Word came a few days ago that former University of Illinois basketball coach Lou Henson died at age 88. Without question, Lou Henson was a true gentleman in every manner. He was also somebody that helped my basketball program immensely. Let me explain. At the close of the 1984-85 basketball season, Andy Kaufmann had completed his freshmen basketball year at Jacksonville Routt Catholic high school where he led the team in scoring. The summer before his sophomore season, Kaufman attended an Illini basketball camp where he impressed the entire coaching staff and namely, Head Coach Lou Henson. Henson suggested to Andy and his father, Bill that Andy would benefit playing a larger school schedule than Routt's. The rest as the say is history. Andy enrolled at Jacksonville high school where he would lead the state in scoring three consecutive years and catapult the Crimsons to a Sweet 16 birth in 1988.
As I recall the recruiting process of Kaufmann, I cannot help but think of Henson's style and demeanor. Lou was kind, smooth and always ready to compliment the high school mentor. I suppose many college coaches think that their targeted recruit is going to listen to their high school coach when deciding which college they would attend. That may be true in many cases but not in this coach's case. I never did attempt to influence my players in their college choice because I knew very well they'd have good days and bad days at whichever college they attended and therefore it was important that college choice was the student-athletes and not their high school coach. That said, the buttering up of the high school coach remains a factor.
From 1986 to 1987, Henson and assistant, Dick Nagy became fixtures in Jacksonville. Henson would attend some JHS home games and during warm ups he'd come down to courtside to visit with me and the opposing coach...visual, very visual for fans and community.
Lou and Nagy once asked what time of the school day did Andy eat lunch. After sharing that information within a couple of days Henson and Nagy ate lunch with me in the school cafeteria...visual, very visual for Andy and his JHS school mates. At the end of Andy's sophomore season, Coach Henson asked me to be on a Coaches Panel at his Illini Coaches Clinic. Chicago King's Coach Sonny Cox was the only other panelist. Sonny and I answered one question about the high school coach's approach handling communications to their players. I was paid $500.00 for that answer.
I told Henson that I thought Kaufmann would make a choice between Illinois and Iowa. Before Andy made that choice, I warned Lou that he might have issues with Andy at the college level that I did not have. I suggested, "Lou, Andy never met a shot he didn't like. I can at times control his passion for offense by posting him. At the college level you cannot post a 6'5" player so easily."
Lou simply shrugged off the notion. It's fair to say that Lou at times was frustrated with Andy but needed his incredible scoring ability on the floor. Andy ranks 11th on the all-time individual scoring list. Enough said!
During Andy's Illini pre-season, Coach Henson brought his Illinois team to The Bowl (JHS) where they played an intra-squad game before a packed house at $5.00 per ticket. The proceeds went to the Jacksonville Crimsons' basketball program.
As I said, Lou Henson was a true gentleman in every manner. May he Rest In Peace. I feel blessed that our paths intertwined during our respective journeys.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Slip Sliding Solidarity
"USA, USA, USA!" We all feel that patriotism, togetherness and solidarity when the USA Women's Gymnastic Team garners Gold. We feel a warm union and affinity belonging to a country that ranks above all other countries in Olympic medal count. Times as these are uplifting as we are reassured through sports that We're Number One. I'm sure you as I get a similar boastful love of country when seeing military reviews or hearing our National Anthem.
These days our country tops another leader board, which hardly elevates joyous pride and feelings of ethonocentrism. The United States of America is number one in total coronavirus cases during this world wide pandemic and it is certainly not causing celebratory nationalistic chants. To the contrary, America's response to this deadly virus has become fractured at the least and building towards deadly chaos in our streets.
Americans have a documented history of meaningful and essential solidarity when facing nature's tragedies and attacks of foes. Despite differences our people came together facing two world wars, a President's assassination, earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorists attacks.
Unfortunately, America has slowly but surely developed enemies within. We seem to quickly view things from a perspective of self-interest and 'us' versus 'them.' A nation which once embraced immigrants is now in a free fall fight about accepting the traveler. We are a people who debate the scientific realities of global warming and a killer virus. We have a large population segment that claim constitutional freedoms and thus refuse to do things for the good of the order.
Recently, I learned of a central Illinois school district that offered to pay the internet service for students to facilitate online education. Several of the internet providers rejected some families in the process because they have outstanding delinquent payments. Really? During a nation wide pandemic!
It has been said through the centuries that difficult and challenging times make great men. I would add it also makes for great women. For that greatest to come forth somebody must demonstrate courage and intentional unifying leadership. We need that now becausemour solidarity is quickly
slip sliding away.
These days our country tops another leader board, which hardly elevates joyous pride and feelings of ethonocentrism. The United States of America is number one in total coronavirus cases during this world wide pandemic and it is certainly not causing celebratory nationalistic chants. To the contrary, America's response to this deadly virus has become fractured at the least and building towards deadly chaos in our streets.
Americans have a documented history of meaningful and essential solidarity when facing nature's tragedies and attacks of foes. Despite differences our people came together facing two world wars, a President's assassination, earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorists attacks.
Unfortunately, America has slowly but surely developed enemies within. We seem to quickly view things from a perspective of self-interest and 'us' versus 'them.' A nation which once embraced immigrants is now in a free fall fight about accepting the traveler. We are a people who debate the scientific realities of global warming and a killer virus. We have a large population segment that claim constitutional freedoms and thus refuse to do things for the good of the order.
Recently, I learned of a central Illinois school district that offered to pay the internet service for students to facilitate online education. Several of the internet providers rejected some families in the process because they have outstanding delinquent payments. Really? During a nation wide pandemic!
It has been said through the centuries that difficult and challenging times make great men. I would add it also makes for great women. For that greatest to come forth somebody must demonstrate courage and intentional unifying leadership. We need that now becausemour solidarity is quickly
slip sliding away.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Change So Subtle, But Change Indeed.
Certainly considering the current backdrop of Americana, the news was not tragic but it saddened me
nonetheless. The opening sentence in the Decatur Herald-Review letter read: "Beginning August 17, 2020 the Herald-Review will transition from printing seven days a week to five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday)." Obviously, it is a business decision driven by a profit-loss reality. Slowly but surely another indicator of cultural change or more likely defined by generational cultural erosion.
From my East St. Louis growing-up days of the 1940's and 1950's, I recall the hawk-call of the early evening when a paper boy meandered the neighborhood streets calling out: "PAPER, Morning Globe!" And later the next day, you could peruse another St. Louis paper, the Post Dispatch or the East St. Louis Journal. No wonder why the Boy Scouts had an annual Paper Drive, we had papers!
I understand the instantaneous internet and cable television news availability and perhaps it's convenience, yet I also wonder about the greater incidence of today's stress, anxiety and the 35% increase of suicides in the United States over the past twenty years. No, I don't suggest that America's decline in newspaper circulation causes these aforementioned maladies, however it may be reflective of a society's larger decline, the loss of innocence, which gives way to cable news wrapped with angry agendas. Today's informational news is more often cloaked in a political philosophy begging one to view the events as how it affects 'Us' and 'Them' and suggests who's winning.
Old habits die hard and I'm an old guy with habits. Several years ago, the late sports writer, Jim Barnhart wrote a piece for the Bloomington Pantagraph promoting a book I had penned. During our conversation, I shared with Jim that I was not a big Internet news gleaner, but I still enjoyed turning the printed pages at my own leisurely pace and noticing ink left on my fingers.
A simpler place-in-time to which there is no return. The old man must get with it or get off the train.
nonetheless. The opening sentence in the Decatur Herald-Review letter read: "Beginning August 17, 2020 the Herald-Review will transition from printing seven days a week to five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday)." Obviously, it is a business decision driven by a profit-loss reality. Slowly but surely another indicator of cultural change or more likely defined by generational cultural erosion.
From my East St. Louis growing-up days of the 1940's and 1950's, I recall the hawk-call of the early evening when a paper boy meandered the neighborhood streets calling out: "PAPER, Morning Globe!" And later the next day, you could peruse another St. Louis paper, the Post Dispatch or the East St. Louis Journal. No wonder why the Boy Scouts had an annual Paper Drive, we had papers!
I understand the instantaneous internet and cable television news availability and perhaps it's convenience, yet I also wonder about the greater incidence of today's stress, anxiety and the 35% increase of suicides in the United States over the past twenty years. No, I don't suggest that America's decline in newspaper circulation causes these aforementioned maladies, however it may be reflective of a society's larger decline, the loss of innocence, which gives way to cable news wrapped with angry agendas. Today's informational news is more often cloaked in a political philosophy begging one to view the events as how it affects 'Us' and 'Them' and suggests who's winning.
Old habits die hard and I'm an old guy with habits. Several years ago, the late sports writer, Jim Barnhart wrote a piece for the Bloomington Pantagraph promoting a book I had penned. During our conversation, I shared with Jim that I was not a big Internet news gleaner, but I still enjoyed turning the printed pages at my own leisurely pace and noticing ink left on my fingers.
A simpler place-in-time to which there is no return. The old man must get with it or get off the train.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
I am Cornered; A Captive.
A few days ago, I had a estimate on a privacy fence and the fella doing the measurements told me that their company was two months behind completing jobs. He told me that it's the busiest his company had been in the 17-years he's been with them. He theorized that people have been in their homes more due to the pandemic and they look around at things and decide on changes and/or improvements. I believe the gent is correct and his thought even supported by my own behavior.
My wife and I returned from Florida on March 9, just about the time the 'coronavirus-hit-the-fan.' Since then, I have filled the auto with gasoline only two times; we don't go as in normal times. We don't eat out in restaraunts. We don't take day trips or weekend jaunts to visit our children. We are stuck at home.
Since I'm not spending monies on the aforementioned activities, I rationalize expenditures on the following: (1) Wild bird seeds and exotic feeders for Finches, Song Birds and Hummingbirds. (2) I am on first name basis with Wayfair agents after buying three patio umbrellas and two yard fountains. (3) this year's flower planting cost set a personal record and now I look to create a 'compound' with a six foot high privacy fence. Some say, "You're losing it." Kinder folks opine, "He's eccentric."
The unfortunate reality of this backyard fantasy escape will end with falling leaves and winter snows. It is then that the emotional frustration and anxiety will set in. I will be 'inside' the house instead of outside. I will be answering the endless soliciting telephone calls from every charity under the sun. I will get frequent reminders about an auto warranty expiration on a vehicle, which was totaled in an accident nine years ago. I will turned down numerous freebies from cruise company's, casinos, resort hotels and United Healthcare's 'Home Nurse Visit Program.' I will also hear from Rachael regarding my credit card and hear from Social Security that somebody in Southwest Texas is engaged in suspicious financial activities using my Social Security number. (I hate it when that crap happens).
If I buy half of what's offered from telephone solicitors and commit to the plethora of $19 per month television pitches, i.e., St. Jude's (my wife already commits), ASPCA, Shriners, Wounded Warriors, local police fund, State Police Association, Sheriff's Association and humane society, I will deplete my monies for going South for the winter if and when this virus evaporates. And I've learned that when packing to go South for the winter, I should take 'half' the clothes and 'twice' the money.
My wife and I returned from Florida on March 9, just about the time the 'coronavirus-hit-the-fan.' Since then, I have filled the auto with gasoline only two times; we don't go as in normal times. We don't eat out in restaraunts. We don't take day trips or weekend jaunts to visit our children. We are stuck at home.
Since I'm not spending monies on the aforementioned activities, I rationalize expenditures on the following: (1) Wild bird seeds and exotic feeders for Finches, Song Birds and Hummingbirds. (2) I am on first name basis with Wayfair agents after buying three patio umbrellas and two yard fountains. (3) this year's flower planting cost set a personal record and now I look to create a 'compound' with a six foot high privacy fence. Some say, "You're losing it." Kinder folks opine, "He's eccentric."
The unfortunate reality of this backyard fantasy escape will end with falling leaves and winter snows. It is then that the emotional frustration and anxiety will set in. I will be 'inside' the house instead of outside. I will be answering the endless soliciting telephone calls from every charity under the sun. I will get frequent reminders about an auto warranty expiration on a vehicle, which was totaled in an accident nine years ago. I will turned down numerous freebies from cruise company's, casinos, resort hotels and United Healthcare's 'Home Nurse Visit Program.' I will also hear from Rachael regarding my credit card and hear from Social Security that somebody in Southwest Texas is engaged in suspicious financial activities using my Social Security number. (I hate it when that crap happens).
If I buy half of what's offered from telephone solicitors and commit to the plethora of $19 per month television pitches, i.e., St. Jude's (my wife already commits), ASPCA, Shriners, Wounded Warriors, local police fund, State Police Association, Sheriff's Association and humane society, I will deplete my monies for going South for the winter if and when this virus evaporates. And I've learned that when packing to go South for the winter, I should take 'half' the clothes and 'twice' the money.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Words From Great Presidents
Following are a few meaningful and telling quotes from American Presidents:
Harry S. Truman (33rd President)..."The Buck Stops Here."
Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)..."The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
John F. Kennedy (35th President)..."Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do
for your country."
Donald J. Trump (45th President)..."Person-Woman-Man-Camera-T.V." / "I Aced It."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly McGee (wife of Fibber McGee)... "T'aint funny McGee!"
Chester A. Riley..."What a revoltin' development this is!"
Harry S. Truman (33rd President)..."The Buck Stops Here."
Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)..."The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
John F. Kennedy (35th President)..."Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do
for your country."
Donald J. Trump (45th President)..."Person-Woman-Man-Camera-T.V." / "I Aced It."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly McGee (wife of Fibber McGee)... "T'aint funny McGee!"
Chester A. Riley..."What a revoltin' development this is!"
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Can't Decide
I am often times intrigued by the apparent desire of folks to have brief summations regarding people and events. There seems to be an appetite for information as long as it will not require much of our time. We've all heard the interviewer near the close of a conversation with a celebrity ask the question: "How would you like to be remembered?" We've heard the plea, "What one word best describes you?" From a personal perspective, I try not to self-grade because it can lead to self-aggrandizing, which leads to my father's ire and even though he's gone from this earthly journey...I still wish not to anger him on the good chance we shall meet again.
As most good Christians, I do enjoy 'judging others,' therefore I shall attempt to find that one word that best describes my wife of 60-years. There is a problem. I am conflicted choosing one of two words both of which come to mind. Gerry is deeply and sincerely 'CARING' and without question, Gerry is a 'TERRIER.' Let me advance a few examples supporting each word.
If I gave readers a list of family and friends' to contact and those readers asked the question, "Tell me something about Gerry Roustio," they would quickly say, "I have received all types of greeting cards from Gerry over the years, i.e., birthday, Anniversary, sympathy or simply Thinking About You cards, she is indeed most thoughtful and caring." New neighbors soon meet Gerry who offers a kind greeting word, shares endless information and a plate of 'Brownies.' Over the years, Gerry has nurtured children, grandchildren and great grandchildren while volunteering for various church service groups. She epitomizes 'CARING.' But wait-a-minute...
Gerry could be the poster woman for eagerness and tenacity. That creature that refuses to 'Let it Go!'
She often demonstrates a Terrier mentality...relentless in a mission. If you will, consider: Every grandchild will tell you that if Nana (Gerry) offers that second food helping your best to say "yes" on the first overture because it is non-negotiable. Should Gerry converse with family or friends and asks "How are you?" >You best be prepared to give elaborate and detailed follow-up answers because the rapid-fire questions are coming similar to those asked by a New Jersey prosecuting attorney.
Just last week, I suggested a light supper of eggs over-easy, bacon and toast and Gerry obliged. As we sat down to eat, Gerry noticed one of my eggs was perhaps more over-hard than over-easy and she asked, "You want some of my yolk?" I responded, "No, I'm fine." Within moments, she again pleaded, "Take some of my egg yolk." Again I said, "I don't want any of your egg yolk." Almost immediately after her third offer and my third rejection, I saw out of the corner of my eye a teaspoon of yellow egg yolk being dropped on my plate accompanied by a deep-throated, command-like, directive-voice, "Here take this egg yolk!" If that ain't TERRIER, "Then grits ain't groceries, eggs Ain't poultry and Mona Lisa was a man," to quote Little Milton.
Well, there you are folks...I can't decide that one word that best defines my wife: Caring or Terrier?
As most good Christians, I do enjoy 'judging others,' therefore I shall attempt to find that one word that best describes my wife of 60-years. There is a problem. I am conflicted choosing one of two words both of which come to mind. Gerry is deeply and sincerely 'CARING' and without question, Gerry is a 'TERRIER.' Let me advance a few examples supporting each word.
If I gave readers a list of family and friends' to contact and those readers asked the question, "Tell me something about Gerry Roustio," they would quickly say, "I have received all types of greeting cards from Gerry over the years, i.e., birthday, Anniversary, sympathy or simply Thinking About You cards, she is indeed most thoughtful and caring." New neighbors soon meet Gerry who offers a kind greeting word, shares endless information and a plate of 'Brownies.' Over the years, Gerry has nurtured children, grandchildren and great grandchildren while volunteering for various church service groups. She epitomizes 'CARING.' But wait-a-minute...
Gerry could be the poster woman for eagerness and tenacity. That creature that refuses to 'Let it Go!'
She often demonstrates a Terrier mentality...relentless in a mission. If you will, consider: Every grandchild will tell you that if Nana (Gerry) offers that second food helping your best to say "yes" on the first overture because it is non-negotiable. Should Gerry converse with family or friends and asks "How are you?" >You best be prepared to give elaborate and detailed follow-up answers because the rapid-fire questions are coming similar to those asked by a New Jersey prosecuting attorney.
Just last week, I suggested a light supper of eggs over-easy, bacon and toast and Gerry obliged. As we sat down to eat, Gerry noticed one of my eggs was perhaps more over-hard than over-easy and she asked, "You want some of my yolk?" I responded, "No, I'm fine." Within moments, she again pleaded, "Take some of my egg yolk." Again I said, "I don't want any of your egg yolk." Almost immediately after her third offer and my third rejection, I saw out of the corner of my eye a teaspoon of yellow egg yolk being dropped on my plate accompanied by a deep-throated, command-like, directive-voice, "Here take this egg yolk!" If that ain't TERRIER, "Then grits ain't groceries, eggs Ain't poultry and Mona Lisa was a man," to quote Little Milton.
Well, there you are folks...I can't decide that one word that best defines my wife: Caring or Terrier?
Monday, July 20, 2020
Who Wants to Be President?
We likely know of the basic qualifications to become the United States President: Born in the United States, 35-years of age and a resident of the United States for the previous 14-years. As children, we were told by adults that we could "grow up to be President." Personally, I always thought that was far-fetched and a bit of 'pie-in-the-sky' thinking. I suppose that's why we laughed about various folks over time who were suggested as Presidential candidates. I'm starting to believe what we were told as kids is true...anybody, I mean anybody can become President.
Back in the 1950's and 1960's, Alfred E. Neuman, the fictitious lovable poster boy for Mad Magazine was touted by the magazine and followers as a viable candidate for the Oval Office. You all recall those political posters, "Alfred E. Neuman For President." And then there was the Smothers Brothers promotion of deadpan comedian, Patrick Paulsen who repeatedly offered his vision as President.
Fast forward to the 2016, Presidential campaign and the perfect storm developed, which would catapult an unlikely character into the Commander-in Chief of the United States. Never mind that he was a known fraud, a vulgar self-admitted sexual predator and profoundly lacking in areas of education and political experiences, i.e., governing, foreign affairs, Constitution knowledge and compromising leadership skills. He was the antithesis of the 'Black Man' who held the office before him. He was appealing to bigots, big business and underachieving people who needed scapegoats. His legacy? The most divided United States since the Civil War.
Now, we have a new budding Presidential wannabe who just might make the grade someday and be our 47the American President...Kanye Omari West. Hells Bells, Why Not? What rapper wouldn't make a great President? Oh, and about the coming storm? That storm is developing and should hit around 2045.
Back in the 1950's and 1960's, Alfred E. Neuman, the fictitious lovable poster boy for Mad Magazine was touted by the magazine and followers as a viable candidate for the Oval Office. You all recall those political posters, "Alfred E. Neuman For President." And then there was the Smothers Brothers promotion of deadpan comedian, Patrick Paulsen who repeatedly offered his vision as President.
Fast forward to the 2016, Presidential campaign and the perfect storm developed, which would catapult an unlikely character into the Commander-in Chief of the United States. Never mind that he was a known fraud, a vulgar self-admitted sexual predator and profoundly lacking in areas of education and political experiences, i.e., governing, foreign affairs, Constitution knowledge and compromising leadership skills. He was the antithesis of the 'Black Man' who held the office before him. He was appealing to bigots, big business and underachieving people who needed scapegoats. His legacy? The most divided United States since the Civil War.
Now, we have a new budding Presidential wannabe who just might make the grade someday and be our 47the American President...Kanye Omari West. Hells Bells, Why Not? What rapper wouldn't make a great President? Oh, and about the coming storm? That storm is developing and should hit around 2045.
Tell Me How You 'Really' Feel
I was the second person to walk through the Decatur Target Store yesterday (Sunday) morning. When I left 35-minutes later, I was perhaps one of a total 6-shoppers in the entire store; appears to be a good time to shop Target.
After putting away groceries, I watered the garden and brought a few tomatoes and Zucchini's in for supper. Due to the stifling heat/humidity, I passed on yard work and walking. Got on the treadmill instead. I later joined my wife in the family room where she was already immersed in a Hallmark Christmas movies marathon event. I withheld my usual snide remarks and began reading the newspaper.
After my reading, I watched the movie for about 10-minutes, which took it to the conclusion, I guess. Here's what happened, I bent over to pick up Toy Poodle, Yodie and when I straightened up I think another movie had begun with one of the central characters from the previous movie. I said to my wife, "Hallmark should blow a siren between movies so you know when one movie ends and another begins." Whoa, Buddy, the girl was loaded and laying-in-wait as she quickly snapped, "At least I don't have to watch a boring back and forth parade of a free throw shooting contest at the end of my Hallmark movie or the endless changing of pitchers before a four-hour baseball game's conclusion!"
Like Ray Charles sang, "Everybody's got to their own opinion and you know, I SURE got mine..."
After putting away groceries, I watered the garden and brought a few tomatoes and Zucchini's in for supper. Due to the stifling heat/humidity, I passed on yard work and walking. Got on the treadmill instead. I later joined my wife in the family room where she was already immersed in a Hallmark Christmas movies marathon event. I withheld my usual snide remarks and began reading the newspaper.
After my reading, I watched the movie for about 10-minutes, which took it to the conclusion, I guess. Here's what happened, I bent over to pick up Toy Poodle, Yodie and when I straightened up I think another movie had begun with one of the central characters from the previous movie. I said to my wife, "Hallmark should blow a siren between movies so you know when one movie ends and another begins." Whoa, Buddy, the girl was loaded and laying-in-wait as she quickly snapped, "At least I don't have to watch a boring back and forth parade of a free throw shooting contest at the end of my Hallmark movie or the endless changing of pitchers before a four-hour baseball game's conclusion!"
Like Ray Charles sang, "Everybody's got to their own opinion and you know, I SURE got mine..."
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Learning From a Pandemic
If one pays attention it should be obvious to them that they are being 'taken-to-school' by this Covid-19 virus. Let me tell you, I've learned a number of things in recent months and continue to be enlightened: The coronavirus pandemic has taught me that>>>
1) Haircuts are overrated.
2) I'm fortunate to be married to the right person.
3) Dogs really are your best bet for friendship.
4) Angry people make bad decisions, especially at the voting polls.
5) Sports watching is truly a needed tranquilizer for a nation of wannabes.
6) There appears to be a correlation between the elimination of the military draft and the American
people's ability to make sacrifices for the survival of a country.
7) If I make a notation of the best thing that happened to me today, tomorrow seems to go better.
8) The core reason for adult disagreements is often anchored in childish attitudes.
9) Television movie channels could do better.
10) First responders and teachers' talents are more critical to a society than professional athletes and
entertainers' talents AND their compensation should reflect that reality.
11) The lack of leadership and a universal plan to defeat this pandemic will cause the catastrophic
demise of our great nation if State and local leadership fails to step forward a fill the void.
1) Haircuts are overrated.
2) I'm fortunate to be married to the right person.
3) Dogs really are your best bet for friendship.
4) Angry people make bad decisions, especially at the voting polls.
5) Sports watching is truly a needed tranquilizer for a nation of wannabes.
6) There appears to be a correlation between the elimination of the military draft and the American
people's ability to make sacrifices for the survival of a country.
7) If I make a notation of the best thing that happened to me today, tomorrow seems to go better.
8) The core reason for adult disagreements is often anchored in childish attitudes.
9) Television movie channels could do better.
10) First responders and teachers' talents are more critical to a society than professional athletes and
entertainers' talents AND their compensation should reflect that reality.
11) The lack of leadership and a universal plan to defeat this pandemic will cause the catastrophic
demise of our great nation if State and local leadership fails to step forward a fill the void.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Pause and Weigh Responses
In this journey-experience called 'life,' I've come to appreciate that many things are both complicated and simple. The key to resolve is understanding that basic truths are found in the most complicated. Unfortunately, too many people don't seek truths in life but instead they seek other people who agree with their preconceived perceptions, thus manufacturing their own truths. Sound familiar?
Our saving grace is that circumstances, good or bad will not last forever. As much as we are often uncomfortable with change be thankful it comes...adjust and adapt and find joy.
Our saving grace is that circumstances, good or bad will not last forever. As much as we are often uncomfortable with change be thankful it comes...adjust and adapt and find joy.
Friday, July 17, 2020
And That's All I'll Say About That
Mixed messages can be a bummer and certainly frustrating. Take these somewhat conflicting Supreme Court rulings. In 2015, The U. S. Supreme Court ruled that 'Gays' could marry nationwide. Three years later the U. S. Supreme Court put a damper of the Gay couples wedding reception as it ruled that the local baker had legal (religious) rights to refuse baking the Gays a Wedding Cake.
This reminds me of 1964, when I was in my second year coaching and teaching in Assumption, Illinois. Gerry and I had been married three and a half years and had a two and a half year old son. Assumption is a small rural community with conflicting population figures. Entering the town from different directions you will see two different population numbers. When we lived there you could count one grocery store, one drug store, one hardware store one laundromat, one lumber store, one bank, three churches and I don't know how many saloons because back then locals bought beer for faculty.
Anyway, one Saturday morning, I went into Hafner's Drugs and asked Mr. Hafner for condoms. To my surprise, I got a lecture from the old gent that I should not interfere with God's plan for how many children I should have and he went on to give a heartfelt testimony for his Catholic beliefs. At that moment, I wanted to tell Mr. Hafner to get on the school board and see if he could do something about my yearly salary of $4,850.00 for teaching six classes and coaching three sports. Later, I mentioned my Hafner Drug Store experience to a neighbor who happened to be Catholic and he said, "I should've warned you about old man Hafner, I go to Taylorville to get my condoms."
Recently the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration for employers to opt out of insurance coverage for contraceptives on religious moral grounds. I'll bet Mr. Hafner is smiling wherever he may be; Heaven, Hell or Purgatory.
Of course, in this 2020-year with a Pandemic up America's ass, we have some hardheaded religious fanatics that raise Hell about mandatory mask-wearing, even though it is proven that masks slow the spread of a killer virus. You hear the idiotic claim, "It's our Constitutional right to not wear a mask, blah, blah, blah," or "I'm covered in the blood of Jesus, therefore I don't need no mask." Aside from rejecting science and not being a team player for humanity, whatever happened to the baker's right not to serve the Gays or Mr. Hafner's religious convictions to not sell birth-control protection? Recently, have seen several confrontations in stores and other businesses over the mask debate. Listen folks, businesses have the right to refuse your entrance...'No Shirt, No Shoes, No Mask...NO SERVICE!' Hit the road, Jack!
For the purpose of transparency and recorded history: Assumption had a terrible snowstorm in January 1964 and I couldn't make it over to Taylorville...in October of that year, Mason City, Illinois Doctor Jack Means assisted in the delivery of a little girl for Gerry and me. I wanted to name the baby, 'Haffie' but my wife won out and named her Dawn.
This reminds me of 1964, when I was in my second year coaching and teaching in Assumption, Illinois. Gerry and I had been married three and a half years and had a two and a half year old son. Assumption is a small rural community with conflicting population figures. Entering the town from different directions you will see two different population numbers. When we lived there you could count one grocery store, one drug store, one hardware store one laundromat, one lumber store, one bank, three churches and I don't know how many saloons because back then locals bought beer for faculty.
Anyway, one Saturday morning, I went into Hafner's Drugs and asked Mr. Hafner for condoms. To my surprise, I got a lecture from the old gent that I should not interfere with God's plan for how many children I should have and he went on to give a heartfelt testimony for his Catholic beliefs. At that moment, I wanted to tell Mr. Hafner to get on the school board and see if he could do something about my yearly salary of $4,850.00 for teaching six classes and coaching three sports. Later, I mentioned my Hafner Drug Store experience to a neighbor who happened to be Catholic and he said, "I should've warned you about old man Hafner, I go to Taylorville to get my condoms."
Recently the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration for employers to opt out of insurance coverage for contraceptives on religious moral grounds. I'll bet Mr. Hafner is smiling wherever he may be; Heaven, Hell or Purgatory.
Of course, in this 2020-year with a Pandemic up America's ass, we have some hardheaded religious fanatics that raise Hell about mandatory mask-wearing, even though it is proven that masks slow the spread of a killer virus. You hear the idiotic claim, "It's our Constitutional right to not wear a mask, blah, blah, blah," or "I'm covered in the blood of Jesus, therefore I don't need no mask." Aside from rejecting science and not being a team player for humanity, whatever happened to the baker's right not to serve the Gays or Mr. Hafner's religious convictions to not sell birth-control protection? Recently, have seen several confrontations in stores and other businesses over the mask debate. Listen folks, businesses have the right to refuse your entrance...'No Shirt, No Shoes, No Mask...NO SERVICE!' Hit the road, Jack!
For the purpose of transparency and recorded history: Assumption had a terrible snowstorm in January 1964 and I couldn't make it over to Taylorville...in October of that year, Mason City, Illinois Doctor Jack Means assisted in the delivery of a little girl for Gerry and me. I wanted to name the baby, 'Haffie' but my wife won out and named her Dawn.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
"I See a Bad Moon Rising."
For many years now and even in recent blog writings I have advocated for more female leadership in the United States. I truly believe that if the United States House of Representatives and Senate saw women in the majority, we would notice significant changes in governing philosophy reflected in governing policies.
There is little doubt that America would be less hawkish, more focused on protecting our environment and show more concern for health care and education. Before you question my premise ask yourself who in your lifetime has demonstrated NURTURING?!!!
I could go on attempting to convince the naysayers who are eager to disagree and attack but let me simply suggest that you hold off and just watch what happens with the current growing debate about 'to open or not to open our schools this fall during this escalating pandemic.' Fasten your seatbelt Americans and observe politicians fall like a house of cards when mothers start speaking their collective voices of concern for the safety of their children. Show me a mother who believes a man has casually dismissed the safety and importance of her child's wellbeing and I'll soon show you an emasculated man.
There is little doubt that America would be less hawkish, more focused on protecting our environment and show more concern for health care and education. Before you question my premise ask yourself who in your lifetime has demonstrated NURTURING?!!!
I could go on attempting to convince the naysayers who are eager to disagree and attack but let me simply suggest that you hold off and just watch what happens with the current growing debate about 'to open or not to open our schools this fall during this escalating pandemic.' Fasten your seatbelt Americans and observe politicians fall like a house of cards when mothers start speaking their collective voices of concern for the safety of their children. Show me a mother who believes a man has casually dismissed the safety and importance of her child's wellbeing and I'll soon show you an emasculated man.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Heartless Leadership
If you have doubted the depth of Donald Trump's cold-hearted lack of empathy then mull over his most recent display of hardheartedness regarding the potential life and death dangers facing America's school children and their teachers should schools re-open while our country is falling behind in its fight to arrest the fast spreading and deadly coronavirus.
Trump's Republican puppet Governors rushed to re-open their States before meeting the criteria established by Trump's hand picked infectious diesease experts and now those States are pulling back because of the virus resurgence. In the midst of all this chaos, Trump is now pushing States to re-open schools and threatening States by withholding funding if they fail to re-open.
Question: When the hell did our children become pawns in a pandemic pilot program?
Trump's Republican puppet Governors rushed to re-open their States before meeting the criteria established by Trump's hand picked infectious diesease experts and now those States are pulling back because of the virus resurgence. In the midst of all this chaos, Trump is now pushing States to re-open schools and threatening States by withholding funding if they fail to re-open.
Question: When the hell did our children become pawns in a pandemic pilot program?
Monday, July 13, 2020
Trump Keeps Dividing Americans
A few facts about people's comments regarding the Coronavirus, which has to date killed over 135,000 Americans with a projection to eventually kill over 200,000.
Before continuing, let me share the definition of 'science:' "The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. A systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject."
During a February 28, 2020'campaign rally, Trump said of the coronavirus, "This is the Democrats new hoax."
Other Trump comments about the coronavirus:
1) we do have a plan.
2) The United States appreciates China's efforts and transparency.
3) we are on top of this 24/7.
4) we could be at 1-or-2 people with the virus very soon.
5) it will just go away when the weather warms in April.
This President is a lying buffoon but he's not the only buffoon. When it was discovered early in the coronavirus pandemic that the most vulnerable and likely to die was the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Texas LT. Governor Dan Patrick said that he thought we should shorten the 'lockdown' with the belief that "Seniors (grandparents will be willing to die to save the economy for their grandchildren." Are you Trumpers paying attention? Better yet, did you offer up your parents, grandparents or yourself to die for the Stock Market?
Trump appointed a Coronavirus Task Force Team headed by V. P. Pence along with notable medical doctors, namely a world renown infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Trump panicked and went against his own predetermined re-opening phases based on specific criteria as he encouraged and coerced Republican Governors to open their States before meeting those criteria. The expected has happened the virus found new life and today America is headed for a health catastrophe never before imagined.
More recently, Trump has insisted that schools reopen with the same recklessness as the economy; with no plan. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos said just yesterday, "Only 2% of kids are likely to die when they go back to school." That would be approximately 14,700 dead children. Of course, Franklin Graham and other Evangelical leaders are silent on the matter. I suppose the fetus is more precious than my six year old great granddaughter...shameless, absolutely shameless are these men of God. But Jesus said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14
And on the heels of all this impotent leadership, the White House yesterday raised questions about Dr. Fauci for openly disagreeing with the President in FAVOR OF SCIENCE. Okay, you folks who were placed in shop classes Trump knows how you feel about those nerds who took advanced chemistry and physics.
Trump told Americans early in his presidency, "We have alternative facts...that's fake news."
Simply stated the real is NOT real, the truth is NOT the truth. In Trumps world there are three desirables in life's journey: money, lust and power and the fight is between 'THEM & US.'
Let's dismiss Dr. Fauci's scientific facts regarding the coronavirus and embrace Donald Trump's suggestion to drink bleach to rid your body of the virus. Let's free the likes of Roger Stone and indict Anthony Fauci.
Before continuing, let me share the definition of 'science:' "The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. A systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject."
During a February 28, 2020'campaign rally, Trump said of the coronavirus, "This is the Democrats new hoax."
Other Trump comments about the coronavirus:
1) we do have a plan.
2) The United States appreciates China's efforts and transparency.
3) we are on top of this 24/7.
4) we could be at 1-or-2 people with the virus very soon.
5) it will just go away when the weather warms in April.
This President is a lying buffoon but he's not the only buffoon. When it was discovered early in the coronavirus pandemic that the most vulnerable and likely to die was the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Texas LT. Governor Dan Patrick said that he thought we should shorten the 'lockdown' with the belief that "Seniors (grandparents will be willing to die to save the economy for their grandchildren." Are you Trumpers paying attention? Better yet, did you offer up your parents, grandparents or yourself to die for the Stock Market?
Trump appointed a Coronavirus Task Force Team headed by V. P. Pence along with notable medical doctors, namely a world renown infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Trump panicked and went against his own predetermined re-opening phases based on specific criteria as he encouraged and coerced Republican Governors to open their States before meeting those criteria. The expected has happened the virus found new life and today America is headed for a health catastrophe never before imagined.
More recently, Trump has insisted that schools reopen with the same recklessness as the economy; with no plan. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos said just yesterday, "Only 2% of kids are likely to die when they go back to school." That would be approximately 14,700 dead children. Of course, Franklin Graham and other Evangelical leaders are silent on the matter. I suppose the fetus is more precious than my six year old great granddaughter...shameless, absolutely shameless are these men of God. But Jesus said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14
And on the heels of all this impotent leadership, the White House yesterday raised questions about Dr. Fauci for openly disagreeing with the President in FAVOR OF SCIENCE. Okay, you folks who were placed in shop classes Trump knows how you feel about those nerds who took advanced chemistry and physics.
Trump told Americans early in his presidency, "We have alternative facts...that's fake news."
Simply stated the real is NOT real, the truth is NOT the truth. In Trumps world there are three desirables in life's journey: money, lust and power and the fight is between 'THEM & US.'
Let's dismiss Dr. Fauci's scientific facts regarding the coronavirus and embrace Donald Trump's suggestion to drink bleach to rid your body of the virus. Let's free the likes of Roger Stone and indict Anthony Fauci.
Sunday, July 12, 2020
What's The Rules Today?
Someone many years ago gave me excellent advice regarding coaching: "If you're going to prepare then don't worry, but if you wish to worry then don't prepare; choose ONLY ONE."
Actually, my approach was always to anticipate everything that could come at you in a contest then prepare a counter move. I'd like to say that I never worried but then I would be lying. Funny thing, the only time I never worried about sport competition was when I was pitching, whether Little League, high school or college. Think about it!
I tend to see the positives but always anticipate the potential for negatives. We've all heard those uplifting slogans: 1) Hope springs eternal, 2) The glass is half full, 3) However long the night, the Dawn will break, 4) Every cloud has a silver lining. There's two other slogans I've thought of lately: 1) Fish or cut bait and 2) you crap your friends, I'll crap mine but let's not crap one another. (Folks, I cleaned that up a bit).
The Illinois High School Association causes me to doubt their 'Intentional Leadership' during this pandemic. I understand the profound delimma facing America's schools. Should they reopen? Can they reopen safely or should they teach online and embrace virtual classroom education until the winter semester and then make new assessments? These are monumental decisions for States and local School Boards. What is not a difficult decision is answering the question, should we have fall and winter sports? The answer to that question is found in the answers to these questions: Can sport competitors wear masks, social distance and keep their hands clean? If the answer to these questions is 'NO' then the IHSA leadership needs to stop dangling false hope before student-athletes and coaches.
I can't wait to see my first football game with the rules: 1) 'Players may not touch one another.' and 2) If after a contest an official or player tests positive for COVID-19, all other players and officials must quarantine for 14-days.' There's a re-scheduling nightmare Mr./Ms. Athletics Director.
These times call for purposeful and deliberate leadership and a stoppage of offering guidelines for participation on Monday and then revoking those guidelines on Thursday. And even though there are obvious efforts in stated guidelines for the IHSA and local districts to 'Pass-the-buck' hoping to avoid liabilities...lawyers will have a field day.
Please know that I have long been and continue to be a strong advocate for the Illinois High School Associstion. As the result of serving on IHSA advisory boards, the legislative commission and as a national liaison for its coaching certification education program, I have witnessed close up the effectiveness of its mission. A few years ago when Illinois lawmakers were sticking their noses into the IHSA business claiming a lack of transparency, I was on the telephone with my representatives reminding them of Illinois' unprecedented political leadership failure. That said, I am not seeking to dismiss the great value in the IHSA.
I tout the educational value and growth development found in interscholastic sport and extra-curricular offerings but the ultimate concern of the Illinois High School Association must be the health and well being of young student-athletes, mentors and their families during the apex of a pandemic.
Actually, my approach was always to anticipate everything that could come at you in a contest then prepare a counter move. I'd like to say that I never worried but then I would be lying. Funny thing, the only time I never worried about sport competition was when I was pitching, whether Little League, high school or college. Think about it!
I tend to see the positives but always anticipate the potential for negatives. We've all heard those uplifting slogans: 1) Hope springs eternal, 2) The glass is half full, 3) However long the night, the Dawn will break, 4) Every cloud has a silver lining. There's two other slogans I've thought of lately: 1) Fish or cut bait and 2) you crap your friends, I'll crap mine but let's not crap one another. (Folks, I cleaned that up a bit).
The Illinois High School Association causes me to doubt their 'Intentional Leadership' during this pandemic. I understand the profound delimma facing America's schools. Should they reopen? Can they reopen safely or should they teach online and embrace virtual classroom education until the winter semester and then make new assessments? These are monumental decisions for States and local School Boards. What is not a difficult decision is answering the question, should we have fall and winter sports? The answer to that question is found in the answers to these questions: Can sport competitors wear masks, social distance and keep their hands clean? If the answer to these questions is 'NO' then the IHSA leadership needs to stop dangling false hope before student-athletes and coaches.
I can't wait to see my first football game with the rules: 1) 'Players may not touch one another.' and 2) If after a contest an official or player tests positive for COVID-19, all other players and officials must quarantine for 14-days.' There's a re-scheduling nightmare Mr./Ms. Athletics Director.
These times call for purposeful and deliberate leadership and a stoppage of offering guidelines for participation on Monday and then revoking those guidelines on Thursday. And even though there are obvious efforts in stated guidelines for the IHSA and local districts to 'Pass-the-buck' hoping to avoid liabilities...lawyers will have a field day.
Please know that I have long been and continue to be a strong advocate for the Illinois High School Associstion. As the result of serving on IHSA advisory boards, the legislative commission and as a national liaison for its coaching certification education program, I have witnessed close up the effectiveness of its mission. A few years ago when Illinois lawmakers were sticking their noses into the IHSA business claiming a lack of transparency, I was on the telephone with my representatives reminding them of Illinois' unprecedented political leadership failure. That said, I am not seeking to dismiss the great value in the IHSA.
I tout the educational value and growth development found in interscholastic sport and extra-curricular offerings but the ultimate concern of the Illinois High School Association must be the health and well being of young student-athletes, mentors and their families during the apex of a pandemic.
Saturday, July 11, 2020
The Most Inept Leadership In American History
Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis just might be a bigger buffoon than President Donald Trump. DeSantis made the analogy that if a State can permit the re-opening of of retail stores, i.e., Walmart and Home Depot during a pandemic, which has killed nearly 135,000 Americans then it's reasonable to re-open schools.
At best when I shop Walmart, I may be negotiating their aisles for some 30-to-40 minutes. A first or second grade six/seven year old child is going to be in a self-contained classroom for approximately six hours with some twenty other children speaking directly into the mouth of fellow students because they've yet to understand you hear with your ears. Speaking of ears, their junior high counterparts cannot and will not keep their hands off one another while their high school siblings are going to scoff at mask wearing as they dismiss directives to take those damn ear-buds out of the head.
Could we get a head count? Would the politically elected 'grown-ups' please raise your hand or better yet take the throttle of this freaking run-away train headed towards disaster?! I'd just like to hear a statement more intellectually anchored than, "I hope I look good in a mask," or "We opened Walmart so let's open our schools." Folks, we are Ass deep in a 'Twilight Zone' episode.
At best when I shop Walmart, I may be negotiating their aisles for some 30-to-40 minutes. A first or second grade six/seven year old child is going to be in a self-contained classroom for approximately six hours with some twenty other children speaking directly into the mouth of fellow students because they've yet to understand you hear with your ears. Speaking of ears, their junior high counterparts cannot and will not keep their hands off one another while their high school siblings are going to scoff at mask wearing as they dismiss directives to take those damn ear-buds out of the head.
Could we get a head count? Would the politically elected 'grown-ups' please raise your hand or better yet take the throttle of this freaking run-away train headed towards disaster?! I'd just like to hear a statement more intellectually anchored than, "I hope I look good in a mask," or "We opened Walmart so let's open our schools." Folks, we are Ass deep in a 'Twilight Zone' episode.
Erotic Sick Self-Interest
I cannot recall in recent times one day, as this day, which offers such a mixed-bag of emotional anticipation. If you are like most Americans, you find yourself vascillating between sure confidence and trepid consternation.
This day, July 11, 2020, our President Donald J. Trump will travel to Walter Reed Hospital and to the State of Florida where the coronavirus is surging out of control due to a Governor who followed Trump's bidding to re-open businesses too soon. Trump, a critic of this "hoax-virus" and one who expresses open disdain for 'mask-wearing' has hinted that he (Trump) will wear a mask today.
Trump, when asked by a reporter about wearing a face mask said, "I will probably wear one today, I hope I look good in it."
My Dear Fellow Americans: Can we all whisper a prayer in behalf of "The Chosen One" to look good wearing a face mask? And just by chance should he look goofy, at least have people tell him that they've never seen a mask look better on any person. PLEASE. This crap's important for a stable genius.
This day, July 11, 2020, our President Donald J. Trump will travel to Walter Reed Hospital and to the State of Florida where the coronavirus is surging out of control due to a Governor who followed Trump's bidding to re-open businesses too soon. Trump, a critic of this "hoax-virus" and one who expresses open disdain for 'mask-wearing' has hinted that he (Trump) will wear a mask today.
Trump, when asked by a reporter about wearing a face mask said, "I will probably wear one today, I hope I look good in it."
My Dear Fellow Americans: Can we all whisper a prayer in behalf of "The Chosen One" to look good wearing a face mask? And just by chance should he look goofy, at least have people tell him that they've never seen a mask look better on any person. PLEASE. This crap's important for a stable genius.
Friday, July 10, 2020
A Pandemic Cost A Child Could Bear
It should be obvious to all that both the Global and United States economies are going to take a massive, unimaginable and devastating 'hit' as the result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Currently, we are told that the United States alone will realize a nearly 8-trillion dollar setback and that does not factor in the unpredictable time of the pandemic's end.
There is another untold catastrophe playing out amid these unprecedented times and that is the mental and emotional cost to human life. Depression and anxiety are reported extremely high and fear of an increase in suicides worry health officials. On a personal note, I wonder about the negative or perhaps at minimum the compromised personality development, the altered self-worth assurance and the underdevelopment of interpersonal empathy in our very young. I watch the faces of my great grandchildren ages six and two who see not smiling, encouraging faces of adults, which aides in the aforementioned desirable traits but instead they see 'masked' faces and hear muffled sounds. As a young boy, I felt and saw love throughout my journey. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors exuded smiling and assuring expressions, which anchored a warm feeling of belonging, security and love. Today's health crisis with uncertain social interaction and the obvious sensed tension and anxiety exhibited in modeling-adults manifests in to subliminal negative messages to be processed by the developing child from which the consequential impact is yet to be determined.
Today, if families gather at all they practice masking and social distancing. The grandchild on the knee of grandpa is a no-no. The sit down 'tea party' with Nana and a great granddaughter is not happening. The once many healthy social interactions of our lifetime are put on hold...but at what cost to the developing child?
If I've learned anything, I've learned that 'LOVE' is the most powerful and essential emotional feeling and expression that stabilizes an other wise unstable world. It is said that time heals all hurt, pain and loss. I maintain that it is not time but 'LOVE' that heals. It must be modeled without parameters.
There is another untold catastrophe playing out amid these unprecedented times and that is the mental and emotional cost to human life. Depression and anxiety are reported extremely high and fear of an increase in suicides worry health officials. On a personal note, I wonder about the negative or perhaps at minimum the compromised personality development, the altered self-worth assurance and the underdevelopment of interpersonal empathy in our very young. I watch the faces of my great grandchildren ages six and two who see not smiling, encouraging faces of adults, which aides in the aforementioned desirable traits but instead they see 'masked' faces and hear muffled sounds. As a young boy, I felt and saw love throughout my journey. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors exuded smiling and assuring expressions, which anchored a warm feeling of belonging, security and love. Today's health crisis with uncertain social interaction and the obvious sensed tension and anxiety exhibited in modeling-adults manifests in to subliminal negative messages to be processed by the developing child from which the consequential impact is yet to be determined.
Today, if families gather at all they practice masking and social distancing. The grandchild on the knee of grandpa is a no-no. The sit down 'tea party' with Nana and a great granddaughter is not happening. The once many healthy social interactions of our lifetime are put on hold...but at what cost to the developing child?
If I've learned anything, I've learned that 'LOVE' is the most powerful and essential emotional feeling and expression that stabilizes an other wise unstable world. It is said that time heals all hurt, pain and loss. I maintain that it is not time but 'LOVE' that heals. It must be modeled without parameters.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Tiresomely Repititive
Yesterday, Vice President Pence was sent before the press and American public as President Trump's puppet-boy in disguise as the Coronavirus Task Force Leader to reiterate Trump's insistence that all schools reopen in the fall. Pence was shored up by Dr. Deborah Birx and others. Conspicuously absent from the Task Force briefings was Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is considered one of the world's most renown experts on infectious diseases. Dr. Fauci has lost the favor of Trump due to Fauci's unwillingness to validate Trump's ongoing lies regarding the seriousness of the pandemic. Trump and his supporters just hate science; you know that knowledge that explains global warming, that gave us pasteurization, the polio vaccine, medical imaging, antibiotics, the Internet and DNA. Well, you can't trust scientist like Dr. Fauci because he feels a moral obligation to reject lying and instead offers the scientific facts about a deadly virus.
From the start the Task Force briefing was transparent and extremely boring with its repetitive 'theme,' "we must open schools." Hearing this school phrase over and over, I thought>> had a classroom teacher presented a lesson plan to her class before an administrator for teaching evaluation in the manner Pence and Birx presented, that teacher would be put on probation or likely fired. They talked in circles, slides did not work or appear when called for and factual substantive information was not evident. For example, Pence stated that Governors in Arizona, Texas and Florida are starting to "see the curve flatten." That is a bold face lie. Those States are seeing their highest number of daily infection rates. Teachers cannot present non-factual information to their students. All hell would break loose!
The untruths told by Trump and his administration to deceive the public for their personal political gain is appalling if not immoral. Trump established a Coronavirus Task Force, which established guidelines for States to mitigate and eventually re-open then ignored those guidelines telling States and encouraging States to open too soon resulting in frieghtening infectious increases. Recently, Trump insisted that the Director of the CDC ease up on guidelines to re-open schools, which means millions of children and hundreds of thounds of teachers will be placed in greater danger of infection.
Trump has demonstrated time and again that he is detached from reality. May our God protect us.
From the start the Task Force briefing was transparent and extremely boring with its repetitive 'theme,' "we must open schools." Hearing this school phrase over and over, I thought>> had a classroom teacher presented a lesson plan to her class before an administrator for teaching evaluation in the manner Pence and Birx presented, that teacher would be put on probation or likely fired. They talked in circles, slides did not work or appear when called for and factual substantive information was not evident. For example, Pence stated that Governors in Arizona, Texas and Florida are starting to "see the curve flatten." That is a bold face lie. Those States are seeing their highest number of daily infection rates. Teachers cannot present non-factual information to their students. All hell would break loose!
The untruths told by Trump and his administration to deceive the public for their personal political gain is appalling if not immoral. Trump established a Coronavirus Task Force, which established guidelines for States to mitigate and eventually re-open then ignored those guidelines telling States and encouraging States to open too soon resulting in frieghtening infectious increases. Recently, Trump insisted that the Director of the CDC ease up on guidelines to re-open schools, which means millions of children and hundreds of thounds of teachers will be placed in greater danger of infection.
Trump has demonstrated time and again that he is detached from reality. May our God protect us.
Ps. We don't need to rush to re-open schools. When test time comes just pay a smarter kid to take the test for you!
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
"It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity."
A good Decatur friend of ours has contracted a swimming pool company to erect an above ground pool. She messaged my wife this morning indicating that at noon yesterday the pool-crew told the lady they would not be working in the afternoon because the heat index would be too high. I was not shocked with such a comment but I still caught myself shaking my head in disbelief. The heat index yesterday broke the 100-degrees mark.
The 'heat-index' marker was introduced in the early 1980's, and replaced the Temperature-Humidity-Index, which was calculated by adding the air temp and humidity. If the (THI) totaled 150+ then the weatherman told you that you were uncomfortable. I just love how easy my personal thinking has become. I have a meteorologist telling me if I'm too hot (heat index) or too cold (wind chill) and the 24/7 cable news networks telling me how to interpret events and television preachers i.e., Pat Robertson / Kenneth Copeland telling me what God told them to tell me and thus how I should vote.
Back to this "too hot to work" mentality. Central air-conditioning became popular in the 1970's, thus I'm guessing the median age of those pool workers is around 30, which means they grew up without knowing the comfort of a 'bed-pallet' by a screened door on a 1950's mid-August night in the muggy Mississippi River valley city of East St. Louis. Also, I'm guessing those fellas never watched a black & white picture-tube television set that pulled in a total of three channels if situated correctly with just the right amount of tinfoil on the rabbit ears antenna. I'm guessing those fellas never drove across country with a family of five in a non-air- conditioned auto. The middle spot in the backseat of that 1950 Bel Air Chevy was brutal!
Personally, I love the heat. Not crazy about humidity but so be it. My generation was conditioned to 'grin-'n-bare-it.' I recall as a 16-year old boy working in summer time St. Louis factories. Once a month a train box car was dropped off beside our factory. Three workers spent two-hours unloading hundreds of 90lbs. lead bricks, which were later to be melted for lead pipe extrusion. The mid-afternoon temperature in that box car topped 128-degrees. Damn! Never thought about telling the foreman that I was going to 'knock off' because of the 'heat index.'
Why goodness, as an 11 & 12 year old baseball Little Leaguer I played in 90+ degrees temperatures wearing a wool uniform...my generation was conditioned and I suppose that's why this 81-year old could take his 30-minute walk yesterday at 2:00PM with the heat index at 97. It felt good afterwards cooling off on the backyard swing.
Hang tough youngins, hang tough.
Ps. I made another 'heat-related' connection back in those 1950's hotter-than-blazes, non-airconditioning days. I recall one Sunday morning listening to the preacher talk about sin and the fires of hell for the unforgiven. There, I was a lad of 10, sitting in that stifling mid-July heat with a cardboard hand-fan. I looked down at the advertisement printed on that fan and Whoa! Lo' and Behold, "Kurrus Funeral Home."
The 'heat-index' marker was introduced in the early 1980's, and replaced the Temperature-Humidity-Index, which was calculated by adding the air temp and humidity. If the (THI) totaled 150+ then the weatherman told you that you were uncomfortable. I just love how easy my personal thinking has become. I have a meteorologist telling me if I'm too hot (heat index) or too cold (wind chill) and the 24/7 cable news networks telling me how to interpret events and television preachers i.e., Pat Robertson / Kenneth Copeland telling me what God told them to tell me and thus how I should vote.
Back to this "too hot to work" mentality. Central air-conditioning became popular in the 1970's, thus I'm guessing the median age of those pool workers is around 30, which means they grew up without knowing the comfort of a 'bed-pallet' by a screened door on a 1950's mid-August night in the muggy Mississippi River valley city of East St. Louis. Also, I'm guessing those fellas never watched a black & white picture-tube television set that pulled in a total of three channels if situated correctly with just the right amount of tinfoil on the rabbit ears antenna. I'm guessing those fellas never drove across country with a family of five in a non-air- conditioned auto. The middle spot in the backseat of that 1950 Bel Air Chevy was brutal!
Personally, I love the heat. Not crazy about humidity but so be it. My generation was conditioned to 'grin-'n-bare-it.' I recall as a 16-year old boy working in summer time St. Louis factories. Once a month a train box car was dropped off beside our factory. Three workers spent two-hours unloading hundreds of 90lbs. lead bricks, which were later to be melted for lead pipe extrusion. The mid-afternoon temperature in that box car topped 128-degrees. Damn! Never thought about telling the foreman that I was going to 'knock off' because of the 'heat index.'
Why goodness, as an 11 & 12 year old baseball Little Leaguer I played in 90+ degrees temperatures wearing a wool uniform...my generation was conditioned and I suppose that's why this 81-year old could take his 30-minute walk yesterday at 2:00PM with the heat index at 97. It felt good afterwards cooling off on the backyard swing.
Hang tough youngins, hang tough.
Ps. I made another 'heat-related' connection back in those 1950's hotter-than-blazes, non-airconditioning days. I recall one Sunday morning listening to the preacher talk about sin and the fires of hell for the unforgiven. There, I was a lad of 10, sitting in that stifling mid-July heat with a cardboard hand-fan. I looked down at the advertisement printed on that fan and Whoa! Lo' and Behold, "Kurrus Funeral Home."
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
A Rainy Day Flashback
I've learned that a daily 30-minute walk helps me physically, mentally and emotionally. I'm addicted to the routine especially in these unprecedented times. Yesterday, I found myself in the home stretch of my walk when suddenly a thunderstorm blew up and caught me in a temperature cooling rain the final ten minutes. I had left the house with the thermometer reading 91-degrees and by the time I returned home, toweled-off and changed T-shirts, I was sitting on the front porch enjoying rain drops midst a mild 78-degrees.
As I sat there stroking Toy Poodle Yodie's head, I had a flashback in time when I was eleven years old...why, I'm not sure except on such a summer stormy day in 1950, I'd find a spot on the screened back porch and do that homemade spinner baseball game, flipping those bubble-gum baseball cards, which had been arranged in a batting order. It may not have been the best of times during my journey but it was indeed the most worry-free of times.
From age eleven until thirteen, if I wasn't throwing a tennis ball against the front steps, playing side-street softball or Cards & Browns (Indian BaseBall) at St. Martin's Catholic Church lot, I was engaged in the East St. Louis Jaycee (Youth) League baseball. When the sun finally abandoned me, I switched on the backyard flood lights and shot baskets until the nine o'clock whistle blew or the Washington Park police stopped by to tell me they got a complaint from motorist that our flood lights blinded them. Didn't happen often but enough!
At age 14 & 15, I had expanded the competitive geographical territory as high school sports held scheduled demands and free time placed me in open gym competition...always seeking the next game. Things changed somewhat when I became 16, because back in the day a sixteen year old boy got a summer job. Now, I had to get those basketball shots up between 6PM to 9PM...thank goodness I had a girlfriend who understood and even on ocassion, she'd 'rebound!'
As the song lyrics proclaim:
"Once upon a time the world was sweeter than we knew,
Everything was ours, so happy we were then;
But once upon a time, never comes again."
Yep, yesterday as the stormy, rainy winds blew across my front yard, I sat on the porch and thought, 'You were one lucky guy, Mel Roustio.' Got to do what you wanted to do throughout your journey and blessed along the way.'
I hope you flashbacks are equally pleasing to visit.
As I sat there stroking Toy Poodle Yodie's head, I had a flashback in time when I was eleven years old...why, I'm not sure except on such a summer stormy day in 1950, I'd find a spot on the screened back porch and do that homemade spinner baseball game, flipping those bubble-gum baseball cards, which had been arranged in a batting order. It may not have been the best of times during my journey but it was indeed the most worry-free of times.
From age eleven until thirteen, if I wasn't throwing a tennis ball against the front steps, playing side-street softball or Cards & Browns (Indian BaseBall) at St. Martin's Catholic Church lot, I was engaged in the East St. Louis Jaycee (Youth) League baseball. When the sun finally abandoned me, I switched on the backyard flood lights and shot baskets until the nine o'clock whistle blew or the Washington Park police stopped by to tell me they got a complaint from motorist that our flood lights blinded them. Didn't happen often but enough!
At age 14 & 15, I had expanded the competitive geographical territory as high school sports held scheduled demands and free time placed me in open gym competition...always seeking the next game. Things changed somewhat when I became 16, because back in the day a sixteen year old boy got a summer job. Now, I had to get those basketball shots up between 6PM to 9PM...thank goodness I had a girlfriend who understood and even on ocassion, she'd 'rebound!'
As the song lyrics proclaim:
"Once upon a time the world was sweeter than we knew,
Everything was ours, so happy we were then;
But once upon a time, never comes again."
Yep, yesterday as the stormy, rainy winds blew across my front yard, I sat on the porch and thought, 'You were one lucky guy, Mel Roustio.' Got to do what you wanted to do throughout your journey and blessed along the way.'
I hope you flashbacks are equally pleasing to visit.
Monday, July 6, 2020
It's Good Growing Old
Of course, we know the alternative to growing old is not desirable but nonetheless folks who grow long in the tooth can easily fall into that cynical state of finding the downside of lingering. Not this writer. I rebuff the aches, pains and diminished abilities that come along with aging.
Recently, I was pondering some true advantages found in the latter stages of this old man's journey:
1. I believe I make my grandkids 'feel' good programming all my electronic devices. Sure!
2. Some of my clothes are coming back into style...Tie-Dye t-shirts, handkerchiefs and underwear.
3. My kids no longer accuse me of being a hypochondriac.
4. Growing forgetfulness permits me to enjoy old movies and television re-runs more.
5. I've started believing that I look good because so many people tell me so.
6. I have less pressure regarding social events. Can't recall the last time I made New Year's midnight.
7. Elevator music is beginning to remind me of my high school days.
8. No more dance recitals appear on my calendar. (I feared falling asleep and falling out of my seat).
9. My cheekbones appear higher as my jowls keep sagging more. I'll soon look like a Basset Hound.
10. In the year 2020, more people seem awed that I was born in the 1930's.
11. There is a greater probability that I'll be sitting at the next high school class reunion dinner table
with total strangers. (Think about it).
Recently, I was pondering some true advantages found in the latter stages of this old man's journey:
1. I believe I make my grandkids 'feel' good programming all my electronic devices. Sure!
2. Some of my clothes are coming back into style...Tie-Dye t-shirts, handkerchiefs and underwear.
3. My kids no longer accuse me of being a hypochondriac.
4. Growing forgetfulness permits me to enjoy old movies and television re-runs more.
5. I've started believing that I look good because so many people tell me so.
6. I have less pressure regarding social events. Can't recall the last time I made New Year's midnight.
7. Elevator music is beginning to remind me of my high school days.
8. No more dance recitals appear on my calendar. (I feared falling asleep and falling out of my seat).
9. My cheekbones appear higher as my jowls keep sagging more. I'll soon look like a Basset Hound.
10. In the year 2020, more people seem awed that I was born in the 1930's.
11. There is a greater probability that I'll be sitting at the next high school class reunion dinner table
with total strangers. (Think about it).
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Help Me Cipher
Desi often asked Lucy, "Lucy, S'plain it to me!" I have frequently told readers that I am one of slightly above average intelligence although my adversaries will challenge such a self-proclaimed high opinion. Aside from that debate, I would like somebody to 'square' the following comparison scenario:
You, as I have recently seen videos of folks appearing before various community council meetings and before T. V. cameras to vociferously bitch about any cities or States mandating the wearing of face masks to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Most of those folks have come emotionally unhinged as they pontificate their constitutional rights "to breath naturally" as God intended them to do." (I love when folks assume God is on 'their' side). If these non-mask wearing Christians feel so strongly about their Constitutional INDIVIDUAL rights over those of some elderly gent with a heart condition or a adolescent in treatment for leukemia, then how can these same people deny the INDIVIDUAL rights of a woman to have an abortion, which is her Constituonal right.
Please explain this conundrum to an 81-year old intellectually compromised fella. Now don't start out talking about "baby killing." After all, if the two year old child fighting leukemia dies from your unprotected mouth producing coronavirus droplets, you are likewise a baby killer!
You, as I have recently seen videos of folks appearing before various community council meetings and before T. V. cameras to vociferously bitch about any cities or States mandating the wearing of face masks to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Most of those folks have come emotionally unhinged as they pontificate their constitutional rights "to breath naturally" as God intended them to do." (I love when folks assume God is on 'their' side). If these non-mask wearing Christians feel so strongly about their Constitutional INDIVIDUAL rights over those of some elderly gent with a heart condition or a adolescent in treatment for leukemia, then how can these same people deny the INDIVIDUAL rights of a woman to have an abortion, which is her Constituonal right.
Please explain this conundrum to an 81-year old intellectually compromised fella. Now don't start out talking about "baby killing." After all, if the two year old child fighting leukemia dies from your unprotected mouth producing coronavirus droplets, you are likewise a baby killer!
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