask myself: Did Donald mean it when he said Mexico is sending us (America) murderers and rapists? Did Trump mean it when he agreed with an interviewer that his daughter had a nice ass? Did he mean it when he said he would pursue prosecuting Hillary Clinton? Did he mean it when he said he could touch women in private body areas because he is a famous person? Did Trump mean it when he said Ted Cruz's father was involved in JFK's assassination? Did he mean it when he said he thinks Obama might be a Muslim not born in the USA? Did he mean it when he said he knows more about ISIS than the American military?
Okay, I'll stop. I'm having a difficult time connecting dots that conclude Trump should not be responsible for anything he may say but the media is responsible to interpret Trumps words in a manner, which sheds only a positive spin on his comments.
On a personal note, I can state that I dealt with media as a basketball coach for 37 years. I always warned my coaches and players to say positive things about teammates and the opponents. I never blamed a player for a loss. When we won I gave credit to my players and assistants. When we lost I gave credit to the opponent. I never blamed...I said I never blamed the officials for a defeat.
I had one confrontation with a media person in 37-years. I felt the media individual was being too critical of one of my players and I told him so. He became defensive and said that I was not doing my best job coaching that year. I told him to report that if he wished but get off the player's back. I was taught to own my words and own my actions. Sometimes I was pleased with my words/actions and other times I am not...but my problems were not another's fault.
I have told you readers before that when I was a teenage boy heading out the door on a weekend night, my father often said, "Hey boy, be home a a decent hour and don't let your mouth overload your ass on the streets." Oh crap, Dad. You mean everybody out there is not going to give me the benefit-of-doubt?
Trump's camp continues to offer the 'evil media' as problematic this post-election. Recently, when Trump was called-out for 'walking back' many campaign pontificated ideas, his campaign staff informed us that this IS the media's fault because the media took what Trump said, 'literally.' This mixed messaging can be confusing for consumption. I ask myself: Did Donald mean it when he said Mexico is sending us (America) murderers and rapists? Did Trump mean it when he agreed with an interviewer that his daughter had a nice ass? Did he mean it when he said he would pursue prosecuting Hillary Clinton? Did he mean it when he said he could touch women in private body areas because he is a famous person? Did Trump mean it when he said Ted Cruz's father was involved in JFK's assassination? Did he mean it when he said he thinks Obama might be a Muslim not born in the USA? Did he mean it when he said he knows more about ISIS than the American military?
Okay, I'll stop. I'm having a difficult time connecting dots that conclude Trump should not be responsible for anything he may say but the media is responsible to interpret Trumps words in a manner, which sheds only a positive spin on his comments.
On a personal note, I can state that I dealt with media as a basketball coach for 37 years. I always warned my coaches and players to say positive things about teammates and the opponents. I never blamed a player for a loss. When we won I gave credit to my players and assistants. When we lost I gave credit to the opponent. I never blamed...I said I never blamed the officials for a defeat.
I had one confrontation with a media person in 37-years. I felt the media individual was being too critical of one of my players and I told him so. He became defensive and said that I was not doing my best job coaching that year. I told him to report that if he wished but get off the player's back. I was taught to own my words and own my actions. Sometimes I was pleased with my words/actions and other times I am not...but my problems were not another's fault.
I have told you readers before that when I was a teenage boy heading out the door on a weekend night, my father often said, "Hey boy, be home a a decent hour and don't let your mouth overload your ass on the streets." Oh crap, Dad. You mean everybody out there is not going to give me the benefit-of-doubt?
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Who's watching 'The Boys?'
Eighteen years ago this December 29, our son, Steve's wife, Kathy gave birth to triplet boys. My wife and I immediately thanked God for healthy babies and began praying for our son and daughter-in law's mental stability. God is good all the time; All the time God is good. That's not to suggest it has not been a challenging journey for that family.
Change was sure to happen with multiple births, especially three boys who for 15 years could not pass by a sibling without offering an agitating touch, slap or push that would cause all hell to break loose every time. Another noted triplet-inducing phenomenon was the increased conversational volume. Why not? It is nearly impossible to hear yourself 'think' much less be heard when all parties were on deck. Sandwiched around the triplets is two older sisters. One married the second a high-academic achieving girl and the youngest a high-octane little sister.
'The Boys,' as they would often be referenced are all handsome specimens. Carter picked up on second oldest sister, Loren's school achieving blueprint as he embraces desires to be 'first' in grades, which compliments his insistence to be 'first-in-line' for every thing else. Jake would be the most socially engaged triplet with anxiety filled saddlebags. And then there's Jamie, the carefree fun-loving spirit who has never been guilty of worry or focus.
As Jake and Jamie's senior basketball season was revving up to begin a few weeks ago, the family was concerned about Jamie's health. He appeared to be lethargic and fatigued with a need to sleep all the time. Was it mononucleosis? Was it some other mysterious illness? Clinic visits and repeated blood tests dismissed all guesses. Now into the basketball season both Jake & Jamie are performing well. Jamie seems to be physically back on his feet and apparently the mystery behind his sleep ailment was resolved. Several weeks ago, mother Kathy purchased some Melatonin sleep aids for anxious, Jake. The sleep pills were in the form of candy-looking gummy bears. You guessed it...Jamie thought it Was candy and was eating it as such. Let's hope the lad does not reach into a medicine cabinet for vitamins and mistakingly grab those adult male 'blue pills.' He might go missing.
Change was sure to happen with multiple births, especially three boys who for 15 years could not pass by a sibling without offering an agitating touch, slap or push that would cause all hell to break loose every time. Another noted triplet-inducing phenomenon was the increased conversational volume. Why not? It is nearly impossible to hear yourself 'think' much less be heard when all parties were on deck. Sandwiched around the triplets is two older sisters. One married the second a high-academic achieving girl and the youngest a high-octane little sister.
'The Boys,' as they would often be referenced are all handsome specimens. Carter picked up on second oldest sister, Loren's school achieving blueprint as he embraces desires to be 'first' in grades, which compliments his insistence to be 'first-in-line' for every thing else. Jake would be the most socially engaged triplet with anxiety filled saddlebags. And then there's Jamie, the carefree fun-loving spirit who has never been guilty of worry or focus.
As Jake and Jamie's senior basketball season was revving up to begin a few weeks ago, the family was concerned about Jamie's health. He appeared to be lethargic and fatigued with a need to sleep all the time. Was it mononucleosis? Was it some other mysterious illness? Clinic visits and repeated blood tests dismissed all guesses. Now into the basketball season both Jake & Jamie are performing well. Jamie seems to be physically back on his feet and apparently the mystery behind his sleep ailment was resolved. Several weeks ago, mother Kathy purchased some Melatonin sleep aids for anxious, Jake. The sleep pills were in the form of candy-looking gummy bears. You guessed it...Jamie thought it Was candy and was eating it as such. Let's hope the lad does not reach into a medicine cabinet for vitamins and mistakingly grab those adult male 'blue pills.' He might go missing.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
To Love or Not To Love
Last week, I had a meeting scheduled at Panera's (Decatur) and I passed a Starbucks on my drive. I don't care for Panera's coffee and I cannot tolerate Starbucks pricey-Java. Personally, I like the .63 cents senior coffee at McDonald's. This brief moment regarding coffee likes and dislikes got me to thinking about several things I 'love' and things I don't 'love.' Perhaps my list will stimulate your thoughts of personal likes and dislikes.
The following things I believe are appropriate to love:
Your God, Your spouse, Your country, Streetcars, Your parents, Your kids and grandkids, Your hometown, Trash collectors, Your team, Jennifer Aniston, Your job, Your dogs, Your backyard swing,
Music, the smell of a leather baseball glove, Church hymns people know, chocolate, peanut butter and a cold Navy bean sandwich.
The following list are things you should NOT love:
Torn jeans, the fourth relief pitcher in a baseball game, Sunday Church Service Segregation, snakes,
War, Buttermilk, Mimes, Cello, Foreign movies, Chicago, grass clippings in the street, falsely stated movie 'start times,' Politicians, Opera, doctors' offices, high school graduation classes larger than a hundred graduates, mysterious trophies, people who ignore directions, women who seem to think they get a prize if they find the exact change in the bottom of their purse at the grocery-store checkout line, reality television shows, people who race ahead when highway sign warns of narrowing and then expect to get in front of you later and some athletes who must live with their parents
Please note that as one ages one becomes more cynical and his dislike-list grows expeditiously.
Shall we make today a 'National Prayer Day for Old Farts.'
The following things I believe are appropriate to love:
Your God, Your spouse, Your country, Streetcars, Your parents, Your kids and grandkids, Your hometown, Trash collectors, Your team, Jennifer Aniston, Your job, Your dogs, Your backyard swing,
Music, the smell of a leather baseball glove, Church hymns people know, chocolate, peanut butter and a cold Navy bean sandwich.
The following list are things you should NOT love:
Torn jeans, the fourth relief pitcher in a baseball game, Sunday Church Service Segregation, snakes,
War, Buttermilk, Mimes, Cello, Foreign movies, Chicago, grass clippings in the street, falsely stated movie 'start times,' Politicians, Opera, doctors' offices, high school graduation classes larger than a hundred graduates, mysterious trophies, people who ignore directions, women who seem to think they get a prize if they find the exact change in the bottom of their purse at the grocery-store checkout line, reality television shows, people who race ahead when highway sign warns of narrowing and then expect to get in front of you later and some athletes who must live with their parents
Please note that as one ages one becomes more cynical and his dislike-list grows expeditiously.
Shall we make today a 'National Prayer Day for Old Farts.'
Friday, December 2, 2016
I Need Diversion
Let me state unequivocally that retirement years are terrific! My wife and I enjoy more advantages than disadvantages in these senior-seasons. (Notwithstanding the fact that I am subjected to far too many Hallmark Channel Christmas movies).
There is, however one drawback. These 'golden years' present more free time to observe the nation's politics. This is not good. In fact, we all know the tendency for old people to become more critical and cynical. Serve up the daily cable news politics dosage into the retirement-environment is like throwing gasoline on the camp fire in the midst of S'mores making.
In my younger working years, I was simply too busy trying to 'make' a go of things to pay much attention to the activities of my government leaders. I knew we had a government but I was focused on my own race. Holy crap, in these retirement years, I've noticed that it's a mess out there! Not only are our leaders self-centered and greedy they are grossly inept and believe we folks are hopelessly stupid. Sadly, they are perhaps correct on the latter.
My dad once told me that if I found myself unhappy with conditions, I should not bellyache about the circumstance but do something to change the conditions, which surround me. If I embrace that advise, I think the only thing in my control is either go back into the work force or busy myself with volunteer work that distracts my attention from the self-centered greed and leadership ineptness, which abounds.
There is, however one drawback. These 'golden years' present more free time to observe the nation's politics. This is not good. In fact, we all know the tendency for old people to become more critical and cynical. Serve up the daily cable news politics dosage into the retirement-environment is like throwing gasoline on the camp fire in the midst of S'mores making.
In my younger working years, I was simply too busy trying to 'make' a go of things to pay much attention to the activities of my government leaders. I knew we had a government but I was focused on my own race. Holy crap, in these retirement years, I've noticed that it's a mess out there! Not only are our leaders self-centered and greedy they are grossly inept and believe we folks are hopelessly stupid. Sadly, they are perhaps correct on the latter.
My dad once told me that if I found myself unhappy with conditions, I should not bellyache about the circumstance but do something to change the conditions, which surround me. If I embrace that advise, I think the only thing in my control is either go back into the work force or busy myself with volunteer work that distracts my attention from the self-centered greed and leadership ineptness, which abounds.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
It's Only a Number
I have always had a fascination with numbers. I recall family addresses and most telephone numbers from my teen years. My high school basketball and baseball uniform numbers were 20 & 21 respectively. College uniform numbers were 6 & 41. I am uncertain of the number of true friends I've had but I am positive it is not as many as the 13- pet dogs.
I can rattle off my adult childrens' telephone numbers and most of the grandkids. I don't remember the number of times my Dad said, "Oh Boy" as he lay dying of heart failure in Barnes Hospital; God only knows the number of times I continue to hear it in my head.
The 1954, Grace Methodist Sunday School boys had a favorite song called, "He Lives," which you found on page 52 of the hymnal. I remember as I approached that coveted 500th coaching victory, I was excited. Once the plateau was reached and ended at 541, I realized the 'true' joy was not the numbers but the journey. For many years, my wife has collected antique teapots...that number of teapots is ridiculous with an even more ridiculous financial number commitment.
I have four (4) prepared speeches that I give at conferences, clinics and school institutes. I've given those speeches hundreds of times but with less frequency in recent years. Perhaps the number of invitations to speak has lessened due to financial issues facing school districts, then again maybe the number 77 (my age) is now a deal breaker.
My Toy Poodle, Yodie has 27 toys but only plays with two; a rubber duck and teddy bear.
I cannot imagine why, but if you are ever in East St. Louis the pink corner house at 5401 Rosemont Avenue Washington Park was my childhood home. I don't believe those living there have the telephone number Bridge 1-6129 and since my wife's childhood home at 1632 North 43rd Street was razed that Upton 4-3282 likely won't ring. Since Facebook posting 1268 Roustio Rants there has been 68,689 readers...and all those numbers means 'zero'...'nothing,' except to me.
I can rattle off my adult childrens' telephone numbers and most of the grandkids. I don't remember the number of times my Dad said, "Oh Boy" as he lay dying of heart failure in Barnes Hospital; God only knows the number of times I continue to hear it in my head.
The 1954, Grace Methodist Sunday School boys had a favorite song called, "He Lives," which you found on page 52 of the hymnal. I remember as I approached that coveted 500th coaching victory, I was excited. Once the plateau was reached and ended at 541, I realized the 'true' joy was not the numbers but the journey. For many years, my wife has collected antique teapots...that number of teapots is ridiculous with an even more ridiculous financial number commitment.
I have four (4) prepared speeches that I give at conferences, clinics and school institutes. I've given those speeches hundreds of times but with less frequency in recent years. Perhaps the number of invitations to speak has lessened due to financial issues facing school districts, then again maybe the number 77 (my age) is now a deal breaker.
My Toy Poodle, Yodie has 27 toys but only plays with two; a rubber duck and teddy bear.
I cannot imagine why, but if you are ever in East St. Louis the pink corner house at 5401 Rosemont Avenue Washington Park was my childhood home. I don't believe those living there have the telephone number Bridge 1-6129 and since my wife's childhood home at 1632 North 43rd Street was razed that Upton 4-3282 likely won't ring. Since Facebook posting 1268 Roustio Rants there has been 68,689 readers...and all those numbers means 'zero'...'nothing,' except to me.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Money and Self-Indulgence
Read a recent educational study, which suggests that children learn better if they sleep later. It seems that kids starting the school day at 8:30AM instead of 8:00 AM get smarter sooner. The study maintains that youngsters are less groggy and likely ate some breakfast when allowed the later bell ringing. The study findings have received a little push-back from some parents who prefer the school start and end times coincide with adult workday hours thus eliminating kid-watching problems.
Don't you just love American educational debates? I recall another study a few years ago which indicated that Asian school children who are achieving at a much higher academic success rate, not to mention kicking our butts in spelling-bee contests, is occurring due to the Asian Nations' 'year-round' educational concept. Some American States entertained the year-round school idea until they began crunching cost numbers regarding busing, air-conditioning, teachers' salaries and angry parents deprived of vacations.
I have a suggestion. There should be an American educational study, which examines the decades of the 1940's and 1950's. That era when parents told little Missy and Junior to get a bath at 8 o'clock and go to bed at 8:30PM without any toys or games. Come now! We have all observed youngsters of ALL ages attached to their cell phones throughout the day. We can assume with great certainty that those kids engage their friends late into the night.
God forbid parents make their kids unhappy with disciplined lives...instead we shall explain away our failures by blaming the system and those teachers.
Don't you just love American educational debates? I recall another study a few years ago which indicated that Asian school children who are achieving at a much higher academic success rate, not to mention kicking our butts in spelling-bee contests, is occurring due to the Asian Nations' 'year-round' educational concept. Some American States entertained the year-round school idea until they began crunching cost numbers regarding busing, air-conditioning, teachers' salaries and angry parents deprived of vacations.
I have a suggestion. There should be an American educational study, which examines the decades of the 1940's and 1950's. That era when parents told little Missy and Junior to get a bath at 8 o'clock and go to bed at 8:30PM without any toys or games. Come now! We have all observed youngsters of ALL ages attached to their cell phones throughout the day. We can assume with great certainty that those kids engage their friends late into the night.
God forbid parents make their kids unhappy with disciplined lives...instead we shall explain away our failures by blaming the system and those teachers.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Beware of 'Those' People
Make no mistake, I believe the 'fear factor' is a strong motivating tool. I recall as a young boy, Grandpa E V Bennett shaved every morning with a straight razor. He'd lather his face first and before shaving, he would grab the bottom of his leather razor strap (hanging from the wall) and begin stroking the razor blade back and forth across that leather to sharpen the blade. Once satisfied with the sharpness, E V began to shave. E V used that old leather-razor strap for another purpose. A fear-factor purpose. When any of the youngsters would become rambunctious or misbehave, E V would nod towards that imposing strap and say, "You best straighten up or I'll be takin' that razor strap to your backside."
I believe the 'fear factor' got a foothold in American politics in the 1960's when the Democrats passed those civil rights laws. It was then that the Republican Party began blanketing the South with boogieman stories about 'those' people. The Deep South, once a Democratic stronghold has voted Republican ever since. The GOP continues to be successful with 'color' fear mongering. The suggestion is always 'Big Government' is taxing working White folks to subsidize lazy Black folks. Never mind that the biggest government handout goes to White farmers. Republicans advance the fearful notion that another 'brown skin' group (Hispanics) are undercutting White workers as they accept lower wages. Really? We know very well the true story there...some of those jobs done by Hispanics are refused by Whites and many corporations and farmers find it to their financial advantage to actually hire the undocumented workers at the cheaper wage. Pay attention to the States with Republican Governors who have 'broken the trade unions (Wisconsin) or Governors who are trying to bust the trade unions (Illinois).
There is historical references to this fear-factor propaganda behavior. Germans and Jews have written books about it and America can tell endless Native American stories as documentation. The irony is that the Republicans have one of their own to blame...A. Lincoln. In 2016, the fearful folks elected an individual who was extremely clever with both verbal and subliminal fear mongering.
I believe the 'fear factor' got a foothold in American politics in the 1960's when the Democrats passed those civil rights laws. It was then that the Republican Party began blanketing the South with boogieman stories about 'those' people. The Deep South, once a Democratic stronghold has voted Republican ever since. The GOP continues to be successful with 'color' fear mongering. The suggestion is always 'Big Government' is taxing working White folks to subsidize lazy Black folks. Never mind that the biggest government handout goes to White farmers. Republicans advance the fearful notion that another 'brown skin' group (Hispanics) are undercutting White workers as they accept lower wages. Really? We know very well the true story there...some of those jobs done by Hispanics are refused by Whites and many corporations and farmers find it to their financial advantage to actually hire the undocumented workers at the cheaper wage. Pay attention to the States with Republican Governors who have 'broken the trade unions (Wisconsin) or Governors who are trying to bust the trade unions (Illinois).
There is historical references to this fear-factor propaganda behavior. Germans and Jews have written books about it and America can tell endless Native American stories as documentation. The irony is that the Republicans have one of their own to blame...A. Lincoln. In 2016, the fearful folks elected an individual who was extremely clever with both verbal and subliminal fear mongering.
Monday, November 28, 2016
What's in it for me?
It is obvious that the perception of 'success' is much like beauty...it's in the eye of the beholder or shall we say, predicated on 'how' one is impacted. Let me explain.
Fifteen years ago, I retired from coaching. I stayed busy writing a book, speaking around the nation at educational conferences and school districts. I was approached by the Decatur school district to serve in a sport consultant capacity and coordinate the financially failing boys' Thanksgiving basketball tournament. Pulling the tournament from the financial fires was relatively simple: Identify strong corporate and business financial support and cleanup the events' administrative abuse of power, which undermined revenue stability. It's kinda like making a restaraunt profitable; to do so, you must do three things: (1) Stop employees from stealing product, (2) cut food portions and (3) increase prices. That's the blueprint we used with the tournament and today we are solvent year after year giving out $18,000.00 to participating schools, $4,500.00 for security, etc., suffice to say a total of 31,000.00 in costs.
Still not everyone smiles with joy. Some coaches don't like the team pairings, other coaches disagree with all tourney selections. Some fans don't like the VIP hospitality-room food offerings while others are angry with the pass gate arrangements or the 'no pass out-re-entry' philosophy. Some of the parents expect free admission because their son or daughter is singing the National Anthem or half-time tumbling performers. Other parents become offended when challenged at the admission gate using a player's pass to gain free entrance. Central Illinois newspapers may or may not 'cover' the games but expect all box scores and stats faxed to them in a timely fashion.
In our attempt to explain 'reasons' and resolve issues, I use two straight-forward simplistic comments: First, I try to offer the 'reason' for the policy or situation and that's a 50/50 acceptance likelihood. If that comment is rejected, I suggest to the person complaining that they should consider other entertainment choices.
If I have noticed anything in this journey, I have certainly observed the ever expanding individuals' perceived self-importance and their expectation to have their desires and wishes met above all other considerations. That said, I realize that I have always been an easy person to dislike...wish it wasn't so.
Nearly nine thousand fans enjoyed terrific high school basketball talent last week at the 47th Annual Decatur/Team SOY Capital Turkey Tourney. I witnessed homecoming reunions, law enforcement officials and local ministers we recognized as community heroes while celebrating two 1966-state basketball finalist teams. God willing, I'll answer His call next year.
What's in it for me? Celebrating others' talents and joy while digging my heels in against narcissistic behavior.
Fifteen years ago, I retired from coaching. I stayed busy writing a book, speaking around the nation at educational conferences and school districts. I was approached by the Decatur school district to serve in a sport consultant capacity and coordinate the financially failing boys' Thanksgiving basketball tournament. Pulling the tournament from the financial fires was relatively simple: Identify strong corporate and business financial support and cleanup the events' administrative abuse of power, which undermined revenue stability. It's kinda like making a restaraunt profitable; to do so, you must do three things: (1) Stop employees from stealing product, (2) cut food portions and (3) increase prices. That's the blueprint we used with the tournament and today we are solvent year after year giving out $18,000.00 to participating schools, $4,500.00 for security, etc., suffice to say a total of 31,000.00 in costs.
Still not everyone smiles with joy. Some coaches don't like the team pairings, other coaches disagree with all tourney selections. Some fans don't like the VIP hospitality-room food offerings while others are angry with the pass gate arrangements or the 'no pass out-re-entry' philosophy. Some of the parents expect free admission because their son or daughter is singing the National Anthem or half-time tumbling performers. Other parents become offended when challenged at the admission gate using a player's pass to gain free entrance. Central Illinois newspapers may or may not 'cover' the games but expect all box scores and stats faxed to them in a timely fashion.
In our attempt to explain 'reasons' and resolve issues, I use two straight-forward simplistic comments: First, I try to offer the 'reason' for the policy or situation and that's a 50/50 acceptance likelihood. If that comment is rejected, I suggest to the person complaining that they should consider other entertainment choices.
If I have noticed anything in this journey, I have certainly observed the ever expanding individuals' perceived self-importance and their expectation to have their desires and wishes met above all other considerations. That said, I realize that I have always been an easy person to dislike...wish it wasn't so.
Nearly nine thousand fans enjoyed terrific high school basketball talent last week at the 47th Annual Decatur/Team SOY Capital Turkey Tourney. I witnessed homecoming reunions, law enforcement officials and local ministers we recognized as community heroes while celebrating two 1966-state basketball finalist teams. God willing, I'll answer His call next year.
What's in it for me? Celebrating others' talents and joy while digging my heels in against narcissistic behavior.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Everybody plays; Everybody Gets a Trophy
In the 1950's & 1960's, the Illinois High School Association, which governs prep sports had a post-season basketball tournament rule that mandated a maximum10-player tournament number. That was always a nasty rule to embrace. Most teams then, as today, carried 15-players, therefore back-in-the-day, the coach had to decide, which 10-of-15 kids get to suit-up for post season tournaments. Just another terrific opportunity to place the mentor between a rock and a hard place as his decision would surely disappoint five players and piss-off a number of moms, dads and grandparents. Of course, those prep basketball decades gone by only saw a head coach and one assistant coach.
Opening night at this year's 47th Annual Team Soy Capital / Decatur Turkey Tournament, which I have directed the past 15 years, we recognized the 1966 Decatur High team that finished 4th in State and the Harvey-Thornton team, which won the Title. A nifty-fifty-year reunion.
A few players from that year have passed and some others were unable to attend. However, former Decatur head coach, Jack Kenny was present along with four of his '66 Tournament ten players whom he introduced. Before the festivities got underway, the old coach was going over his list. One player, DR Roberts, who was a reserve on that 1966 team asked his long ago mentor the following, "Coach, is Hippe here?" Coach said, "No." Roberts asked, "Is Beasley here?" Coach responded, "No." Roberts then inquired, "Is Cook here?" And Coach Kenny again said, "Nope." Roberts then exclaimed, "Coach, I might get into the game tonight!"
During the Decatur Eisenhower vs. Harvey-Thornton game Tuesday night, I looked at both benches and counted 15 players, a head coach and four assistants. Besides more players, each school had18-cheerleaders per squad. Participation Philosophies have, indeed, changed. More s NOT better but it gives the impression that 'your kid' is good enough to be a varsity player or cheerleader.
Opening night at this year's 47th Annual Team Soy Capital / Decatur Turkey Tournament, which I have directed the past 15 years, we recognized the 1966 Decatur High team that finished 4th in State and the Harvey-Thornton team, which won the Title. A nifty-fifty-year reunion.
A few players from that year have passed and some others were unable to attend. However, former Decatur head coach, Jack Kenny was present along with four of his '66 Tournament ten players whom he introduced. Before the festivities got underway, the old coach was going over his list. One player, DR Roberts, who was a reserve on that 1966 team asked his long ago mentor the following, "Coach, is Hippe here?" Coach said, "No." Roberts asked, "Is Beasley here?" Coach responded, "No." Roberts then inquired, "Is Cook here?" And Coach Kenny again said, "Nope." Roberts then exclaimed, "Coach, I might get into the game tonight!"
During the Decatur Eisenhower vs. Harvey-Thornton game Tuesday night, I looked at both benches and counted 15 players, a head coach and four assistants. Besides more players, each school had18-cheerleaders per squad. Participation Philosophies have, indeed, changed. More s NOT better but it gives the impression that 'your kid' is good enough to be a varsity player or cheerleader.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
A Thanksgiving Wish for YOU
May the comforting knowledge of God's love for you through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ and the joy of family love fill your Thanksgiving Day.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Goin' Shoppin'
I recall Grandpa E.V. Bennett telling one of his daughters, "Don't buy it from a salesman at your front door; it'll cost you more." I guess E. V. was suggesting to get off your butt and go price shop for the item. E.V. would be deeply puzzled by the 'online' shopping mentality of today's consumers.
I think about this shopping change every time I see one of those endless television commercials that make some offer and then require you to telephone with credit card in hand. This is the great American 'lose-lose' scenario! Come on, connect the dots. First, you risk identity theft with the repeated online use of credit card-exposure. Secondly, the online shopping is killing the retail stores, which hire local people. Finally, Americans propensity to sit at a computer ordering goods is just another indication of our laziness, which leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and extra-large people seated next to us on airplanes.
I am very sensitive in behalf of the American work force. I refuse to use a self checkout line. I told my Doctor that I would not use his office computer-scanner to check-in for an appointment. If we don't draw the line somewhere more people will lose those jobs. I refuse to cross picket lines.
Our American consumer thinking is bassackwards. We wish to buy goods as cheap as possible therefore most of those goods come from foreign countries with a low labor cost. Americans then bitch about our nation's unemployment numbers. Oh, we like labor unions if 'our' family member is a skilled or semi-skilled tradesman but if 'ours' don't need that Union wage and benefit protection then let's screw the unions. Reminds me of the old farts in my neighborhood who told me that they would NOT vote for an increased sales tax for schools because "their kids are out of school." What asses!
Well, I suppose you've guessed by now; I'm buying 'My Pillow' at Kohl's.
I think about this shopping change every time I see one of those endless television commercials that make some offer and then require you to telephone with credit card in hand. This is the great American 'lose-lose' scenario! Come on, connect the dots. First, you risk identity theft with the repeated online use of credit card-exposure. Secondly, the online shopping is killing the retail stores, which hire local people. Finally, Americans propensity to sit at a computer ordering goods is just another indication of our laziness, which leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and extra-large people seated next to us on airplanes.
I am very sensitive in behalf of the American work force. I refuse to use a self checkout line. I told my Doctor that I would not use his office computer-scanner to check-in for an appointment. If we don't draw the line somewhere more people will lose those jobs. I refuse to cross picket lines.
Our American consumer thinking is bassackwards. We wish to buy goods as cheap as possible therefore most of those goods come from foreign countries with a low labor cost. Americans then bitch about our nation's unemployment numbers. Oh, we like labor unions if 'our' family member is a skilled or semi-skilled tradesman but if 'ours' don't need that Union wage and benefit protection then let's screw the unions. Reminds me of the old farts in my neighborhood who told me that they would NOT vote for an increased sales tax for schools because "their kids are out of school." What asses!
Well, I suppose you've guessed by now; I'm buying 'My Pillow' at Kohl's.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Bringing joy to self.
Yesterday morning, I went to McDonald's for coffee and sat down with a group of gents I used to have coffee with every morning. I suppose it's been nearly a year since I joined them for AM Java.
About three minutes to the gathering, I remembered why I stopped going to coffee. The conversation was rapid fire between two fella's complaining to one another about how little appreciation their kids and grandkids show for all that they do for them. This crying conversation continued for another three minutes when I realized I had two choices. I could speak my piece or excuse myself, grab a cup lid and leave. I elected to exercise both choices.
I asked both grandpas, "Why do you guys do so much for your kids and grandkids?" They each looked at me as if I was an idiot. I pressed on with a second question, which created silence and I'm sure a degree of anger. I asked, "Do you always do loving gestures seeking a payback?" At that moment, I knew it was time for choice #2, grab the lid and depart the coffee clutch. Before leaving the table, I said in a urgent voice, "By golly, I forgot to collect eggs from the chicken coop this morning; gotta run fellas." It'll be another year, to their delight, before I return to that nonsense conversation.
I don't keep scorecards. I really don't. When I reach out to kids, grandkids or neighbor's, I do so because they need and/or I love. My reward comes in the 'reaching.' Sometimes those folks reach back and the reward is blessed with a greater relationship. Other times it ends with my reach...and that's okay with me. Don't get me wrong, I am not without 'loving needs' but I refuse to fish for such.
NO. I Don't!....................................................................................................have chickens.
About three minutes to the gathering, I remembered why I stopped going to coffee. The conversation was rapid fire between two fella's complaining to one another about how little appreciation their kids and grandkids show for all that they do for them. This crying conversation continued for another three minutes when I realized I had two choices. I could speak my piece or excuse myself, grab a cup lid and leave. I elected to exercise both choices.
I asked both grandpas, "Why do you guys do so much for your kids and grandkids?" They each looked at me as if I was an idiot. I pressed on with a second question, which created silence and I'm sure a degree of anger. I asked, "Do you always do loving gestures seeking a payback?" At that moment, I knew it was time for choice #2, grab the lid and depart the coffee clutch. Before leaving the table, I said in a urgent voice, "By golly, I forgot to collect eggs from the chicken coop this morning; gotta run fellas." It'll be another year, to their delight, before I return to that nonsense conversation.
I don't keep scorecards. I really don't. When I reach out to kids, grandkids or neighbor's, I do so because they need and/or I love. My reward comes in the 'reaching.' Sometimes those folks reach back and the reward is blessed with a greater relationship. Other times it ends with my reach...and that's okay with me. Don't get me wrong, I am not without 'loving needs' but I refuse to fish for such.
NO. I Don't!....................................................................................................have chickens.
Monday, November 21, 2016
All in the Family
About two weeks ago, our microwave appliance went 'kaput.' My wife and I ventured to the nearby Target Store where we located a displayed model microwave best suited for our kitchen appliance color scheme; 'black & silver.' This will blend perfectly with dishwasher, oven, fridge and even coffee makers.
Having un-boxed our new purchase, I lifted the microwave and set it atop our forest green counter top only to notice an unimaginable ugly color contrast...the microwave had a silver door but the top and sides were royal blue. My wife and I looked at one another with surprise and questioned how this mistake could have happened. Immediately, I said, " I'm taking it back to the store." To my total surprise, my wife said, "No, we'll use it for a time period and when we see one we like we'll buy it and give this one to one of the grandkids going to college." And thus agreed.
Within the week, my wife had her auto accident and the microwave was not much of an issue any longer...until...until our daughter, Pam and her husband, Tim came to visit Gerry in the hospital. After sometime at the hospital, I went back to the house with daughter and son-in law to eat a bite before returning to the hospital. While warming a food item in our new microwave, Tim asked, "Coach, how come you still have this blue protective sheathing cover on this microwave?" Walla! Our microwave DOES match other black & silver appliances.
Another few days passed and daughter-in law, Kathy and granddaughter, Loren came to visit Gerry. As we were preparing to eat dinner, I mentioned the microwave purchase with the blue sheathing..before I got into the story, my daughter-in law began laughing and interrupted me to say, "The same thing happened to me and I took my back to the store."
Well, you know what they say, 'A boy tends to marry someone much like his mother.'
Having un-boxed our new purchase, I lifted the microwave and set it atop our forest green counter top only to notice an unimaginable ugly color contrast...the microwave had a silver door but the top and sides were royal blue. My wife and I looked at one another with surprise and questioned how this mistake could have happened. Immediately, I said, " I'm taking it back to the store." To my total surprise, my wife said, "No, we'll use it for a time period and when we see one we like we'll buy it and give this one to one of the grandkids going to college." And thus agreed.
Within the week, my wife had her auto accident and the microwave was not much of an issue any longer...until...until our daughter, Pam and her husband, Tim came to visit Gerry in the hospital. After sometime at the hospital, I went back to the house with daughter and son-in law to eat a bite before returning to the hospital. While warming a food item in our new microwave, Tim asked, "Coach, how come you still have this blue protective sheathing cover on this microwave?" Walla! Our microwave DOES match other black & silver appliances.
Another few days passed and daughter-in law, Kathy and granddaughter, Loren came to visit Gerry. As we were preparing to eat dinner, I mentioned the microwave purchase with the blue sheathing..before I got into the story, my daughter-in law began laughing and interrupted me to say, "The same thing happened to me and I took my back to the store."
Well, you know what they say, 'A boy tends to marry someone much like his mother.'
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Word Lessons
The phrase to 'piss backwards' means to retract what you previously said. Urban legend suggest that police frequently used this phrase when responding to a domestic disturbance call. Often the victim who telephoned police with the complaint will later change their mind. 'They pissed backwards.'
Used in a contemporary situation, one could say that President-elect, Donald Trump, who adamantly claimed he would never 'SETTLE' his racketeering-fraud lawsuit against Trump University has 'pissed backwards' recently by settling the lawsuit for 25-million dollars.
Actually, it would appear that Trump needs a 'zipper-fly' in the back of all his trousers. He has also pissed backwards on the 'Mexican-border wall,' Obamacare (repeal & replace), prosecuting Hillary Clinton and banning Muslims from entering the country. And there could be more backward pissing on the horizon after visiting with Mitt Romney about a cabinet position...you know, the same Mitt Romney that Trump called a "pathetic loser."
Your final 'word' lesson for the day is 'SUCKER.' A sucker is a gullible or easily deceived person.
I'll let you all come up with your own contemporary circumstance underscoring people who might be 'suckers.'
Used in a contemporary situation, one could say that President-elect, Donald Trump, who adamantly claimed he would never 'SETTLE' his racketeering-fraud lawsuit against Trump University has 'pissed backwards' recently by settling the lawsuit for 25-million dollars.
Actually, it would appear that Trump needs a 'zipper-fly' in the back of all his trousers. He has also pissed backwards on the 'Mexican-border wall,' Obamacare (repeal & replace), prosecuting Hillary Clinton and banning Muslims from entering the country. And there could be more backward pissing on the horizon after visiting with Mitt Romney about a cabinet position...you know, the same Mitt Romney that Trump called a "pathetic loser."
Your final 'word' lesson for the day is 'SUCKER.' A sucker is a gullible or easily deceived person.
I'll let you all come up with your own contemporary circumstance underscoring people who might be 'suckers.'
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Gobbledygook
Catch phrases are just that...catchy little cute messages that usually stir the emotions of the simple minded. Two examples: "No Child Left Behind." Wow! What a noble thought. It can't get any more wholesome than that phrase. In reality, however children have 'always' been left behind in the educating attempts. Rather than use a lot of big words to pretend we are talking about rocket science, let me explain the 'why' of kids left behind using another little catchy phrase: "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
A more recent 'catch phrase' was parlayed into the election of Donald Trump as President:
"Make America Great Again." I'm all for that. What American would not be supportive of that notion? There is a problem. First, I never understood what American 'time period' we are referencing as 'great?' For argument sake, I shall assume the reference time is that 'greatest generation' author, Tom Brokaw advances. That would be post-World War II. Therefore, we are talking late 1940's, 1950's and early 1960's.
An examination of that period reveals that America was gainfully employed in post war expansion, building and development. Let me assure you, we may have that growth again and that would be wonderful. I am hopeful and prayerful. That said, we will not return to that pure greatness because America has lost its modesty, it's innocence and dismissed social filters. We are openly vulgar in our dress, language and public displays. Our sport heroes are pitiful roles models for class or humility. Our people are not safe in shopping centers, restaurants or theaters. Our children are in danger zones seated at their school desks.
In those 'great' times, when Lucy was pregnant, we were not permitted to view her belly on her television show. Our pregnant women today have discarded maternity clothing as they display full baby growth and unabashedly breast feed in public. Our movies do not require imagination...we show the sex and the killing gore. Our music promotes sex destruction and killing while the singer is often holding and pulling at his penis. I would go on but I stop.
I leave you with another 'catch phrase,' "You ____your friends and I'll ____mine but let's not ____ one another." We Americans are excessively-overindulgent, vulgar and intolerant, which is sad because those characteristics never equate to greatness.
A more recent 'catch phrase' was parlayed into the election of Donald Trump as President:
"Make America Great Again." I'm all for that. What American would not be supportive of that notion? There is a problem. First, I never understood what American 'time period' we are referencing as 'great?' For argument sake, I shall assume the reference time is that 'greatest generation' author, Tom Brokaw advances. That would be post-World War II. Therefore, we are talking late 1940's, 1950's and early 1960's.
An examination of that period reveals that America was gainfully employed in post war expansion, building and development. Let me assure you, we may have that growth again and that would be wonderful. I am hopeful and prayerful. That said, we will not return to that pure greatness because America has lost its modesty, it's innocence and dismissed social filters. We are openly vulgar in our dress, language and public displays. Our sport heroes are pitiful roles models for class or humility. Our people are not safe in shopping centers, restaurants or theaters. Our children are in danger zones seated at their school desks.
In those 'great' times, when Lucy was pregnant, we were not permitted to view her belly on her television show. Our pregnant women today have discarded maternity clothing as they display full baby growth and unabashedly breast feed in public. Our movies do not require imagination...we show the sex and the killing gore. Our music promotes sex destruction and killing while the singer is often holding and pulling at his penis. I would go on but I stop.
I leave you with another 'catch phrase,' "You ____your friends and I'll ____mine but let's not ____ one another." We Americans are excessively-overindulgent, vulgar and intolerant, which is sad because those characteristics never equate to greatness.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Perspectives
I took my wife to a post auto accident checkup with our family doctor yesterday. I am sure there will be a few more doctors to examine 'bones' before this journey ends, however she does seem to be improving with reduced pain meds.
We had one of those late (3:30PM) afternoon appointments. I don't normally schedule doctor appointments or auto service appointments after 9:00 AM...and you all know the reason. We arrived at the doctors' clinic at 3:15PM and told that the good Doc was only 'running' one hour behind schedule. When they finally called my wife's name, I remained in the waiting room deliberately. Too often, I speak out of turn in those settings, therefore my decision. While in the waiting room, I watched the number dwindle to just three receptionists, a half dozen office personnel and perhaps three nurses. At that time of day, I witnessed some sobering patient sights.
In an attempt to not focus on the sickness or handsome young man spending a lifetime in a wheelchair, I picked up a Peoples' Magazine. I turned to an article about the 'breakup' of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. It seems this magazine writer has the scoop. Evidently, Brad was drunk on a private plane carrying the couple and their six kids. Brad and Angelina got into a heated quarrel when their 15-year old adopted son put himself between his parents. Brad put his hands on the boy and apparently things got ugly. The end result is Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt.
The writer went on to report that while the couple is fussing about settlements, Angelina and her kids are stressed. Angelina sequestered the family in a $95,000.00 per month, 5-bedroom house and the children can only watch movies, play games and splash in the swimming pool. They are more accustom to greater entertainment opportunities. Don't you just HATE IT when a family must suffer such hardship.
We had one of those late (3:30PM) afternoon appointments. I don't normally schedule doctor appointments or auto service appointments after 9:00 AM...and you all know the reason. We arrived at the doctors' clinic at 3:15PM and told that the good Doc was only 'running' one hour behind schedule. When they finally called my wife's name, I remained in the waiting room deliberately. Too often, I speak out of turn in those settings, therefore my decision. While in the waiting room, I watched the number dwindle to just three receptionists, a half dozen office personnel and perhaps three nurses. At that time of day, I witnessed some sobering patient sights.
In an attempt to not focus on the sickness or handsome young man spending a lifetime in a wheelchair, I picked up a Peoples' Magazine. I turned to an article about the 'breakup' of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. It seems this magazine writer has the scoop. Evidently, Brad was drunk on a private plane carrying the couple and their six kids. Brad and Angelina got into a heated quarrel when their 15-year old adopted son put himself between his parents. Brad put his hands on the boy and apparently things got ugly. The end result is Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt.
The writer went on to report that while the couple is fussing about settlements, Angelina and her kids are stressed. Angelina sequestered the family in a $95,000.00 per month, 5-bedroom house and the children can only watch movies, play games and splash in the swimming pool. They are more accustom to greater entertainment opportunities. Don't you just HATE IT when a family must suffer such hardship.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
What Coulda Been!
I'm not mad because: Romans 8-28: "And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called to His purpose." I simply recalled this scenario yesterday when I posted my 'remembrance' blog upon learning of Coach Duncan Reid's death.
Early in my seven year Edwardsville high school basketball/cross country coaching tenure, I convinced the administration that we should host a 16-team invitational Christmas Holiday Basketball Tournament. This was long before our rival Collinsville hooked up with Schnucks for their classic.
I hustled to put together an attractive field. I convinced local powers the likes of East St. Louis, Madison and Civic Memorial along with Bloomington high school and Elk Grove (Northwest Suburbs) to participate. The big catch, however was convincing Lincoln's Coach Reid to leave the long established and prestigious Pekin Holiday Tournament and join the Edwardsville field. Lincoln's fan following was capable of filling half the Tigers' gym when they played...and they did!
Funny thing but very true; it is said that timing is everything. When I took the coaching position at Edwardsville in 1970, 'change was blowing in the wind.' SIUE was becoming an established institution of higher education and was challenging the more 'conservative thinking' of Edwardsville's old-guard. The downtown Edwardsville merchants were feeling uneasy about nearby shopping malls and the aggressive businesses development from the little village of Glen Carbon next door.
On a personal note, I found myself embarking on a seven year challenge from an unhappy parent whose son I 'cut.' The daddy ran for and was elected to the Board of Education. How do you spell vendetta?
In spite of the turmoil and great resistance, the players responded to their coaches with dedication, trust and effort. Those kids won 108 games and broke a 20-year State Tournament appearance drought.
Unfortunately, the Edwardsville Christmas Basketball Classic lost its 'father' when I resigned to take the Jacksonville position. And so it goes...One final note: The Edwardsville Tigers basketball team will join the 2016 Collinsville Holiday Basketball Tournament Field...'Timing-a-tic-a-tic-a-tic-a-timing....'
Early in my seven year Edwardsville high school basketball/cross country coaching tenure, I convinced the administration that we should host a 16-team invitational Christmas Holiday Basketball Tournament. This was long before our rival Collinsville hooked up with Schnucks for their classic.
I hustled to put together an attractive field. I convinced local powers the likes of East St. Louis, Madison and Civic Memorial along with Bloomington high school and Elk Grove (Northwest Suburbs) to participate. The big catch, however was convincing Lincoln's Coach Reid to leave the long established and prestigious Pekin Holiday Tournament and join the Edwardsville field. Lincoln's fan following was capable of filling half the Tigers' gym when they played...and they did!
Funny thing but very true; it is said that timing is everything. When I took the coaching position at Edwardsville in 1970, 'change was blowing in the wind.' SIUE was becoming an established institution of higher education and was challenging the more 'conservative thinking' of Edwardsville's old-guard. The downtown Edwardsville merchants were feeling uneasy about nearby shopping malls and the aggressive businesses development from the little village of Glen Carbon next door.
On a personal note, I found myself embarking on a seven year challenge from an unhappy parent whose son I 'cut.' The daddy ran for and was elected to the Board of Education. How do you spell vendetta?
In spite of the turmoil and great resistance, the players responded to their coaches with dedication, trust and effort. Those kids won 108 games and broke a 20-year State Tournament appearance drought.
Unfortunately, the Edwardsville Christmas Basketball Classic lost its 'father' when I resigned to take the Jacksonville position. And so it goes...One final note: The Edwardsville Tigers basketball team will join the 2016 Collinsville Holiday Basketball Tournament Field...'Timing-a-tic-a-tic-a-tic-a-timing....'
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Thanks for the Memories
Hall of Fame prep basketball coach, Duncan Reid has died. Duncan Reid was one of the best high school basketball coaches with whom yours truly ever did battle. The name Reid ranks alongside others with whom I have matched coaching preparations and wits. The likes of Dick VanSyoc (Peoria Manual), Ed Butkovich (Mt. Pulaski), Virgil Fletcher (Collinsville), John Theil (Galesburg), Dawdy Hawkins (Pekin), 'Pick' Dehner (East St. Louis), Neil Alexander (Lincoln), Rich Herrin (Benton), Clark Barnes (Springfield), Chuck Buescher (Peoria), Cal Hubbard (Lincoln) and Sherrill Hanks, Jerry Leggett and Loren Wallace (Quincy).
Duncan Reid's intense coaching style was second to none. He was demanding of his players and his players responded with their all out effort, trust and respect. It was obvious that Coach Reid took a loss personally. Duncan shared a common characteristic with the other coaches mentioned...he was a 'dinosaur.' Let me explain. I believe there are two kinds of coaches: Those who 'WANT' to coach and those who 'MUST' coach. Those who must coach usually stay at the 'calling' for thirty or forty years. The coaching was never a job but always a passion.
I have special memories of each mentor that I have listed in this blog. I had a great mutual respect and relationship with Duncan Reid as well as a special friendship. I was so happy when Duncan embraced Christ as his Lord and Savior. I was not surprise to observe his devotion to the Lord's work with the same intensity with which he coached.
Thanks for the memories, my friend. Enjoy the endless 'overtime' of Paradise.
Duncan Reid's intense coaching style was second to none. He was demanding of his players and his players responded with their all out effort, trust and respect. It was obvious that Coach Reid took a loss personally. Duncan shared a common characteristic with the other coaches mentioned...he was a 'dinosaur.' Let me explain. I believe there are two kinds of coaches: Those who 'WANT' to coach and those who 'MUST' coach. Those who must coach usually stay at the 'calling' for thirty or forty years. The coaching was never a job but always a passion.
I have special memories of each mentor that I have listed in this blog. I had a great mutual respect and relationship with Duncan Reid as well as a special friendship. I was so happy when Duncan embraced Christ as his Lord and Savior. I was not surprise to observe his devotion to the Lord's work with the same intensity with which he coached.
Thanks for the memories, my friend. Enjoy the endless 'overtime' of Paradise.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Another Money Pit
From a prospective 'consumer,' I once had a very exciting life...you could determine that by the mail I used to get back in those younger exciting days. I got endless mail and phone calls offering great deals on properties, automobile deals, vacation plans, college loans, investment arrangements and endless career considerations.
These days, sellers have a bead on me; my mail suggests something far more different. First, they know that I DON'T work and they speculate that parts of my body WON'T work. Hear me out. I receive weekly discount offers on Flomax and Viagra while the hearing aid hustlers send me birthday cards. Marketing agents at every assisted-living home in three counties contact me weekly with fresh proposals. A diabetic supplies company pleads with me to allow them to deliver my supplies to my front door at a reduced cost. Fairlawn Cemetery keeps sending me burial and cremation plans.
Speaking of mail, we will never use the amount of return labels my wife has amassed from her contributions to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer's Association, Diabetes Foundation, March of Dimes, St. Jude's Cancer Care, MS and scores of others. I suggested to my wife that she needs to re-think her giving to all these groups...we'll run out of money before we run out of good causes.
I said these 'sellers' know me. I GET Scooter Store and Lift Chair mailings once a month. Speaking of frequent solicitors, no one has been more dogged than some gal named 'Rachael,' who represent some credit card company. I mean this lady telephones me three times a week. Of course the police and firemen put me on a regular guilt trip begging for financial assistance. After all these folks risk their lives to protect me and they have good reason to expect some help.
I feel badly that I did not make more money during my working years. I sure didn't think so many people would be depending on my retirement funds.
These days, sellers have a bead on me; my mail suggests something far more different. First, they know that I DON'T work and they speculate that parts of my body WON'T work. Hear me out. I receive weekly discount offers on Flomax and Viagra while the hearing aid hustlers send me birthday cards. Marketing agents at every assisted-living home in three counties contact me weekly with fresh proposals. A diabetic supplies company pleads with me to allow them to deliver my supplies to my front door at a reduced cost. Fairlawn Cemetery keeps sending me burial and cremation plans.
Speaking of mail, we will never use the amount of return labels my wife has amassed from her contributions to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer's Association, Diabetes Foundation, March of Dimes, St. Jude's Cancer Care, MS and scores of others. I suggested to my wife that she needs to re-think her giving to all these groups...we'll run out of money before we run out of good causes.
I said these 'sellers' know me. I GET Scooter Store and Lift Chair mailings once a month. Speaking of frequent solicitors, no one has been more dogged than some gal named 'Rachael,' who represent some credit card company. I mean this lady telephones me three times a week. Of course the police and firemen put me on a regular guilt trip begging for financial assistance. After all these folks risk their lives to protect me and they have good reason to expect some help.
I feel badly that I did not make more money during my working years. I sure didn't think so many people would be depending on my retirement funds.
Monday, November 14, 2016
I'll do my own Figurin'.
I sure did enjoy life back in the fifties and sixties when we had to use our brains and 'figure' things out ourselves. Today when something happens on the national scene and before you can say, "Jackie Chan..." some 'expert' explains the 'why's' and 'how comes.' I don't even get a chance to guess wrong.
I can be watching a sporting event attempting to figure out strategies and Dadgummit if one of those analyst guys doesn't spoil the moment by telling me how I should 'see' it. The guy ruins the moment and destroys the fun. Besides that, chances are very good that the analyst is a mouthpiece for ball club ownership as is the case with my St. Louis Baseball Cardinals' analysts.
On the political front, I trudge through newspapers, do research attempting to gain some insight when lo' and behold the MSNBC pundits explain it away with a simple sentence...
" It's the Republicans' fault. Of course, if I happen to be watching Fox News, that fella explains how the Democrats crapped to close to the house. All my challenging fun is wiped clean.
Far too many outside slants being offered these days. Makes a mind go lazy. I always thought Grandpa E. V. Bennett had a sound approach to these matters. He'd often say, "Let me sit a spell and ponder on that a bit."
I can be watching a sporting event attempting to figure out strategies and Dadgummit if one of those analyst guys doesn't spoil the moment by telling me how I should 'see' it. The guy ruins the moment and destroys the fun. Besides that, chances are very good that the analyst is a mouthpiece for ball club ownership as is the case with my St. Louis Baseball Cardinals' analysts.
On the political front, I trudge through newspapers, do research attempting to gain some insight when lo' and behold the MSNBC pundits explain it away with a simple sentence...
" It's the Republicans' fault. Of course, if I happen to be watching Fox News, that fella explains how the Democrats crapped to close to the house. All my challenging fun is wiped clean.
Far too many outside slants being offered these days. Makes a mind go lazy. I always thought Grandpa E. V. Bennett had a sound approach to these matters. He'd often say, "Let me sit a spell and ponder on that a bit."
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Don't Take Advantage
My wife tells me that I can oft-times be 'unforgiving.' I disagree with that assessment. I do agree that I am quick to dismiss people who disrespect me or wrong me. I have my reasons. I fear that a complete acceptance of peoples' mistreatment will categorize me with the 'meek' who are in line to inherit the earth and I surmise that the self-centered masses diminishes the earth's value and I wish not to inherit junk.
I am an idealistic, incurable romantic. Teacher preparation did not make me this way; I was 'cut' and nurtured in that fashion and thus gravitated to a teaching/coaching calling. During my journey, I have attempted to embrace three of Christ's admonishments: (1) My Lord tells me that if I NOT acknowledge Him before men He will NOT acknowledge me before His Father who is in heaven. (2) He tells me, "That which you do for the least of my people, you do also for Me. (3) My Savior also instructs me to 'turn the second cheek if anybody strikes me on my first cheek.' I truly embrace these directives from Christ...admitting on shortfall: I do believe there is a limit to the number of times you allow others to 'strike' you...if that was not the case, God would have given us more cheeks.
I wish to believe what others 'tell' me...but I believe more quickly that which I see others do.
I am an idealistic, incurable romantic. Teacher preparation did not make me this way; I was 'cut' and nurtured in that fashion and thus gravitated to a teaching/coaching calling. During my journey, I have attempted to embrace three of Christ's admonishments: (1) My Lord tells me that if I NOT acknowledge Him before men He will NOT acknowledge me before His Father who is in heaven. (2) He tells me, "That which you do for the least of my people, you do also for Me. (3) My Savior also instructs me to 'turn the second cheek if anybody strikes me on my first cheek.' I truly embrace these directives from Christ...admitting on shortfall: I do believe there is a limit to the number of times you allow others to 'strike' you...if that was not the case, God would have given us more cheeks.
I wish to believe what others 'tell' me...but I believe more quickly that which I see others do.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
A Comment to Both Sides.
In the Presidential election aftermath, I would tell my Democrat colleagues to stop the finger-pointing bellyaching. It is sound reasoning that suggests we learn and grow more in setbacks and defeat than victory. In those times, we give a nod to the victor with a personal resolve to examine, learn, re-group and make modifications. In my 'world' we spoke of 'making adjustments.'
To my Republican friends, let me remind you of the words spoken by the great legendary Green Bay Packers' football coach, Vince Lombardi: "When you get into the end zone act like you've been there before. Humility is a wonderful virtue.
A personal acknowledgement:
The more I 'ponder' that which I control, the more I realize the little time needed to 'ponder.'
To my Republican friends, let me remind you of the words spoken by the great legendary Green Bay Packers' football coach, Vince Lombardi: "When you get into the end zone act like you've been there before. Humility is a wonderful virtue.
A personal acknowledgement:
The more I 'ponder' that which I control, the more I realize the little time needed to 'ponder.'
Friday, November 11, 2016
Can't be Defensive Enough.
My wife, Gerry was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. She has broken ribs on her left side, a deeply bruised left lung and a fracture at the tip of her left shoulder. She will consult with an orthopedic surgeon next week.
She was most fortunate and blessed. A young woman ran a red light and 't-boned' the driver's side of our 2015 Toyota Avalon. The point of impact was directly at the driver's door 'hinges;' obviously had the impact been a couple feet back, her body would have taken an even more direct hit.
We are both appreciative of the many concerns and continued prayers for her recovery. Gerry and I are well aware of folks who face far more dire circumstances this day than do we.
You all have a great day and 'look both ways!'
She was most fortunate and blessed. A young woman ran a red light and 't-boned' the driver's side of our 2015 Toyota Avalon. The point of impact was directly at the driver's door 'hinges;' obviously had the impact been a couple feet back, her body would have taken an even more direct hit.
We are both appreciative of the many concerns and continued prayers for her recovery. Gerry and I are well aware of folks who face far more dire circumstances this day than do we.
You all have a great day and 'look both ways!'
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Day Off
My wife was involved in an auto accident yesterday and remains in the hospital under observation. Therefore, my attention has been on her and keeping our children informed.
I hope to share a post with you soon.
Thanks
I hope to share a post with you soon.
Thanks
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
And That's My Answer
This past Monday, November 7, was the official IHSA boys' basketball practice start date. On Tuesday, November 8, a prep sports' writer telephoned to interview me. The scribe asked a few questions about the Annual Decatur Thanksgiving basketball tournament that I coordinate and then threw in a personal inquiry. His question: "Mel, now that you've been out of coaching for 15- years is there anything you still miss?" Absolutely. It never goes away.
I miss not 'having' a team. By that I mean, I don't have those players' names in my head always thinking of line up combinations and specific offensive/defensive alignments. But...the thing that I miss the most is bringing kids together from a wide range of experiences, attitudes, beliefs and expectations and then molding those different personalities into a 'unit.'
Some of those players were living on welfare others know a life of affluence. Some players knew the comforts and security of a family unit while other kids knew only the dysfunctional life of divorce, abuse and addictions. Some players came from homes with strong religious foundations while some were void of any support systems.
Regardless of the individual player circumstances those players come to the gym. They all share a love for a game...the game of basketball. Some were unselfish by nature others were self-centered with desires and personal gratifying-expectations. It became my charge, my challenge to create a team culture that made everyone responsible for one another, trust th coach and adopt true selflessness.
I will always miss that wonderful opportunity, which I found in a 37-year coaching career.
I miss not 'having' a team. By that I mean, I don't have those players' names in my head always thinking of line up combinations and specific offensive/defensive alignments. But...the thing that I miss the most is bringing kids together from a wide range of experiences, attitudes, beliefs and expectations and then molding those different personalities into a 'unit.'
Some of those players were living on welfare others know a life of affluence. Some players knew the comforts and security of a family unit while other kids knew only the dysfunctional life of divorce, abuse and addictions. Some players came from homes with strong religious foundations while some were void of any support systems.
Regardless of the individual player circumstances those players come to the gym. They all share a love for a game...the game of basketball. Some were unselfish by nature others were self-centered with desires and personal gratifying-expectations. It became my charge, my challenge to create a team culture that made everyone responsible for one another, trust th coach and adopt true selflessness.
I will always miss that wonderful opportunity, which I found in a 37-year coaching career.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Let's Hope
Today, November 8, 2016, millions of Americans will complete the voting process and elect our Nation's 45th President. Regardless the outcome, we must pause and come to understand that this new leader of the 'free world' has perhaps the most daunting task on the domestic front that rivals any war years past and our worst depression era. There is ugly hatred blowing across our beautiful land from sea-to-shining sea.
The challenge ahead for this President-elect is trying to bring broken and depressed Americans together.
Unlike circumstances of war and depression, which normally galvanizes our people, todays' American climate has never seen our people more divided on so many issues. We are a country fractured in political ideologies, race, geography, education, social issues and religion. We have likely just witnessed the most disturbing, the most hateful and the most personal degrading Presidential campaign in American history. The rhetoric sunk to unimaginable lows with the most disgusting language and vulgar subject matter.
The greatest fear we Americans should share going forward is the lack of a willing spirit to come together. I can only do what I can only do. I will pray every day that our next President will find support and compromise moving forward.
May God bless our new President and may God bless and heal our nation.
The challenge ahead for this President-elect is trying to bring broken and depressed Americans together.
Unlike circumstances of war and depression, which normally galvanizes our people, todays' American climate has never seen our people more divided on so many issues. We are a country fractured in political ideologies, race, geography, education, social issues and religion. We have likely just witnessed the most disturbing, the most hateful and the most personal degrading Presidential campaign in American history. The rhetoric sunk to unimaginable lows with the most disgusting language and vulgar subject matter.
The greatest fear we Americans should share going forward is the lack of a willing spirit to come together. I can only do what I can only do. I will pray every day that our next President will find support and compromise moving forward.
May God bless our new President and may God bless and heal our nation.
Monday, November 7, 2016
The Way it Was; The Way it IS.
A neighborhood high school sophomore girl recently asked me if I could be interviewed for a social studies paper she was doing. When she told me the topic was 'Elderly Perceptions of Societal Changes,' I immediately realized I should say "yes" and I did. Her research questionnaire focused on the 'changes' on the American social landscape the past fifty years.
I told my neighborhood friend that the short answer is simple: 'technology and civility.'
Looking at the technology issues, I suggested the following changes. As a kid, I recall open windows allowing fresh breezes cooling hot homes that did not have air conditioning. Likewise, I've witnessed coal furnaces giving way to gas heat. Yesterday homes found sewing machines. Those machines disappeared as cheaply made clothing from Asian countries found the American market. I also remember neighbor streets with no autos parked alongside curbs because families had but one auto. The chicken breasts' sizes at my local grocery store and the color of egg yolks give me great pause today. As a young boy, I fetched many eggs from Grandpa Bennett's chicken coop and had I ever passed a chicken in that pen with breasts 'that' big, I would have been looking the bird in the eyes. Chickens today share commonalities with our pro athletes...they are 'juiced.'
The tech thing went crazy as the three channel black & white TV was trashed for the 300+ Direct-TV channels. Cell phones, smart phones, IPads and 'stuff' I don't know enough about to even name now occupy my grandchildrens' attention. It is rare these days to get a personal letter or note from a friend or family member. Why take the time when we can text?
Before addressing the issue of civility, I asked my term paper research friend, "How many people on our street do you and your parents know by first names?" She paused and then said, "Maybe three houses." (Note: I did not respond but thought...how sad, how very sad. Christ told us to "Love one another as I have loved you." We don't even take the time to visit with one another!)
As for 'civility' let's sum that up quickly. Most children (today) are institutionally raised. They go from womb-to-room. We are a nation of impolite, disrespectful, boorish and self-centered people. I know this to be true simply looking at the people we seemingly hold in high esteem by electing them to office to do our country's business!
I told my neighborhood friend that the short answer is simple: 'technology and civility.'
Looking at the technology issues, I suggested the following changes. As a kid, I recall open windows allowing fresh breezes cooling hot homes that did not have air conditioning. Likewise, I've witnessed coal furnaces giving way to gas heat. Yesterday homes found sewing machines. Those machines disappeared as cheaply made clothing from Asian countries found the American market. I also remember neighbor streets with no autos parked alongside curbs because families had but one auto. The chicken breasts' sizes at my local grocery store and the color of egg yolks give me great pause today. As a young boy, I fetched many eggs from Grandpa Bennett's chicken coop and had I ever passed a chicken in that pen with breasts 'that' big, I would have been looking the bird in the eyes. Chickens today share commonalities with our pro athletes...they are 'juiced.'
The tech thing went crazy as the three channel black & white TV was trashed for the 300+ Direct-TV channels. Cell phones, smart phones, IPads and 'stuff' I don't know enough about to even name now occupy my grandchildrens' attention. It is rare these days to get a personal letter or note from a friend or family member. Why take the time when we can text?
Before addressing the issue of civility, I asked my term paper research friend, "How many people on our street do you and your parents know by first names?" She paused and then said, "Maybe three houses." (Note: I did not respond but thought...how sad, how very sad. Christ told us to "Love one another as I have loved you." We don't even take the time to visit with one another!)
As for 'civility' let's sum that up quickly. Most children (today) are institutionally raised. They go from womb-to-room. We are a nation of impolite, disrespectful, boorish and self-centered people. I know this to be true simply looking at the people we seemingly hold in high esteem by electing them to office to do our country's business!
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Just Wondering.
Some things I understand while other things escape my slightly above average reasoning powers. I was driving through the countryside headed for the Okaw Valley Apple Orchard earlier this week when I noticed some yards where people had whitewashed (painted) trees. I believe the thinking is protection from weather stress and insects. That was a popular notion years ago but not so much today. I wonder why? Pesticide sprays?
I do understand why many people of my generation and my parents' generation feel greater entitlement over people of darker skin. Those back-in-the-day cowboy movies sent the subliminal message. I recall the mid-1940's western movies popularity. Every local movie house across this nation had Saturday afternoon double-feature cowboy movies and those flicks portrayed the good white guys wearing white hats, riding beautiful horses while those 'Redskin Savages' rode uglier horses, had painted faces and screamed in an incoherent language. Good guys had to kill these crazy dark people and take the land and its resources...we were good...they were evil. Good is entitled. The big change (today) is we now ride in SUV's. (Note: If you need assistance defining good, Sean Hannity can be seen Monday through Friday on Fox News).
I understand why the 'Hobo' life-style disappeared from the American landscape. It was a much tougher life hopping box cars than standing at a busy intersection of a city. And the intersection location is more lucrative. I know I always give a couple of bucks to every panhandler.
I really wonder how a nation can pontificate its freedoms under a Democracy when that nation makes voting rights more difficult than gun ownership rights.
I understand that should Donald Trump be elected President, his wife Melania will be the most beautiful First Lady since Eliza Johnson. What I don't understand and wonder about is how she plans to successfully implement a anti-cyberbullying program and fight for American women as she recently claimed unless she plans to take her husband's smart phone away from him and give every woman a 'cup' to wear.
I do understand why many people of my generation and my parents' generation feel greater entitlement over people of darker skin. Those back-in-the-day cowboy movies sent the subliminal message. I recall the mid-1940's western movies popularity. Every local movie house across this nation had Saturday afternoon double-feature cowboy movies and those flicks portrayed the good white guys wearing white hats, riding beautiful horses while those 'Redskin Savages' rode uglier horses, had painted faces and screamed in an incoherent language. Good guys had to kill these crazy dark people and take the land and its resources...we were good...they were evil. Good is entitled. The big change (today) is we now ride in SUV's. (Note: If you need assistance defining good, Sean Hannity can be seen Monday through Friday on Fox News).
I understand why the 'Hobo' life-style disappeared from the American landscape. It was a much tougher life hopping box cars than standing at a busy intersection of a city. And the intersection location is more lucrative. I know I always give a couple of bucks to every panhandler.
I really wonder how a nation can pontificate its freedoms under a Democracy when that nation makes voting rights more difficult than gun ownership rights.
I understand that should Donald Trump be elected President, his wife Melania will be the most beautiful First Lady since Eliza Johnson. What I don't understand and wonder about is how she plans to successfully implement a anti-cyberbullying program and fight for American women as she recently claimed unless she plans to take her husband's smart phone away from him and give every woman a 'cup' to wear.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Sooner or Later...You Also
Leroy Robert 'Satchel' Paige was a legendary baseball pitcher who made his mark in both the Negro Leagues and Major Leagues. His outstanding pitching talents were matched by his homespun wisdom and humor. 'Satch' told folks his best way to handle stress was to "Lay down and think cool thoughts."
My personal favorite Satchel saying was, "Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits."
In my seventh decade, I find myself doing a lot of sitting/thinking. I recall younger days when I had so much on my dance card that I did little sitting and thinking was problematic.
One day last week, I thought my wife needed to get away from the house and break her routine therefore, I offered to take her to the nearby shopping mall. Judging by the overflowing shopping cart, I believe she enjoy the afternoon but once again, I found myself just 'sitting and thinking.'
This afternoon, I'll guide two neighborhood boys through a maze of backyard leaves and fall put away items. I'm sure after a couple of hours, I find the swing with puppy, Yodie and sits and thinks.
Sooner or later, I'll think about the Presidential election next Tuesday, which brings me to another famous saying by another famous baseball player, Yogi Berra who said...
"The future ain't what it used to be."
My personal favorite Satchel saying was, "Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits."
In my seventh decade, I find myself doing a lot of sitting/thinking. I recall younger days when I had so much on my dance card that I did little sitting and thinking was problematic.
One day last week, I thought my wife needed to get away from the house and break her routine therefore, I offered to take her to the nearby shopping mall. Judging by the overflowing shopping cart, I believe she enjoy the afternoon but once again, I found myself just 'sitting and thinking.'
This afternoon, I'll guide two neighborhood boys through a maze of backyard leaves and fall put away items. I'm sure after a couple of hours, I find the swing with puppy, Yodie and sits and thinks.
Sooner or later, I'll think about the Presidential election next Tuesday, which brings me to another famous saying by another famous baseball player, Yogi Berra who said...
"The future ain't what it used to be."
Thursday, November 3, 2016
That's How I See It.
I suppose the primary driving-force within most human experiences is to 'feel' value and significance.; you know (feeling) that which you do does matter.
Life is a brief proposition. One has but a fraction of real time to do whatever it is one believes and embraces as a responsibility to share, offer or accomplish. When I survey my own professional past and current commitments, I notice a common thread...a common denominator of love for my family, friends and those whom I perceive are in need. I wish to reach out and I do. I truly understand that whatever I might offer will be either accepted or rejected. I can 'live' with that result. Regardless, I cannot live without sharing and offering.
Our personal value, significance and our desire to 'matter' is predicated on our expressions of love for others demonstrated in service and caring communications. Look for your opportunities each day.
Life is a brief proposition. One has but a fraction of real time to do whatever it is one believes and embraces as a responsibility to share, offer or accomplish. When I survey my own professional past and current commitments, I notice a common thread...a common denominator of love for my family, friends and those whom I perceive are in need. I wish to reach out and I do. I truly understand that whatever I might offer will be either accepted or rejected. I can 'live' with that result. Regardless, I cannot live without sharing and offering.
Our personal value, significance and our desire to 'matter' is predicated on our expressions of love for others demonstrated in service and caring communications. Look for your opportunities each day.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Drink Slowly
I had a difficult time falling to sleep last night. Just before I went to bed, I took a drink of water and it went down wrong, I coughed and then the water came up with half of it coming out my nose...don't you just hate when that happens. My eyes would not stop watering and my nostrils burned. I thought, at the moment, that water boarding torture must be a nasty experience.
I got my mind off my nose burn thinking about the World Series baseball. When I was a kid, the average Major League Baseball player made about $15,000.00 a year and the bleacher seat game tickets cost .75 and a box seat about 6-bucks. Today's average MLB salary is $3 million and to watch him swing for the fences my box seat is $100 per game. Forget the five dollar bottled water; paying those prices, I'm sure I'd gag and have it fly out my nose. Funny thing, the game has not improved proportionately to the fan cost and players' pay.
I noticed when buying garments (T-shirts & Polo's) for the Decatur basketball Tournament that I coordinate, the cost can go higher when buying extra large sizes but buying extra small garments does not reduce my cost. I find that strange but not as strange as my adult children expecting me to attend every granddaughters' dance recital and yet making fun of me for watching Dancing With The Stars. I
I recall when major cities in American had more Christian Revivals than street demonstrations. I also remember when most high school athletes' parents could not attend 4:00PM baseball games because they had to work. Boy, that's changed.
I cannot, for the life of me, understand what happened to cause personal living journeys to become so boring and mundane that 'reality' television programs captivate Americans fancy. The other day, I took my wife to Springfield where she met friends for lunch. I killed time at Barnes & Noble Book Store. Two teenage boys were laughing at a magazine showing a bathing suit photo of Marilyn Monroe. One boy said, "Man she was fat." Someone tell me when THAT perception changed. I was glad I was not drinking my Pepsi when the kid made that statement. Pepsi really burns the nostril coming out.
I got my mind off my nose burn thinking about the World Series baseball. When I was a kid, the average Major League Baseball player made about $15,000.00 a year and the bleacher seat game tickets cost .75 and a box seat about 6-bucks. Today's average MLB salary is $3 million and to watch him swing for the fences my box seat is $100 per game. Forget the five dollar bottled water; paying those prices, I'm sure I'd gag and have it fly out my nose. Funny thing, the game has not improved proportionately to the fan cost and players' pay.
I noticed when buying garments (T-shirts & Polo's) for the Decatur basketball Tournament that I coordinate, the cost can go higher when buying extra large sizes but buying extra small garments does not reduce my cost. I find that strange but not as strange as my adult children expecting me to attend every granddaughters' dance recital and yet making fun of me for watching Dancing With The Stars. I
I recall when major cities in American had more Christian Revivals than street demonstrations. I also remember when most high school athletes' parents could not attend 4:00PM baseball games because they had to work. Boy, that's changed.
I cannot, for the life of me, understand what happened to cause personal living journeys to become so boring and mundane that 'reality' television programs captivate Americans fancy. The other day, I took my wife to Springfield where she met friends for lunch. I killed time at Barnes & Noble Book Store. Two teenage boys were laughing at a magazine showing a bathing suit photo of Marilyn Monroe. One boy said, "Man she was fat." Someone tell me when THAT perception changed. I was glad I was not drinking my Pepsi when the kid made that statement. Pepsi really burns the nostril coming out.
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