The Realties of Old

In a couple of months, Good Lord willing, I'll turn 80-years old. On that February 18th day somebody will ask, "Do you feel eighty?" I'll answer, "No," because I don't know what eighty is supposed to 'feel' like. Actually, most days I don't feel any different than than the day before but then again, I can't do today that which I did twenty years ago without not 'feeling' so good the next day!

I am aware of aging for sure. Just a week or so ago, I was going through some personal papers and came across a life insurance policy that I purchased back in 1961. I remember the insurance agent back then telling me that if I purchased that life insurance policy, I was investing in the future. I've come to realize that someone will 'collect' on that policy when I have NO future.

I do have visual evidence telling me that I am getting long in the tooth. One such telltale sign is a receding hairline or shall we be more blunt...baldness. Without debate, I note I am quickly thinning on top of the dome. At my last medical appointment, I asked my doctor if there was anything I can do for baldness and he firmly answered, "Yes, work on your sense of humor." That's another thing...as I get older, I prefer my doctors lying to me.

Hey, I'm blessed to be getting older. I'm looking forward to number '80.' Why if I was a bottle of wine, I'd be worth a fortune.

 On this final day of 2018, I wish you all a wonderful, healthy and Happy New Year as you grow older. Embrace your blessings.
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Old? Not Yet.

Hooked Up With Alexa

Another Christmas in the books. A wonderful gathering of 30-family members for a long Christmas Day feast and fun. Four days later, the tree is down and yard decorations are tucked away as hopeful hearts turn attention to welcoming a New Year.

I had three clothing items to return but discovered I had to accept gift cards while the store awaits a 'new' stocking of goods. In the meantime, I find myself enjoying one of those whatchamacallits I seem to get each Christmas. When I first unwrapped the gift, I noticed the 'giver' was excited, which in turn elevated my anticipation. Once I saw the black cylinder shaped object, I felt as I often feel when seeing a new electronic gadget for the first time, which is Dumb, very Dumb.' One of my grandkids yelled, "It's an Alexa." Another voice added, "Oh, Boompa got an Amazon-player...one of those Amazon Ecohs." Suddenly, I'm feeling even 'Dumber,' what's an Amazon 'Alexa' Echo???

Soon people are shouting all the things this mysterious thing is going to do for my enjoyment. It's going to tell me time and weather. Play every type of music by any artist I request. My Amazon Echo tells me many other things, i.e. Rose Bowl odds, recipes, word spellings, trivia answers and offers reminders and stories. I just say, "Alexa, set an alarm for 7AM" and bingo, my alarm is set. Of course, my new gadget comes with tech-directions.This means, I gotta engage Amazon online, remember(for future harassment one more password and...ah, wait-a-minute, before grandson Connor leaves for home, he needs to hook things up for Boompa.

Later in the evening...come bedtime...
           "Alexa, play some Nancy Wilson and Etta James Songs." "Alexa, turn off the lights, I'm tired."

Just Imagine

Funny thing happened on the way to Best Buy to get the latest 'social media gadget,' we lost the last bit of our imagination during the trek. It is true that the young children are becoming more knowledgeable and more deeply absorbed in computer technology but at the risk of their declining ability to draw on imagination. I fear our passion for social media in doing little to make us 'social' if not causing us to become more isolated from others and even our ability to imagine.

When I was a young boy of four or five, I had the fastest draw of any cowboy in the neighborhood. Killed me many Indians and bad guys. At age eight-to-ten, I announced imaginary baseball action on my spinner game just like Harry Carey did for my St. Louis Cardinals. While tossing the tennis ball against the front steps of our home on Rosemont Avenue (Washington Park) East St. Louis, Stan Musial always managed to foul off bad offerings and hit home tuns with good pitches. My Little League baseball coach told me one time, when I was just ten years old to improve my pitching delivery by standing in front of my mother's full length mirror and 'pretend' as I would engage my pitching motion while throwing an imaginary pitch towards the mirror watching my every physical mechanic right down to my follow through.

While shooting baskets night after night on the backyard lighted court, I seemed to always 'nail' that buzzer-beating winning shot...time and time again.

I'm convinced that many great accomplishments by individuals had embryo stages in one's imagination. Imagination is our ability to dream, improvise and create thoughtful events, which enhances our potential for achievement and success. Imagination must be encouraged and nurtured in the young.
Imagination

Ain't Easy Being Me Through The Years

I have never been big on making New Year's Resolutions. I suppose I shied away from such abstract declarations because I truly did not wish for change or I knew I'd fail in the mission and who wants to begin a New Year as a failure?

This does not mean I shouldn't make New Year's resolutions because I should change some of my ways. For example:
1) I should not take issue with those who support President Trump but I can't help myself...I keep thinking of George W. Bush's education slogan: "No Child Left Behind." I hate to see intellectual potential unfulfilled.

2) I should Resolve not to become frustrated with the direction of Major League Baseball as it embraces 'swing & miss' for home runs and hitters striking out two hundred times a season. I should also accept the pro-baseball agents' propaganda that a pitcher going five innings should make 22-million dollars a year for such 'quality starts.' Excuse me here while I throw-up!

3) I should stop yelling at the television as rap singers grab their privates while making bad rhymes.

4) I REALLY should stop criticizing  my 'white' evangelical brothers and sisters for their 'selective' scripture pronouncements. (I am going to try this one so my friend Larry Harnly, who re-posts my blogs, will not come under angry rebuke from his friends.)

Okay, I'll stop here. Those who would...Pray for me on this matter. Meanwhile, I'll pray that our National Nightmare will end in 2019. WOW! 2019! Another year when we will NOT find Jimmy Hoffa but another year of several Elvis sightings!

PS.  As caring (Patriotic) Americans, shall we all put Burke's Quotation on a post-it and place it on our bathroom mirror? You know the one...
                                                 "For evil to triumph it only takes good men doing nothing."

A Proud East St. Louis Native

Last week, I often heard the song, 'Home For The Holidays.' Obviously, I thought of those yesteryear East St. Louis Holidays and how things were. I know the mere mention of East St. Louis these days brings to one's mind, poverty, blight, decay and crime. My recall, however takes me back to a proud blue collar city that was great in spite of known city government corruption, the underground gang element and the ever present prejudices.

The great numbers of ethnicities exemplified mid-America's melting pot promise of a reachable dream. Men punched the time-cards in dirty factories, great railroad terminals, smelly stockyards as a plethora of satellite factories supported the darling of East Coast monies, which was just across the Mississippi River...(St. Louis, Missouri). From inception East St. Louis was doomed to be the bastard child of St. Louis.

Kids from my East Side generation had a defined template before them. A work-ethic blueprint that would make us resilient in difficult times and tough enough to get up off our backside when doors were slammed and we were knocked down. We ignored political graft and pushed ahead. We marveled at the hypocrisy of those prejudiced taught fans who cheered our high school title teams comprised of whites, blacks, Italians, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Irish, Polish and other groups.

Young kids had their hometown role models. Entertainers like Miles Davis, Tina Turner. Athletes like   Major league baseball players Sam Jethroe, Bob Turkey, Bill Walker, Johnny Wyrostek and even later notables, i.e. U. S. Senator Dick Durbin, Olympian Jackie Joyner, NCAA Coach Cuonzo Martin, NBA star LaPhonso Ellis, tennis great Jimmy Connors and Dana Howard (NFL).

Perhaps one of the most unsung American heroes from East St. Louis was Henry 'Hank' Bauer. Bauer was the  youngest of nine children. A graduate of Central Catholic high school who went to work after high school in factories. Given a pro baseball contract he signed but then quickly enlisted in the Marines  after Pearl Harbor was attacked. While serving in the military he engaged in 11-campaigns, received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and the Navy Commendation Medal. In the Battle of Okinawa, Sergeant Bauer was one of six survivivors of a Japanese counterattack, which saw fifty-eight from his platoon perish. When returning to the States he played 14-years for the New York Yankees where he won 7-World Series Championships and holds the record for consecutive World Series game hits (17). Bauer was no nonsense.  When he heard that Teammates Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle were partying late nights, Bauer pinned Ford against the dugout wall and said, "Don't  mess with my money." Bauer also stood atop a Yankees dugout during one game looking for the voice yelling racial slurs at teammate Elston Howard. Bauer said, "Ellie's a friend of mine."

East St. Louis, my hometown. A place I can no longer touch but a place that forever touches me.

All I Want For Christmas

As a child, I recall having those Christmas 'wish lists.' The five-six-year old lad was into 'playing-like' and Cowboys and Indians was the imaginary landscape. I do remember one Christmas getting those two-six-shooters that strapped to each leg as the holsters hung from a belt,which sported a gaudy, shinny buckle.

A year or two later, Perhaps age eight, I wanted that bigger bicycle. I got my wish that year. Christmas morning, I was so excited to see that Roadmaster bike...never mind that it was a 'used' bike. When my teen years took over, the Christmas wish list seemed to always have a ball glove, basketball or some sports' table game. I had become that 'jock-junkie.'

When the teen dating-years approached, I fell into the fashion expectations of the day. My Christmas list had Cashmere V-Neck Sweaters, Khaki, Cord or Levi pants, preferably tapered with a pant-cuff break atop White Bucks, Wing-tips or Black & White Saddle Shoes. The professional years saw my Christmas list moderate with older fashion styles, which included smart suits, flashy sport coats, neck-ties with fluctuating widths and the latest button-down shirts.

In my retirement years' the Christmas wish list focused on 'comfort.' I told those who asked,  "Buy me Nike warm ups, New Balance Tennis Shoes, Polo Sport Shirts, Sweatshirts, Under Armour Pullovers or perhaps ankle length white socks." PS. If the garment stretches...all the better!

On this 2018, Christmas Eve, I would leave Santa the following 'wish list:' Please give me: 1) Family Love, 2) Good Friends, 3) Good Health and 4) More Time. Strangely funny but all the things I had and took for granted those Christmases past are 'Paramount Wishes' THIS Christmas Day.

To each of you who take the time to read my blogs, I wish for you this Christmas, God's Blessings and the love of family...simply stated, I wish for YOU that...which I have.
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Merry Christmas

Siriusly

I have had Sirius XM Raidio in our automobile for the past six years. I pay less than $100 a year and I believe it's worth the three stations I most often dial-in, which are '50's-on-5; '60's-on-6 and the MLB network on channel 89. Hey, it floats my boat!

I do notice that during the Christmas Season Channel 3 on Sirius plays continuous Christmas music. My wife also discovered the station and I'm beginning to suffer. Don't take that wrong, I love Christmas music. Like most folks, I have my favorite Christmas Carols and Christmas Songs. That said, since listening non-stop to this Sirius Christmas Tunes. I've come to realize that every singer who ever stood before a microphone recorded White Christmas, Silent Night and Santa Claus is Coming To Town.

Okay, I said that I had favorites, here are some:
Christmas Hymns>>Silent Night and O' Little Town of Bethlehem
Christmas Songs>>The Spirit of Christmas and Walking in a Winter Wonderland

......and your picks???

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Drifting White Snow

Christmas Anticipation

I don't know anybody, except a child who looked forward to Christmas more than did my father. Whereas a child anticipates Santa bringing gifts, my dad's expectation and joy was anchored in family focus. His 'corner-of-the-block homes were adorn with Christmas lights just shy of Clark Griswold's pad. (By the way, you heard that correctly, as a youth, I lived in four homes and three were corner homes. My parents later lived in two more homes, which were located on corners. Don't ask why they just did; we also had to park in the fourth row at the Drive In Theater next to the concession stand...plus we had to be first out of the theater grounds at movie's end. I suppose you could say that I got my competitiveness from my father). When it came to Christmas decorations, rest assured there was a 'blueprint' in my father's head how all Christmas lights were to be arranged down to the tiniest bulb. The house interior was also given great attention to ornament and knickknack details.

Mother's food was always excellent and plentiful. The highlight for my father was gift giving to his married children and grandchildren. I am convinced beyond any doubt that the gift-giving joy experienced by this aging man was driven by a personal childhood of meager means if not near poverty. I've seen the photos that captured those days and I heard the stories.

These many years later, I find myself in the old man's father role at these Holidays. Unlike my father, I leave the decoration details to my wife: if she's happy then I'm happy. However, I too anticipate family gathering at Christmas time. In fact, twenty-nine family members will be gathering at our  home on Christmas Day. Whereas the gift exchanges are feel good moments they pale in my joyous absorption into family interactions and the depth of caring love, which I am blessed to embrace.

I cannot go home to those East St. Louis days gone by nor can I touch the years of yesterday but the family love anticipation fills my heart as this Christmas Day approaches.

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The Spirit of Christmas

Slowly but Surely Right Before Our Eyes

I'm going to guess with reasonable confidence that through the years most elderly folks have reflected on their lifetime journey and concluded that a good deal of social innocence was lost during their generational ride. I know I certainly feel that some innocence vanished, some purity was lost and simple joys and once important things became mundane.

Teens from my youth were at home more and visited and interacted with family members more. We were not distracted by social media devices. School and church held a higher place on the activities-totem  pole. The weekend school athletic events drew greater crowds of students than seen today. Athletes seemed proud of Letter jackets and monogrammed sweaters and their mentors dressed in suits and ties. Today our athletes seem more interested in assimilation and coaches appear casual,in dress and discipline.  Teenage beer party's were prevalent back in the day but drug abuse and youth suicide was a rare event.

Once in awhile, in the 1940's & 1950's, I saw tattoos on military guys and inner-city gang members. I never recall seeing a woman with tattoos. I went to college games but never saw the tailgate drinking party's I see today. Major League Baseball games saw mostly men in the stands back in the '40's and '50's and seldom did I notice any spectator inebriated. Today at professional games, I notice great beer consumption, more vulgar language and fewer knowledgeable fans.

Seemingly far more young couples live with one another before marriage than ever before and yet the divorce rate remains higher than those decades previously mentioned.

I've noticed the perception of 'lying' has changed drastically since my youth. When I was 8-years old, I lied about where I had gotten a pocket knife. When my mother discovered her son's lie, she washed my mouth out with soap. President Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani said that Trump lies, "But he is not under oath." Now how 'bout that sports' fans? There you go 21st Century American parents,' that's a great template for your children.

Finally, I think we can all admit that with 24/7 cable network news and sports coverage with all those spinning-pundits, we may be better informed but digesting the plethora of elected-leadership garbage, we sure are less innocent as is our America...the not so innocent nation.

A Joyous Life.

I once heard a preacher's eulogy as he spoke to the contrast in the beginning and ending moments of life. He pointed out that at birth one enters this world 'kicking, crying and screaming while those around are smiling, laughing and sharing celebratory hugs.' Then at death's moment a person's stillness causes those around to cry and cringe in agonizing grief.

The poignant thing to consider is one's actions 'in-between' the alpha and the omega. I suppose we all come to wish for love, happiness, health and success. Three of those desires (love-happiness-success) are pretty-much within our very own reach. Health, to a degree, can be helped or harmed by choices made. When we examine love and success predicated on our personality, work ethic and determination. That said, we must embrace the reality that our willingness to take risks is paramount. Our openness to offer our love or apply our talents always holds a potential to be rejected. The sweet joys of life are not guaranteed without a passion to participate.

Our personal health is problematic, therefore we correctly say, "There but for the grace of God go I."

Happiness is the child of our achievements in occupational success and our discovery of love and the one factor that 'seasons' life's journey...and that seasoning is anchored in our service to others whose journey needs a helping lift.

At the end, those who grieve can find solace knowing there was no 'woulda-coulda-shoulda,' left undone thus allowing celebratory hugs once again.

Respect All and Pray For All

A few days ago, I sent a video Christian rap-song message to several Facebook friends. The message contained a requests asking, 'what do you think?' One of my former basketball players respectfully responded, "Coach, I don't believe in God so I'm probably not the one to ask." I answered, "I understand. Have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New Year." This former player is a good man and I hold a special love for him as I do for all my former players. And I truly respect people's beliefs.

The freedom in our America to choose to believe or not to believe should open eyes to the very reason we must have laws designed for a secular society. Please. It would not bother me to have prayer in public schools nor would I be upset over the Ten Commandments in the public square and personally, I don't believe in abortion, however I yield to the fact that in this free society NO BODY'S RELIGION GETS SPECIAL TREATMENT and those who don't have a religion must never have their freedoms compromised by those who do have a religious faith.

Privately, I choose to pray for my 'Christian' friends and my 'non-Christian friends.' I pray for their safety, good health, happiness, success and yes, I pray that they may know a relationship with Jesus Christ. I say that prayer for all people and especially those I know and love. That's my freedom.

'Splain it to Desi and Mel

Desi Arnaz (Ricky Ricardo)  of 'I Love Lucy' fame, when frustrated and confused over a circumstance would plead his case saying, "Somebody 'splain it to me." I find myself confused and need somebody to 'splain' it to me.'

During President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky's tryst, Senator Orrin Hatch voted for Clinton's impeachment saying, "This great nation can tolerate a President who makes mistakes but it cannot tolerate a President who makes mistakes and then breaks the law to cover it up. Any other citizen would be prosecuted." Recently, Hatch was asked about President Trump's mistakes of immoral activities and covering it up by breaking the law. Hatch said, "I don't care. The economy is doing good."...Could somebody 'splain Orrin's 180 degree reversal?

Here's another 'About-Face' somebody could 'splain....
Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, writing in the Wall Street Journal about President Clinton's immoral activities said: "If he will lie to and mislead his wife and daughter, those with whom he is most intimate, what will prevent him from doing the same to the American people?" Recently, when weighing the allegations of Trump's infidelities, Rev. Franklin reversed his stance on the subject of Trump's tawdry behavior saying, "That's for him and his wife to deal with and I think the Stormy Daniels' thing is no body's business."

I must admit that I'm one of those evil-leaning liberal Democrats who is not a member of the 'family-values party' thus my association with conservatives who, like Hatch states that immoral behavior is okay as long as we're making money. Also, as a follower of the teachings of Christ, I cannot square Rev. Franklin Graham giving a 'pass' to Trump while condeming Clinton for similar immoral transgressions; please, somebody 'splain it to me.

Can Less Become More?

Okay, let me preface this blog by acknowledging that an old man's musings can oft times cause a feeling of pensive sadness or an unhealthy attention to death. I adamantly reject both notions by simply stating the obvious. And the obvious is each of us have perspectives predicated on experiences and our activities at our current station in this journey. Therefore, please accept my words as cautionary notes and insights...no more, no less.

I suppose for the greatest part of my life's journey, I was like most folks. I was busy gathering things, collecting stuff and seeking to amass even more things. Perhaps 'things' (possessions) make us feel good, secure and even successful. These days, I find myself with too much stuff and too many things, which I don't need, therefore I am subtracting. I'm giving away and throwing away.

Beyond those tangible collected items, I have also collected some philosophies and beliefs all of which support my attitudes. I developed many opinions about others' attitudes, beliefs and actions. I have personal political and religious views as well as entertainment habits. I'm wondering if similar to purging my life of the plethora of 'physical commodities' if it might be healthy to examine these non-physical collections for possible discard?

Is it possible that my life could improve by clearing away and ridding myself of the all clutter...both the tangible and intangible? Umm, I'm thinking, however it may be more difficult to subtract the stuff in my head versus the stuff in my den.

Information Can Alter Eating Enjoyment

Every member of my family will attest to the fact that I am a cautious if not particular eater. I fight better instincts to eat salads because I fear insufficient washing of lettuce. I will not accept restaurant drinks with ice. (I'll spare you my reasoning). I shun potlucks and smorgasbords. Often when restaurant eating I'm checking out housekeeping while the rest of my party is checking out menu items.

These days, as I carry about 79-year old body parts and organs and with diabetes, I read labels when grocery shopping. Don't get me wrong, I once ate anything and everything and second helpings. That said, I became 'this picky eater' over time and because of health concerns. I recall how I used to love beef liver and onions. Actually, I'd love some today, however those organs are rather high in cholesterol and thus is a 'no-no.'

Speaking of beef liver, I remember back in the late 1940's, as a nine year old boy, my friends and I would seize a local butcher's discarded beef liver he had tossed to the alley for stray cats. We'd take that liver and head to the lower area of Washington Park East St. Louis. The creek there was not deep except when lower Washington Park flooded. That creek was suspect! Looking back on those days, I know that drainage from farm animal plots and outhouses made its way into that creek... perhaps that's why the crawdads were so huge in that muddy reservoir. Now, the true definition of 'crawdads' is  'freshnwater fish.' Well these crawdads were not freshwater, believe me.

We'd tie some liver parts on a string and toss it into the creek. In minutes we'd have two or three huge crawdads with punchers clinging to that slimy liver. Once we filled a bucket with these 'dads we headed to Mrs Jacknewitz's house where she would boil those crawdads in a big iron kettle over an open fire pit....Good Eating!

Okay, I know what you're thinking. If I survived that Eating adventure, I should not worry about ice in my diet cola. Ah, to be young and foolish again!

Blessed to be In-Touch

A nice luncheon yesterday with good friends with-whom the Roustio's' have an interesting long lasting connection. I speak of John and Rose Conklin. John played basketball for me at Mason City high school for two years, 1965-66 & 1966-67. Before playing at Mason City, John was a two year starter at nearby Easton high school. In John's four varsity seasons he totaled over 2300 points, which ranks him 46-on the IHSA all-time individual scorers' list. The boy could flat out shoot and was fortunate to play with outstanding teammates his Mason City years.

John went on to have a outstanding college career at Northern Michigan before entering the high school teaching/coaching ranks. When I left Edwardsville to take the Jacksonville basketball head coaching position, I brought there assistant coaches with me. Kenny Hickman (on staff at Edwardsville), Sam Holmes from the Metro-East area and John Conklin from Atwood-Hammond.

John stayed in coaching a brief time as he pursued a career in educational administration following his father, Ray Conklin's career path. John became an assistant superintendent at Jacksonville and later Superintendent of the Athens' school district. John enjoys telling folks that even though he became 'my' boss at Jacksonville, "Coach Roustio never understood that his former ball player/assistant coach was now his superior." I plead guilty but with partial blame back on John.

John is one of here former players inthe top echelon of Illinois prep scorers who I was fortunate to coach. Edwardsville' Greg Ahart was a four-year stater 1970-1974 scoring a school career mark of 1,845 points while Andy Kaufmann (Jacksonville) ranks #2 on the IHSA individual scorers list with 3160 points.

One sidebar readers should know: Several years ago, my wife and I met John and Rose Conklin and our daughter Pam and husband Tim Howell in Petersburg to support our son Steve's Pirates basketball team. During a time out, Pam, seated behind us leaned over towards John and said, "John on behalf of my brother, Steve and sister, Dawn, we want you to deliver Dad's eulogy." Talk about breaking the flow of prep basketball entertainment.

For the past ten years since hearing my daughter, Pam's eulogy invitation, I wonder if it's really a good idea to have a former player offer closing words about his coach's journey. Hopefully, Rose will proof read.

Santa Claus Is Coming!

We have one of those December cloth calendars that has little pockets under each day, which permits us to move a mini-candy-cane each new day ever closer to Christmas Day. When our kids were at home, they became more and more excited moving that candy cane. Today with the children grown up and gone from this house, my wife and I sometimes forget to move that candy cane. Still, I note other indicators suggesting the days marching closer to 'the Big Day.' First the tall artificial green tree was erected by yours truly two days after Thanksgiving. The next few days ornaments were attached to the tree and then came the Nativity placement under the tree. (Several years ago, our dog ate a cow and two Camels...at least the wise men are all present.)

Next the yard lights and front porch decorations were carefully arranged.....it's now the first week of December. With tree and yard lights in place, my wife's attention becomes even more intense as she decorates every shelf, end-table, hutch, mantel and banister in our four bedroom, two-story home with miniature Santa's, Holly, Garland and colorful lights. I've counted 14-Santa figures, 11-Angels,
3-Stuffed Disney characters in Santa clothing, a Santa Bear, a Penguin dressed as an elf and too many Snowmen to count.

Christmas Day will find 29-family members gathered around three tables. There will be gift  exchanges taking place with Nana and Boompa giving attention to each satellite family. Later Christmas evening all will gather in the living room and engage in various games...most of which factor around pantomime.

Years ago, somebody asked me, 'what were the prettiest lights you saw at Christmas?' I always answered, "The automobile tail lights of families leaving. The past several years, I find myself dreading Christmas' Days end. I'm sure anybody over age sixty-five understands. I'm sure my kids feel the same. You see, a few years ago I made arrangements for the three families to have hotel rooms so they might have more comfortable sleeping conditions Christmas night.  My kids rejected the notion. I think I need not explain that reasoning either. Must stop here, my wife wants me to put some Christmas lights up in the backyard today. Folks, there's an vacant field behind our  home...nobody will see those lights....I almost mentioned that to her...Yep, Christmas is coming soon!
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WgEVI8DEkF8

They Remind Us Of What Makes Greatness

In the midst of sorrow and grief brought by death, a nation in a moment is uplifted and embolden in hope and faith with reminders and flashes of our goodness. Within four months our nation witnessed the death of two war heroes and political leaders, John McCain and George H. W. Bush.

Each of the aforementioned men had televised funerals with extensive and well deserved pageantry appropriate for their respective contributions to a grateful nation. Aside from the obvious televised events, the commonality between the two farewell funerals was the underscoring of the significant attention given to the great foundations upon which this nation was built.

People of all diversified backgrounds set aside those obvious differences and with one voice and a singular purpose we re-claimed the forgotten values of service, bravery and faith. McCain and Bush were men determined to protect a nation's fundamental values and its democracy. They understood that their personal journeys would be richer and fulfilled through service to others. Each man's military bravery is well documented in near death experiences. Faith was a simple but central component in the lives. They trusted and placed faith in their fellow man and acknowledge a Godly power, which is omnipotent.

The warm emotional feelings are found in love and service for others. We appreciate the humbleness noted in men of great accomplishments and our hope is unlisfted. Senator McCain and President Bush did their best to preserve a better life for coming generations. These two honorable men were void of empty boasting and bragging. Oh my, we pray and hope for the return of such leadership.

It Ain't Over Until It's Over

A few years ago, I attended a funeral of a former student-athlete in Assumption, Illinois where I first began coaching in 1962. While visiting that day another former player asked in a surprising tone, "Coach, how old are you?"  His voice inflection suggested that perhaps he was a bit surprised that I was still on the green-side of the lawn.

Another question I frequently get these days is, "Coach, how much longer do you intend to do that coordination of the Decatur Thanksgiving Basketball event?" Again, the inquiry pleads a subliminal question, 'Aren't you getting kinda long in the tooth for such a demand on an old fart?'

As I weigh this journey of mine, I believe that I've learned a few life lessons that make real sense to me...as Socrates once challenged, "Know Thyself." Thank God, I negotiated that hurdle years ago...

1). My Life has purpose no matter my age. I know my purpose is to impact other lives in some positive manner. There has never been anything that gives me greater joy and happiness than to be responsible for lifting the spirits of another individual. That week long basketball tournament with its money raising and coordination demands is all worth it when I observed the excitement of fans watching the incredibly talented competition. My heart is filled when we honor grand marshals, Decatur Heroes and legends. And how wonderful to see Decatur folk's homecoming greetings and  hugs.

2) I have come to appreciate with a thankful heart my health and energy. Therefore, I must get off my butt and give back as long as I can.

3) I have known my entire life that things of greatest value is not money but instead relationships. I must reach out for those contacts.

 4) For 58-years, I celebrate a spouse who understands and supports my passion and willingness. Not only does my wife, Gerry understand and support, she encourages and challenges my thoughts and efforts, which makes me better in my mission.

God willing, I shall turn 80-years old this February and I will immerse myself once again in coordinating the 50th Annual Decatur Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament. I don't have delusional thoughts of being around for the 100th Anniversary of the Decatur Tournament but as Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over till is over."
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It Ain't Over Til It's Over

Sing your Songs

Last Sunday, my preacher said he could not imagine Christmas without music. I say, "Amen" to that, brothers and sisters. However, this old fella cannot imagine life without music.

I have always embraced song as an integral part of my Sunday worship experience. The problem I've noticed is that over the years my taste in song has been forced to take a back seat to a more modern version of Christian music. I mean, I'm wanting those old familiar gospel tunes, i.e., Old Rugged Cross, In The Garden and How Great Thou, not to forget Amazing Grace to be visited frequently but unfortunately they've given way to songs with one catch line repeated 17-times.

Given the fact that I'm a product of the romantic songs of the 1950's, I have committed dozens upon dozens of those '50's classics to memory and there is not a day to pass that I fail to sing aloud many of my favorite songs. My wife, children and grandkids can verify...poor creatures.
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Oh Holy Night

What Value Placed On A God Wink?

I believe I've told faithful readers previously that I have been in a household with dogs all my life. Perhaps I developed my love of animals from Grandpa E. V. Bennett or his daughter, Lucille, my mother. Fortunately, I married a girl who shares the same love for these God winks.

I remember years ago, we had a miniature Poodle named Rueben. Rueben was a show dog who had the good fortune of having one testicle not descending, which kept him from the 'show world' and placed him in our home as a common pet. Rueben loved to take walks with me into a corn field
nearby our South Jacksonville home. I would often allow Rueben off  his leash to chase rabbits. One day he tore a tendon while running. It cost me $400.00 to get him fixed. Some 8-months later he needed the same $400.00 surgery on the other leg. A neighbor questioned my decision to pay that cost on a 'dog.' I ignored the question.

Last week, my Toy Poodle Yodie had extensive dental work done.  I would call an eleven hundred dollar dental bill reflective of  'extensive work.' How's that, you wish to know how Yodie's doing? He is recovering very well, thank you. Any other questions? How do my kids feel about spending inheritance money on my dogs teeth? I suppose their okay with it...they all have dogs of their own. Besides, I'm blessed, my kids are all very successful.

All my dogs have taught me the same great lesson: 'Live and love until the day you die and never worry about tomorrow.'

Outside The Box

When I hit thirty-two years teaching, I opted to retire from the athletic director/teaching position at Jacksonville and remain as basketball coach. Since my days were free, the WLDS/WEAI radio owners, for whom I worked part time the previous 19-years offered me a daily on air  morning DJ/Talk Show position. I did that for four years before moving to Decatur in 1998 to Coach and later serve as a sports consultant.

The morning radio gig was a blast. I was assigned to the WLDS AM side where forever there seemed to be uncertainty about that AM radio demographics. I decided I would play music that I liked, which was '40's, '50's & '60's songs. I also decided to have a daily topic that listeners could call in and weigh in with opinions. It worked. The arbitron ratings went through the roof. As I said, it was a blast.

Since I was not groomed in the radio business, I was unconventional. I broke rules. For example, I did not 'mix' song selections between male and female artist and groups. I often did theme shows, which took me off that track. Come the Christmas Season there were more rules to ignore and I did.
I was told you had to wait until after Thanksgiving before playing Christmas tunes. Occasionally, I would play Christmas songs in July. Here is a song that should be played throughout the year and its message should be displayed likewise as the artist suggests.
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Why Not Each Day

Not a Rant But Seeking a Resolve...Help Me

Most mornings, I go-on and on about an issue or person. That's what we call 'ranting.' This morning, I seek your help to find a solution for as a follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ, I am conflicted.

Matthew 25:35-40...

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was in prison and you visited me.

Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick and go to visit you?

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

The words in Matthew 25 beckons at our Southwest border. The message is NOT a conditional  situation. It DOES NOT entertain sentences beginning with "Ya but.......

The Christ this nation says it worships did not offer conditions of  'exceptions' in Matthew 25.

What are we (Americans) to do?

Who Is Worthy?

There is a growing line of folks seeking a 'handout' from me. At this Christmas Season the Salvation Bell Ringers greet me at every store entrance. There is an increase of inner city panhandlers gazing at me at each intersection. There is a constant stream of return mailing-labels tugging at my heart to send back a donation...surely I have a few bucks for heart, cancer and Alzheimer's charities. Of course, I answer three or four telephone 'pleas for pennies' from Rachel who wishes to reduce my credit card debt, the police, firemen and sheriff's organizations and a number of veteran groups. For 'only' $19 a month, I can help Shriner's, St. Jude,assist wounded vets, save dogs and provide clean drinking water...that's $19 times nine Needs. As I've told my wife on numerous occasions, "Be careful writing those 'giveaway' checks, we will run out of money before there is a run out of causes."

On top of those possible 'givings,' I tithe to my Lord. Note that I said, TO MY LORD. The bulk of my tithing goes to my Church...but there might be a subtraction for a special need or cause as I determine when reacting to my inner-voice. I'm sure every Preacher reading this would be quick to quote scripture, which would point out my error in reasoning.  Some would say that inner-voice is Jesus speaking to me. I refuse to put my choice on the back of Christ.

Actually, I've had Preachers and friends suggest to me that I should not give money to those corner panhandlers. I've done research and find that 1-in4 of these beggars are vets, 80% of those collected monies go to food and other homeless people in need. I suppose 20% of the money I hand out my auto window goes towards alcohol and drugs and that's sad. Oh, some of the money I give to church and other organizations go towards 'things' that disappoint.

If you dig bottom lines. Then dig this...my money my choice.

Rock Throwers versus Baseball Throwers

Some Central American immigrants seeking political asylum entry into the United States become frustrated and begin throwing rocks at border guards. Border guards respond by firing tear gas at the demonstrators. President Trump gave the okay to "shoot" those rock throwers. Of course, if any of these immigrants are successful entering the USA, they will likely be hired at minimum wages by hotel corporations and the farming industry, which will be ignored by authorities because its profitable for 'the man.'

Twenty-six percent of Major League Baseball players hail from Latin American countries and many of them and their minor league counterparts are in the USA making millions of dollars as the result of unseemly and underhanded, if not illegal dealings by major league clubs. These shenanigans are under investigation and soon may expose the ugly underbelly of our National Pastime. Those same border guards who fire tear gas at the immigrants at the Mexican border were likely in Dodgers Stadium this past summer cheering Yasiel Puig who entered this country under very dark and mysterious circumstances with a stench of underground-crimal illegality.

Perhaps a good money-making idea would to place baseballs in the hands of those illegals at the Mexican border and have the border guards aim radar guns at those folks instead of tear-gas guns. Anybody with a fast ball over 90mph gets preferential asylum treatment...and an agent.

Folks Down Yonder

I have always been a tad bit smitten by Southern life and it's notable charm. I am not alone claiming a fascination with American Southern history. Matter-of-fact, The South is the most studied region of our Nation.

Life down yonder is different than that in the North and surely expressions in language is a poignant example. Y'all listen up, I'm 'fix'in' to explain. In The South it's....a 'pocketbook' not a purse. One uses a 'sweeper' not a vacuum. If you'ins are 'fix'in' to shop get one of them 'buggy's' not a cart. One 'might-could' go the the Derby or 'might could' go to the stock car races...'might could' is the 'option.' But I'm-a ponderin' stayin' home a fixin to watch them 'Wildcats' play Loo-uh-vul. Sumbody hand me that 'changer' or as Northerners' say: the remote.

I suppose (reckon) I got my first taste of the South when Grandpa E.V. Bennett talked a great deal about his old Kentucky home back in Beaver Dam near Central City, Kentucky. I do remember the first time I drove through Kentucky and how disappointed I was noticing that the grass NOT BLUE.

As part of a 'Snowbird' migration, I spend some time with Kentucky friends in the Deep South. Fact just this morning one of those fine Southern ladies with whom I attend Bible Study sent me a video clip Christmas jingle. It was three butts bent over passing gas to the tune of Jingle bells. Oh buddy boy, 'That's What I Like About The South.'
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   What I Like About The South

A Good Reconnect

The man hired me for my first high school basketball varsity coaching position, which was in Mason City, Illinois in the year 1964. The 'man' was Superintendent, Ralph Helton. Recently, the former administrator and coach became Facebook friends. The last time I visited with Ralph was a sad ocassion when we bid farewell to a mutual wonderful friend, Gene Blessman of Mason City.

Back in 1963, I had finished my first year teaching and coaching in Assumption, Illinois where I was an assistant coach in football and basketball and head baseball coach. I longed for that coaching combination of head coach in both 'roundball' sports and that year the Mason City job came open. I applied and got an interview. I finished second and you know the old adage about 'coming close and the scoring in Horseshoes.'

As luck would have it the Mason City position came open the second consecutive year and I telephoned Superintendent Helton. He said, "If you're interested in the position, it's yours. You were our second choice the first time around and I will personally drive to Assumption with the contract for your signature. Naturally, I was excited to share the news with Gerry and inspite of the fact that she had made incredible friends those two years in Assumption, she knew this day would come and like the perfect coach's wife she was 'on board.'

Gerry told me to call Superintendent Helton to inquire what date he would be coming and who might come with him so she could have a luncheon prepared. I called Ralph with Gerry's message and he said that would not be necessary. I explained to my new superintendent that this was not a fight I was going to have and suggested he not wage it either. Ralph and his friend, Bob Ingersoll had lunch in Assumption with Mason City's new basketball / baseball coach / athletic director and the coach's wife. My three seasons in Mason City was the best break I ever had in my 39-year coaching career and I had many great breaks.

I had great talent and dedicated players in Mason City. I won a lot of ball games and Gerry made more friends...she even got the attention of a few school board members...not sure they were her friends but it was all good.

Ralph Helton, I thank you again. And this time I thank you for reaching out on Facebook.

Are We Spirit Lifters?

Nearly ten thousand basketball fans attended the six sessions, four day Decatur Team Soy Capital Turkey Tournament Thanksgiving week. The Saturday night Championship game between 4-A Bolingbrook high school and the 3-A Springfield Southeast powerhouse teams was a prep tourney title match for the ages. Bolingbrook defended its two-year hold on the Championshi coming from behind and winning 90-88 on a buzzer-beater shot. The contest was highlighted by arguably the two most exciting high school guards in Illinois. Bolingbrook' Joseph Yesufu tossed in 32-points and was named Tournament MVP for the second consecutive year. Southeast guard, Terrion Murdix's electrifying play brought fans to their feet as he tallied 25-points. Look for these two All-State guards to take their respective teams deep in playoff runs.

Upon my retirement from a 39-year coaching career, I agreed to direct this tournament. Seventeen years later, I continue to find the challenge personally rewarding bringing talented players and well coached basketball teams to Decatur for what has become a premier downstate prep basketball tournament and a warm homecoming event for many Decatur families.

I have hundreds of conversational engagements during the week long event and come away with one specific observation: Sometimes my day is made particularly BETTER because of certain people. Those reading my words know that feeling. You too can name folks that have the unique engagement style that causes your day to be brighter and more cheerful due to their contact. They may offer a word of encouragement or give a compliment. Then there are those people who are wonderful story tellers with exceptional recall. Perhaps it's a person's insistence on details when they ask that mundane question, "How are you doing? How's the family." They really want to hear particulars and suddenly you are lifted in spirit.

I frequently question my own way of conversing and interacting with others. I need to make sincere attempts to answer the question>>How do others feel after visiting with me?

How Shall We Respond

Unfortunately an unpleasant an disconcerting trend in high school athletic events continues. I reference the more common occurrence of violence on the periphery of events and actual fighting between participants and fans at the events.

The Champaign school district administration had to respond to a student's shooting death, which happened on a football game night. Their response was to move all Champaign high schools' football games to Saturday daytime hours. I'm sure they also beefed up security. The Champaign leadership also felt a need to cancel their scheduled inaugural Thanksgiving boys' basketball tournament with no plans to reinstate.

Just last night at the Alton Thanksgiving Classic a fight broke out between Alton and Riverview Gardens players with just seconds remaining in the contest and Alton leading by a wide margin.The administration canceled that game causing both teams to forfeit and announced the remaining tournament games for today (Saturday) November 24 will also be canceled. This results in 8-teams being denied participation in the basketball tournament.

These decisions, of course are easily second-guessed and I choose not to do that but instead suggest that every circumstance would perhaps call for different responses. Speaking generally, I will offer a personal opinion since I have the responsibility of directing the Decatur 8-team boys' Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament.  If the social climate is such that it would merit cancellation, I would first pursue the possibility of suspending any player who acted in an unsportsman-like manner but then I would suggest to the administration to consider 'locking out' spectators except for the media and continue playing the games. Why should good student-athletes be punished for others' bad choices and behavior?

PS. I'll bet the games behind closed doors would likely be better played in a more 'pure form.'

Makes A Fella Wonder

Very interesting Thanksgiving morning television viewing options. The Macy's Day Parade never 'floats' my boat. Then there is the four hour Godfather movies marathon featuring some horrific bloody killing scenes or 'The Cheerleader Murders.' If those (difficult to comprehend) 'Thanksgiving Day' choices are not head-scratching and disgusting enough, we could watch the President's teleconference call to our military troops as he tells them how wonderful he performs as their Commander-In-Chief. He stopped short explaining that he hasn't visited them because they're stationed in dangerous places and he fears for his safety whereas Mar-a-Lago's golf course sand traps are pretty tough and challenging.

I think I may end up watching the Hallmark Christmas movies.

My Thanksgiving Wish For You

May the Thankful attitude of this day be in our thoughts throughout the year...each and every day.

May those you hold dear to your heart be safe, healthy and happy and may you share with them often.

May our God Bless you and keep you in His comforting and omnipotent Grace.

...and may you know that I appreciate you and our interactions on this 'thing' called Facebook whether you side with my opinions or find them off-putting.

Happy Thanksgiving.

The Turkey Has Company

Since the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians broke bread and signed a peace treaty in 1621, there has been endless stories perpetuated over the centuries regarding our American Thanksgiving traditions. One certain tradition is the American President proclaiming a 'pardon' for our infamous bird...the Thanksgiving 'Turkey.'

We should not be surprised that our current President who is fast surpassing all previous Presidents in every imaginable category, once again outdistance all POTUS before him. This Thanksgiving week 2018, President Donald Trump pardoned the Turkey, sparing its life, then pardoned The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia who had a journalist from the USA murdered and dismembered and then pardoned his daughter for doing the same government email thing on her private server as did Hillary Clinton, for which Trump thought was a criminal offense. You gotta love this guy.

In all fairness the Turkey didn't deserve to die and Trump's daughter and Hillary did dumb things with email servers but hardly were those things criminal offenses. That leaves the ordered killing and cutting into pieces a man's body. This Presidential 'wink' and pardon of the Saudi Prince is shameful. Once again this President erodes the moral authority America as he kicks our nation in the groin diminishing our Democratic values, our human rights' values and Judea-Christian.  principles. Sadly, our Congress continues to be complicit and the Evangelicals, who speak out about a child being murdered in the womb chooses to remain silent when their President approves and buddies up to murderers the likes of the Crown Prince, Putin and Kim Jung Un.

America under this President puts money ahead of America's tradition of goodness...plain a simple. What kind lines up behind such a leader?

49th Annual Decatur/Team Soy Capital Turkey Tourney

Stephen Decatur Middle School (previously Decatur high school) will be the site of the 49th Annual Decatur / Team Soy Capital Thanksgiving boys basketball tournament, which tips off tonight at 6:00PM when #2 rated Bolingbrook faces newcomer Dunlap. The second game on tap finds Decatur MacArthur hosting Harvey-Thornton.

Additional highlights this evening will be recognizing two Decatur 'Heroes.' Retired Decatur Herald-Review Executive sports' writer, Mark Tupper and retired Millikin University women's basketball coach, Lori Kerans. They will be honored by the tournament committee for their respective illustrious careers.

Also being recognized is Decatur MacArthur graduate and former 'Generals' basketball player and current professional basketball player for the Washington Generals, Anthony Smith, Jr. The Washington Generals are the traveling opponent of the Harlem Globetrotters.

I'll be in the SDMS gym from 3:30pm-to-10:30pm because...everybody has to be 'someplace!'

What's Next Lord?

Excerpt from book: 'Angels on My Journey...'

It would be difficult to deny that most leaders possess a degree of personal ego, which translates into the ability to 'intentionally' take responsibility and successfully guide a process or project. That said, unbridled ego can derail the effort.

I have observed many coaches retired from successful careers only to struggle discovering the next chapter God may have for them to embrace but instead they fall victim to a lesser role of second-guesser of their successor. It is sad because it reduces their earned status.

I am grateful that I have always been able to walk away with minimal regrets regarding my tenure left behind. As an athlete, I was schooled by my father and mentors to compete with all out effort and when the game ends walk away. Those many years I coached, I often reminded my players that the greatest feeling in sport was to lay totally exhausted in the dressing room after having just won...the second greatest feeling in sport was to lay totally exhausted in the dressing room having just lost the game.

When I walked away from the coaching game I sought other meaningful challenges. I focused on staying active. Finding a cause that ultimately makes others 'feel good' has always motivated me. Jesus tells us to encourage one another and build one another up, I just feel better when I celebrate another's good fortune because I know the pain of near-misses.

For me personally, I did not come to 'know myself' in victory or defeat but in my relentless striving.

School Buses Begot Snow Days

Snow has been an issue this 2018, Central Illinois fall. I recall our first sight of the white stuff occurred on October 12 and it appears that an area record amount for November will be recorded.
Our middle school Spanish teaching daughter bemoaned the calling off of school one day this week sighting that having these earlier in the year snow days points to extending attendance days into June.

My experience with school and snow provides an interesting philosophical transformation. I will not tell you that I walked to school three mile to and from and uphill both directions. I will tell you that during more 12-years East St. Louis public school's attendance, I never rode a school bus except to after school extra-curricular events. Grades 1-to-3 found me walking 3/4 of a mile to Charles L. Manners School. Grades 4-&-5 saw me trudging a 1/2 mile to Woodrow Wilson School and my sixth through tenth grades years, I rode city buses greater distances. By the time I reached my high school junior year, I either drove a family car, rode with a friend or hitchhiked. Never a school bus to pick me up in the morning and deliver me home in the afternoon.

Never was School called off for a snow event. I can't recall a specific instance when I stayed home from school because of a snow storm...I'm sure there was a time when my mother said, "You're not going to school today because there's too much snow." Just don't recall. I do recall staying home to watch World Series games back in those years because those games were played in the afternoon.

So here we are in the public school days of 2018. One camp may claim the belief that society today is more caring for and aware of  public school children and their parents' NEEDS. Then, I would imagine many folks perhaps think this school transportation thing is an expensive crutch.

I do know this: 1) The school administrator who makes the early morning decision to proclaim a 'snow day' cannot win. That individual is going to catch hell from parents and or local merchants either way.
And know this> It is a big deal, this school bus thing. In fact, I believe no longer is public education's focus on 'reading, writing and 'rithmatic,' but instead parents' greatest concern is about the Three 'B's'
...Beans, Buses and Basketball. "Is my kid getting a good lunch at low cost; Is the Bus picking my little ones up at the doorstep and is my kid getting a fair chance from the coach?

Best Be Thankful For The City

I am writing this blog Thursday, November 15, @5:30pm as I drink coffee at the Water Street McDonald's in Decatur, Illinois. I just dropped my wife off at Grace Methodist Church for her 'staff relations' committee meeting. I'll wait here for a phone call to pick her up. Might be a spell; those Methodist can beat the dickens out of conversations. Kinda always envied my Catholic friends growing up because they seemed to get down to the nitty gritty and hit the road.

Driving to and from the Church on a week day rush hour traffic time, one cannot help but notice the plethora of autos leaving Decatur from various work places as thousands of folks head for suburban homes in Forsyth, Moroa, Mt. Zion and numerous other satellite burgs. All have a story and all have personal struggles and joys. I hope they pause at times to think how fortunate they are to have that nearby city with all kinds of business and industrial employment opportunities. From a personal experience, I recall many who lived in those peripheral villages outside my hometown of East St. Louis who seldom expressed kind words about our city but often found fault with it.

My wife and I grew up in that East Side river city but spent 39 years in more homogeneous pristine communities during my coaching career. All those towns had wonderful people and offered many positive amenities. We could not have asked for a better place to raise teenage children than that of Jacksonville, Illinois. With our children married and retirement from coaching on the horizon (20-years ago) it was time for both of us to return to those experiences and feelings of yesterday. We needed to scratch the itch and return to our roots of a more diversified, heterogeneous and 'yes' sometimes tumultuous environment....The City.

Decatur is a good city with solid hard working and caring people. For me it's like an old pair of shoes...It fits!

Yep, I hope the folks in those hundreds of autos heading out of Decatur to homes on the perimeter pause once in awhile and appreciate the city because should it 'fold' they lose big time. I know of what I speak, I witnessed it first hand.

The City
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Utb2EQM03oM

Going The Distance For a Kid

Yesterday morning at the request of a Decatur Middle School athletics director, I met with a 6'2" well built eighth grade basketball player who shows great promise on the court but struggles academically. The youngster comports himself in a well-mannered fashion. He has never had any disciplinary issues in his school history.

After visiting with the kid for the better part of an hour it seemed reasonable to conclude the boy sufferes from some attention focus issues, poor study habits and some language comprehension ability. This opinion is based on observation and the lad's own acknowledgments.

I immediately made contact with the school district Administrators to get permission to release some Turkey Tournament monies for an 11-week tutoring program for the youngster. This is one of the reasons I have given effort to coordinating this basketball tournament the  past 17-years. We'll see what shakes out but we're going to do our best to see that this kid succeeds.

Before I left the boy, I handed a copy of the book, 'Going The Distance' by Ken Norton, former world heavyweight boxing champion and graduate of Jacksonville high school Jacksonville, Illinois.
I shared with the boy a comment Norton said to me the last time I spoke with Ken before his death.
Norton said, "Mel, I tell young kids that 'Going the Distance' is an everyday thing to be a champion."

Accepting Less

I am aware that it is easy to generalize and make 'blanket' statements. I will therefore carefully construct the following: More often than not public school administrators are overpaid for under-performance while public school teachers are underpaid for over-performance.

Recently, I spoke with a secondary public school teacher who claims that high school test scores would improve nationwide if all schools implemented a no nonsense cell-phone policy. In his particular high school the administration has the following cell-phone policy, which is a rather prevalent policy>> 'Its left up to individual classroom teachers.' In other words, the school district, which has rules addressing athletic code violations, smoking and drugs, theft, bullying, fighting and academics leaves cell phone usage up to the individual classroom teacher. Those teachers who have strict rules are thus disliked by students and parents while teachers who permit cell phone use (checking out social media) are liked by students and parents. The administrators take a page out of Pontius Pilate play book.

Years ago, I asked a high school administrator why we no longer had sport pep assemblies when playoffs began. He said "Pep assemblies are problematic due to the disruptive trouble-making students." I said, "In other words we deprive the good, well-behaved students from fun things to accommodate the jerks?" Those were the years we were giving McDonald's free meal coupons to repeated truant students if they came to school for a week. My two daughters never got a McDonald's meal coupon...they had too good attendance records to qualify.

Save It For Muddled-Head Thinkers

I am amused at the disingenuous gibberish-jabber of America's so-called Christian evangelicals. To coin a sport metaphor, 'they talk a good game.' You often hear verbal chatter about how terrible things are since we no longer have prayer is school. I frequently see messages suggesting that 'we have taken God out of our schools.' This kind of rhetoric gets many older folks and some right-wingers all worked up about the wicked agenda of those evil liberals. You'll remember Bill O'Rielly who was constantly beating the drum about America's great cultural war. You know, those liberal store owners who don't put Christian symbols up when decorating for Christmas and make their employees wish you "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Why there's a conspiracy afoot to take Jesus out of our culture. Therefore, you best vote for Republicans...THAT family values party. Oh buddy, save me from that numskull group!

 It's all poppycock! Bull-butter! Every time you and I stay away from weekly church services then it's YOU & I who are to blame for the demise of Christ in our culture. We've now had a generation of parents who have kept their children 'out of church' and Christ out of their lives. That said, we are doing a darn good job killing Jesus all over again. On any given Sunday 14-to-18 percent of Protestant Americans claiming to be followers of Christ can be found in Church pews. And we've been in declining attendance for some time. That's correct... Protestant churches across America are experiencing attendance decline...that means liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans 'ain't going to Church!'

Spare me the conspiracy malarkey, please!

Return To Sender

I've been on the precipice of cancelling my mail service. When I explained my reasoning to my wife she was rather adamant telling me that I could NOT do that because of various monthly payments and communications with family and friends. I understood and yielded to her judgment on the issue with one amended agreement; she opens my mail and screens it.

I apologize but I have not given you background information on the matter. Here's the deal: The mail I receive these days is profoundly depressing and stressful. Here's a sampling: 1) Hearing aid appointment offers with 40% discount on 6-thousand dollar hearing aids. 2) Back braces, knee braces and one-day denture offers. 3) hair-growing products. 4) Memory Loss Seminars 5) Assisted Living Facilities costs and 6) Cemetary burial plans. THAT'S DEPRESSING MAIL! I don't want to read that stuff early morning; it sets a negative tone for my entire day.

A recent piece of mail that tipped the scale was a notice from some insurance company with ties to AARP. This insurer informed me that their offer to insure me would be withdrawn in three months "When you turn 80-years of age," it read. I'm thinking this is borderline elderly abuse.
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Return To Sender

When?

Watching a devastated heartbroken father's gut-wrenching news conference addressing his 22-year old son's shooting death, one of 11-Southern California victims, I cannot help but wonder WHEN...WHEN will the leaders of this nation address these frequent mass murders of our civilians by our OWN people. Please understand that I am not dumping this at Trump's feet, instead I see it as Congress' responsibility..

I am not interested in re-hashing the gun control debate. And I don't want to hear attacks on the NRA or poppycock about mental illness or guns don't kill but people kill or the idiotic notion that 'if everybody was armed with guns we could stop the shooter.' Anybody with average intelligence should agree that both mental illness and gun availability contribute 100% to these senseless killings.

Instead we must listen to the hysterical fear-mongering language, which demeans immigrants 'invading' our nation with "bad people," "thugs" and "terrorist." Can we put aside the divisive political rhetoric and address OUR NATION'S problem with mentally ill people capable of getting guns?

While the President begs for a border wall and sends thousands of military troops to the Mexico  border to stave off the immigrants marching towards America seeking safety and a better life,  Americans (inside our borders) are killing one another in churches, synagogues, school buildings, theaters, bars, restaurants and dance venues. While people lock horns over a woman's choice, our children, brothers-sisters, parents and neighbors are getting murdered by folks who look like us.

When...WHEN will fools like you and me (from the left and right) stop bickering on Facebook about 'who is right' and with one voice demand that our elected government officials 'GET IT RIGHT?'

As the saying goes: "Keep doing the same thing or keep doing nothing...you should expect the same results."
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Stop The Killing

Be Alert Folks

If you are one of the millions who try to follow the political 'goings-on within our government,' I would kindly suggest that in the next few weeks, 'DONT STAND IN FRONT OF THE FAN!'

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When The Ship Hit The Sand

Move Kindness Month

You may have missed it and I'm sorry if my blog-reminder saddens you but DID YOU KNOW that October was 'Kindness Month?' Perhaps if you are among the millions who failed to respond to the month's charge-message to do daily 'acts of kindness,' you can blame it on the long and depressing mid-term political campaigning climate. It's fair to say being kind in that environment is difficult.

I'm not so naive to believe political campaign ugliness is something new. A visit to the Lincoln Museum (Springfield, IL.) will document the incredible nasty attacks by the press and political opponents towards Abraham Lincoln. Just the racist cartoons targeting Lincoln is terribly sad.
That said, I believe the current times with extensive social media availability and Facebook comment posting and the plethora of unsubstantiated facts woven into negative attacks gives rise to anger, hatred, vulgarities, and mean spirited attacks, which promotes emotional depression and stress.

Personally, I think the selection of October as 'Kindness Month' is problematic. The leaves are falling, plants are dying, the cold winds and rains reminds us of winter's pending bleakness. I think our 'kindness month' should be moved to May. The month of May is spirit lifting as we feel a warmer breeze and watch the landscape come to life with the renewal of fabulous colors. Personally, I'd like to see 'National Kindness Day' placed between 'Mother Goose Day' and 'National Candied Orange Peel Day.' When moving 'Kindness Day' to May we must establish a date far enough away from Cinco de Mayo Day due to our entrenched dislike for Mexican 'thugs, rapist, and job stealing evil immigrants trying to invade our country.
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What a Difference a Day Makes

Everybody's Got A Primrose Lane

A recent research study suggests that one of the best medicines for stress and depression is nostalgia. Of course, one man's nostalgia could be another man's stress. Perhaps we should therefore state that a good 'stress/depression buster' is a walk down one's OWN memory lane.

It appears that when we embrace those carefree and delightful things we experienced in our past, we actually have affectionate recall most generally. Nostalgia counteracts depression. Often times people of their own accord will seek those past experiences when they are feeling depressed. Specifically, a person might wish to watch a classic movie from the past, i.e., 'A Wonderful Life,' An Affair to Remember,' or perhaps 'Christmas Vacation.' I find my nostalgia in music. I suppose that's why I have a collection of hundreds of vinyl record albums, thousands of vinyl 45's and numerous catalogs documented music history while offering the unique trivia. When I retreat to my office/den, I actually travel way back in time, which likely helps me keep my faculties in these times.

Most often people enjoy remembering nostalgia from their youth. Nostalgia allows us to go back in time when life was 'in the moment' and predictable; there was little uncertainty. There was little pressure because there was little expectation.

On a personal note, I have always enjoyed the practice of reminiscing, which is surely the act of embracing nostalgia. Occasionally, I have been accused of 'living in the past.' I refute that accusation but I'm not offended by it. To be upset with such would ask for worry about my psychological well- being, which could stress me out and cause depression.
(Touch)
Lost In Nostalgia  

Forever My Boys

While attending last weekend's wedding reception of grandson, Caleb Howell and his bride, Morgan, I had the opportunity to visit with several of my former Jacksonville high school 'Crimsons' basketball players (Barry Werries, Tim Howell, Kevin Travis, Andy Ezard) and my former East St. Louis high school and American Legion baseball teammates, Tom McGraw and Dick Pawlow who later coached thirty years at WIU. Speaking of coaching, my longtime assistant from Edwardsville and Jacksonville, Ken Hickman was present as was Caleb's former EIU baseball coach Jim Schmitz.

It never gets old re-visiting Little League (East St. Louis Jaycee League) baseball days and American Legion/high school games. My brother, Tom (four and a half years my junior) and I agree that such stories with family and friends have a definite expiration date.

A conversation I had with Caleb's Eastern Illinois University's former baseball coach, Jim Schmitz perhaps lends insight into a coach's mindset. Coach Schmitz spent twenty some years as the EIU diamond mentor. He was relieved of his duties a few years ago. After a brief time away from the dugout, Coach Schmitz decided he 'wanted' a team again and to accommodate other family employment commitments, he stayed on the University's instructional staff while accepting the head baseball position at nearby Mattoon high school. Coach Schmitz and I talked for a good bit and agreed that it is a powerful two-pronged passion in a coach's heart and mind to teach the game he loves and always have a team of names in his head. I miss both these days but I told my former players in attendance that evening that I loved them and I'm grateful for the trust they gave me. They are forever my boys.

Ps. The 'baseruning-run-down play' should be executed the SAME at the Little League level, the high school level, the collegiate level and yes even the pro level. That said, THE PLAY'S PHILOSOPHY AND TECHNIQUE EXECUTION MUST BE TAUGHT...BY A Coach.

The Cheapening Of Our Character

Recently, I was watching one of those never difficult to find television debates between a President Trump supporter and an adversary of the President. At one point in this particular 'give and take / 'jab and counter jab,' the advocate for Trump defended the President's nasty attack rhetoric by stating, "Everybody in America attacks and demeans other people today. The President should do no different." The comment made me think of what mothers have said to their children over the decades when kids sought a below standard choice; "If your friends jumped off a bridge would you follow and jump also?"

In my short lifetime, I have distinctly observed the dumbing-down and cheapening of the human spirit, desires and morals of Americans. As a sport-playing kid there was always some who were not skilled enough to play and the contests always declared a winner and loser. Today's sports finds everybody getting equal playing time, no score kept and trophies for all. From age six till age 55, I was in school institutions of some sort seeking learning or teaching. I saw standards and expectations, lowered as was the grading scale...betcha!

I've seen peoples' personal physical appearance evolve from the stylish and tasteful to the rather flamboyant sensuous presentation displaying once covered body parts. In time many felt the flesh exposure did not draw enough attention thus art form markings were added.

We seem to be a people terribly lacking in self-worth. Therefore to puff up that worth we have, in many instances lowered the standards of expectation so we might 'feel' better about ME! Even our once beloved professional sports figures appear to gain more in their successes if they taunt, embarrass or humiliate their losing opponent.

Oh, once in awhile our rhetoric needs to degrade others...again that also elevates ME!

I Wish For You The Same

It was a wonderful weekend and welcomed diversion offering a hopeful future in the midst of unexplained and demoralizing current events. This past weekend, my wife and I returned to the Jacksonville community where we once lived for twenty-one years while I coached and served as an athletic administrator and teacher. The weekend's main event was the celebrated marriage of grandson, Caleb Howell and Morgan Fernandes. From the Friday evening wedding rehearsal and dinner to the Saturday mid-afternoon service and the last reception dance the warm 'love-in-the-air' extravaganza was spiritually nourishing, socially uplifting and family anchoring. I am blessed.

As I stood amongst 29-immediate family members for a post-wedding photo opportunity, I could not have felt a greater humbleness and gratefulness. The newly weds will return this day to St. Louis and continue personal career pursuits while building their dreams. Many other older grandchildren will do likewise. The remaining grandkids amongst the fifteen will start a fresh week of elementary, high school and collegiate demands. Three great grandchildren will remain under intense scrutiny while deepening life's longing for itself. Our adult children with spouses will continue to balance career-work demands, support children's needs while attempting to secure retirement years.

Every person will draw on personal hopes as we continue our respective journeys in the face of a nation in ugly turmoil. As we manage our lives, we will attempt to make sense of our elected officials' behaviors and our nation's moral claims.

As this old man tries to make sense of it all, I will pause frequently to recall the words of the late baseball broadcaster, Jack Buck who when facing his journey's end said, "Should I be fortunate enough to meet my 'Maker,' I will ask one question: WHY WERE YOU SO GOOD TO ME?"

Let There Be Light

Yesterday, I was finishing up with some winterizing yard work with the task of replacing porch light-bulbs,  security motion-light bulbs and adjusting timer-lights. I thought how interesting the various lighting options these days. Aside from the aforementioned lights, we also have many landscape solar lights.

I recall in the late 1940's, Grandpa E.V. Bennett took me to visit some kinfolks in Kentucky backwoods country. The house had no indoor plumbing or electricity. I was introduced to the outdoor water pump for drinking water and watched as some lady heated my bath water over a wood burning stove. I also established a record for holding my breath on my first trip to the outhouse.

The only lighting in the house was kerosene/oil lamps. I was about seven years old and accustom to hearing our kitchen radio deliver the afternoon programs featuring the voices of Kate Smith, Bing  Crosby and Vaughn Monroe. In the evening our family sat around a Philco console radio to listen to 'One Man's Family,' 'Gangbusters,' 'My Friend Irma,' 'The Fat Man' and 'Fibber McGee & Molly.'  In this small almost cabin-like Kentucky farm house the only noise I heard was living room chatter by adults, cicadas and occasionally some distant howling and barking. I recall going to bed early and everybody up before daylight.

 I'm glad that experienced touched my journey but I very happy it was a brief moment in time for me.
(Touch)
The Old Lamplighter 

Undeniable

Back in the mid-1940's, I remember seeing the old-time crank-handle telephone hanging on the kitchen wall. I never did use one. By the time I had reason to telephone somebody the telephone we had was a rather bulky black heavy tabletop phone. It did not have a dial-number face. You simply lifted the receiver off the cradle and if you did not hear people talking (our telephone was part of a multiple household party-line), the live operator's voice would ask, "Number Please" and you told her the number you wished to call and she'd 'hook you up.'

I recall that my mother's family people truly enjoyed using the telephone. What was particularly interesting about that propensity was the reality that our house, my grandparents house and the houses of Aunt Libby, Aunt Irene and cousin Dorothy were literally a few blocks from one another and yet those gals telephoned each other at least once every day. Of course the telephone was quick communication without need to dress for public appearance. The telephone also allowed for meandering chit-chat, which oft times could be characterized as 'gossip.' Grandpa E. V. Bennett said to his wife Mammy Bennett many times, "Mary, that phone is the Devil's tool that just might keep you out of Heaven." His warning didn't seem to discourage the devout Christian woman from phone use.

Thinking back to those days and objectively examining today's Internet (Facebook) 'chit chat,' it would appear the Devil has a much bigger tool today. Not only does the Facebook hook-ups permit gossip lies, but we can argue, curse and disrespect total strangers as well as fracture relationships with family and friends...yep believe me, indeed the Devil has a bigger hammer these days.

Keepin'em Happy Ain't Easy

Back at the turn of the 19th Century, P. T. Barnum of circus fame was attributed with saying, "There's a sucker born every minute." It cannot be verified that P.T actually said that but it doesn't make it untrue. Looking at the plethora of gambling joints, casinos, lotteries and casting a vote for  any politician is proof enough there is indeed 'a sucker born very minute.'

I believe the only birth rate more prolific than that of 'the sucker' is the birth of a mommy hell-bent to make her kids happy. Now, I'm going to illustrate my premise using my older daughter, Dawn as an example in making my point. Warning: If you point a finger at her or laugh at her you are ignoring the 'plank in your own eye.'

Dawn and her husband, Shawn have seven children raging in ages 29-to-7. They are smart kids, good looking kids and respectful kids. My daughter is over-the-top doing for and pleasing the offsprings. My goodness, a combination of those kids have attended Disney World (Orlando, FL) 22 times.

Recently, Dawn and Shawn's oldest daughter, Lindsay gave birth to a son...first grandchild. At about the same time, brother Connor and sister Kaitlyn were leaving for college. Other siblings are busy         with their own lives, all of which makes a big house  feel exceptionally empty. Needless to point out that a family of that number did a great job placing the baby of the family on a pedalstel therefore it is understandable that little Ashlyn would be 'Blue' not having her accustomed attention. Mother Dawn   was quick to cheer up the little princess.  Dawn's responsibility is to alleviate Ashlyn's depression. Therefore, Dawn bought her a 'Gizmo pal.' This is a watch. Not any watch but a Pink watch that is programmed as a telephone. Ashlyn's Gizmo phone has the capability of programming five numbers. She could have gotten a Gizmo-phone with a nine number capacity but it WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN PINK. That WOULD be a Deal breaker!

This is the little girl who when placed in 'time out' as a two-year old said to her mommy,
"Can we talk about this?"

Oh, about the five telephone numbers Ashlyn elected to have programmed into her 'Get Smart' Gizmo-pal phone-watch?  (1) Lindsay>need to check on new baby, (2) Dawn>must know where mommy is every moment, (3) Kaitlyn>check on college life, (4) Alexa>when are you getting home from cheer practice and (5) Connor>just because. Perhaps, when a Gizmo-pal upgrade is offered with nine numbers-capacity, Dawn can talk Ashlyn  into putting her father on the call list...after all I'm sure it's Dad who gets the AT&T invoice.

I can imagine how horrified my daughter Dawn would be walking into the Disney World's Magic Kingdom Castle next spring for breakfast with Snow White, Ariel and Cinderella and little Ashlyn wearing a Pink dress and a GREEN GIZMO WATCH-PHONE!
(Touch)
Daddy's Little Girl

A Sweet Flashback

My wife baked four coffee cakes yesterday, which caused me to reminisce about my late mother in-law, Vi Bischof. What's the coffee cake connection to my mother in-law? Simple fact that the recipes were Vi's. Viola Hopfinger was one year old when her hometown, St. Louis, Missouri hosted the 1904 World's Fair. She died 81-years later on October 27, which is this Saturday when grandson, Caleb Howell will marry Morgan Fernandes.

I don't believe I ever met a woman who sacrificed anymore for their family than did Vi. She raised six children and on her husband's modest income as a home-delivery milk truck driver. She took in washing and ironing, never new the luxury of an automobile or family vacation and made personal concessions to send all her children to private Catholic schools.

Vi could be gruff but as they say, her bark was far worse than her bite. I'm sure from day one (and I dated her daughter, Gerry for seven years) she look at me with skepticism, after all I was a foot taller than anybody in her family, I didn't drink beer as did her husband and older sons and perhaps the greatest suspicion came from not playing poker not to mention that I was Methodist.

The woman suffered un-imaginable heartache. Her husband died unexpectedly at age 54. Her second oldest son would died suddenly of a massive heart attack at age 41. Eight months later her oldest son age 42 died of septic shock after routine surgery. Pause for a moment and 'walk in those moccasins.'

After her husband's death, Vi lived for a time with her oldest daughter and son in-law and she also lived alone for a period. In the her later years, Vi began a monthly rotation living arrangement with three of her adult children and their respective spouses. Those were particularly good years for Vi, her adult kids and spouses and most certainly her grandchildren. A special bonding was evident.

One of VI's favorite expressions was, "I heyda-say but..." That line was forthcoming when Vi actually couldn't wait to say what was on her mind. I recall shortly after her daughter, Gerry and I married, we took Vi to the movies and Gerry broke the news to her mother that she was soon going to have breast surgery to remove a fibroid cyst. Upon hearing that news, Vi spoke, "Well, I heyda-say but she didn't have no whatchacalitt cyst before she married." I loved the woman's subltleness...and believe me both Vi's coffee cake recipes and her DNA subtleness are alive and well today.

I'll stop now...gunna have some coffee cake, it's great.

United We Flourish

I have been retired from basketball coaching for seventeen years. During those post retirement years, I have kept my hand 'in the game' by coordinating the Annual Decatur Team Soy Capital 8-Team Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament; a tournament that has produced well over 100-Division I players the likes of Shaun Livingston and Andre' Iguodala, both of the Golden State Warriors.

I have approached that tournament director's leadership role as I previously approached the 37-years of head coach leadership. I embrace the concept of 'ownership' and collectiveness . Let me explain. My assistant basketball coaches all held specific responsibilities but they each had welcomed input in all preparations and decision making. If those preparations and decisions worked toward success, those coaches will tell you that I gave credit. If those efforts fell short, I assumed any criticism, after all I was the one who elected to lead the charge. It was never important that  I be RIGHT but that WE GET  IT RIGHT. Our players understood that we never pointed fingers of blame towards teammates or officials. We embraced a simple motto: 'Respect All; Fear None.' ( I can think of some current leaders who would do well adopting this philosophy).

As I stated, I approach my leadership role with this Decatur Tournament in the same fashion. This past week I held a pre-tourney meeting for the 49th Annual Decatur Tourney. Twenty-one individuals representing various School District Departments were present including our District's Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. This was not a mandatory meeting but those folks showed up because they 'feel' that ownership to our successes.

A wise man once told me, "When you take a leadership role find out what's expected, bring good people alongside who are committed and then deliver MORE. In the arena of education the students are the benefactors." Personally, I never lived on hoorahs except my father's "atta boys" when I was very young...those served as motivators. That said, let me leave you with his one comment from my father that still resonates with me today: "When you think you've accomplished a lot just look around...somebody accomplished more."

A Sick Nation Needs Your Vote

President Trump touts the 2018 mid-term elections as being about Kavanaugh, an immigrant caravan, law and order and common sense. I agree with ONE assessment; indeed this election cries out to an electorate for common sense.

Trump's policies gave massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, which creating insurmountable national debt for future generations. Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell has an idea how to reduce the debt...cut social security and Medicare benefits. These are not entitlements...social security and Medicare are earned benefits.

We have a President who verbally attacks the allied countries of Germany and Canada while embracing the known evil and inhumane dictators of Russia, North Korea and Saudi Arabia. We have a President who verbally attacks American journalist and desires to do business with a nation that just murdered an American journalist and dismembered his body.

I don't know about others but my common sense tells me there is something sick and wrong about an America that embraces a leader who calls American protesters "son-of-a-bitches" one day and another day he says he "loves" a murdering dictator like Kim Jung Un.

Surprise! Surprise! As the mid-term election approaches, President Trump once again plays the   'immgrant-race card' as he stirs underlying American prejudices pointing to that "caravan of immigrants" approaching the America border seeking asylum. This language is 'red meat' for his bigoted base. Trump is good at it...remember the White Supremacist in Charlottesville? "There were good people on both sides." Remember the Muslim ban and Trump's call for American mosques' surveillance by law enforcement?

Remember Trump degrading Ted Cruz's wife with a ugly inference about her lack of attractiveness? Trump also suggested Cruz's father had something to do with JFK's assassination. Ted Cruz is a wimp for not defending his family. On a Personal Note: I was eight years old when on one occasion a man insulted my grandmother, Mammy Bennett. With one lightning punch, my father dropped that man like a sack of rocks. Therefore, in honor of my father and hope for my country, I will cast a common sense vote this mid-term to punch out our nation's sickness under one sick leader.

Us and Them; No More WE

I would quickly acknowledge technology as a critical key in the advancement in medicines, health care and surgical improvements, which subsequently has increased the quality of life and longevity we Americans enjoy.  Praise God and hats off to the dedicated researchers and inventors.

That said, I doubt that these technological advancements have done anything to improve the social aspects of our nation. In fact, I believe that much of our technology has created a greater chasm amongst our people. Never in my lifetime have I seen a more profound difference between people's  viewpoints, feelings and persuasions. These differences have slowly manifested into mean spirited , ugly discourse and expressed hatreds.

Such dispositions can only develop when a society becomes less engaging on interpersonal communication levels. Our 'phone may be smart' but our insatiable appetite to use them has made us narrow-minded recluses.  We don't visit with neighbors or even family as we once did. We watch too much television seeking cable news which re-enforces the very differences and animosities, which we hold against one another. We have become self-absorbed in our own ethnocentric attitudes. Expressions of pleasantries have given way to a propensity for quick and obnoxious anger. Why would not our elected officials dismiss compromise...they are a reflection of their constituents.

Sadly, the only time we Americans have the inclination to come together is under tragic circumstances. We respond in unity when natural disasters strike or terrorists fly airplanes into our buildings.

We all need to watch television re-runs of 'Cheers' and 'Frasier.' At least we might come together
around the water-cooler the next morning after the night  before episode and share recall laughter as we did once upon a time.

One Must Be Stupid To Believe This Garbage

Pompeo 'The Puppet Boy' emerged from meetings with the Saudis regarding the Saudi Arabia investigation into the murder of Washington Post reporter, Khashoggi. Don't we all feel good about this development. The Saudis are going to investigate themselves for any potential involvement in murder and the dismemberment of an innocent man.

Sound familiar? This is America's new moral normality. Russia dictator, Vladimir Putin strongly denies American election meddling and Trump tells his followers they should believe Putin.
They support Donald and quickly remind others that it could be worse...Hillary could be President.

North Korean dictator plays Trump for a fool getting a highly publicized summit where this murderer promises denuclearizing. The North Korean killer has not denuclearized and is never going to denuclearize but Trump tells Americans that "I Love Kim Jung Un." To bad Un's brother didn't have Kim's love.

I believe this new approach of self-investigation into alleged criminal activities by the accused has great potential. A great reduction in American prison management costs. I'll just bet Charles Mason would have concluded after a self-investigation that he was innocent. And Al Capone, Jeffery Dahmer, Richard Nixon, dada, dada, dada....Let's buy a Fox to guard the Hen House!

Money Money Money!
(Trump's National Anthem)
Touch
t's All About Money

Dubious Donald

Dadgumit it's become too easy to criticize President Trump on the obvious. I mean even his hardcore base supporters know the man is a habitual liar and they kinda accept it and move on. The world knows that he is a sexual predator because he proclaimed it from his own lips. And goodness it has become obvious that should a brutal dictator the likes of Putin, Kim Jung Un and the Prince fella from Saudi Arabia murder somebody but then cop a Hogan Heroes', Sargeant Schultz's line, "I know Nothing," Trump readily accepts the brutal dictators' denials as gospel while referring to our American media as fake news and also dismissing America's CIA and FBI intelligence. We've grown weary pointing out those weaknesses.

That said, I am truly puzzled trying to figure out this womanizing man's taste in women.
Follow along, please. Remember when candidate Trump was being accused by several woman alleging that Trump had sexual assaulted them? One particular woman, Natasha Stoynoff, a reporter for People's Magazine alleged that Trump "stuck his tongue down my throat." Trump strongly suggested that the woman was too unattractive saying, "Look at her. I don't think so. That would not be my first choice. I don't think so."

Later it was disclosed that Trump paid off porn star Stormy Daniels ($150.000.00) to keep her mouth shut about them having sex. Now, just yesterday, Trump called Stormy "horse face."

I don't know about others but if Trump will fornicate with something that he believes looks like a horse, I think he likely stuck his tongue down that reporter's throat.

One other thing that seems strange for our President to believe. This murdering of that Washington Post reporter by Saudi Arabia supposedly happened accidentally during interrogation. And then somebody accidentally used a bone-saw to cut the reporter's body into pieces.
 Don't you just hate it when accidents like those happen?

I wonder if another innocent person will be a sacrificial 'accident' offered as an atonement therefore allowing Saudi Arabia-America business dealings as usual? You know the new American motto: 'Money talks; Morals walk."