Say the Words

Perched on the backyard swing after my grass cutting chores were completed, I thought of a blog I'd like to pen. I then began thinking about some words that I might use to frame my ideas. I enjoy using words. I'd be delighted if I knew more words. I do have favorite words. For example, I like the words ponder, reckon and sanctified. My 5th grade Woodrow Wilson School teacher would say, "Now, Melvin, I want you to use those words in a sentence." Okay: "If people would 'ponder' the death of Jesus, I 'reckon' they would ask forgiveness of sin and be 'sanctified.'"

I notice some words are offensive to others. I recall once, my wife was talking with a neighbor and inquired about when a mutual acquaintance (who died) was going to be "laid out." Holy crap, the other gal went into a tizzy and asked my wife to use the word 'visitation' instead of 'laid out.' Regardless, I'm guessing the degree of dead is unchanged by word usage. My oldest daughter, Dawn never liked the word, 'stink.' That word does not offend me but the odor coming from one grandson's shoes surely does 'stink.'

I do wish I had the ability to say more with fewer words. One must be cautious not to use a bunch of words attempting to blow smoke suggesting we have extensive knowledge. Here's something to 'ponder:' I read somewhere that The Lord's Prayer is 66 words. The Ten Commandments consists of 179 words. Lincoln used 286 words in The Gettysburg Address and The Declaration of Independance has 1,300 words. However, 26,911 words were needed to outline the government regulations on the sale of cabbage in the United States.

Well, I'm sure I will continue to be fascinated with words and struggle at times to make sense with them. Meanwhile, before I head back out to the swing to ponder more, I'll leave you with three words: 'I love you.' I reckon those are the words the Lord wishes us to use most often.

Deserve Each Other

Among the many things recently said by GOP presidential nominee, Donald Trump was his attack comment about the media. I paraphrase, 'I'm not running against crooked Hillary, I running against the lying media.' Shortly after stating that several times, I noticed some media folks such as Chuck Todd of NBC acting hurt and taking offense. I thought, stop it! You people deserve each other...the media and Trump.

The most novice observer would easily conclude that Donald Trump has 'played' the media like a fiddle and beat them like a drum. The media is focused on their ability to peddle advertisements through ratings. Since Trump is an over-the-top *blabbering buffoon and amusing clown, he lifts television ratings and sells ads. Therein lies the infatuation between Trump and media. They both should 'own it' and get over themselves. The media has been in bed with Trump for a year. Perhaps while the media was 'waiting' for Trump to self-destruct, they kept his 'alternative-right' followers revved up with constant coverage. I have not witnessed such media frenzy since another 'bad hair' hit the United States back in 1964... It was a singing group from Great Britain.

*(this characterization of Trump is substantiated by the fact that a seventy-year old person running for the United States Presidency would say that he does "not know who David Duke is or what he stands for and has no knowledge of white supremacy groups.")...those are words of a buffoon.

Disappeared

I don't order consumer goods online and when purchasing those goods at retail stores, I refuse to use 'self checkout lanes.'  The American public that embraces those offerings, unless for disabled reasons, contributes to unemployment issues. And they encourage corporate greed, which needs little nudging.

 I understand some jobs vanish because of technology. For example, when is the last time you went bowling and had to wait for the pin-boy to set the pins? That's what I thought. My children and grandchildren would think the window place-card indicating your desired ice block size (purchase) would likely be a poorly designed eye chart. And come to think, I can't  remember the last time I saw a hiring ad for 'river ice cutters.'

I recall in the late 1940's, my family was on a first name basis with the telephone 'operator' who connected our telephone calls if the 'party line' was not busy. Perhaps today, those displaced telephone operators have found employment as tela-marketing callers.

In recent years, I am irritated by a service void. Remember when men purchased suits, trousers and coats at 'men's stores' and somebody measured lengths and used chalk and pins to note where alterations would be made? Those alterations were free / no charge. Great customer service. You will not find that service-person in the mens' clothing department. No longer is there even a seamstress available on the mall premise.

The last sport coat I purchased, I had to take to a local cleaning establishment and they passed it along to a phantom alteration gal who charged me $16.00 dollars to alter two sleeves. But that's not as sad as my recent jewelry store experience. A week ago, I priced birthstone rings for my wife at two jewelry  stores. The rings were approximately $350.00 each. When I asked how long it would take for them to size the ring, I was told, "One week and the sizing cost wil be $69.00." Sizing rings was once part of the Jewelry store purchase-deal>>> no charge. Another, included-in-the-deal-purchase has vanished. I recall when a new auto buyer could expect the dealership to supply a vehicle undercoating at no charge...no more, it's an additional $200 bucks or so.

The American greed seems to know no boundaries.
I fear the day when the clothing alteration turnaround will depend on air travel expediency from central Illinois to Taiwan.

Get'em Both!

GOP Presidential nominee, Donald Trump is calling for a special prosecutor to be appointed to bring charges against Hillary Clinton for fraudulent activities as Secretary of State by possibly giving favors to Clinton Foundation donors.

Democrat nominee, Hillary wants Trump to release his tax filings. She evidently believes Donald is hiding something. Perhaps he's not as wealthy as he states or he does not contribute to charities to the extent he makes claim.

Both ideas sound plausible to me. I have a novel idea. Let's insist our Presidential candidates compromise. Hell, that's something our elected officials can't do, perhaps they'll get the idea after all it's said great movements usually are grass roots movements.

Here's the deal:  To satisfy all the Clinton supporters, Trump has to reveal all the financial details of his four bankruptcies, particulars regarding his three divorces (now this is fair game because of the demands for info regarding Slick Bill's trysts) and release tax filings from the past ten years. Okay, in exchange to appease Trump followers a special prosecutor must bring charges against Hillary Clinton  for email and Clinton Foundation fraud and while the prosecutor is at it reopen all perceived sexual transgressions committed by Bill Clinton. (This damn thing with all the sex stuff could become a day time soap opera).

I have nominees for those special prosecutors>
 Prosecuting Donald Trump would be Attorney Khizr Khan...this was Muslim fella who spoke at the Democratic Convention and offered Trump his copy of the United States Constitution. I'm sure Mr. Khan would jump at this opportunity.

Prosecuting the Clinton's would be Former New York City mayor and attorney Rudy Giuliani. Look, Giuliani is perfect for this job. In the 1970's he was a Democrat before he became an Independent and he is now a Republican. He knows ALL the crooks in politics in both parties and can you imagine how entertaining Rudly will be?
Let's do this and then we liberals can stop attacking Trump and you conservatives can let up on Hillary. Holy crap, we could then post fun stuff on Facebook.

Ripples Felt Today?

The late well noted American anthropologist, Margret Mead claimed that there was but one sexual revolution in American history, which she stated occurred in the 'Roaring 20's.' Mead died in 1978, perhaps her perceptiveness was a bit dulled in the late 1960's and early 1970's when it appeared some strange crap was happening in our nation. Let me ask you readers of age if your recall the little music and art festival that took place in August of 1969...I believe it was on a dairy farm in New York State called 'Woodstock.' There was some serious envelope pushing of sex and drugs at that site four days running amongst 400,000 participants. Then the early 1970's introduced more than a passing notation of issues relating to two new medical terms: HIV / AIDS. Hello Margret Mead.

Another little incident happened about this time that, in retrospect, it appears to have shaken our citizens' appreciation for and confidence in moral leadership...the most powerful leader in the free world, United States President, Richard Nixon resigned his Presidency in shame.

In recent times America have witnessed elementary children murdered at their school desks, families slaughtered in movie theaters, night club goers trapped and killed, terrorism at home and abroad while a nation grows more bitter and divisive with each passing day.

I would not suggest the sex and drug activities and less than moral leadership of the late '60's and early '70's caused the 'now conditions' but one might make the case that those events and activities do qualify as a 'revolution' of sort!

No Thank You

I was meandering around the men's clothing department at a popular mall-store while my wife was engaging in a more serious shopping mind-set several aisles away. I noticed a circular-carrasole clothing display with a large '75% Off Sale' sign. I thought, this might be my day. As I began perusing the items, I suddenly realized that I was a stranger in an unfamiliar place.

There was a T-shirt tagged at $12.99, a polo style collar shirt for $59.99 and a long sleeved casual shirt for $79.99. Folks, T-shirts with nonsensical prints on the front were originally priced at $48 bucks? A polo shirt originally priced at $150 and a long sleeve shirt was once nearly two hundred dollars? PLEASE!!! When in the name of sanity did we run this thing off the tracks? This is crazy!
Dress Shoes in this store were priced between $155 and $240.

My wife volunteers working at our Church's Economy Shop where donated clothing is reasonably priced for the consumer. This Economy Shop is a mission project outreach for those who cannot afford many of today's retail clothing prices. Tell you what, next time I take her to work, I'm going inside!

About two weeks after that no-purchase mall experience, I was watching a segment of The Today Show where people were asked to select the best tasting coffee. Of course, one coffee brand was very pricey while the second brand was a cheaper fast food product. Most coffee connoisseurs will agree that coffee taste is determined by the quality of the coffee beans. Therefore the results? 67% of the people selected the cheaper brand as better tasting. Go figure!

Well, here's how I figure. We weak minded consumers are motivated by advertising, designer products and the motivation to 'Keep up with the Joneses.'

This stuff makes no sense to me. Understand, I began driving my family's 1950 Bel Aire Chevy when I turned 16 in the year 1955. Gas was .23 per gallon, a movie ticket was .50 and my date and I could each have a hamburger, fries and malt for less than two dollars. I gonna need a helluva alot more memory loss before I pay today's retail clothing prices.

Some Become Rich; Some Just Serve

Rains and time lapse are now settling the dust from the 'Rio Olympic Games.' We can now analyze, scrutinize and speculate regarding 'the games' impact and fallout. I hear sports' gurus suggesting we've seen the best ever of swimming and gymnastics in the persons of Michael Phelps and Simone Biles. That might be difficult to refute. Perhaps the same is true about Japan's male gymnast, Kohei Uchimura.

Post Olympic Games financial endorsement contracts always intrigue us and it appears obvious that the aforementioned stalwarts are headed for huge pay offs. Of course, USA swimmer, Ryan Lochte 'crapped too close to the house' therefore speculation has 'Peck's Bad Boy' losing millions of bucks because he cannot embrace success with humility or behave well when consuming Vodka.

Would not Louis Armstrong's song, 'Wonderful World' ring proud if Abby D'Agostino, Nikki Hamblin and Sam Kendricks were also in a position to 'cash-in' on their respective Olympic performances? You'll recall 5,000 meter runners D'Agostino of the United States and New Zealand's Hamblin assisted each other across the finish line after each suffered falling. And then the moment of ultimate patriotism showed when American pole vaulter, Second Lieutenant Kendricks suddenly stopped his approach sprint with pole in hands when he heard his country's National Anthem playing. Ah, but we know 'good news' fades like the extinguished smoke from the Olympic flame.

Strange arrangements here on planet earth...our sport heroes receive millions of dollars to entertain us, often with less than stellar performances while nurses care for our sick, school teachers educate our children, firemen and policemen risk their lives to save us and those folks might realize a forty/sixty thousand dollar yearly income.

The Classy Athlete

The one thing that I always thought to be comical about professional wrestling is the screaming contorted facial expressions of combatants when they execute some body slam or hurtful move on their opponent. Growing up in East St. Louis, one family member's close friend was a pro wrestler and I heard all the stories and explanation regarding the carefully orchestrated wrestling matches...it's all pretend, choreographed and phony. It's entertaining but the outcomes are predetermined, okay?

Now, I know that 99.99 percent of other pro and amateur sports are pure in form and outcome. That said, I am noticing one thing, which has been borrowed from the wrestlers...our athletes all seem to be embracing the 'need' to contort their Body in some 'Hulk-like' posture and make a grimacing face as they scream aloud on the heels of a score or special physical play such as a football tackle or basketball dunk.

I am not certain when this sport-competition behavior became the norm. I recall my youth coaches and my father warning me against boasting and 'showing up' the opponent. The message back then was 'poise in defeat and humility in victory.' Seemingly, today it is not enough to be victorious but it is necessary and becoming customary to taunt or humiliate our rival.

Don't confuse my comments with pure joyous team celebration in winning. Absolutely, the winner should express happiness; I'm talking about show-off stuff, the obnoxiousness and we all know the difference. Those who don't had bad mentors.

Every generation can point to athletic-sport performance greatness. That said, I believe today's sports' performers, in general are the greatest athletes ever. We have just witnessed such in the recently completed Olympic Games. The question to embrace remains: As our athletic prowess grows is our trait of character-graciousness keeping stride.

How it Began

Campbell 'Stretch' Miller was born in 1910 and died of ALS in 1972. He was born in St. Louis one of 13-children. His family moved to Chicago where the 6'6" 245lbs. basketball standout played at Hyde Park high school, briefly at University of Illinois and later a standout for Illinois State Normal University. Miller became a sports broadcaster in Central Illinois and had an eight-year play-by-play stint alongside Harry Caray and 'Gabby' Street with the St. Louis Cardinals.

I first met 'stretch' Miller during my basketball varsity coaching years at Mason City, Illinois. In 1966, Miller was doing freelance sports writing and public relations for the Peoria Journal Star Newspaper. My Mason City 'Huskies' basketball team had completed a 23-4 season with several championship titles and was recognized by the Peoria Journal Star the the outstanding basketball team in their circulation area. Miller came to Mason City to make the presentation.

Miller and I had some time to visit before the awards assemble and 'Stretch' shared this very insightful and funny story. It was during Miller's final year broadcasting alongside Cardinals lead play-by-play broadcaster Harry Caray. It was the spring of 1954 and Miller, Caray and a newcomer by the name of Jack Buck were calling spring training games in Florida. Miller told me that one early spring game, he had gotten an preview of what would become a most interesting and contrasting broadcasting style between Harry Caray and Jack Buck.

During the baseball game, Caray was off on one of his frequent verbal tangents about the 'great game of baseball, nothing like fun in the sun at the ball yard whether you're young or old, blah, blah, blah. Suddenly a foul ball landed near a group of elderly patrons sitting in chairs along the right field line. Quickly, an old lady jumped from the rocking chair she occupied and retrieved the souvenir. Well, Harry came UN-hinged with talking about this fans excitement for the coveted souvenir. Harry: "Jack, have you ever seen anything that warms your heart more than baseball fans who show that kind of love for this great game? Buck replied, "Harry, I think the old gal is off her rocker if you ask me?" The pun flew right over Caray's head as he took issue with Buck's comment for several moments.

Stretch smiled at me and added, "I knew then that this relationship was going to be some kinda ride for Cardinals' fans.

All three men are gone from this journey. Caray and Buck immortalized in Baseball's Hall of Fame and Stretch Miller remembered in Illinois State University's 'Hall of Fame.' Stretch told me the story and I hope others keep it alive...it's a good Cardinals' trivia story.

Make The Correct Choice

I don't know that I am a better grandfather than father, however I am convinced that I have been a better observer in the grandfather role. Perhaps, I have had more time to focus on the grandkids.

I believe young people grow up with a profound mixed-message that can become problematic for them at times. Their early youth is a inundated with constant subliminal messages of fitting in and being accepted. Adults dress kids alike, invite them to join in social events and push the adolescent to be engaged in group activities, i.e. Sports, clubs, etc. As the journey continues competition also manifest itself in the life of the kid. It is found in the classroom-learning evaluation arena as well as those aforementioned activities where 'making' the team getting 'playing time' brings conflicting pressures. This process begins to tear at the social bonding-acceptance fabric. Suddenly, many young people are perplexed with both potential rejections and fear of failure. That said, I often remind my grandchildren to step out of the 'fear of failure' shadows for it may be the most profound social disease of the twenty-first century.

 Go for it and beware, when you do succeed you will often win false friends and true enemies; it's the nature of people. Succeed anyway!

Sing Your Song, Lee

A family member who teaches telephoned and shared with me that her special education class load this school year numbers 17.  Two of those students are not potty-trained. This teacher is required to change soiled diapers. She stated that during the first week of school little instruction was done because of personal hygiene demands of these two children.

I believe that every child is entitled to an education. That said, I do not believe every child, regardless of disabilities, is entitled to be mainstreamed at the expense of instructional time reduction impacting other students. The solution to this problem is two-fold: Hire additional teachers' aides to address issues that compromise the learning environment or support separate school venues for extra-needs children. Both suggestions would create greater public taxation cost, which Americans are unwilling to pay.

We Americans can get our jollies-off with counting Olympic 'Gold Medals' as we distance our self from other countries and get goose bumps while the Star Spangled Banner plays...just know this: according to the 2010, World Educational Rankings conducted by the Organization for Economic  Co-operation and Development, the United States ranked 17th when combining reading, math and science scores.

Sing your song,  Lee Greenwood...'Proud To Be An American?' Hey, what the hell, life good, we Americans have our guns and football tailgating.

Look, I am in need of improvement; I could be better and do better. I'm proud of my children, my grandchildren and great grandchildren, but none are perfect; they could be better and do better. Yes, indeed, I'm proud of my country (America) but that nation falls short of perfection and it is unacceptable for this nation to rank so poorly in education...I'm NOT proud of that nor should you be.

Birthday Reflections

My wife, Gerry celebrated her 76th birthday this week. My goodness, I've known her since she was thirteen and I was fourteen. Perhaps remembering so many birthdays together caused me to think about those days long ago. Back in 1954, everybody rode bikes all over town. Younger kids seemed to enjoy those 'clamp-on' skates and hanging out on summer nights until a parent's beckoned call ended the night. Young teens gathered at house party's where many first kisses ocurred during a game of Post Office or 'spin-the-bottle.'

I can't recall the last time I saw little kids capturing lightning bugs in a jar or called out a name in a game of hide 'n seek. Once in awhile, these days, I walk to the back of the local Walgreen's Drug Store and I imagine where the soda fountain should be. Gee, I remember those shared malts many years ago. However, I cannot remember the last Soda Fountain Cherry Phosphate I drank or buying 'penny candy.'

Each morning while on my 7AM walk, I pass by a Starbucks and notice a line of autos perhaps 11 or 12 deep waiting in the drive thru to purchase their morning drink. Those drivers never notice me passing by because their eyes are fixed on handheld cell phones. Perhaps they are texting and then they could be gathering morning news headlines. As soon as I get home from that 40 minute walk, I'll have coffee and turn the pages of my morning newspaper...that newspaper page-turning is part of my past that I cling to.

Hats Off & Prayers Offered

The first time I read the motto, I was a freshman on the Illinois State University campus...there the words were boldly placed on all university materials, "Gladly would he learn and gladly teach."
Illinois State Normal University (1957) had long been regarded as one of the top teacher-preparation colleges in the Midwest and still to this day is respected as one of the better teacher prep universities.

This time of year across our country, millions of American youngsters will return to public and private school classrooms. Those young wide-eyed kids will be met for the most part by incredibly dedicated teachers who will spend time, energy (beyond a normal work day) and some of their own resources to enhance learning.
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Let's agree to cut through the bullcrap, regarding America's appreciation for those who teach and education in general...neither is a high interest priority. Most American politicians give lip service to improving education and funding the effort only when they are up for re-election. Once in office, those politicians cut educational funding first when budget problems arise. Most states in the union fail to adequately insure financial support to education. The State of Illinois does not even measure up to its own Constitution regarding educational funding. The result of our blasé' attitude towards public school education is reflected in many test scores. As a nation, we shamefully compare with other countries.

In spite of these support shortfalls, our teachers will try to educate, fill the void of a lot of pitiful parenting and overcome bureaucratic garbage. I notice my evening prayer getting longer and longer in recent months as I send more prayer-petition words to The Lord in behalf of our Nation's leaders, law enforcement and teachers. Good bless them and sustain their giving-caring compassion.

Pups & People

A little break in the heat last week motivated me to take Toy Poodle, Yodie to the park for a walk alongside Lake Decatur. After a bit, we sat down on a bench and watched the other dogs parade by. I know most people have made the observation how sometimes a pooch and its master have resembling physical characteristics.

While observing my fellow dog lovers, it wasn't long that I began to notice some dog and master matches. A stocky-short-legged gent with rather pronounced hanging jowls passed by and at his side was a large English Bulldog...bingo! A few minutes later, a skinny-leg willowy young lady with a plethora of freckles jogged by with a young Black-spotted Dalmathian keeping pace. Another master-pup look alike.

I began wondering if Toy Poodle, Yodie and this old geezer held any physical similarities. When I returned to my auto, I gazed into the visor mirror. Holy Cow, both Yodie and I have snow white hair. His ears hang down low as do my earlobes and if I didn't trim, I'd have as much hair growing from my ears as does the pup. Yodie's nose is brown as is mine from the sun...Oh my goodness, then the shock came. Our eyes are much different. The Poodle's eyes are wide open with jet black centers framed in perfect circles. My eyes don't look right. I suddenly recognized that my lids are beginning to droop. I'm glad I have an eye doctor appointment the end of next month to schedule cataract surgery. Perhaps the doctor can give me a 'lid-lift.' Why Dadgummit, if they droop much more, I'm gonna look like my neighbor's Bassett Hound.

Clean Up the Splatter

Some staples, I recall from the 1940's and early 1950's have vanished from the landscape. Back then,  I remember 'fly-paper' and Church-pew Funeral Home handheld-fans. That's right. We had flies but no air conditioning. The fly paper was a strip of paper covered on both sides with a sticky substance. The sticky element held a sweet odor that attracted the fly and once the insect got close to the paper, it became stuck and doomed. It was a slow death, which was somewhat pathetic. I preferred the fly-swatter but mother said if I used the swatter, I had to clean up the 'splatter.'

There was no place more uncomfortable, on a hot Mississippi Valley summer day, than an early-August Sunday mid-morning non-air conditioned Church. It surely didn't help being dressed in o'Sunday togs' while the preacher-man was talkin' 'bout hell-fire-and-damnation.' Today our Churches have air conditioning and 'feel good' sermons. Funny tho' but back in the day my Church was filled; not so today. Anyway, as a youngster sweating out those Sunday Church meetings, I recall handheld fans used by everybody in every pew. Folks waved those fans frantically in front of their faces. Those fans were provided free of cost to every Church in East St. Louis...compliments of local funeral homes. Kurrus Funeral Home, Kassley Funeral Home and Burke Funeral Home. Come to think, the Preacher had all the 'props' working for him...a hellish relentless heat, words of eternal suffering and local funeral establishment ads on a fan held before your eyes to remind you that this 'ride' has an exit station.

Open My Eyes That I May See and My Heart That I May Feel

The most dangerous man in the world is the man in our midst who has no empathy for others. The frightening reality is 'that number of men is growing rapidly.'

Empathy:
The ability to sense other peoples' emotions and imagine what they are thinking and feeling.

Somber Times

In recent weeks, I have heard many people express an attitude, "I'll be so happy when THIS election is over." Of course, they are referring to the general Presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Many times in past election years, I have heard that sentiment offered but this time around there seems to be a soulful urgency wishing for calm, better spirits and harmony. I get it. There is a growing fear among our American brothers and sisters that we, as a nation, are moving dangerously close to an irreversible divisive precipice. These fears are warranted.

There is, without question driving issues. Our citizens are anxious about both their short and long term financial security. Those worried about providing for families, balancing budgets, hoping to have sufficient healthcare coverage and retirement provisions see strong indications that their personal outcome is bleak. Our two political party's offer reasons and solutions, however much is wrapped in finger-pointing blame...it's the fault of liberals, conservatives, Blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, labor & trade unions, big corporations, Russia, China, Israel, the Middle East, and the list goes on and on. Anger continues to grow and the climate has never been more ripe for physical confrontation with loss of life. We are already experiencing this in the growing negative relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

The rich get richer while the poor gets poorer. The once strong and well respected religions of our Nation have experienced declining numbers and with that decline the once stabilizing messages of tolerance and love is muted. Exacerbating America's weakening religious stabilization is the proactive political sidings of faith groups. Throwing mud results in dirty hands and compromises the ability to serve the cause of tranquility and peace, which our faith community once anchored.

The tension laced fears for safety grows as terrorist activities from around the world and in our backyards are reported on 24/7 cable news networks serving as a constant reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed for you or your love ones.
I too will be happy when this election is over. However, when it's over will there be any healing or have we entered a new normal?
I cry for my grandchildren.

Passing Time

Two nights past, my wife and I sat side by side in bed filling our respective 'pill boxes' when she spoke, "Boy, doesn't this little exercise mark time and how how quickly the weeks go by?" I thought of Poem I penned several years ago...

                                            Time Has Its Own Way

                       The young man hurries to dispose each hassle,
                        His focus determined to build that castle.

                        A wife nearby holding his hand,
                        Together they'd conquer; United they'd stand.

                        The birth of children stapled their dreams,
                        But 'time' like a thief demands its schemes.

                        Many years roll by each child leaves the nest,
                        The old couple wonders, did we do our best?

                        The circle complete as grandchildren arrive,
                        Suddenly the old folks renewed and alive.
   
                        Little ones would come for enjoyable stays,
                        Again, it was 'time' that would steal them away.

                        Stay busy old man in this twilight time,
                        Your life has ripened like vintage wine.
 
                        Pause for a moment and embrace your wife,
                        For it is 'time', only 'time' that survives this life.

 

                   

             

                     

Was It Really Ice That Doomed The Titanic?

Oh, My Goodness. The Republicans just cannot give up the ghost regarding these Hillary Clinton emails and the possibility that there is a scandalous connection (pay-for-play) involving the Clinton Foundation. This demonstrates the ongoing nonsensical waste of time and often financial resources chasing these drummed up conspiracy stories. Meanwhile, if we are truly concerned with evil politicians 'selling' political favors and damaging our Nation's well-being then those would-be political scholars should examine the theory and commonly accepted activities of  'lobbyists.'

While time is dawdled away with Hillary email silliness, Democratic operatives met with a twenty year old man just yesterday and hired him to climb up the outside of Trump Towers with instructions to tell others he is a Trump supporter. All this in the attempt to suggest that Trump supporters know that Trump's "elevator only goes halfway up!"

And another thing about these Democrats and that woman...what's behind their constant clamoring for Trump's tax returns; something's up there!

Are You READY for Some Football?

Hip, Hip, Hooray, the football season is upon us and we can finally have a diversion from poppycock politics. This week high school footballers checked out their gladiator-gear and began practicing. I suppose there may be a few rules changes but those noted we will still have six of eleven players 'allowed' to touch the ball and they will henceforth be called 'skilled-position-players' while five interior linemen will be assumed as 'unskilled.' Whatever you do or say do not make that reference in front of those parents of the 'unskilled' for fear they may refuse to work their assigned night at the Booster Club concession stand.

I am somewhat amused at football coaches who are quick with negative remarks about soccer players whose fast growing program threatens to deplete football numbers and God only knows that 'numbers' in football seems to justify more budgeted monies. Let me suggest that you can much easier 'hide' a non-athlete, unskilled kid on the gridiron than on the soccer field. The football 'specials teams' is a terrific place to hide the School Board President's fat ass kid.

My fifty plus years of coaching associations causes me to conclude that basketball coaches and football coaches differ drastically. Football guys 'share film' (video). Basketball coaches go behind one another's back to a clandestine source to get a film on the opponent. Football coaches thus have more integrity or perhaps lack an appreciation for drama. Football coaches are more paranoid and need to 'control' the moment. Consider, if you will that once upon a time football teams 'huddled' to call the next play; today we notice more 'no-huddle' offenses. This no huddle approach reduces the possibility of players talking secret trash about their coach and permits the coach to send-in all plays from the sideline.

Then we have the proverbial Friday Night 'show' versus week-nights 'go.' Let me explain. Most high schools across America will have an ambulance parked near the end zone on game night. This emergency vehicle gives a strong visual message to mommies and daddies that 'their school district goes to any measure and expense for your child's safety.' That's bull-butter fans. Two-thirds of high school football injuries occur at practice when no ambulance is present.

Before we stand for the National Anthem, remember the 50/50 drawing will be at the end of the third quarter.

We All Must Make The Call

I recall grandpa, E. V. Bennett telling Mammy Bennett, on occasion, "Mary, you best tend to your own knitting." I suppose that was some kinda Kentuckyism for admonishing one to keep one's nose out of another's business. Good advice most often, wouldn't you agree?

Our problem usually lies in our passion for something or someone. Occasionally, we will notice someone going bezerk on some mission from hell. Suddenly, we note another placed in jeopardy and we are left with a choice: If we elect to come to that individual's defense, we run the risk of condemnation, personal attacks and or rejection.  However, if we decide to 'do nothing,' to be apathetic, we run the risk of losing our connection with the human condition and our compassion for the less fortunate.

Look, everyone is running their own race in life's journey, I get that. Given the challenges we face it usually takes all our energies and full attention to negotiate and finish our own race. However, we are told that "You are your brothers' keeper." Therefore if someone runs into another's race lane should we not come to the victim's defense? Should we not 'tend to another's knitting?'

I prefer to call out perceived wrong. I was never deterred by fear of failure nor rejection from others. I always hope to sleep well.

Throwback Times with Simple Joys

As the grandkids piled out of the auto at the fast food restaraunt, I heard them calling out to one another their respective sandwich choices. I meandered behind with thoughts of my own sandwich pleasure. However, I realize that no restaraunt has my choice on its menu board.

There is only one sandwich that can possibly top two thin slices of all meat balogna with a single American cheese slice tucked between. It would be blanketed by two whole wheat bread slices with condiments of mayo, tender lettuce and garden fresh tomato slices sprinkled with a bit of salt. Yes sir, buddy boy. Find me on the backyard swing washing down that luncheon-sandwich delicacy with sweetened tea.

Oh, oh...that other sandwich, the best sandwich of all; the only one to top the balogna sandwich delight, that would be a 'cold (navy) bean' sandwich on all white bread, which is best eaten late night.

Not My Grade School

Several months ago, I was on one of those educational committees. While visiting an elementary school to get an overview of current classroom environment and teacher-pupil interaction, I found things very different from those yesterday classrooms.

There were no individual desks but instead students were sitting at group tables, which seems to eliminate note-passing. A few students were laying on floor mats eating 'ding-dong cakes.' I don't recall eating food in the classroom back in 1947...things have changed. I looked around the room and saw no evidence of the Palmer Method writing books or multiplication tables-chart. I suppose kids today text message and use calculators. I noticed that there was a number of children who were rather 'chubby.' This is likely attributed to 'ding-dong' breaks.

When I went to the gym to check out physical education classes, I did not notice any calisthenics or running, instead the class was playing 'kick ball.' Actually, just a hand full of students were playing kick ball, most students were standing around in small groups chatting. I noticed four kids hiding behind wall mats eating 'ding-dong' cakes.

I think if I was a parent today, I'd attend a school board meeting and ask these questions: Is my kid required to memorize anything? Could my child make change if employed as a cashier at Walmart?
Is my child ever required to run a mile in physical education class? Finally, who the hell is bringing all the 'ding dongs' to school?

I know, I'm out of touch, clueless; I'm old fashioned.

I left the school at the close of the school day and noticed none of the kids 'walked' from school going home. They either got into automobiles or school buses. So much for this generation telling their kids about walking three miles to and from school, up hill both ways.

If You Compete Don't Cry

I have been out of prep basketball coaching for 14-years and I continue to miss two things. First, I miss not having a team. You must understand that for thirty-seven varsity basketball seasons, I had names of players, combination lineups and offensive/defensive schemes rolling around in this otherwise empty head. The second thing I miss is knocking mental 'crutches' away from young players to lean upon while creating a team culture.

I was big on both physical and mental preparation. I was absolutely convinced that no opponent would out work our teams in pre-season preparation and our practices would be extremely intense because I constantly explained to our teams that the actual game begs for both teams to experience 'game-slippage.' The team with the least slippage usually wins.

We were also explicit reminding our players that no single play in a basketball game will win or lose the contest...impossible. Too many variables in a thirty-two minute game, which is laced with turnovers and officials calls. On the latter matter, we did not permit players to ever talk about officiating. It was out of our control as was the 6-point home court advantage in high school basketball.

Had Donald Trump walked in my shoes, he would have undoubtedly screamed "Rigged," when playing at Quincy, Collinsville and Mater Dei.

There you go, Brian...you didn't think I'd post a blog without mentioning your crybaby candidate, did you?

Good Idea, Don't Ya Think?

Donald Trump refuses to release his tax information claiming he is under audit. There is nothing against the law, which prohibits tax filings released by an individual or company under audit. I heard billionaire, Warren Buffett state that he is under a tax audit and would gladly release his tax information in a joint effort with Trump. I doubt that the GOP Presidential nominee will agree to that offer. However, he should.

We know that Mr. Trump has business dealings in China and Russia. He has stated that fact. Stop for a moment and ask yourself this very serious question. Do you believe that there should be a concern electing a person President of the United States who possibly has heavy debts with people holding strong ties with your Country's adversaries such as Vladimir Putin of Russia and / or China's leaders?  Come now, you know very well that possesses serious issues for America. Only Rush Limbaugh can 'spin' out of that absolute!

In fairness and full disclosure for the safety of our Nation, Donald Trump needs to release tax filings information. If not, it's a 'deal breaker' for voters.

The Coach Reflects

I suppose many make a rhyming attempt from time to time...that poetry try.

                       Coach or Caretaker

A lifetime of coaching perched on a bench,
My mentor once told me it would not be a cinch.

Season after season would come and leave,
The mission unchanging, we had to achieve.

Some teams so talented blessed with skill,
While others would struggle like climbing a hill.

Winning many games was never enough,
So often you hear, you're using the wrong stuff.

An angry shout from a frantic dad,
Made family and friends uncomfortable and sad.

Tournament pressures and game of the week,
They were not designed for the tender or meek.

Nearly one thousand games now gone by,
The old Coach reflects and wonders why?

Surely not for glory, trophies or wins,
He was simply a caretaker making boys into men.

We All Know It

 I know that I have demonstrated frustration, anger and harsh words regarding one particular matter; a matter due to my perception. Please understand that over several years, I have felt offended by the implied and sometimes stated belief that somehow a liberal-Democrat cannot be a Christian nor can they be patriotic.

Rather than state a litany of accusations or comments to confirm my perception, let me visit the following: Often, we hear political pundits on the right accuse Democrats as fanning some fire on their imaginary 'war on Christmas' by not saying "Merry Christmas" but promoting "Happy Holidays." And never mind that Roe vs.Wade is the law of the land and while Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was living it gave the conservatives a 5-4 advantage those right-wingers yet they did not overturn a woman's right of choice. No, it's those evil non-Jesus loving liberals who only want that law.

Now, on the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention we hear Rush Limbaugh and others saying that the Democratic Convention looked like a Republican Convention with all the Red, White and Blue colors, talk of patriotism and invoking of God's name.

Gee, for once in my life my perception IS a reality!

As the late great New York Yankees' broadcaster would say, "How about that, fans?!