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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.'

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.

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.

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....'

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.'

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!'

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

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.

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 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!

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.

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."

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.

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.

While We Aged

Last Saturday, my wife and I attended an 80th birthday party for a teaching colleague of mine from those early years in Assumption, Illinois, which goes back 54-years. As we entered the front door of our friends home, we were greeted by somebody's young grandson who said to us, "The old people are in the backyard." A thought quickly rushed through my head; I notice other peoples' grandkids are NOT as cute as mine. As I walked through the house and open the sliding door to the backyard came another thought; the little turd blossom was right...I never saw so many old people in a backyard setting since visiting Mother Lucille at the Merdian Village Seniors' Aloha cookout.

When you hang around with old folks you realize just how much change we've all experienced. We all remember Doctor house calls and home milk deliveries. I'm sure in that crowd there was marble-shooters of the past and a fella or two who knows just how hard the homemade ice cream freezer-handle turns near the end.

All those backyard oldsters once sat in kitchens with linoleum floors and sat in autos watching gas station attendants 'service' their vehicle. Why those service station guys would even repair your flat tire. As I looked at the 70-year plus ladies gathered at the party I wondered how many took shorthand classes in high school and learned to type on a manual typewriter.

That little boy I met at the front door passed by with his cell phone...bet his granddad once played mumblety-peg with a pocket knife. I heard one lady ask the 'time' and not one fella pulled out a pocket watch to check but a nearby teenager looked at his cell phone and said, "Six-ten."

I must stop now. Poodle, Yodie just came downstairs and wants to go outside. After that exercise. I believe I sit a spell with him and drink another cup of coffee. If grandpa E.V. Bennett were alongside, he'd sit a bit, smoke his pipe and whittle.

....somethings ain't no more.