I grow weary as I frequently hear the trashing comments directed towards public school education. Let me share a perspective, please.
I would believe that we could all agree that historically there has been three major institutions, which have anchored our nation's intellectual development, spirituality and moral compass. Those anchors are our three long-standing institutions of (1) education (2) the Church and (3) the family.
America marriage divorce rates hang around 50% over-all and spikes to near 70% with African-American couples. I dare venture this guess: When the family falters as a nurturing unit you can bet the kids are not going to church as verified by the fact that the 1950's church attendance, which was near sixty percent on a given Sunday has fallen to approximately 16% today. The church institution does not get a nurturing 'shot' at our youth. The public schools get a disillusioned undisciplined child.
No longer can most families keep mothers in the home waiting for children to return from school. Mothers and fathers are both in today's workplace. The public schools are called upon to Bus kids to and from school, open doors for before and after school programs and feed them two meals a day but dare not discipline the incorrigible kid...yet educate and meet some preconceived standardized test score.
All the while the parent (family-institution) and the church institution have the audacity to point a blame finger at the educational institution. Bull-butter! Instead of worrying about 'prayer-in-school,' the church folks need to get people back in their pews and have prayer THERE! And the parent? Well, parenting as an institution has become so impotent, the educational-institution is slowly taking on its role.
Asian-American kids kick white and black American kids' ass in academics, spelling bees and college entrance exams. Corporate America fights Trump's immigration ban on countries from which corporations recruit some of the best tech-minds. But when it comes to 'real' issues like a civil war flag or fat slobs out-eating one another at Nathan's hot dog July Fourth contest and having the best Super Bowl Party, we USA folks reign supreme! We're freaking #1.
And all the while our politicians talk crap about supporting education yet fall short of their constitutional responsibility to do so. It's about time Americans take inventory and sing another tune.
(Touch)
Same Old Song
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Something I noticed during my journey..
Watching some of the human survival events on the television coverage of this horrific weather event devastating lives and property along the gulf-coastal shores, namely affecting Texas, I could not help but process and review perhaps America's greatest sociological story; the ongoing story of racial-relations or shall I say, the challenge to "love one another."
As a kid growing up in the 1940's industrial blue-collar East St. Louis, I recall ethnic neighborhood pockets throughout the city of eighty thousand people. A true melting pot of Irish, Italian, Polish, French, Mexican, Greek and other Eastern European descendants along with a mix of Asian and Middle East people. Oh, of course, we must not forget the African-American 'black folks.' They were all located in the South end of East St. Louis. Somehow the blacks did not assimilate with the rest...and that wasn't their choice.
I would see black people in all parts of the city during the day but they were usually hired by whites for domestic jobs and everybody knew that come 'sundown' the blacks needed to return to that South end. In the 1950's, when I began driving and my boundary limits expanded, I found myself frequenting the South end to find a summer basketball sandlot game or pig snoots from Nichols' Bar-BQ. I also remember in the late 1950's the start of 'white-flight' from East Side to nearby communities of Collinsville, Belleville and other areas. White people sold East St. Louis houses because of some 'imagined' property value loss if persons of color moved into your neighborhood. It was a myth and like most myths...driven by stupidity! Matter of fact, East St. Louis' property values declined because 'white' corporate East Coast money was never invested in that city but only factories, which left seeking non-union workers elsewhere. (Don't bother to debate it...I did extensive research years ago).
Today, I see gated communities scattered throughout America as an attempt to isolate from those 'other people.' However, I never miss the lesson of how tragedies bring folks of all color and persuasions together. Let there be a war and the person next to you in a fox hole covering your back is welcomed regardless of color. And let the devastation of a hurricane create flight from flooded homes into a civic center housing 20,000 American refugees and we notice color mattering NOT...at that moment under that distress only love and support of each is apparent. There is no gated-areas nor any 'South end.'
I've noticed...'when we share despair, we share the care.'
When will we learn and apply the lesson?
(Touch)
Brothers & Sisters
As a kid growing up in the 1940's industrial blue-collar East St. Louis, I recall ethnic neighborhood pockets throughout the city of eighty thousand people. A true melting pot of Irish, Italian, Polish, French, Mexican, Greek and other Eastern European descendants along with a mix of Asian and Middle East people. Oh, of course, we must not forget the African-American 'black folks.' They were all located in the South end of East St. Louis. Somehow the blacks did not assimilate with the rest...and that wasn't their choice.
I would see black people in all parts of the city during the day but they were usually hired by whites for domestic jobs and everybody knew that come 'sundown' the blacks needed to return to that South end. In the 1950's, when I began driving and my boundary limits expanded, I found myself frequenting the South end to find a summer basketball sandlot game or pig snoots from Nichols' Bar-BQ. I also remember in the late 1950's the start of 'white-flight' from East Side to nearby communities of Collinsville, Belleville and other areas. White people sold East St. Louis houses because of some 'imagined' property value loss if persons of color moved into your neighborhood. It was a myth and like most myths...driven by stupidity! Matter of fact, East St. Louis' property values declined because 'white' corporate East Coast money was never invested in that city but only factories, which left seeking non-union workers elsewhere. (Don't bother to debate it...I did extensive research years ago).
Today, I see gated communities scattered throughout America as an attempt to isolate from those 'other people.' However, I never miss the lesson of how tragedies bring folks of all color and persuasions together. Let there be a war and the person next to you in a fox hole covering your back is welcomed regardless of color. And let the devastation of a hurricane create flight from flooded homes into a civic center housing 20,000 American refugees and we notice color mattering NOT...at that moment under that distress only love and support of each is apparent. There is no gated-areas nor any 'South end.'
I've noticed...'when we share despair, we share the care.'
When will we learn and apply the lesson?
(Touch)
Brothers & Sisters
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Backyard Beauty and Entertainment
Have you ever noticed how dogs and old men are slaves to routines? Aside from our independent routines, me and Toy Poodle, Yodie share a daily backyard routine. In the morning, we sit on a cushioned bench in the nice warm early sunlight. I drink my coffee and Yodie keeps a critical eye out for rabbits, tree squirrels and chipmunks. Later in the mid-day, we opt for the swing, which is situated under the umbrella shade of a large Ash tree. I drink my cold refreshment and Yodie keeps a critical eye out for (you guessed) rabbits, tree squirrels and chipmunks. Yodie has never caught one of those critters but he sure the hell gives them a run for their money. On occasion, my wife and I return to the backyard during evening hours and sit near the pond to enjoy the onset of evening cicadas sounds mixing with the fountain-falling waters. Yodie? He sits nearby on heightened alert.
While Yodie keeps his critter vigil, I watch a variety of beautiful birds accepting our gifts a several feeders. I am particularly amused by the Hummingbirds loading up on nectar at three feeders and a endless choice of flowers, which were planted by my wife over our 19-Decatur years. I have a desire to list each flowering plant but that number reaches 29- different varieties; many of which, I don't care to spell check. Trust me when I tell you that it takes 17-minutes to water her plants. That must be done twice a week and when the heat and wind are factors longer moments of soaking are required.
Squirrels can play havoc with flower beds but I've solved the issue of these furry-tailed nut-seekers climbing poles to raid the bird feeders. All bird feeding poles are freely coated with cooking oil once a week. Now THAT produces quite a show!
(Touch)
Smelling the Roses
While Yodie keeps his critter vigil, I watch a variety of beautiful birds accepting our gifts a several feeders. I am particularly amused by the Hummingbirds loading up on nectar at three feeders and a endless choice of flowers, which were planted by my wife over our 19-Decatur years. I have a desire to list each flowering plant but that number reaches 29- different varieties; many of which, I don't care to spell check. Trust me when I tell you that it takes 17-minutes to water her plants. That must be done twice a week and when the heat and wind are factors longer moments of soaking are required.
Squirrels can play havoc with flower beds but I've solved the issue of these furry-tailed nut-seekers climbing poles to raid the bird feeders. All bird feeding poles are freely coated with cooking oil once a week. Now THAT produces quite a show!
(Touch)
Smelling the Roses
Monday, August 28, 2017
The Catcher and the President
Tim McCarver is a seventy-five year old former Major League Baseball catcher who spent most of his playing career for the St. Louis Cardinals. Donald Trump is a seventy-one year old United States President. Both men have been on my mind lately. The President has been in the news more than any President in memory. I suppose the President's news frequency is driven by his propensity to send out multiple daily 'tweets.' The catcher, McCarver was recently inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, which placed him in regional news coverage.
A very superficial study of the two men's personalities and individual comportment reveals glowing and distinctive differences. Let me offer the following for a profile comparison.
When a notable sports' personality is inducted into any 'Hall of Fame, ' they routinely spend about 10% of their acceptance speech time thanking those people who helped them along their early journey while spending 90% of the time talking about them self. At his induction, McCarver spent the entire time praising former mangers, teammates and thanking those who taught him the game. McCarver commented on each of his teammate's contributions to the team. His praise was specific and sincere.
Donald Trump has publicly bragged about his 10 billion dollars worth, he has boasted about taking liberty to touch women in inappropriate ways, he has told the nation he bought off numerous politicians, he exaggerates the size of is crowds, claims how he used 'the system' to avoid paying taxes, boasted to foreign officials about his firing FBI Director Comey, maintains having the highest IQ cabinet ever, erroneously claims singing more 'bills' than any other president in the first six months (note: they were executive orders not legislation) and he has stated that he (Donald Trump) is second only to Abraham Lincoln as America's greatest President.
McCarver's Hall of Fame induction remarks made me feel good about the 'human-family-connection.' Donald Trump's comments frequently make me feel nauseous.
I remember vividly 'making' my first sports team...a 10-to-13 year old Little League baseball team. I ran into my house excited to show my parents my UNIFORM. They smiled and said good job. Not all kids made the teams back in 1950. Then my dad spoke: "If I come to see you play, I expect you to always hustle. Don't ever show bad sportsmanship or showboat or brag about yourself. If you do, I will make you give that uniform back to your coach."
(Touch)
Humility
A very superficial study of the two men's personalities and individual comportment reveals glowing and distinctive differences. Let me offer the following for a profile comparison.
When a notable sports' personality is inducted into any 'Hall of Fame, ' they routinely spend about 10% of their acceptance speech time thanking those people who helped them along their early journey while spending 90% of the time talking about them self. At his induction, McCarver spent the entire time praising former mangers, teammates and thanking those who taught him the game. McCarver commented on each of his teammate's contributions to the team. His praise was specific and sincere.
Donald Trump has publicly bragged about his 10 billion dollars worth, he has boasted about taking liberty to touch women in inappropriate ways, he has told the nation he bought off numerous politicians, he exaggerates the size of is crowds, claims how he used 'the system' to avoid paying taxes, boasted to foreign officials about his firing FBI Director Comey, maintains having the highest IQ cabinet ever, erroneously claims singing more 'bills' than any other president in the first six months (note: they were executive orders not legislation) and he has stated that he (Donald Trump) is second only to Abraham Lincoln as America's greatest President.
McCarver's Hall of Fame induction remarks made me feel good about the 'human-family-connection.' Donald Trump's comments frequently make me feel nauseous.
I remember vividly 'making' my first sports team...a 10-to-13 year old Little League baseball team. I ran into my house excited to show my parents my UNIFORM. They smiled and said good job. Not all kids made the teams back in 1950. Then my dad spoke: "If I come to see you play, I expect you to always hustle. Don't ever show bad sportsmanship or showboat or brag about yourself. If you do, I will make you give that uniform back to your coach."
(Touch)
Humility
Friday, August 25, 2017
Good Timing
The late great baseball pitcher, Satchel Paige once said, "Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits." I need to to take a page from Paige (pun intended) and do more "just sits."
Sitting on the backyard swing yesterday afternoon, I began thinking about the word 'timing' and how it's been huge in my life. Perhaps a good degree of 'timing' is big in your life also. In my professional life, which was centered around coaching basketball, baseball, football and cross country, I noted endless significance of 'timing' factors. Orchestrating and executing a 'special' (play) in team basketball requires timing perfection. A baseball hitter's success is predicated on correct bat-swing-timing in reference to 'timing' the approaching pitch. Football players receiving a pass from their quarterback requires a critical coordination of the receiver's route and a 'timing' cut with the quarterback's release of the thrown ball. Timing in sports is seemingly endless.
Then there was the timing of events in my personal life that offered both challenges and opportunities. That first high school coaching assignment gave a rookie coach the opportunity to test theories and bury mistakes. Another school with great winning tradition showed the young mentor how to commit, demand and praise and it came at a critical 'time.' Other school districts presented hurdles that at first caused frustration, anger and but soon my resolve and needed maturity, which positioned me for greater things when the 'timing' was right. Each coaching charge and each community provided growth...all offered 'issues' wrapped around the 'timing' factor. That growth opened so many greater opportunities. As it has been said, 'Times' make the man/woman great;' meaning that life's circumstances often await the emergence of a leader, a capable individual or perhaps a hero.
I hope those reading will embrace each day and be alert to recognize and seize the moment. It just might be your 'time.'
(Touch)
'Timing'
Sitting on the backyard swing yesterday afternoon, I began thinking about the word 'timing' and how it's been huge in my life. Perhaps a good degree of 'timing' is big in your life also. In my professional life, which was centered around coaching basketball, baseball, football and cross country, I noted endless significance of 'timing' factors. Orchestrating and executing a 'special' (play) in team basketball requires timing perfection. A baseball hitter's success is predicated on correct bat-swing-timing in reference to 'timing' the approaching pitch. Football players receiving a pass from their quarterback requires a critical coordination of the receiver's route and a 'timing' cut with the quarterback's release of the thrown ball. Timing in sports is seemingly endless.
Then there was the timing of events in my personal life that offered both challenges and opportunities. That first high school coaching assignment gave a rookie coach the opportunity to test theories and bury mistakes. Another school with great winning tradition showed the young mentor how to commit, demand and praise and it came at a critical 'time.' Other school districts presented hurdles that at first caused frustration, anger and but soon my resolve and needed maturity, which positioned me for greater things when the 'timing' was right. Each coaching charge and each community provided growth...all offered 'issues' wrapped around the 'timing' factor. That growth opened so many greater opportunities. As it has been said, 'Times' make the man/woman great;' meaning that life's circumstances often await the emergence of a leader, a capable individual or perhaps a hero.
I hope those reading will embrace each day and be alert to recognize and seize the moment. It just might be your 'time.'
(Touch)
'Timing'
Thursday, August 24, 2017
I Am Beholding
I was channel-surfing a few days ago attempting to escape depressing news when I came across Steve Harvey hosting a 'Family Feud Show.' I paused to watch. If you've never watched this show it has a simple premise. Two (5-member) families answer questions, which have previously been asked of 100 hundred people. The scoring-scheme declares the winning family that then qualifies them to win a large sum of money. Of course, some questions beg for sexually-suggestive answers, which can be funny.
The first question I heard was: "What five people's contributions have most changed the way we live?" My mind began scrambling through a mental Name directory...I thought perhaps Jesus, Edison, Orville/Wilbur or maybe Lincoln or Ben Franklin...and don't forget Trump. Before I could whittle-down to five Harvey announced the surveys top five who were: (1) Martin Luther King, Jr., (2) Oprah, (3) FDR, (4) Ben Franklin and (5) Jesus. I'm thinking this poll had to be taken at a Democratic fund raising event...all the aforementioned are & were liberals, well I'm not sure about Franklin.
The experience got me to thinking about five people who have had great influence on my personal life. That was most interesting. I had to break that down into categories: five family members, five childhood friends and five professional friends/acquaintances. After completing the three lists of folks who've impacted my journey, I thought about telephoning them and expressing my gratitude...then I realized, at age 78, I should have started these lists some time ago. You might take heed.
(Touch)
Wind Beneath My Wings
The first question I heard was: "What five people's contributions have most changed the way we live?" My mind began scrambling through a mental Name directory...I thought perhaps Jesus, Edison, Orville/Wilbur or maybe Lincoln or Ben Franklin...and don't forget Trump. Before I could whittle-down to five Harvey announced the surveys top five who were: (1) Martin Luther King, Jr., (2) Oprah, (3) FDR, (4) Ben Franklin and (5) Jesus. I'm thinking this poll had to be taken at a Democratic fund raising event...all the aforementioned are & were liberals, well I'm not sure about Franklin.
The experience got me to thinking about five people who have had great influence on my personal life. That was most interesting. I had to break that down into categories: five family members, five childhood friends and five professional friends/acquaintances. After completing the three lists of folks who've impacted my journey, I thought about telephoning them and expressing my gratitude...then I realized, at age 78, I should have started these lists some time ago. You might take heed.
(Touch)
Wind Beneath My Wings
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Where Are The Children?
Not often in my lifetime do I recall sitting outside in mid-August enjoying a mid-day gentle breeze but that's exactly what I did yesterday. I particularly enjoyed hearing the voices of Our Lady of Lourdes school children in their playground adjacent to our backyard. The afternoon experience caused me to return to that backyard swing after the dinner hour. It is interesting how summer nights stir memories of days gone by.
So many constant themes transcends the years. It is the same setting sun falling from the horizon behind puffy white clouds. The evening breeze brought to life the aroma of freshly cut grasses as Birds began looking for a nighttime roost. The cicadas let their presence known but a distinct sound from my youth was missing. I did not hear those youthful voices around my neighborhood. I heard no baseball bat falling to a street pavement indicating a 'three-flies-in' game nor did I hear a tin can sound rolling across the street or young girls' voices playing 'Mother Ma I' or hop scotch.
There are many young kids in our Decatur neighborhood but they seemingly have an aversion to the Out-of-doors. Dear God, don't these kids know how much socializing fun awaits under that streetlight near the corner?
Perhaps the climate-controlled comfort environment and the addiction to electronic-computer games is simply too enticing while requiring minimal physical expenditure. Maybe these kids will grow up healthy but recent trends suggest they'll be among the growing number of obese children suffering from early onset diabetes and high blood pressure. Perhaps many of these kids will lack social skills but the chances are good that an adult job inside a cubicle looking at a computer screen will comfort them.
Finally, I fear that the leadership skills and imagination abilities, which are developed and honed through youthful group interaction dynamics will diminish the likelihood of a fulfilling life's journey.
(Touch)
Ain't it Funny What The Children Say?
So many constant themes transcends the years. It is the same setting sun falling from the horizon behind puffy white clouds. The evening breeze brought to life the aroma of freshly cut grasses as Birds began looking for a nighttime roost. The cicadas let their presence known but a distinct sound from my youth was missing. I did not hear those youthful voices around my neighborhood. I heard no baseball bat falling to a street pavement indicating a 'three-flies-in' game nor did I hear a tin can sound rolling across the street or young girls' voices playing 'Mother Ma I' or hop scotch.
There are many young kids in our Decatur neighborhood but they seemingly have an aversion to the Out-of-doors. Dear God, don't these kids know how much socializing fun awaits under that streetlight near the corner?
Perhaps the climate-controlled comfort environment and the addiction to electronic-computer games is simply too enticing while requiring minimal physical expenditure. Maybe these kids will grow up healthy but recent trends suggest they'll be among the growing number of obese children suffering from early onset diabetes and high blood pressure. Perhaps many of these kids will lack social skills but the chances are good that an adult job inside a cubicle looking at a computer screen will comfort them.
Finally, I fear that the leadership skills and imagination abilities, which are developed and honed through youthful group interaction dynamics will diminish the likelihood of a fulfilling life's journey.
(Touch)
Ain't it Funny What The Children Say?
Can't Live on Hoorahs
I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Illinois State University. During those four-undergraduate years my education cost was covered by an anonymous donor and my athletic department 'State' employment job, which paid $60.00 per month because I played both basketball and baseball. I was most fortunate and blessed. When college coaches come calling on the high school recruit, they are quick to give out a lot of praise and 'atta boy' comments but as the one prospect told the college coach, "I can't live on hoorahs." In my personal case, I certainly needed college financial assistance back in 1957 and I was most grateful when it was forthcoming. I would temper the 'I can't live on hoorahs' statement to the extent that all folks who engage in any performance usually find added incentives to reach successful results with encouragement and a periodic 'pat-on-the-back.'
We have heard the phrase, "Man doesn't live by bread alone." The origin of that phrase will take you to several biblical scriptures one of which is Luke 4:4 that reads: "...and Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." Therefore, the human experience seems more complete if we are nourished with both bodily sustaining foods as well as spiritual food.
Personally, I am of the belief that there is a third must if one is to be fulfilled in this living-journey. We find satisfaction and happiness through 'service' to others as we perceive their needs. And on that note, I will tell you that it is NEVER too late to garner your 'Happiness.'
Reach Out
We have heard the phrase, "Man doesn't live by bread alone." The origin of that phrase will take you to several biblical scriptures one of which is Luke 4:4 that reads: "...and Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." Therefore, the human experience seems more complete if we are nourished with both bodily sustaining foods as well as spiritual food.
Personally, I am of the belief that there is a third must if one is to be fulfilled in this living-journey. We find satisfaction and happiness through 'service' to others as we perceive their needs. And on that note, I will tell you that it is NEVER too late to garner your 'Happiness.'
Reach Out
Monday, August 21, 2017
What's Goin' On?
These days, I often find myself going in circles trying to figure out 'what's goin on?' I am certain my children and even the grandchildren are smarter than me. I know this because they come to my rescue with my twenty-first century electronic gadgets. Every dilemma from IPads and smart-phones to television set-up programming. On the latter matter, I recall an easier time when you plugged the television cord into the wall outlet, hooked two antenna crews into the back of the set, turned the rabbit ears a bit here and there and ran to the kitchen for aluminum foil. Those days are long gone!What's Goin On?
I have some other puzzling situations that the youngsters may offer some clarification:
Many retail clothing stores that target the younger set are selling clothing the likes of which, my mom threw away back in the 40's & 50's. Faded and torn jeans particularly. Who buys that stuff today?
I notice hospital personnel wearing those latex protective gloves when tending to patients and yet visitors come in and hug, kiss and bare hand shake with the sick. Explain please. While on this subject of protectiveness, why do those manicurist wear masks and their customers do not?
Last Christmas, my letter carrier returned a five dollar bill that my wife put in his Christmas card. He said by law he cannot accept financial gifts. Hells bells, why don't we have that law with the nation's lawmakers?
What the hell's up with Asian kids always winning American spelling bees? You'd have to think that many of those children have grown up in households where English is the 'second language.'
Every time I read about a Major League Baseball pitcher signing a multi-million dollar contract, I read that his won/loss record is about 50%. The only other guy I know who is 'wrong-as-much-as-correct' and gets a paycheck is my local television weatherman. Explain please?
Am I being used by my cable company? I pay over $150.00 a month for television programming and Internet service. About thirty percent of television air time is commercial advertising and everybody experiences those damn pop up ads on our computers. Can we successfully protest?
I need to tell my kids to enjoy their smarts because it's a given...aging and dumb are bedfellows.
(Touch)
What's Goin' On?
I have some other puzzling situations that the youngsters may offer some clarification:
Many retail clothing stores that target the younger set are selling clothing the likes of which, my mom threw away back in the 40's & 50's. Faded and torn jeans particularly. Who buys that stuff today?
I notice hospital personnel wearing those latex protective gloves when tending to patients and yet visitors come in and hug, kiss and bare hand shake with the sick. Explain please. While on this subject of protectiveness, why do those manicurist wear masks and their customers do not?
Last Christmas, my letter carrier returned a five dollar bill that my wife put in his Christmas card. He said by law he cannot accept financial gifts. Hells bells, why don't we have that law with the nation's lawmakers?
What the hell's up with Asian kids always winning American spelling bees? You'd have to think that many of those children have grown up in households where English is the 'second language.'
Every time I read about a Major League Baseball pitcher signing a multi-million dollar contract, I read that his won/loss record is about 50%. The only other guy I know who is 'wrong-as-much-as-correct' and gets a paycheck is my local television weatherman. Explain please?
Am I being used by my cable company? I pay over $150.00 a month for television programming and Internet service. About thirty percent of television air time is commercial advertising and everybody experiences those damn pop up ads on our computers. Can we successfully protest?
I need to tell my kids to enjoy their smarts because it's a given...aging and dumb are bedfellows.
(Touch)
What's Goin' On?
Friday, August 18, 2017
Trench People
We've all heard the phrase, 'In the Trenches.' I'm not sure of its origin but I am confident of its intended suggestion. Those 'in the trenches,' are folks who have dealt with the problems thoroughly and consequently know what they're talking about. They are employees, if you will, "in the trenches' doing the basic work (hard, repetitive and dirty work). The phrase usually references those whose status is beneath the boss and lesser military rank.
I would defend the notion that all businesses and institutions have a chain of command, which identifies those 'in the trenches.' These are the folks who make the wheel turn and often against difficult circumstances.
When I think of people 'in the trenches,' I visualize those real military combatants that live in the mud and blood of war executing the plans of the Brass who plan those strategies. I think of caretakers in nursing homes and Alzheimer homes. I'm reminded of people in dangerous mission assignments spreading the news of Jesus Christ. This time of year my thoughts return to those Grandest of enterprise days...teaching and coaching.
Funny thing how most jobs 'look' easy or glorious from the outside but if one only knew the terrain they would change perceptions. Just yesterday, I received a text message from my granddaughter, Lindsay who is in her fifth year teaching fourth graders...these are highly impressionable 10 & 11 year old youngsters. Lindsay's note read: " When teaching my students this week about respecting others, showing empathy and choosing kindness while dismissing hatefulness...I can't help but feel defeated observing the racial and religious hate played out in American streets. I wish our President and other adult leaders would model the behavior traits and character, which I'm attempting to instill in my students.. I feel sad and depressed when these grown people act so publicly stupid without any consequences." Lindsay is but one of the hundreds of thousands who meet our children daily at the doorway of our schools and the childrens' future. Perhaps they (teachers) are fighting for our country's future...fighting the most important and significant TRENCH.
(Touch)
Teach The Children Well
I would defend the notion that all businesses and institutions have a chain of command, which identifies those 'in the trenches.' These are the folks who make the wheel turn and often against difficult circumstances.
When I think of people 'in the trenches,' I visualize those real military combatants that live in the mud and blood of war executing the plans of the Brass who plan those strategies. I think of caretakers in nursing homes and Alzheimer homes. I'm reminded of people in dangerous mission assignments spreading the news of Jesus Christ. This time of year my thoughts return to those Grandest of enterprise days...teaching and coaching.
Funny thing how most jobs 'look' easy or glorious from the outside but if one only knew the terrain they would change perceptions. Just yesterday, I received a text message from my granddaughter, Lindsay who is in her fifth year teaching fourth graders...these are highly impressionable 10 & 11 year old youngsters. Lindsay's note read: " When teaching my students this week about respecting others, showing empathy and choosing kindness while dismissing hatefulness...I can't help but feel defeated observing the racial and religious hate played out in American streets. I wish our President and other adult leaders would model the behavior traits and character, which I'm attempting to instill in my students.. I feel sad and depressed when these grown people act so publicly stupid without any consequences." Lindsay is but one of the hundreds of thousands who meet our children daily at the doorway of our schools and the childrens' future. Perhaps they (teachers) are fighting for our country's future...fighting the most important and significant TRENCH.
(Touch)
Teach The Children Well
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Counter the Craziness...Sit-a-Spell
Most good weather days find me sittin'-a-spell on the backyard swing with Toy Poodle, Yodie ponderin' the ways of the world. Frequently, Yodie's ponderin' moments are interrupted by squirrels scampering from tree-to-tree. Grandpa E. V. Bennett often used that word 'ponder' and Mammy Bennett would frequently say, "My heads swimmin', believe I'll sit-a-spell." I suppose those words are Kentuckyisms.
Aside from the nice breeze under three large Ash trees, which beckon my company it is oft times that 'confounded' cable news that drives me outdoors.Why just yesterday, I was channel switching from MSNBC to FOX News listening to a plethora of folks attempting to explain our President. I felt sorry for all those pundits. I'll be damn if both channels were not running the same Viagra commercial at the same time. The commercial uses the phrase, 'erectile dysfunction.' Now, there's words you'd NEVER hear E.V. Or Mammy Bennett uttering! Actually, I never thought I'd see in my lifetime adults talking about 'penis pills' on prime time television, but I never believed in my lifetime I'd observe this kind of White House disarray.
While sittin'-a-spell and ponderin', it looked like rain so I headed out for my daily walk. My doctor tells me that walking keeps my cholesterol numbers good and improves BLOOD flow. This sounds like a game plan to stave off the need for pills and delay my same day heart surgery. By the way, you might want to use words like 'dadgumit' and 'confoundit' instead of curse words when you're truly "pissed off!'
If you're ever near Decatur stop by and sit-a-spell...we'll 'kubits.'
(Touch)
Sit-a-Spell
Aside from the nice breeze under three large Ash trees, which beckon my company it is oft times that 'confounded' cable news that drives me outdoors.Why just yesterday, I was channel switching from MSNBC to FOX News listening to a plethora of folks attempting to explain our President. I felt sorry for all those pundits. I'll be damn if both channels were not running the same Viagra commercial at the same time. The commercial uses the phrase, 'erectile dysfunction.' Now, there's words you'd NEVER hear E.V. Or Mammy Bennett uttering! Actually, I never thought I'd see in my lifetime adults talking about 'penis pills' on prime time television, but I never believed in my lifetime I'd observe this kind of White House disarray.
While sittin'-a-spell and ponderin', it looked like rain so I headed out for my daily walk. My doctor tells me that walking keeps my cholesterol numbers good and improves BLOOD flow. This sounds like a game plan to stave off the need for pills and delay my same day heart surgery. By the way, you might want to use words like 'dadgumit' and 'confoundit' instead of curse words when you're truly "pissed off!'
If you're ever near Decatur stop by and sit-a-spell...we'll 'kubits.'
(Touch)
Sit-a-Spell
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Where Are The Voices?
I cannot express deeply enough my disappointment in our political and religious leaders across this great nation.
This past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, our country witnessed an organized group of white men spewing a vile message of racial and ethnic hatred. Their very name identification, 'White Nationalists' speaks sick volumes even before their despicable acts of behavior.
The White Nationalists wear clothing with the historical German swastika logo, which is a horrific affront to Jews and every American family who had servicemen answer the call to fight in World War II. As these bigots marched through Charlottesville streets they shouted racial epithets and slogans of supports for President Donald Trump, which indicates an even deeper growing cancer in America. The leadership voices denouncing these people and their hate filled mission from hell was absent. Let me say this: Had that been a Muslim man driving the auto, which slammed into the Charlottesville crowd killing a young woman there would be a plethora of voices talking terrorists crap and Trump would be hammering away at the courts regarding various immigration bans.
We have noticed on many occasions, religious and political leaders speaking against atrocities in a unified voices. This weekend our nations' pastors, priests and political leaders struck out; they struck out looking; looking cowardly. This type of disgusting terrorist demonstration should be called out and denounced by all who claim the salvation of Jesus Christ or believe in basic human dignity.
When will this nation's people and leaders live up to and speak out in behalf of the frequently stated brag about our country being founded on strong Judea-Christian principles?
Instead of speaking healing-words, President Trump stumbles with his message of condemnation of bona fide self-proclaimed hate groups and his words ultimately fan the flames of an already negative environment.
Where are our religious leaders. Those individuals who preach the message of Jesus Christ's "love one another?" Perhaps they simply are uncertain where they stand on the racial issues. That's sad!
(Touch)
Cowards
This past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, our country witnessed an organized group of white men spewing a vile message of racial and ethnic hatred. Their very name identification, 'White Nationalists' speaks sick volumes even before their despicable acts of behavior.
The White Nationalists wear clothing with the historical German swastika logo, which is a horrific affront to Jews and every American family who had servicemen answer the call to fight in World War II. As these bigots marched through Charlottesville streets they shouted racial epithets and slogans of supports for President Donald Trump, which indicates an even deeper growing cancer in America. The leadership voices denouncing these people and their hate filled mission from hell was absent. Let me say this: Had that been a Muslim man driving the auto, which slammed into the Charlottesville crowd killing a young woman there would be a plethora of voices talking terrorists crap and Trump would be hammering away at the courts regarding various immigration bans.
We have noticed on many occasions, religious and political leaders speaking against atrocities in a unified voices. This weekend our nations' pastors, priests and political leaders struck out; they struck out looking; looking cowardly. This type of disgusting terrorist demonstration should be called out and denounced by all who claim the salvation of Jesus Christ or believe in basic human dignity.
When will this nation's people and leaders live up to and speak out in behalf of the frequently stated brag about our country being founded on strong Judea-Christian principles?
Instead of speaking healing-words, President Trump stumbles with his message of condemnation of bona fide self-proclaimed hate groups and his words ultimately fan the flames of an already negative environment.
Where are our religious leaders. Those individuals who preach the message of Jesus Christ's "love one another?" Perhaps they simply are uncertain where they stand on the racial issues. That's sad!
(Touch)
Cowards
Monday, August 14, 2017
State What You Believe
The key to any good verbal presentation has three critical elements: 1) an attention grabbing opening 2) a powerful conclusion and 3) little time between #1 & #2.
Recently, I received a telephone call from a Central Illinois school superintendent. He wanted to ask me to speak at a parent-athlete orientation. He had a specific inquiry: "Do you use 'power-point' presentations?" I understood what he wished to know. He wanted to know if I'd use visual aids of some sort. I told him, "No." I did not elaborate but had he pursued the question, I was prepared to ask him if he thought Lincoln's Gettysburg Address could have used 'power points' or did he think MLK's 'I have a Dream speech needed power points?" Please don't think for a minute that I place myself in the oratorical classification with King and Lincoln. That said, believe me when I tell you my message regarding the need for healthy communication within the sport-family of athletes, parents and coaches is filled with powerful and passionate points!
I believe the greatest speech ever gone was Christ's Sermon on the Mount. That message is laced with a call to action. It appears that any speech begs to scratch a hidden potential to motivate the listeners. I never needed a picture-book to touch that nerve; when I do, I will stop speaking. Meanwhile, I understand that thoughts and opinions have an expiration date. Understand?
(Touch)
Tell it Like it Is
Recently, I received a telephone call from a Central Illinois school superintendent. He wanted to ask me to speak at a parent-athlete orientation. He had a specific inquiry: "Do you use 'power-point' presentations?" I understood what he wished to know. He wanted to know if I'd use visual aids of some sort. I told him, "No." I did not elaborate but had he pursued the question, I was prepared to ask him if he thought Lincoln's Gettysburg Address could have used 'power points' or did he think MLK's 'I have a Dream speech needed power points?" Please don't think for a minute that I place myself in the oratorical classification with King and Lincoln. That said, believe me when I tell you my message regarding the need for healthy communication within the sport-family of athletes, parents and coaches is filled with powerful and passionate points!
I believe the greatest speech ever gone was Christ's Sermon on the Mount. That message is laced with a call to action. It appears that any speech begs to scratch a hidden potential to motivate the listeners. I never needed a picture-book to touch that nerve; when I do, I will stop speaking. Meanwhile, I understand that thoughts and opinions have an expiration date. Understand?
(Touch)
Tell it Like it Is
Over The Rainbow
A young couple with five children lives three doors South from our home in Decatur. The father is the musical director at a local Baptist church. Their two older boys (15 & 12) do some yard work for me and the oldest daughter (14) does some house chores for my wife. Needless to say, over the past three years we have come to know the family very well. The parents are most engaging and the children are very well-mannered
The daughter, Chloe, shared with us about one year ago that her dear childhood friend whom she has known since kindergarten was diagnosed with some serious form of cancer and had gone to St. Jude's for treatment. Periodically, we have been given updates regarding the young fourteen year old's cancer battle. Earlier this week while Chloe was busy about her house work for us, Gerry thought the young girl seemed particularly quiet and preoccupied in thought. Suddenly, Chloe's older brother came into our house and asked Gerry, "Miss Gerry, did Chloe tell you that her friend passed away yesterday."
When a young life leaves our midst prematurely it stirs emotions, depression and confused thinking. The death event of the young screams at us that 'things are out of order?' 'This isn't normal!' 'This ain't right!' Unfortunately, we all can relate to those thoughts, which are currently hammering inside of fifteen year old Chloe's head.
The wake visitation and funeral has specific requests from Chloe's departed friend. Those wishes? "Please don't cry I am with Jesus. Please don't wear black but celebrate my life with rainbow colors."
May our God comfort and bless all who suffer such loss.
(Touch)
Over The Rainbow
The daughter, Chloe, shared with us about one year ago that her dear childhood friend whom she has known since kindergarten was diagnosed with some serious form of cancer and had gone to St. Jude's for treatment. Periodically, we have been given updates regarding the young fourteen year old's cancer battle. Earlier this week while Chloe was busy about her house work for us, Gerry thought the young girl seemed particularly quiet and preoccupied in thought. Suddenly, Chloe's older brother came into our house and asked Gerry, "Miss Gerry, did Chloe tell you that her friend passed away yesterday."
When a young life leaves our midst prematurely it stirs emotions, depression and confused thinking. The death event of the young screams at us that 'things are out of order?' 'This isn't normal!' 'This ain't right!' Unfortunately, we all can relate to those thoughts, which are currently hammering inside of fifteen year old Chloe's head.
The wake visitation and funeral has specific requests from Chloe's departed friend. Those wishes? "Please don't cry I am with Jesus. Please don't wear black but celebrate my life with rainbow colors."
May our God comfort and bless all who suffer such loss.
(Touch)
Over The Rainbow
Friday, August 11, 2017
Dear God: Help!
Robert Jeffress, Pastor of the Dallas First Baptist Church and one of the 'key evangelical' leaders supporting President Donald Trump recently said, "God gives President Trump the authority to 'take out' North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un." I'm not sure, which God Jeffress is referencing but I'm confident it is NOT the God who sent his Son, Jesus Christ to die for the sins of man.
Jeffress is the type of 'pontificating' false profit who does more harm than good when it comes to nudging 'fence sitters' towards eternal salvation. Jeffress would have you believe that America and its people are favored over other nations' peoples. Jeffress visual perspective of Christ is certainly not that of a dark skin nappy-haired man. Jeffress is narrow-minded.
We have heard this kind of blasphemy from spiritual and political leaders before as 'so-called' Evangelicals invoke God's name in an attempt to justify their actions. Rev. Pat Robertson said Hurricane Katrina was God's wrath upon the sin city. He also said the Hati earthquake was God's retribution for a 'deal' made by its leader and Satan in past history.
Rev. Franklin Graham maintains that Donald Trump is a modern John The Baptist who paved the way for the coming of Christ...Trump, Graham claims is paving the way for Mike Pence, a true man of God. This kind of rhetoric is harmful and lacking in truthful evidence; in other words, its crap!
We all recall that time when President George W. Bush was asked by a reporter, "Before making the decision to bomb Iraq, did you speak with your father (meaning Former President Bush)?" President G. W. said, "I spoke to my Father in heaven." Really? God signed off on a war of destruction, which our omnipotent creator knew was based on faulty reasoning? Horrendous Blasphemy! Shameful!
If leaders have a charge the they should own their choices and decisions. Please don't 'lay-it-off' on Christ...He already took enough of our mess.
Oh my God! Help us know YOUR truth.
(Touch)
Be Careful Who You Believe
Jeffress is the type of 'pontificating' false profit who does more harm than good when it comes to nudging 'fence sitters' towards eternal salvation. Jeffress would have you believe that America and its people are favored over other nations' peoples. Jeffress visual perspective of Christ is certainly not that of a dark skin nappy-haired man. Jeffress is narrow-minded.
We have heard this kind of blasphemy from spiritual and political leaders before as 'so-called' Evangelicals invoke God's name in an attempt to justify their actions. Rev. Pat Robertson said Hurricane Katrina was God's wrath upon the sin city. He also said the Hati earthquake was God's retribution for a 'deal' made by its leader and Satan in past history.
Rev. Franklin Graham maintains that Donald Trump is a modern John The Baptist who paved the way for the coming of Christ...Trump, Graham claims is paving the way for Mike Pence, a true man of God. This kind of rhetoric is harmful and lacking in truthful evidence; in other words, its crap!
We all recall that time when President George W. Bush was asked by a reporter, "Before making the decision to bomb Iraq, did you speak with your father (meaning Former President Bush)?" President G. W. said, "I spoke to my Father in heaven." Really? God signed off on a war of destruction, which our omnipotent creator knew was based on faulty reasoning? Horrendous Blasphemy! Shameful!
If leaders have a charge the they should own their choices and decisions. Please don't 'lay-it-off' on Christ...He already took enough of our mess.
Oh my God! Help us know YOUR truth.
(Touch)
Be Careful Who You Believe
Thursday, August 10, 2017
School Days, School Days...Funny School Days
Many years now the start of the Illinois State Fair signaled another beginning...School Days!
When yours truly was putting on those new stiff blue jeans to begin a new East St. Louis public school year it was ALWAYS the Tuesday after Labor Day. Of course, back in the day, we did not see summer vacation until nearly mid-June. No matter the start or finish time, make no mistake some wonderful memories and funny events will unfold in School settings across this nation. Teachers would be wise to make anecdotal notations...could be a best seller.
Recalling thirty-nine years coaching and teaching in public schools, I can conjure up many head-scratching moments. I had two 'special-needs' students in physical education who could not remember a lock-combination number, therefore I put them both in one locker believing between them they would remember...I was wrong so everyday I opened the lock for them. Each time they both expressed excitement as they would look at one another and say,"WOW!" I got so I enjoyed the moment.
My first year coaching basketball, I had my Assumption freshmen team playing at Findlay, IL. on a Saturday morning. I sent a substitute into the game. When he pulled off his warm up top it was apparent he'd forgotten to put on his jersey. On another occasion, I told a freshman basketball player to "Go in the game for so and so." Instead of reporting to the scorer's table, the sub ran directly onto the court yelling the teammate's name he was replacing. Then there was the player who pleaded with me to say more than one pre-game prayer. He claimed, "I can jump higher after you pray, Coach." (Perhaps I should have been a preacher). I was speechless one game-night right after the opening tip-off. A star player, in front of a crowd of 3-thousand plus, called a time out, ran to our bench and said, "Coach, I gotta Poop."
My son, Steve, coaching Granite City H.S. tells the story of a senior basketball player who telephoned him late one night to ask the Coach if he would bail him out of jail. Seems that the player and a friend robbed a pizza delivery man at gun point. The basketball player told his coach, "Coach, I don't think they got a case against me because I wasn't holding the gun and I only ate one slice of the pizza."
And finally this...A basketball player was late arriving at the gym on game night. When he finally showed up he explained the tardiness, "Coach, the family got a puppy two weeks ago and tonight he got out of the house and we couldn't find him for a long time. But it won't be a problem again. You see, we had not agreed on a name for the dog but Tonight we named him 'Runner.' Next time he gets loose, he'll hear his name when we call it."
(Touch)
School Days
When yours truly was putting on those new stiff blue jeans to begin a new East St. Louis public school year it was ALWAYS the Tuesday after Labor Day. Of course, back in the day, we did not see summer vacation until nearly mid-June. No matter the start or finish time, make no mistake some wonderful memories and funny events will unfold in School settings across this nation. Teachers would be wise to make anecdotal notations...could be a best seller.
Recalling thirty-nine years coaching and teaching in public schools, I can conjure up many head-scratching moments. I had two 'special-needs' students in physical education who could not remember a lock-combination number, therefore I put them both in one locker believing between them they would remember...I was wrong so everyday I opened the lock for them. Each time they both expressed excitement as they would look at one another and say,"WOW!" I got so I enjoyed the moment.
My first year coaching basketball, I had my Assumption freshmen team playing at Findlay, IL. on a Saturday morning. I sent a substitute into the game. When he pulled off his warm up top it was apparent he'd forgotten to put on his jersey. On another occasion, I told a freshman basketball player to "Go in the game for so and so." Instead of reporting to the scorer's table, the sub ran directly onto the court yelling the teammate's name he was replacing. Then there was the player who pleaded with me to say more than one pre-game prayer. He claimed, "I can jump higher after you pray, Coach." (Perhaps I should have been a preacher). I was speechless one game-night right after the opening tip-off. A star player, in front of a crowd of 3-thousand plus, called a time out, ran to our bench and said, "Coach, I gotta Poop."
My son, Steve, coaching Granite City H.S. tells the story of a senior basketball player who telephoned him late one night to ask the Coach if he would bail him out of jail. Seems that the player and a friend robbed a pizza delivery man at gun point. The basketball player told his coach, "Coach, I don't think they got a case against me because I wasn't holding the gun and I only ate one slice of the pizza."
And finally this...A basketball player was late arriving at the gym on game night. When he finally showed up he explained the tardiness, "Coach, the family got a puppy two weeks ago and tonight he got out of the house and we couldn't find him for a long time. But it won't be a problem again. You see, we had not agreed on a name for the dog but Tonight we named him 'Runner.' Next time he gets loose, he'll hear his name when we call it."
(Touch)
School Days
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Lady In The Photo
Several weeks ago, we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel. While sipping on coffee waiting for food, I surveyed the many wall decorations found at the popular eatery. My eyes finally locked-in on one of those oval framed photos of a very stern looking woman of perhaps the Westward Movement era. Unlike the Mona Lisa debate, this lady was NOT smiling. In fact, the Cracker Barrel woman looked not to be the smiling kind. I recalled many similar photos I've seen in the past hanging on walls in family homes. Some of those faces I could attach names but a few were never identified. Come to think of it...none were smiling.
The Cracker Barrel photo stayed in my thoughts so as I often do, I put words down to dismiss it...
LADY IN THE PHOTO
The black and white photo in the old egg-shaped frame,
Hinted of the past but offered no name.
Her features strong but a face somewhat sad,
Caused one to wonder was life so bad?
She resembles loves ones in our midst,
The story a must, her past we insist.
The teller smiles and begins alas,
She weaves the tale of a difficult past.
Wood stoves, oil lanterns and dust from the mines,
Reminded listeners of struggling times.
An obviously hard and simple life,
Dotted with challenges, family and strife.
The story complete we know the name,
But had she told the story would it be the same?
(Touch)
Lady In The Photo
The Cracker Barrel photo stayed in my thoughts so as I often do, I put words down to dismiss it...
LADY IN THE PHOTO
The black and white photo in the old egg-shaped frame,
Hinted of the past but offered no name.
Her features strong but a face somewhat sad,
Caused one to wonder was life so bad?
She resembles loves ones in our midst,
The story a must, her past we insist.
The teller smiles and begins alas,
She weaves the tale of a difficult past.
Wood stoves, oil lanterns and dust from the mines,
Reminded listeners of struggling times.
An obviously hard and simple life,
Dotted with challenges, family and strife.
The story complete we know the name,
But had she told the story would it be the same?
(Touch)
Lady In The Photo
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
She's a Hoot.
An examination of those many 'happy marriage' surveys reveals one oft-mentioned characteristic and it is 'humor.' Humor as in...(1) we share a commonality in what we 'see' as funny or (2) my spouse makes me laugh. I have related to that couple-relationship aspect for sixty-four years and we've only been married fifty-seven years...that's right, I started 'hanging' around Gerry's house when she was only 13-years old...in nine day she will celebrate her 77th birthday. The girl made me laugh before we ever married and she still makes me laugh.
I suppose most parents tease and tests their teenager about whom the teenager is dating. My Dad would always tease me with the line, "What do you see in that little greasy-girl?" Of course, the 'greasy' was reference to Gerry's olive complexion, which would really Bronze under the summer sun. Here's the funny thing about that line. I have 'Fair skin' completion exactly like my mother and my dad was darker with a more olive type complexion than that of Gerry's.
I recall Gerry and I dating in the mid-fifties. On one occasion, we were sitting in my dad's auto at one of those teen car hop Drive-in eateries. Gerry always put her drink on open glove compartment's lid. This night, she hit the lid with her knee and the drink contents went inside the glove compartment. She said, "Don't worry about those wet papers. On the drive home to my house, I'll hold them out the window to dry."
Later that month, my mother went shopping with girlfriend, Gerry and they also made a quick lunch stop at a drive-in malt shop. Upon finishing her sandwich, Gerry tossed her malt container towards a receptacle. It bounced off the trash can and into the auto parked next to them. Gerry jumped out of the car, ran to the business suit attired gent apologizing as she wiped malt off the side of his windshield. Mother Lou said that she was horrified!
Several years ago upon our return from a week's vacation in the 'Lake of the Ozarks, Gerry told some of our friends, "It REALLY get dark at night in The Ozarks."
We have a husband/wife co-Pastor team at our church. The female Pastor conducts a Tuesday, Bible Study Class, which my wife attends. One Sunday after church when filing by the two preachers, the lady Pastor said, "Mel, I truly enjoy Gerry in our Bible Class...She's a HOOT! I wish I had thought of that word when my dad asked the question..."What do you see in that Little Greasy Girl?"
(Touch)
Makes Me Feel Like Dancing
I suppose most parents tease and tests their teenager about whom the teenager is dating. My Dad would always tease me with the line, "What do you see in that little greasy-girl?" Of course, the 'greasy' was reference to Gerry's olive complexion, which would really Bronze under the summer sun. Here's the funny thing about that line. I have 'Fair skin' completion exactly like my mother and my dad was darker with a more olive type complexion than that of Gerry's.
I recall Gerry and I dating in the mid-fifties. On one occasion, we were sitting in my dad's auto at one of those teen car hop Drive-in eateries. Gerry always put her drink on open glove compartment's lid. This night, she hit the lid with her knee and the drink contents went inside the glove compartment. She said, "Don't worry about those wet papers. On the drive home to my house, I'll hold them out the window to dry."
Later that month, my mother went shopping with girlfriend, Gerry and they also made a quick lunch stop at a drive-in malt shop. Upon finishing her sandwich, Gerry tossed her malt container towards a receptacle. It bounced off the trash can and into the auto parked next to them. Gerry jumped out of the car, ran to the business suit attired gent apologizing as she wiped malt off the side of his windshield. Mother Lou said that she was horrified!
Several years ago upon our return from a week's vacation in the 'Lake of the Ozarks, Gerry told some of our friends, "It REALLY get dark at night in The Ozarks."
We have a husband/wife co-Pastor team at our church. The female Pastor conducts a Tuesday, Bible Study Class, which my wife attends. One Sunday after church when filing by the two preachers, the lady Pastor said, "Mel, I truly enjoy Gerry in our Bible Class...She's a HOOT! I wish I had thought of that word when my dad asked the question..."What do you see in that Little Greasy Girl?"
(Touch)
Makes Me Feel Like Dancing
Monday, August 7, 2017
Old Folks
A new offer is available to adult children regarding their elderly parents. Details on that later but first this review. As a seventy-eight year old man, I remember the 1940's. I remember when many older folks lived out the 'winter years of their lives' IN their adult-married children's home. Actually, it was more often Mom than Dad because Mom took better care of herself than Dad. Over the decades that life expectancy differential remains the same. Every Sunday, I get to church early before the good seats in the back are all taken and I can tell you that there are more grey-headed ladies sitting in front of me than grey and balding men.
The need to 'take care' of mom and dad in senior years underwent drastic change likely due to family economic pressures and the evolution of the career woman. More and more households, today find both husband and wife in the work force, therefore many of the elderly needing on site monitoring became problematic. Too often the oldsters were sent to old-age homes or nursing homes. This practice gave way to what we are now familiar with and commonly call Senior Living Centers. We even note various levels within these senior residences based upon the Senior's ability to take care of 'self.' The functioning senior will enter the 'Independent Living' quarters. As more care is required the next move is into 'Assisted Living' quarters. After that the aging senior may become a candidate for 'Nursing Care' or sometimes a 'Memory Loss' Facility.
Well, just last week, I heard about this new 'senior-care' offer. A Senior Living Center in St. Louis advertises, "If you are wishing to get away on that special vacation but cannot leave your elderly parent, 'WE' can help. Our Senior Center will House & Board mom and/or dad while your away." It's kinda the same principle of a Pet Boarding Kennel.
Okay! My children read this daily blog; so kids, PAY ATTENTION! I'm not living anywhere in my (I can't live alone old age) except with one of you. If you wish you can 'pass-me-back-and-forth' to share the joy of my presence. When you want to get away to take a much-needed vacation just tell me in advance. I can have my things ready along with my dog's things pronto! We can be ready to go when you say the word. I prefer warm climates and so does my dog.
(Touch)
Old Folks
The need to 'take care' of mom and dad in senior years underwent drastic change likely due to family economic pressures and the evolution of the career woman. More and more households, today find both husband and wife in the work force, therefore many of the elderly needing on site monitoring became problematic. Too often the oldsters were sent to old-age homes or nursing homes. This practice gave way to what we are now familiar with and commonly call Senior Living Centers. We even note various levels within these senior residences based upon the Senior's ability to take care of 'self.' The functioning senior will enter the 'Independent Living' quarters. As more care is required the next move is into 'Assisted Living' quarters. After that the aging senior may become a candidate for 'Nursing Care' or sometimes a 'Memory Loss' Facility.
Well, just last week, I heard about this new 'senior-care' offer. A Senior Living Center in St. Louis advertises, "If you are wishing to get away on that special vacation but cannot leave your elderly parent, 'WE' can help. Our Senior Center will House & Board mom and/or dad while your away." It's kinda the same principle of a Pet Boarding Kennel.
Okay! My children read this daily blog; so kids, PAY ATTENTION! I'm not living anywhere in my (I can't live alone old age) except with one of you. If you wish you can 'pass-me-back-and-forth' to share the joy of my presence. When you want to get away to take a much-needed vacation just tell me in advance. I can have my things ready along with my dog's things pronto! We can be ready to go when you say the word. I prefer warm climates and so does my dog.
(Touch)
Old Folks
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Tours of Polo & Other Places
It's time for an 'extended Roustio-family' vacation. Past history has found the clan in such places as Ft. Myers Beach, FL., South Haven, MI. and St. Louis. This time, I'm thinking Polo, Illinois 'The Gateway to the Pines.' Where's Polo? and Why Polo? Polo is a short drive SW from Rockford. The town of 2,400 sits midst corn fields, which once grew huge quantities of Hemp. Must be some interesting soil samples. The scenic country roads to Polo will reduce the stress dodging and weaving in bumper-to-bumper highway traffic headed to beaches. Another reason for a family Polo Party is a gimme! I have a granddaughter and grandson-in law residing in Polo. Grandson in-law?
I've done my research diligence and have compelling reasons for the clan to head to this quaint town named for the Venetian explorer, Marco Polo. Polo folks are friendly and must have a strong spirituality as underscored by a 2-1 ratio of churches-to-bars. On a previous visit to Polo, I found myself at Jeff Ref's Bar but not at a holy place. Shame on me. I did feel welcome. At another Polo establishment, the waitress at Dad's Bar & Grill was efficient and friendly. I recall a conversation that day at a nearby table. Two fellas were upset that a radical religious group purchased the local grocery store but never stocked it with food. In fact, the church group did not move anything into the building and from what I gather...Best they did not.
If the family arrived early Friday, we could see the Polo 'Marcos' high school football team in action. I dare say, only Polo has the mascot, 'Marcos.' The Polo mascot 'Marco' looks nothing like Marco Polo, however but more like Genghis Khan. Our Polo visit should coincide with the Annual 'Town & Country Days.' Surely they will have a parade and the youngsters will enjoy carnival rides while under the beer tent the adults can learn more about a rumor circulating in Polo. Rumor has a local bank examiner who, upon retirement, plans to develop a 'sod farm,' which is typical of his wild & crazy life-style. Given the fact that the once 'Hemp-saturated soil' has field-corn eating pigs jumping over the Polo moon; you can anticipate that sod farm to yield different color grasses. A novelty money-maker and some cattle-happy grazing pastures.
Our family history buffs can visit Civil War General Zenas Aplington's House. That historic property once saw Abe Lincoln wandering about the backyard in 1856. The Black Hawk War 'Buffalo Grove Ambush' occurred near Polo. That scrimish saw Indians kill a fella named Bill Durley who made the foolish mistake to leave Galena and take a short-cut through the woods headed to Dixon. These days folks from Dixon go the hard-road to Galena.
I thought I'd really found a Polo gem when I stumbled on the name 'Paul Mitchell' of Polo. Holy crap! Could this be kin to THE Paul Mitchell? The Scottish-American hairstylist who developed Paul Mitchell Styling Products in the early 1980's? Nope! Not THAT Paul Mitchell...but he was well-known by most folks at 'Jeff Ref's Bar.
Yep! I'm making a pitch for a Polo invasion. I hear-tell that there is a Polo motel on the main drag but it likely would be in our family's best interest to make arrangement to take blowup mattresses and camp out at the Polo firehouse. We can do this trip the week of the Firemens' Pancake & Sausage Breakfast.
If this goes as well, I may begin a business enterprise... 'Tours of Polo.' WOW! Next up could be 'Tours of Pisgah' during the Franklin, Illinois 'Burgoo Festival.' The Burgoo Capital of the World.
(Touch)
Dear Hearts & Gentle People
I've done my research diligence and have compelling reasons for the clan to head to this quaint town named for the Venetian explorer, Marco Polo. Polo folks are friendly and must have a strong spirituality as underscored by a 2-1 ratio of churches-to-bars. On a previous visit to Polo, I found myself at Jeff Ref's Bar but not at a holy place. Shame on me. I did feel welcome. At another Polo establishment, the waitress at Dad's Bar & Grill was efficient and friendly. I recall a conversation that day at a nearby table. Two fellas were upset that a radical religious group purchased the local grocery store but never stocked it with food. In fact, the church group did not move anything into the building and from what I gather...Best they did not.
If the family arrived early Friday, we could see the Polo 'Marcos' high school football team in action. I dare say, only Polo has the mascot, 'Marcos.' The Polo mascot 'Marco' looks nothing like Marco Polo, however but more like Genghis Khan. Our Polo visit should coincide with the Annual 'Town & Country Days.' Surely they will have a parade and the youngsters will enjoy carnival rides while under the beer tent the adults can learn more about a rumor circulating in Polo. Rumor has a local bank examiner who, upon retirement, plans to develop a 'sod farm,' which is typical of his wild & crazy life-style. Given the fact that the once 'Hemp-saturated soil' has field-corn eating pigs jumping over the Polo moon; you can anticipate that sod farm to yield different color grasses. A novelty money-maker and some cattle-happy grazing pastures.
Our family history buffs can visit Civil War General Zenas Aplington's House. That historic property once saw Abe Lincoln wandering about the backyard in 1856. The Black Hawk War 'Buffalo Grove Ambush' occurred near Polo. That scrimish saw Indians kill a fella named Bill Durley who made the foolish mistake to leave Galena and take a short-cut through the woods headed to Dixon. These days folks from Dixon go the hard-road to Galena.
I thought I'd really found a Polo gem when I stumbled on the name 'Paul Mitchell' of Polo. Holy crap! Could this be kin to THE Paul Mitchell? The Scottish-American hairstylist who developed Paul Mitchell Styling Products in the early 1980's? Nope! Not THAT Paul Mitchell...but he was well-known by most folks at 'Jeff Ref's Bar.
Yep! I'm making a pitch for a Polo invasion. I hear-tell that there is a Polo motel on the main drag but it likely would be in our family's best interest to make arrangement to take blowup mattresses and camp out at the Polo firehouse. We can do this trip the week of the Firemens' Pancake & Sausage Breakfast.
If this goes as well, I may begin a business enterprise... 'Tours of Polo.' WOW! Next up could be 'Tours of Pisgah' during the Franklin, Illinois 'Burgoo Festival.' The Burgoo Capital of the World.
(Touch)
Dear Hearts & Gentle People
Friday, August 4, 2017
How Blessed Can One Man Be?
Yesterday was truly a neat and special moment...a sweet reunion of sort. Let me explain. In the very near future the Basketball Museum of Illinois will be located in Pontiac, Illinois the same community that offers tourists the Route 66 Museum. The 'Mother Road Museum' will share basketball histories of Illinois. Museum visitors will discover all sorts of Illinois Basketball stories from the Chicago 'Bulls' to the Illinois High School Association's rich history and all the accomplishments of Illinois universities and colleges...It's the Basketball Museum of Illinois.
One of the many offerings to visitors will be video interviews with coaches and players of the past. A few weeks ago, Museum Coordinator, Bruce Firchau contacted me to arrange a joint interview with yours truly and one of my former Jacksonville high school players and former Illini great, Andy Kaufmann. Kaufmann finished his prep career in 1988 with 3160 points, which ranks him #2 on the all-time scoring list behind the late, Charlie Vaughn. Kaufmann's U of I scoring number of 1533 places him at #11 all-time at the Big 10 school. It was players like Kaufmann that put this former prep basketball coach in the IBCA Hall of Fame. Therefore, yesterday's interview conducted by long time radio sports personality, Tim Schweitzer went down.
The wide range of topics touched on Andy's playing journey from the 5th grader starting on Winchester's 8th grade team, through the high school wars with LaPhanso Ellis' East St. Louis Lincoln 'Tigers' and Coach Jerry Legget's Quincy 'Blue Devils.' Sweitzer's professional experience made the one-hour and 40- minute interview fly by. Of course, I was asked to 'flesh in' many details and add the mentor's perspective. Andy has always handled himself with great honesty and humility yet with a matter of fact confidence in the game he loved...yesterday's interview was no different.
It was a fun reminiscent-reunion and one for which I am most appreciative.
On my drive back to Decatur from Springfield, I thought of all the outstanding players that I had the privilege coaching; hundreds of young teens. I could not help but recall a quote from the late St. Louis Cardinals' broadcaster, Jack Buck. With his permission, I borrow it now: "If I am fortunate enough to meet my maker and permitted one question, I would ask...Why were you so good to me." You must understand: I was blessed with wonderful parents and extended family. I was allowed to pursue a career I loved. I married my high school sweetheart and God blessed us with three children who married terrific people. I embrace 15-grandkids and two great grandkids. If that family wasn't enough, God gave me hundreds of basketball players, which I call 'My Boys.'
Then God topped it all with a Savior dying for my sins.
(Touch)A Blessed Coach
One of the many offerings to visitors will be video interviews with coaches and players of the past. A few weeks ago, Museum Coordinator, Bruce Firchau contacted me to arrange a joint interview with yours truly and one of my former Jacksonville high school players and former Illini great, Andy Kaufmann. Kaufmann finished his prep career in 1988 with 3160 points, which ranks him #2 on the all-time scoring list behind the late, Charlie Vaughn. Kaufmann's U of I scoring number of 1533 places him at #11 all-time at the Big 10 school. It was players like Kaufmann that put this former prep basketball coach in the IBCA Hall of Fame. Therefore, yesterday's interview conducted by long time radio sports personality, Tim Schweitzer went down.
The wide range of topics touched on Andy's playing journey from the 5th grader starting on Winchester's 8th grade team, through the high school wars with LaPhanso Ellis' East St. Louis Lincoln 'Tigers' and Coach Jerry Legget's Quincy 'Blue Devils.' Sweitzer's professional experience made the one-hour and 40- minute interview fly by. Of course, I was asked to 'flesh in' many details and add the mentor's perspective. Andy has always handled himself with great honesty and humility yet with a matter of fact confidence in the game he loved...yesterday's interview was no different.
It was a fun reminiscent-reunion and one for which I am most appreciative.
On my drive back to Decatur from Springfield, I thought of all the outstanding players that I had the privilege coaching; hundreds of young teens. I could not help but recall a quote from the late St. Louis Cardinals' broadcaster, Jack Buck. With his permission, I borrow it now: "If I am fortunate enough to meet my maker and permitted one question, I would ask...Why were you so good to me." You must understand: I was blessed with wonderful parents and extended family. I was allowed to pursue a career I loved. I married my high school sweetheart and God blessed us with three children who married terrific people. I embrace 15-grandkids and two great grandkids. If that family wasn't enough, God gave me hundreds of basketball players, which I call 'My Boys.'
Then God topped it all with a Savior dying for my sins.
(Touch)A Blessed Coach
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Hereeee's Mel!
As time passes, I notice family members 'explaining me' to others in my presence as if there is a need to forewarn others of my idiocyincries and out of touch verbal expressions or weird body language. Just last week at church, my wife noticed me leaning forward and cupping my hand to my ear. She said for all within a 20 yard distance, "Mel is hard hearing, you'll have to speak louder." Hell's Bells, that was my purpose for leaning forward and cupping my ear. If you need to explain that to people then we're hanging out with a not very smart crowd.
My wife never reads this blog but my children and the older grandkids do check it out. Therefore, for future reference material, may I offer them the following: If you notice me limping, tell others that I wear orthotic-inserts and I may have them placed in the wrong shoes...I've been known to do this. Then again, my limp could be caused from right-hip osteoarthritis or three back surgeries...just toss those into your explanations of the old man to cover all bases. I did have cataract surgery in my left eye but my right eye needs the procedure. Approach me from the left for quicker recognition. I stopped my aspirin regiment due to stomach ulcers so if my speech becomes slurred my blood may be thickening...call 911.
Now, children and grandchildren, there is a bright side. In fact, you might even brag about the old fart considering that I cut my grass twice a week and trim the entire yard. I complete a daily 15-minute stretching routine followed by a brisk 45-minute walk. I sing aloud everyday in my backyard. Usually four (4) gospel hymns and 10-to-12 songs from the fifties. I recite aloud (to nobody) six nursery rhymes each day. My favorite is 'Peter Piper.' Finally, I'm in the streets of Decatur three times week trying to raise support funds for the Decatur Public High Schools Thanksgiving basketball tournament.
I've come to accept the fact that I can do without a lot of things...except my reading glasses.
Actually, I'm in decent shape for the shape I'm IN...I think.
(Touch)
Just an Old Fart
My wife never reads this blog but my children and the older grandkids do check it out. Therefore, for future reference material, may I offer them the following: If you notice me limping, tell others that I wear orthotic-inserts and I may have them placed in the wrong shoes...I've been known to do this. Then again, my limp could be caused from right-hip osteoarthritis or three back surgeries...just toss those into your explanations of the old man to cover all bases. I did have cataract surgery in my left eye but my right eye needs the procedure. Approach me from the left for quicker recognition. I stopped my aspirin regiment due to stomach ulcers so if my speech becomes slurred my blood may be thickening...call 911.
Now, children and grandchildren, there is a bright side. In fact, you might even brag about the old fart considering that I cut my grass twice a week and trim the entire yard. I complete a daily 15-minute stretching routine followed by a brisk 45-minute walk. I sing aloud everyday in my backyard. Usually four (4) gospel hymns and 10-to-12 songs from the fifties. I recite aloud (to nobody) six nursery rhymes each day. My favorite is 'Peter Piper.' Finally, I'm in the streets of Decatur three times week trying to raise support funds for the Decatur Public High Schools Thanksgiving basketball tournament.
I've come to accept the fact that I can do without a lot of things...except my reading glasses.
Actually, I'm in decent shape for the shape I'm IN...I think.
(Touch)
Just an Old Fart
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
'In the Eye of the Beholder.'
I was early for a meeting at the Decatur Civic Center so I thought I'd kill a little time with a McDonald's coffee stop.
As I slipped into a window booth with coffee, I was soon privileged to conversation from two middle-aged women perhaps in their early fifties. Their conversation focused on young female celebrities choosing to be photographed in the buff displaying a profile-view of their very pregnant figure. They seemed to know a lot about the subject. I think Demi Moore was the first celeb to do the pregnant-nude shot but after that I had no clue to the identity of the other bare-babes-moms. These women seemed to know several expectant moms who had posed in the nude and were supportive of this 'see me moment.' I was particularly struck by one remark. One lady said, "I wish I had a nude profile photo of my body with each of my three pregnancies because it would be a great keepsake for my kids." I guess I'm missing something but I have no desire to have a photo of my mother in the buff when she was pregnant with me.
Personally, I believe a photo of my grandmother, Mammy Bennett's bleeding-knuckles from scrubbing clothes on a washboard would be a neat photo keepsake. Perhaps a photo of my father's stress-draw-unshaven-dirty-face dressed in military togs as he trudged through the muddy back roads of France during World War II would be a keepsake photo. Too bad no 'selfies' back in the day.
...or how about something truly beautiful...take a look.
(Touch)
True Beauty
As I slipped into a window booth with coffee, I was soon privileged to conversation from two middle-aged women perhaps in their early fifties. Their conversation focused on young female celebrities choosing to be photographed in the buff displaying a profile-view of their very pregnant figure. They seemed to know a lot about the subject. I think Demi Moore was the first celeb to do the pregnant-nude shot but after that I had no clue to the identity of the other bare-babes-moms. These women seemed to know several expectant moms who had posed in the nude and were supportive of this 'see me moment.' I was particularly struck by one remark. One lady said, "I wish I had a nude profile photo of my body with each of my three pregnancies because it would be a great keepsake for my kids." I guess I'm missing something but I have no desire to have a photo of my mother in the buff when she was pregnant with me.
Personally, I believe a photo of my grandmother, Mammy Bennett's bleeding-knuckles from scrubbing clothes on a washboard would be a neat photo keepsake. Perhaps a photo of my father's stress-draw-unshaven-dirty-face dressed in military togs as he trudged through the muddy back roads of France during World War II would be a keepsake photo. Too bad no 'selfies' back in the day.
...or how about something truly beautiful...take a look.
(Touch)
True Beauty
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Embrace Love
Perhaps truer words have never been spoken: "If its mechanical it will break, if it's animal it will die while every thing else will change." Unknown
I have journeyed long enough to have my expectation of quality workmanship decline into state where I am now likely to 'buy the warranty.' I'm not sure if this situation is due to poor American skill performance or the outsourced workers' performance slippage. In either circumstance our mechanical products are going to 'BREAK.'
A fact of living is obviously dying. I have (as many of you) lost love ones, dear friends, colleagues and pets. It is rare when a final goodbye is easy to accept, although we accept all goodbyes as a requirement and part of the 'living-contract.'
The two aforementioned realities have a degree of predictability whereas 'change' seems clothed in an array of garments. There are subtle changes that take place over time in such a way that we are oblivious to our adjustments. While the censorship free-speech debate played out over the decades, I recall the 1952 'cover-up' of Lucy Ball's pregnant belly on her sitcom, I Love Lucy. Note 65-years later in the 2012 movie, 'The Sessions,' actress Helen Hunt gives viewers a complete full-frontal nudity look. A huge societal acceptability change, eh?
In 1952, most families had a dog of mixed breed, which they got free because all dogs were running 'Willy-nilly' throughout the neighborhood 'making babies.' Puppy Ownership style changed over-time and now those mixed-breeds are by design with cute names i.e., 'Goldendoodle, Yorkipoo, Maltipoo, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, etc, etc.' And...they ain't 'free.'
I suspect the ONE consistent human experience standing the test of time is the 'potential' to LOVE.
The word 'love' is used here to suggest all types of love. The family love experience, the 'falling-in-love' experience and the opportunity to express and share in a community of brotherhood/sisterhood love.
Whereas, we have no control over mechanical breaks and death, we do have great input potential to express and accept love. And...today holds that potential.
(Touch)
A Little Love
I have journeyed long enough to have my expectation of quality workmanship decline into state where I am now likely to 'buy the warranty.' I'm not sure if this situation is due to poor American skill performance or the outsourced workers' performance slippage. In either circumstance our mechanical products are going to 'BREAK.'
A fact of living is obviously dying. I have (as many of you) lost love ones, dear friends, colleagues and pets. It is rare when a final goodbye is easy to accept, although we accept all goodbyes as a requirement and part of the 'living-contract.'
The two aforementioned realities have a degree of predictability whereas 'change' seems clothed in an array of garments. There are subtle changes that take place over time in such a way that we are oblivious to our adjustments. While the censorship free-speech debate played out over the decades, I recall the 1952 'cover-up' of Lucy Ball's pregnant belly on her sitcom, I Love Lucy. Note 65-years later in the 2012 movie, 'The Sessions,' actress Helen Hunt gives viewers a complete full-frontal nudity look. A huge societal acceptability change, eh?
In 1952, most families had a dog of mixed breed, which they got free because all dogs were running 'Willy-nilly' throughout the neighborhood 'making babies.' Puppy Ownership style changed over-time and now those mixed-breeds are by design with cute names i.e., 'Goldendoodle, Yorkipoo, Maltipoo, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, etc, etc.' And...they ain't 'free.'
I suspect the ONE consistent human experience standing the test of time is the 'potential' to LOVE.
The word 'love' is used here to suggest all types of love. The family love experience, the 'falling-in-love' experience and the opportunity to express and share in a community of brotherhood/sisterhood love.
Whereas, we have no control over mechanical breaks and death, we do have great input potential to express and accept love. And...today holds that potential.
(Touch)
A Little Love
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