Priorities?

Often when people cannot explain 'why' they dismiss their frustration simply saying, "It is what it is." I find this type of response sometimes to be nothing short of a 'cop-out.' When I hear, 'It is what it is,' I think of the line used by Ted Kennedy when giving brother Bobby's eulogy; "Some people see things as they are and say "why."  I dream things that never were and say "why not."

I, perhaps as you, scratch my head wondering about either the illogical or disenginous thoughts expressed by many Americans.  There is one such debate about pro-life and pro-choice. Then there are those who believe the (Christian) Ten Commandments have a rightful place in the public square but no other religious faith should be so embraced yet we claim freedom for all not one over another.

I keep waiting for the debate that settles this issue: How in a Nation that calls itself 'a Christian Nation' allow one in four American children to go to bed hungry tonight while paying hundreds of millions of dollars to American farmers NOT to grow some crops this year in order to keep the market price up?

 I do believe in the American spirit enough and the teachings of Christ to beg that debate.

The Scribe /The Coach

I had an early introduction to the 'sports' writer' from the now defunct East St. Louis Journal. Growing up in that river city, I experienced extensive sports' coverage in Jaycee Baseball Leagues (Youth Leagues) 10-17 years old, Legion Baseball and a multitude of high school sports teams from numerous conferences. Suffice it to state that East St. Louis youth who played sports dealt with the sports' writers early and frequently.

I suppose the first time I was aware that there could be tension between scribe and player was when Hall of Famer and Boston's great hitter, Ted Williams and sports' writers aired their differences in news print. The 'Splendid Splinter' never backed off an opinion and truly embraced those opinions, which were at odds with the baseball media. Sports writers at the Journal, St. Louis Post and Globe and later the Bloomington Pantagraph were kind to me as they covered my playing days. The relationship seemed normal as my role changed from athlete to 'coach.'

As 'Coach,' I always shared with my local sports media (newspaper/radio) pre-season and pre-game approaches. I was not looking for their endorsement, I simply wanted to give reasons 'why' before the fact.

I always viewed the sports writer with two perspectives: (1) He likely already had a 'story slant' when approaching me in person or via the telephone. That said, it behooved me to be quick asserting 'the slant' of his storyline and then to take my desired slant by giving quotes that changed the direction. (2) I always believed that a respectful relationship with local scribes would ultimately be beneficial to building my program.

Reflecting on those bridges, I can state unequivocally that the Jacksonville Journal, State Journal-Register, Bloomington Panatgrapgh, Post Dispatch, Alton Telegraph, Chicago Tribune, Champaign News Gazette, Decatur Herald/Review, Decatur Tribune and others 'sold' many of my books while promoting endless speaking engagements.

On a local level, the late Jerry Symons (WEAI Jacksonville) and Buford Green (Jacksonville Courier) willingly teamed with me to establish The JHS Hall of Fame, West Central All Star Basketball Game, Rotary Scholar-Athhlete.

A wise coach views the sports media as potential partners and a smart sports' writer doesn't coach but promotes amateur sports.

Weather Or Not

It appears to me that today's meteorologist have a plethora of weather forecasting tools and models in their arsenal, however they sure enough struggle in Central Illinois to 'get-it-right.' Okay, I am not going to turn this rant into a slam-job on television weather persons. First, it's too easy to do that and secondly, I never did care much for second-guessers.

I did notice some time ago that my local weather-guy is now giving a forecast referencing two different 'models.' There is the U. S. Model and the European Model. Since I've been watching television weathermen dating back to the early 1950's what was once a 3-minute T.V. Gig is now about seven minutes of the 30-minutes news-weather & sports programming. I can't say the 'predicting' factor has improved but they sure do have a lot of fancy colorful charts theses days...and we seem to 'measure' everything. We have temperature, wind-chill, heat index, rain gages, snow amounts, baramoter, wind speed, pollen counts, i.e. Mold, tree and grasses. Just this week, I saw a new chart for the coming summer months: The 'muggy meter.' I suppose the weather guy wishes to rate our degree of humidity toleration. One chart broke it down into three categories: (1) slightly clammy,  (2) uncomfortable and (3) 'don't tell me fanning makes me hotter!'

I believe the best weather description I ever hear over the airways was from the late great Hall of Fame baseball pitcher, Dizzy Dean when he was broadcasting St. Louis Browns' games during the Second World War. Because our country was at war the government made it illegal to give verbal weather conditions of any major American city. Well, sure enough the Browns were hosting Cleveland in 1943 when there was a thunder storm causing a game delay. Old Diz said, '"Folks, we got ourselves a little interruption in play now but I can't tell ya'll just why that is. So I'm gunna tell you to get up out-the-chair and mosey to the back door and stick your head out...you'll soon finger it all out."

Bulletin, Bulletin, Bulletin!

There is 'bad news' & 'good news' coming out of the Hillary Clinton political campaign camp. First the BAD news: The State Department has found Hillary "at fault" using a private email server for government business while she was Secretary of  State.

The GOOD news: It is rumored that Hillary recently received a 30% off Kohl's coupon and with the $30.00 Kohl's 'cash-monopoly-money,' which she already had and must spend before Memorial Day, Hillary can now buy a 'purple' polyester pant suit she has eyed since Easter. Her savings on the purchase will be $72.00.

One other news note: Republican presumptive Presidential nominee, Donald Trump took notice of the attendance snub by New Mexico Governor Susan Martinez at a recent Trump Rally. Donald said that the Republican Governor Martinez is "Doing a terrible job and he (Trump) may run for Governor of New Mexico." Trump did not specify if he intends to abandon the Presidential run to pursue this governorship or wait until after he serves his two terms as President. It's not always clear Trump's 'direction.'

"Tha-tha-that's All Folks!"

Who's on 1st, What's on 2nd and I Don't Know is Doing Surgery

At 6:15 AM this Tuesday past, I stood anxiously waiting in a long line of 'same-day' surgery candidates in the DMH out-patients' registration line. Noting the early morning line was fifteen people deep and at my noon discharge hour that line was twenty-one folks long, I am thinking health care and mass production are strange bedfellows.

Once processed, I stood butt-exposed in my little curtain-cubicle waiting to be 'hooked' to machines and tubes. Registered nurse, Amanda was skillfully doing her needle things as my wife stood nearby in loving support. Suddenly, a rather small-framed Asian gentleman carrying an over-the-shoulder leather bag, sporting a white coat with his 'Physician' lapel tag walked into the small space. This was NOT my surgeon. I had met my surgeon earlier in the month as I quizzed him about the gall bladder and my candidacy to dispatch. This Korean Doctor approaching my bedside in pre-op was unknown to me, nurse Amanda and my wife. Without any introduction the chap spoke, "Which side do you have your pain, the right or left.?" Immediately, I'm thinking, holy cow this is a joke...that John Quinones TV guy on 'What Would You Do' and his cameraman is going to pull back those curtains and ask me if I would stop a total stranger from performing surgery on me? I began laughing and suddenly the good doctor said, " Oh, wrong patient " as he turned to leave.

Soon my surgeon showed his face and we were off to the colder room. Before they wheeled me from my wife's side, she leaned near me and said a beautiful prayer. I'll never forget her last words..."And Dear Lord bless the hands of whomever shows up to performs Mel's surgery."

More Folks Lose Than Win

Many major department stores are closing up shop due to slow retail sales on site. Of course, this results in a whole bunch of sales clerks looking for other employment, filing for unemployment or food stamps.

Uber transportation service company's CEO, in cooperation with the State of Arizona will soon be testing 'autopilot' cars. This means in the near future a person will hit his smart phone Uber app and a driver-less automobile 'taxi' will pick up the patron and deliver to a destination. Unfortunately, No more driver to 'listen' to the passenger's woes.

Just a few days ago, Wendy's fast food company announced it will be installing self-service 'food dispensing' kiosks, on a trial basis to determine if the restaurant chain can fire more serving-employees to offset the oncoming minimum wage hike.

Obviously, our advanced technology, the consumers' desire to have life at the finger tips and corporations' efforts to keep costs down/profits up is problematic.

I'm still scratching my head wondering 'why' I cannot purchase Gulf Coast shrimp at my local grocery store but must settle for shrimp shipped from Asia. And also, I cannot grasp the growing number of restaraunt patrons on every given week night.

 Be careful going out of doors, you run the risk of being hit by a driver less cab or struck in the head by a drone delivering your pizza.

The Fox Sixty Years Later

My wife, Gerry and I attended the Jersey Boys' show this past Satruday night at the Historical St. Louis Fox Theater. Son Steve ( wife-Kathy) and daughter Pam (husband-Tim) were part of the entourage along with 4,500 other Four Seasons' fans. This is the second Fox Theater production we've attended this past year. The previous show was Gladys Knight and The O'Jays. Both shows were absolutely terrific; both presentations 'sold out.'

Steve took care of securing tickets and he and his wife treated us to dinner. Steve and his daughter, Loren came directly from the Cardinals-Arizona afternoon baseball game joining the group for dinner at Vito's Italian Restaurant on Lindell Boulevard, two blocks from the Fox. Steve was dressed in very casual attire for the ball game and planned to change into 'more theater-like-togs' for the Jersey Boys.
Earlier in the day, Steve showed (wife) Kathy where his clothing-change was and asked her to bring it when meeting for dinner.; Steve's first mistake. (He should have taken the clothing-change with him)
After finishing eating and while others had dessert, Steve retried his change of clothes only to discover he had no trouser belt. He debated the 'fault-factor' with His wife; Steve's second mistake.

Food and drink depleted, the gang headed to the Fox. Spending some photo taking moments in the theater lobby and admiring the beautiful Siamese Byzantine architect, Steve excused himself to use the restroom before the seat-searching began. Returning from the restroom, Steve immediately thought it would be wise to assume all 'belt forgetting blame' by apologizing to his wife for not bringing the the leather in question. At that moment, he pulled his shirt up above his chest exposing his healthy, robust mid-section where partially hidden by protruding flesh was a BELT.

My question: "Boy, when was the last time you SAW YOUR shoes?"

Sixty-years ago, Gerry and I were high school sweethearts who frequented the Fox for a special date night. I recall seeing the movies, 'The Vikings,' (Kirk Douglas/Tony Curtis),'No Time for Seargents' (Andy Griffith) and 'Home From the Hills,' (Robert Mitchum). Ticket s ranged from .75 to $1.50 over the years. There was free parking on the nearby streets. The Jersey Boys' tickets were $100.00 each and parking was $10.00. That's the American economy looking for its 'belt' to holds its britches up..

Competitive!

From the mid-1980's until the mid-1990's, I had opportunities to serve the Illinois High School Association in a number of capacities. My first IHSA charge was to serve on the boys' basketball advisory board. Hosting a radio sports show on WLDS (Jacksonville) led to a two-year assignment as the television color analyst for the Class AA Boys' State Basketball Finals.

At  about this time the National High School Federation implemented a coaching certification program, which replenished coaching numbers in states due to expanding sports offerings and the explosion of girls' sports' programs. I was an instructor in that program for twenty-plus years and served the IHSA as its national liaison to the American Sport Education Program. I also served on the IHSA Athletic Directors' Advisory Board.

These aforementioned opportunities aided my professional growth and gave me a terrific chance to observe the mechanism of the IHSA as the governing body of Illinois high school sports. One unique perspective observed was the great strides made in girls athletics. I recall attending junior high and high school in the 1950's. The female students then were cheerleaders and drum majors; if they wished to participate in sport competition they could do so through the GAA. The Girls' Athletic Association, which provided some intramural-style competition. There was no fan following, no press coverage and certainly no college scholarships awaiting the GAA students.

In 1972, Title IX,  a lawful mandate was enacted to offer equal opportunities to public school female students in the athletic arena. With my aforementioned IHSA opportunities, I watched with amazement the 'coming of age' in girls prep sports. In the beginning many girls sports had more than there share of critics and 'Doubting Thomas's.' In a brief decade, the likes of Jackie Joyner of East St. Loyis Lincoln high school and Jacksonville's, Francine Blackburn caught my attention and the attention of many Illinois prep basketball fans. The 'Blue-Bloomer-Clad' GAA intramural sports was a thing of the past. In the 2012-13 Volleyball season I relished the time watching granddaughter Erica Howell's Crimsons' team capture the IHSA volleyball 4th Place and I eagerly await my brother's granddaughter, Katie Roustio's final Illini volleyball campaign. IHSA girls' sports? As the long ago Virginia Slim cigarette commercial touted, "You've come a long way, Baby." />

Grateful for the Chat

A couple of weeks ago, I was putting some finishing touches on a front yard project when a seventh grade neighbor boy walked up the drive with a notebook and pencil in hand. My first thought was hoping he was selling 'good' candies or cookies and not magazines. To my surprise, the lad asked if I'd help with a research-paper he was writing.

I invited the boy up to the front porch where we both sat on a bench to continue the chat. It appeared that his teacher wanted the class to identify three retired people and ask them what they 'did' for a living, why they chose their occupation and had they not done THAT what would they have done?
I suppose the subliminal message for the youngsters was giving serious thought to follow your passion or dreams.

Without going into great detail in this writing, I told the boy that I had a chance to sign a pro baseball contract after high school that would have rendered little money and likely a brief visit to the minor leagues. I chose to go to college in hopes of pursuing an education but believing that the pro baseball offer would improve as I improved. An arm injury changed my directions and I got serious about coaching. I spent thirty-nine years coaching baseball, basketball, cross country and football. Given the chance, I do it all over again.

HOWEVER...Had coaching not been an option, I would have explored  the field of broadcasting-communications. I had a taste of that life working part-time for WLDS radio in Jacksonville.

Before my young friend bolted from the porch, I got my two-cent sermon in about him finding happiness doing that for which he will have a passion and find a pathway to serve God's people.

I sure do hope it comes together for the boy...both the research paper and his journey.

Lines to Behold

Last week, I was sitting on the backyard swing with James Wilkerson Yoder, aka, 'Yodie,'the toy poodle. I began thinking of the many one line quotes, which caught my attention over the years. Of  course, my father was my one-line champ due to the time of profound interactions, my teenage years.

Dad would say, just before I left the house on a weekend night, "Hey boy, be home before midnight and don't let your mouth overload your ass on the streets." Here was a frequent line, "Your's is not to reason/why your's is but to do or die." And this, "If a job' s worth doing it's worth doing well." I never did care for this one, "Because I said so!" I concluded early in my life that my Dad was not interested in a lot of conversational exchange with his sons.

Maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett most definitely created mental anguish with her classic one-line warning for a teen grandson headed out for an evening of carefree fun: "Now honey, you enjoy your friends tonight but be mindful that our Lord Jesus Christ is returning a second time. Don't be about anything that would compromise your Heavenly reward."

Mr. Spickard, my first little league baseball coach told me, "Moe, baseball is like life. There are no short cuts, you must touch all the bases." Miss O'Rielly, junior high English teacher, "Woe betide the individual who breaks the rules." Illinois State basketball Coach Jim Collie often told me, "Good food is in the recipes' details, so are good teams."

My mother-in law, Vi Bischof often said, "I haydasay say..." It didn't take me long to get it...you should pay close attention to the next sentence, which she could not wait to say! Then there was this line repeated by thousands of my high school physical education students that entered the gym daily, "Are we dressing-out today?"

Basketball coaching legends, Al McGuire and John Wooden left sayings indelible on my mind. Wooden told me, "Your teams must be quick but should not hurry." McGuire used the line, "Piss Poor Planning Produces Pitful Performances."

The all-time King of one line quotes was Will Rogers. His greatest...
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they go."

Any Given Sunday

This past Sunday, I was sitting in the back Church pew before service began, when the Preacher approached me and spoke, "And here sits Mel Roustio in the back pew." I answered and said, "Rev., do you realize how early a fella has to get here to get these premium seats?" Never to be bested in a verbal exchange the Pastor said, "Mel, next week get here a little later and walk right down to the front, I'll be looking for you." You know, people are funny. They want to sit in the front row at concerts and sporting events but in the back pew at Church.

As a lifetime Methodist Church attendee, I can assure you that there are some unwritten Sunday morning rules in my house of worship and perhaps you can relate. I find most Church-folks very polite, kind and happy in spirit until you sit in THEIR pew spot; they don't cotton to be that. Some people can squirm in those pews when the sermon is about tithing or volunteering to teach a Sunday School Class, sing in the choir or serve as liturgist.

We've all noticed that people say they wish to serve God but too often we are guilty serving as only an adviser.

At the end of the sermon folks line up and shake hands with the preacher as they exit the sanctuary. Sometimes that can be an awkward moment as folks struggle to find something meaningful  to say to the pastor. I never did like telling the preacher, "Good sermon." That takes on the tone of a critic or judge. Thank the Lord it was not required of me to stand at the gym exit and shake hands with fans leaving the basketball game I just coached.

I've noticed another great obvious fact...Sunday mornings across the Nation just may be the most segregated day of the week. And...every Church is guilty of that reality

Some Christian folks surely can be judgmental. They are looking for the 'perfect' Church and 'perfect' pastor...I always felt that if my Church and Pastor were perfect, I couldn't belong.

"NUTS"

My wife's computer got 'hacked' yesterday. It could've been worse, she might have been locked in Kohl's all night...we'd have so much damn 'play money,' I'd need to place some of that 'dough' in my Last Will & Testament. I'm sure it's just a matter of time and my computer will be compromised because like a good but foolish husband, I accepted my wife's bogus friendship request right after her hacking, knowing that she was 'already' a friend. Hey, I can't help myself. It's like when we are using the auto GPS for directions, if there is a disagreement between that GPS-automated lady's voice and my wife's suggestion, I follow my wife's direction-instructions. My dad gave his three sons the full-proof blueprint for harmony.

Anyway, within two-hours of the 'hack-job,' I heard from every FB friend and most relatives on both sides of our family, even one relative that I thought passed away several years ago. They were all telling me that my wife's FB had been hacked. This now means there is a 'Good Gerry Roustio' and a 'Bad Gerry Roustio' out in the Internet-land...and I'm not going to touch that line with a ten foot pole.

You'll Be Glad You Did

I believe it was 8 or 9 years ago, I was walking on the treadmill and watching the 'Family Feud' television show when my interest was tweaked with this question: "What five peoples' contributions have most changed the way we live?"  Good question.

I recall making a mental list quickly. I gave a nod to Christ, Adam & Eve, Edison, Wright Brothers and Abe Lincoln. I tried hard to make a case for 'Bo' Diddley but it was just too far a stretch. When the moderator revealed the list generated by 100 people surveyed, I was surprised. Ready? (1) Martin Luther King, (2) Oprah, (3) Bill Clinton, (4) Ben Franklin and (5) Jesus.
I believe we can agree that perhaps only Jesus Christ would stand a chance to remain on such a list throughout time; His 'teachings' caused the greatest movement known to mankind. But back to this list. Look again at the names. This survey must have been taken at a Democratic Party Fundraiser. I think all those folks on the list are all liberals; well I'm not too sure about Franklin.

The game show question got me to thinking in more personal terms. What five people have most  impacted the way I live 'my' life. I made three lists that day. First, the five family members, secondly, the five youth friendships and thirdly, the five professional acquaintance list.

After completing these lists, the next day I began telephoning names on my lists and thanking them for their contribution to my journey. Sadly, some had passed away but those I spoke with were both surprised and thrilled to get the message. I strongly suggest this engagement; don't procrastinate. Don't allow it to become a 'wouda-couda-shouda' moment.

Moral Standards?

'I cannot tell a lie, Father, I chopped down the cherry tree.' And so, a mythical tale about our first President, George Washington stood the test of time and served to perpetuate the moral lesson that parents would prefer truth from their children over a thousand prized possessions.

President Bill Clinton looked into the television camera and said, "I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman." President Clinton lied. His wife Hillary, now a Presidential candidate is a prime target of the conservative voters with constant accusations of lying. It is THE central attack theme against Hillary.

While campaigning for the GOP Presidential nomination, Donald Trump has stated one over-the-top proposal after another. He will build a wall on the Mexican border to keep illegals out. He will deport eleven million illegals. He will ban Muslims from entering the United States. He will put Muslim Mosques under surveillance. However, as the Republican establishment attempts to find common ground to unify and support Trump, we notice Trump beginning to back off of a number of these proposals, which during the campaign energized an angry segment of society. One wonders if Trump has been 'lying' to his followers.

Recently, a taped audio (sounding like Trump) was released by the Washington Post. The voice on the  recording identified himself as Trump's publicist (1991). Trump's former girlfriend/wife, Marla Maples identified the voice as Trump's and Donald himself said at the time, it was a joke that went bad. Today, (2016) Trump denies that the voice on the tape is his and never heard of the incident until brought up in an interview on the NBC Today Show. Umm?

All these little 'cherry tree' stories about Donald Trump does not deter his hard core followers. Actually, they defend him vociferously. Example: One Trump advocate who hammers Hillary Clinton to release her emails defends Trump stating that historically not all Presidential nominees have released their tax statements. When told that those Presidential nominees have released tax filings since 1976, the Trump defender said, "George Washington did not release tax information."

Let's sort things out. A voice recording from Trump posing as his own PR person in 1991 is irrelevant because it happened 25 years ago but tax filings not released by a President 200+ years ago IS Relevant.

Folks, this is classic 'moral and political relativism.' In common terms it's 'moving the goal post' because you have zero moral standards. The same guy that brags about garnering the most evangelical votes also bragged about his sexual exploitations.
Oh boy, let's all like lineup and vote for this man of great character to be the leader of the 'free world.'

If You Don't Mind

I have never thought of myself as an evangelical yet I have embraced and experienced many elements  professed by that 'Christian movement.' Perhaps, I am not big on 'labels.' I do consider myself a liberal-democrat but there are many liberal-democrats with whom I cannot agree with on issues and likewise the same can be said with the evangelicals.

Before going further into my 'rant,' I wish to share a workable definition of Evangelicalism. It is a worldwide Protestant-Christianity movement, which maintains the doctrine of salvation in God's Grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Evangelicals believe in the 'conversion' experience. The public acknowledgement of confession of sin to receive the 'born again' (in Christ) experience.

I remember that first personal experience when a young 13-year old Mel went to the alter at First Methodist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois. I confessed my sinful ways and the need for Christ in my life. Since that time, I have sinned and I frequently go to the Church's alter to re-commit. I am a Work-in-progress Christian.

One other staple of evangelicalism is 'spreading the message' of Christ. Hold that thought, please.

I do believe that people of faith should offer their voices in the public square and organize as they wish to push their agendas. It does disturb me when in this country, which boasts and claims freedoms for all finds many evangelicals that want to have 'their' way over all other faiths. When a nation has a free/secular society (and we do as guaranteed by the Constitution) it cannot favor 'one' faith over all others. Few evangelicals ware willing to accept that reality. Some of these people are bull-headed with the misguided thinking that God 'favors' THEM and THEIR beliefs.

I am displeased with preachers telling me or suggesting to me how I should 'vote' on issues and/or candidates. Just as I find it fraudulent for any clergy to dare suggest which people or groups are worthy of charities. There was but one omnipotent 'Being' to ever walk this earth and He died on a cross for us to have a pathway to eternal life. I shall let that 'omnipotent-ONE' speak to my heart on these aforementioned matters. Okay, now that thought I asked you to hold. Since the media always likes to tell us what the 'exit polls' revealed regarding the 'evangelical vote,' ask yourself this question for the remainder of this political campaign cycle: Which candidates' speech and language sounds most like a 'message' Jesus Christ would like spread?

It Is What It Is!

Several weeks ago, a blog reader 'called me out' asking "Why do you so often make things into racial issues?" I did not answer at the time and I am not motivated to answer now. However, let me remind today's blog readers about a bit of recent history. You may draw your own conclusions. I've drawn mine.

Teenager, Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by volunteer complex-security guard, George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was found not guilty of murder. There was much debate and social discourse over this senseless killing. Rushing to defend George Zimmerman immediately was Fox News pundit, Sean Hannity. Hannity was passionate as he articulated his support of Zimmerman. He characterized Zimmerman as a law abiding citizen with legal and moral rights to justify his shooting this black teenager who was wearing one of those God-awful hoodies and resisting Zimmerman's confrontation.

It appeared Zimmerman's 2005 arrest for scuffling with a police office and domestic violence restraining order did not suggest to Hannity that Zimmerman just might be a loose cannon. In 2013, Zimmerman's estrange wife called 911 because George threatened her with a shotgun...still Hannity embraced Zimmerman.

Just yesterday, Zimmerman placed in an auction sale the gun he used to shoot and kill Trayvon Martin. Apparently, this noble guardian of goodness was likely going to make money off the killing weapon. Perhaps, Zim-Zim was intent on giving the proceeds to a worthy charity. What a decent good man this George Zimmerman fella. Perhaps George could have offered it first to Hannity as a token appreciation gift...but then business is business. And if Hannity's positions don't stink with racism then "Grits ain't groceries, eggs ain't poultry and Mona Lisa was a man."

What Love Looks Like

Despite these aging bones, I still enjoy getting my hands dirty in God's earth. I trim my yard, cut and bag my grass and put in a small veggie garden. I always enjoyed sweating and toiling in the warm sun. I think is goes back to my non-air conditioned youth and the endless sandlot/blacktop sport games of baseball and basketball. There is one job I can no longer handle due to a cranky back. I don't 'bend' to weed out the flower beds or rocked walk ways.

There are two home schooled young boys three doors south on my street. Nathan is 14 and brother Caleb is 10. I have never met two youngsters so well mannered, respectful and with such willing work ethic. I have hired the two lads on perhaps four different occasions to do some weeding, leaf-raking and block carrying for me as I built a fountain flower bed. I pay each boy $8.00 per hour and often times give them an added tip. The brothers have three other siblings one of which is a new born baby girl.

Yesterday afternoon, my wife was visiting with Nathan and Caleb's mother, Jessica. Gerry told Jessica that she enjoys having the boys do work for us because they are so well mannered and good workers. The mother shared with my wife that every time they work at our house they come home sharing a story or comment from Gerry. It seems they have found a friend in my wife.

My wife shared this footnote. She told me that Jessica said that when Caleb returned home with $16.00. He immediately put $1.60 (Church tithe money) in a jar on his desk. Caleb then handed his mother a five dollar bill and said, 'Mom, for Mother's Day, I want you to buy those cookies for yourself that you like so much."

Just imagine the joy and happiness awaiting these youngsters as they grow through the years. Obviously, they 'get it.' They know that happiness comes from serving God and others as HE beckons us. Speaking of journey blessings,my wife and I now count Nathan and Caleb.

What Matters?

Often times when a young child is 'in trouble' they will throw every excuse imaginable at the wall hoping something will 'stick.' A similar comparison occurs when politicians wish so badly to be elected; they will promise the moon and then accuse their opponent of wanting to destroy that moon.
What I find interesting and puzzling is the 'buyer's' reaction. What shall they ultimately believe?

As the political competition for the 'White House' appears to be a two-horse race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, each campaign must decide what rhetorics are voters going to embrace. Trump prefers the personal attacks over policy position attacks. He has begun with blaming Hillary for being a "nasty enabler" for her husband's sexual trysts and indiscretions. Never mind that Trump is on record having bragged about his own affairs while married. This guy had an affair with Marla Maples (his second wife) while married to his first wife.

My first reaction to Trump's attacks is wondering why anyone would not believe that Hillary is a victim in this scenario. Then upon deeper reflection, I wonder...So What?
Please understand that I have zero knowledge about the personal lives of my orthopedic surgeon, my gastroenterologist, my urologist or my dentist. I do have confidence in their respective skills. I do trust their abilities to make things right. The personal trials and journey of these individuals is of no interest or consequence to me.

During the next primary, I would like to find the answers to these exit poll questions: How many voters read a book the past month vs. the number of voters who read a supermarket tabloid? Then ask the voter their candidate choice...there may be some interesting correlations.

I'll Pick the Moment

My wife and I are richly blessed with loving children and grandchildren; the great-grandkids, I am certain will follow the blueprint. Let me share that snap-shot. Our three children usually telephone us four to five times each week...some more frequently. A few grandkids check in with similar frequency. Youngest daughter Pam & son-in law, Tim engage us frequently due to the mere hour travel distance. Son, Steve & daughter-in law, Kathy frequently reach out to orchestrate get-togethers, I.e, the Jersey Boys @ The Fox, later this month. And daughter Dawn & son-in law, Shawn do the gatherings-planning and Dawn makes sure she brings grandchildren the three hours from South Barrington, IL. as often as possible.

I believe a key element in the Roustio Family interaction- relationship, (kids to mom and dad and sibling to sibling,) is the 'laugh-factor,' which is often perpetuated by gentle-jabs at each other when the opportunity arises. We have always been capable of giving a zinger and taking the same. Hold that thought!

I cannot wait for the next 'gathering-of-our-gang.' Daughter Dawn has a huge target on her back. Quick profile of Dawn's modus operandi: she insists on quality and is prepared to pay for that quality. She is kind with Von Mar gift cards on those special occasions to the extent that the Von Mar salespeople are on first name basis with my wife. In fact, if my wife fails to shop Von Mar for four weeks, the Von Mar ladies sales gals telephone to inquire if she is 'okay.'

Late last week, Dawn text me to alert me that a Von Mar Mother's Day gift card awaited my wife and also a bouquet of flowers would be delivered Saturday before Mother's Day. I took my wife to Von Mar to pick up the gift card and on Saturday the FTD bouquet was delivered by UPS...the flowers were dead...what the hell kind of child sends 'dead' flowers to their mother on Mother's Day?

Surely, Joe Jokes!

Toy Poodle, Yodie usually wakes up around 5:30 or 6:00AM. Some mornings he's first out of the sack other sunrises its me. In any event, we both survey the backyard together as Yodie periodically pauses to stiff out nighttime critter smells and do his duty. Re-entering the house, Yodie expects a treat and then I get my coffee and newspaper, flip on the television and check out 'Morning Joe.'

'Morning Joe' is co-hosted by Joe Scarborough, attorney and former Republican politician and Mika Brzezinski, a liberal leaning author and daughter of Foriegn Policy expert, Zbigniew Brzezniski. Scarborough usually gets the last word on any debate matters because he bullies Mika.

After Trump's Indiana primary victory and seemingly odds on favorite to be the Republican Presidential nominee going against Democrat, Hillary Clinton, Scarborough made the following observation: He said that should Barrack Obama decide to campaign for Hillary it will be a huge mistake and consequently help Trump. His reasoning? Scarborough states Obama's 'foreign policies' will be exposed, as if Trump had a foriegn policy.

You all know the old saying, 'You crap your friends and I'll crap mine but we won't crap one another.'
Trump and the Republicans' worst nightmare is a large turnout of Black, Hispanic and Muslim voters.
Therefore, I invite anyone to weigh Obama's foriegn policy against Obama's ability to motivate voters as a consequential impact of the 2016 Presidential election. Okay, that took you five seconds, enjoy the remainder of your day. I'm heading to the backyard swing with coffee and Yodie.

Our Greatest Gift

During my lifetime, without question, my most consistent and central theme communications has been two messages given repeatedly to my children and grandchildren. I have told those loved ones over and over that to find true happiness they must enter the workforce with an ability and passion for that which they want to do and seek opportunities to serve others during their journey. Secondly, I have told the kids and grandkids that their greatest gift in this life IS their mother. I've told them to seek every opportunity to embrace that relationship and the love.

This Sunday, Americans celebrate a designated 'Mother's Day.' Sometime during day, I will say my  prayers. I will thank God for the great gift of all mothers. I will specifically thank Him for my mother. I'll wish that I could take my mother out for lunch that day or at least pick up the telephone and hear her wonderful laugh but it cannot be. My mom has been gone from our midst three Mother's Days. Sometime this weekend in a midnight hour, I will close my eyes and recall a plethora of precious moments shared with Mother Lucille.

Enjoy your greatest gift while you may.

Strong No Non-sense Woman

Grandma Rosedelle Roustio was a physically, emotionally and spiritually strong woman. She was a large framed tall woman with nary an ounce of fat on that frame. A quiet demeanor, Grandma Roustio was much like E. F. Hutton, when she spoke people listened. Grandma Rosedelle and Grandpa Frank Roustio raised four girls and my father. They lost another male child in infancy.

Should you ask my wife, Gerry if she recalls first meeting Grandma Roustio, she would with delight tell this story. "I was 16- years old and Mel was 17. One day we drove to lower Washington Park where Grandma Roustio lived. As I was getting out of the car, I noticed this big woman carrying large concrete blocks, one in each hand, towards an unfinished block building. She was mixing concrete cement and laying blocks."

Grandma's primary work-notoriety was 'wallpaper hanger.' She likely wallpapered half the houses in Washington Park. Rosedelle was a great listener but got her dander up in a heartbeat when folks bought foriegn made products. She let it be known that she was Union and a 'Made in America' consumer!

Rosedelle was never mean-spirited. If she concluded that someone was a phony or attempting to pull a fast one, she'd say, "Why they're SILLY."

As you can guess, I've been thinking about Grandma Roustio a lot lately. Grandma would think its 'silly' for American consumers to sit at home and order goods online, which causes loss of jobs and closing of local stores.

When Trump spoke after winning the Indiana primary and became the presumptive Republican nominee, he said that during his Presidency we are going to be a 'loving nation.' We are going to have a lot of love for everybody. Grandma Roustio would see right through that phony-crap. I can hear her saying , 'Why he's being silly. He talked and showed all kinds of hate against folks and now that he's the only one left he WANTS love?'

Use Your Brain Before Your Boob.

 Recently, North Carolina enacted an anti-LGBT Bathroom Law, which in essence finds the State Law overriding any local laws when it comes to public restroom use. One can only use the bathroom designated in accordance to one's biological gender. Okay, we shall assume this has always been adhered to by people over the years and it's just a re-statement of expectations. Abba Dabba Do!

Now, today this news story out of North Carolina. A young thirty-five year old mother showed up in court to file a complaint against her mother. (Note: Surely this is more than a subtle indication of the family mentality). The mother had her 8-month old son with her in the courtroom. While waiting to address the 'Bench,' the mom whipped out a boob and began breastfeeding her child. The Judge got upset with the woman and told her to cover up and button up. In a later interview the woman elaborated on how offended she was with the tone of the Judge.

Actually, the breastfeeding mother did NOT break any North Carolina law. North Carolina states that mothers may breast feed in private or public places. If this does not fly in-the-face of common sense, I don't know what would.

It appears that if at an 'elementary parents day' in North Carolina schools eight breastfeeding mommies can all whip out a tit in front of fourth graders and feed their babies. You would think anybody with any dignity would locate a more discreet place to breastfeed.

When it comes to common sense and bull-headedness, Americans frequently embrace the ladder.

The Color of Love

I don't 'Twitter' but I understand many folks do Twitter and a few days ago they were twittering their tweeter off. It was all because the retail giant, Old Navy featured an 'interracial family' photo in a clothing ad. Never mind that the ad offered a 30% discount.

I don't know about you all but I notice many real life interracial relationships. Although, the Deep South had laws banning interracial marriages as recent as the mid-1960's thank God those Bubba brains no longer have such laws and can now worry about the Confederate Flag and the rights of the local baker to not sell cup cakes to Fred and Bill should they be holding hands.

This Old Navy ad backlash by racists bigots is simply another example of the disingenuous phoniness  rampant in our Nation. White Americans cheer for their Black athletes to deliver victories as long as the Black athlete does not deliver flowers to their daughters.

Should Old Navy wish to keep these twittering anti-interracial marriage customers coming back to shop, the store needs only to offer that 30% discount on 'Trump For President' T-shirts.

Diet Pepsi 'No Ice,' Please

Really? Some fool living in Illinois is suing Starbucks for false advertisement regarding the amount of fluid/beverage in their cup maintaining that excessive amounts of ice displaces the advertised beverage amount. The person feeling short changed believes that five million dollars will make up for the displaced fluid amount.

Personally, I could never bring such a law suit. Not because of the premise presented but due to the fact that I refuse restaurant ice being put in any drink. My father owned a restaurant and I watched bus boys and others scoop ice and manually move ice from place to place...I pass on restaurant ice, thank you.

Before you label me as a reactionary fuddy-duddy, fussy old fart, let me inform the uninformed. Six out of ten restaurants have higher levels of bacteria in their ice than in their toilets. One reason the toilet bowl water has less bacteria than the ice is because the toilet is cleaned more frequently than the ice-maker and ice bin. I shall add to that mix those dirty hands scooping ice.

Therefore, the turd-brain suing Starbucks for having too much ice in his drink has the right idea but the wrong reasoning.

Good Intentions

This past Friday evening, I was nursing some back muscle spasms  the result of yard work. Nevertheless, my wife, Gerry and I traveled to Chatham, Illinois to see our grandson's baseball team and hook up with daughter Pam and her husband, Tim, along with our son, Steve, his wife Kathy, granddaughter, Shannon and a great granddaughter, Juniper.

After the game, we all gathered at Mario's Italian Restaurant for dinner. The food was delicious, the company great but the muscle spasms unrelenting. After dinner, my wife offered to drive the 50- miles back to Decatur. I immediately accepted her offer. I could thus avoid any driving stress, turn on the seat heat and recline the passenger chair for calm relaxation. So much for that mythical dream.  We were backing out of the parking space when my wife said she didn't know if she was going in the right direction to get to the frontage road. I slowly lifted myself upward just in time to notice our auto was going the 'wrong' way through a drive thru-pick up window. One on-coming driver moved aside for us. The look on that driver's face was sheer bewilderment and fear.

We finally got to the Interstate when I noticed a sudden swaying of the vehicle from left to right. I opened my eyes to see Gerry adjusting side and rear view mirrors ten miles into the trip. I eased gingerly back into my warm seat not noticing any spasm relief. Five more minutes into our journey, the car is slowing and speeding, slowing and speeding. Again, I sat up to see what was the matter. My wife is attempting to set the speed control to little avail.

The spasms finally eased once I got out of the auto, took a muscle relaxer and laid on a heating pad. Sometime during the night, my wife said to me, "I think I need to drive more because I'm getting a little rusty. I said nothing but pretended to be asleep.