Friday, July 18, 2014
Struggling for Common Sense
Most of my life, I lived from pay check-to-paycheck; I am not complaining but stating a truth. In the early 1970's, I was coaching at Edwardsville high school. One August Sunday afternoon, I was driving through Missouri returning home with my wife and our three children from a week in the Lake of the Ozark's. While driving I passed a vehicle and crossed a portion of a yellow highway line. I was arrested for 'illegal passing.'
The fine was $80.00. Had I given the officer the $80.00 on site, I would have gotten a receipt and continued my journey. Since I only had $60.00 on my person, I was escorted to Jefferson County jail where I was booked and photographed holding a number while my young children looked on in dismay and our family dog barked at prisoners who were cursing guards delivering supper. I am not making this shit up. It happened and you should not act surprised, we are talking early 1970's and Governor Kit Bond's Missouri.
My wife had luck when a State Troopers offered to drive her to a grocery store that would cash a twenty dollar personal check giving us the necessary 'get-out-of-jail' money.
This past week, a stalker broke into the private home of actress, Sandra Bullock and was approaching her bedroom when she locked the door and called 911. The police arrived at the home and arrested a 'White 'guy who thinks he is the father of Bullock's adopted 'Black' child. This deranged 'cat' also claims that God wants he and Sandra to be together...obviously his oars don't even touch the water. Within hours, this nut job was out on bail. Bullock should consider a move to Missouri.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
A Tale of Talents
I do not personally know Derek Jeter, New York 'Yankees' shortstop or Bryce Harper, Washington 'Nationals' outfielder. My words, therefore are offered through observation and sport's reporting. It is my perception. Jeter is retiring from baseball after some 20 years playing while Harper is in the early stages of his career.
'The Captain' as Jeter is affectionately called epitomizes the positive role-model attributes that sports' advocates have always desired in those who play the games at the elite level. In an era of microscopic news coverage of all entertainers and athletes, we have become somewhat accustom to the negative events involving our would-be-heroes. Jeter has demonstrated an unwavering pristine persona, which allows us to applaud both the talent and the person. In an age of obvious 'greed,' which finds athletes jumping from one team to another seeking money versus any concept of commitment and loyalty, Derek Jeter is a throw-back to a more honorable American life-style.
Bryce Harper is struggling as he attempts to 'find' a personal performing comfort zone with respect for the game, an understanding of 'team' and a humbleness; the is no question of Harper's baseball abilities. The tale of two talents...one will be enshrined in Cooperstown Hall-of-Fame; the other is 'finding' the way.
'The Captain' as Jeter is affectionately called epitomizes the positive role-model attributes that sports' advocates have always desired in those who play the games at the elite level. In an era of microscopic news coverage of all entertainers and athletes, we have become somewhat accustom to the negative events involving our would-be-heroes. Jeter has demonstrated an unwavering pristine persona, which allows us to applaud both the talent and the person. In an age of obvious 'greed,' which finds athletes jumping from one team to another seeking money versus any concept of commitment and loyalty, Derek Jeter is a throw-back to a more honorable American life-style.
Bryce Harper is struggling as he attempts to 'find' a personal performing comfort zone with respect for the game, an understanding of 'team' and a humbleness; the is no question of Harper's baseball abilities. The tale of two talents...one will be enshrined in Cooperstown Hall-of-Fame; the other is 'finding' the way.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Goose & Gander
Remember the Nevada rancher, Cliven Bundy? He's the fella that continues to graze his livestock on federal land and refuses to pay the Government one million dollars in grazing fees, which he has incurred. To protect his illegal-immigrant herd, Cliven and his armed buddies confront U S authorities when they show up at the site in question. Our Government backs down refusing to arrest the misinformed-law-breaking fool. I suspect should I ignore the laws of the land, my ass would be behind bars before you could say, 'What the hell was the woman thinking naming her boy, 'Cliven?'
Okay, let me toss out a goose and gander comparison for you readers: WHAT'S GOOD FOR CLIVEN BUNDY IS GOOD FOR THE THOUSANDS OF HISPANIC CHILDREN CROSSING OUR BORDERS ILLEGALLY!
Okay, let me toss out a goose and gander comparison for you readers: WHAT'S GOOD FOR CLIVEN BUNDY IS GOOD FOR THE THOUSANDS OF HISPANIC CHILDREN CROSSING OUR BORDERS ILLEGALLY!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
The Beat Goes On
For several weeks, my wife and I were privileged to be up front and close to a pair of Cardinal birds. When you have the number of backyard bird-feeders that we have, you can expect a plethora of wild birds visiting. Of course my wife's flower beds also attract the feathered-friends.
The male and female Cardinals were daily visitors to one particular feeder just off our sun room patio. We were amused by the attentiveness of the male Cardinal as he would take sunflower seeds, break them in his beak and carefully feed a portion to his female companion; cute to say the least. A few weeks passed and my wife pointed to a small flower pot next to the sun room door where the Cardinals had made a nest. I emphasize, it was a small pot. Few days later, we noticed three eggs were in the bottom of the nest. Over the next few weeks, we would watch from a kitchen window, which was perhaps five feet from the nest. The mother Cardinal tended to her incubation duty and periodically, the male daddy-to-be bird would bring her a snack.
It appeared to my wife that the mother was having difficulty getting 'down' on the small pot nest, so she addressed the issue one day when the mother was away and put additional lifting materials under the nest and eggs. It seemed to please the bird upon her return.
After the hatching of three chicks, we watched the feeding and protective methods. We watched both birds assume feeding duties and woe betide if a foreign bird approached the nest!
Finally, the day arrived. We looked out our window to see a young slightly feathered bird teetering on the edge of the pot trying to figure out the next move. Within hours the nest was empty. We had observed a courtship romance, lovers attentive concerns, fierce protection and worry about young off springs...Hum, I've seen that story elsewhere.
The male and female Cardinals were daily visitors to one particular feeder just off our sun room patio. We were amused by the attentiveness of the male Cardinal as he would take sunflower seeds, break them in his beak and carefully feed a portion to his female companion; cute to say the least. A few weeks passed and my wife pointed to a small flower pot next to the sun room door where the Cardinals had made a nest. I emphasize, it was a small pot. Few days later, we noticed three eggs were in the bottom of the nest. Over the next few weeks, we would watch from a kitchen window, which was perhaps five feet from the nest. The mother Cardinal tended to her incubation duty and periodically, the male daddy-to-be bird would bring her a snack.
It appeared to my wife that the mother was having difficulty getting 'down' on the small pot nest, so she addressed the issue one day when the mother was away and put additional lifting materials under the nest and eggs. It seemed to please the bird upon her return.
After the hatching of three chicks, we watched the feeding and protective methods. We watched both birds assume feeding duties and woe betide if a foreign bird approached the nest!
Finally, the day arrived. We looked out our window to see a young slightly feathered bird teetering on the edge of the pot trying to figure out the next move. Within hours the nest was empty. We had observed a courtship romance, lovers attentive concerns, fierce protection and worry about young off springs...Hum, I've seen that story elsewhere.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Not All Can Go Home
The big sports' news this past week was the decision by NBA basketball great, LeBron James to return to his 'home', Clevland and play once again for the Cavaliers. I must say upfront that I have never been a big James' fan but I do admit that this latest chronicle is truly a warm feel good story.
It is interesting to watch the reaction of basketball fans from the two cities, which were impacted by LeBron's decision to leave Miami, where he won 2 Titles in four years and Cleveland; his home. The word 'fan' is an abbreviation from the word 'fanatic.' Fanatic is defined as 'one who supports with unreasonable enthusiasm. Don't forget that the fan can also attack with the same unreasonable logic. Four years ago when LeBron left Cleveland, he was scorned, his jersey and images were burned as Cleveland fans expressed strong negative anger. Today those same fanatics are dancing in the streets. Miami was delighted when LeBron left Cleveland for South Florida but with news of his departure they are defacing LeBron's images. These fan expression are anchored in strong emotions and personal identity.
On a personal note, I am happy for the little boy inside the grown man named LeBron...that little boy can go home. Not all little boys can go back home; perhaps that's why they reminisce so much. Then again, I am an incurable romantic...truth be, a multi-millionaire businessman decided to relocate his home office.
It is interesting to watch the reaction of basketball fans from the two cities, which were impacted by LeBron's decision to leave Miami, where he won 2 Titles in four years and Cleveland; his home. The word 'fan' is an abbreviation from the word 'fanatic.' Fanatic is defined as 'one who supports with unreasonable enthusiasm. Don't forget that the fan can also attack with the same unreasonable logic. Four years ago when LeBron left Cleveland, he was scorned, his jersey and images were burned as Cleveland fans expressed strong negative anger. Today those same fanatics are dancing in the streets. Miami was delighted when LeBron left Cleveland for South Florida but with news of his departure they are defacing LeBron's images. These fan expression are anchored in strong emotions and personal identity.
On a personal note, I am happy for the little boy inside the grown man named LeBron...that little boy can go home. Not all little boys can go back home; perhaps that's why they reminisce so much. Then again, I am an incurable romantic...truth be, a multi-millionaire businessman decided to relocate his home office.
Friday, July 11, 2014
You Can't Run Away From It
When I was perhaps 12 or thirteen my East St. Louis neighborhood buddies would join me summer evenings under street lights and story swap or decide to do some 'stupid' stuff. A few of the more popular juvenile engagements was telephoning local taxi cab companies for bogus pick ups. Of course it was usually a call to some girls house. Another summer-evening pass time was throwing hedge apples at city buses or water balloons at passenger cars stopped at intersections.
Of course, most young boys don't think through consequences of their actions. I certainly recall one such evening when I failed to do a quick study of the groups individual break down of 'foot-speed.' Let me take you back to that moment. Me and two friends were hanging out at a major intersection one evening. We decided to get some rubber balloons at Gruber's Drug Store and then climb through the bathroom window of Leo Klimas' Tavern and fill the balloons with water. We then stood at the corner of Kings Highway and Caseyville Avenue and blast open window autos as they made their stop. One of the guys did not pay attention to the occupants of one car. That car was occupied by three guys perhaps three or four years our senior. As we realized who was 'hit,' we took off running from some pissed of older stud boys. As I am chugging down the alley, I could see the headlights turn in after me. I began cutting through yards attempting to elude a certain ass-kicking. Suddenly, I realized why these guys are chasing me and not the other two friends...I was the slowest runner. I did not think things through ! Finally, I tripped over a wire about ankle high placed around a garden. I fell flat into the mud between some corn and tomato plants. I knew those pursuing could not hearing me breathing because I believe I had stopped; I was afraid they hear my heart pounding.
This brings me to my point. Recently, the nutty political right-wingers have been calling for President Obama's impeachment. Never mind that a President must be guilty of high crimes or treason before he can be impeached. Those Tea Party idiots enjoy throwing hedge apples and water balloons. What they have not thought through is the consequences awaiting in 2016; a ass-kicking is coming !
Of course, most young boys don't think through consequences of their actions. I certainly recall one such evening when I failed to do a quick study of the groups individual break down of 'foot-speed.' Let me take you back to that moment. Me and two friends were hanging out at a major intersection one evening. We decided to get some rubber balloons at Gruber's Drug Store and then climb through the bathroom window of Leo Klimas' Tavern and fill the balloons with water. We then stood at the corner of Kings Highway and Caseyville Avenue and blast open window autos as they made their stop. One of the guys did not pay attention to the occupants of one car. That car was occupied by three guys perhaps three or four years our senior. As we realized who was 'hit,' we took off running from some pissed of older stud boys. As I am chugging down the alley, I could see the headlights turn in after me. I began cutting through yards attempting to elude a certain ass-kicking. Suddenly, I realized why these guys are chasing me and not the other two friends...I was the slowest runner. I did not think things through ! Finally, I tripped over a wire about ankle high placed around a garden. I fell flat into the mud between some corn and tomato plants. I knew those pursuing could not hearing me breathing because I believe I had stopped; I was afraid they hear my heart pounding.
This brings me to my point. Recently, the nutty political right-wingers have been calling for President Obama's impeachment. Never mind that a President must be guilty of high crimes or treason before he can be impeached. Those Tea Party idiots enjoy throwing hedge apples and water balloons. What they have not thought through is the consequences awaiting in 2016; a ass-kicking is coming !
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Wake Me For One But Not The Other
The bogus bull crap around our lives is enough to make your head-swim. Okay, your head does not actually swim without the rest of the body. Forgive me, I'm stuck in a time warp with 'hill-folks' jargon. Mammy Bennett would tell people, "I need to sit a spell, my heads swimmin'"
Writer, James Lincoln Collier wrote an article for the local New York City's West Village last week, which was entitled "Nigger In The White House." Needless to say, the shit hit the fan. Both the writer and newspaper are under fire for using the racist term. Even though the article was supportive of President Obama and attempted to explain that the 'headline' was representative of a large segment of America's prejudice population who reference our President in such racist remarks. If you have been a frequent reader of this blog you must know that this writer has been telling readers that America's greatest problem is likely racial, ethnic and religious prejudices and intolerance. Perhaps those who are upset with the 'N-word' in the headline have cause. I'll join that debate when Black entertainers (rap singers & comics) stop using the terms nigger and honky in routine and song.
We need to stop chasing disingenuous peripheral junk and tackle the crux of our Nation's race issues.. It's somewhat like the 'safety' concerns in sport. Please, if you will: The NCAA recently considered the idea of having football teams engage in only two days a week of physical contact practices. I suppose this is going to reduce concussions.
A few years ago, a professional baseball coach was struck in the head with a line drive batted ball and died. Immediately, Major League Baseball enacted a rule requiring all base coaches to wear protective helmets. This means the batter, catcher, umpire and base coaches are all wearing protective gear. The pitcher, however is approximately fifty feet away from the batted ball and wears NO REQUIRED protective armor. The batted- ball is coming towards the pitcher at 100-plus miles per hour and he is off-balance, which places him in a very vulnerable position. This scenario is repeated approximately 250 times every game. Everyone who has ever pitched 'rolls-the-dice.' Head and chest trauma is a real possibility each time the umpire yells, "Play Ball!" There are no rules attempting to protect the most vulnerable...the problem is complicated and don't you know money & greed interferes with common logic.
So we continue to have endless conversations about bullshit, instead of talking 'turkey.' Whoops, 'turkey' is one of those racial terms...we need to get down to real conversation and call a spade a spade...whoops, there I go again! I guess we best let it be and continue to point fingers of blame? Wake me when everyone accepts part of the blame...don't wake me for the riot.
Writer, James Lincoln Collier wrote an article for the local New York City's West Village last week, which was entitled "Nigger In The White House." Needless to say, the shit hit the fan. Both the writer and newspaper are under fire for using the racist term. Even though the article was supportive of President Obama and attempted to explain that the 'headline' was representative of a large segment of America's prejudice population who reference our President in such racist remarks. If you have been a frequent reader of this blog you must know that this writer has been telling readers that America's greatest problem is likely racial, ethnic and religious prejudices and intolerance. Perhaps those who are upset with the 'N-word' in the headline have cause. I'll join that debate when Black entertainers (rap singers & comics) stop using the terms nigger and honky in routine and song.
We need to stop chasing disingenuous peripheral junk and tackle the crux of our Nation's race issues.. It's somewhat like the 'safety' concerns in sport. Please, if you will: The NCAA recently considered the idea of having football teams engage in only two days a week of physical contact practices. I suppose this is going to reduce concussions.
A few years ago, a professional baseball coach was struck in the head with a line drive batted ball and died. Immediately, Major League Baseball enacted a rule requiring all base coaches to wear protective helmets. This means the batter, catcher, umpire and base coaches are all wearing protective gear. The pitcher, however is approximately fifty feet away from the batted ball and wears NO REQUIRED protective armor. The batted- ball is coming towards the pitcher at 100-plus miles per hour and he is off-balance, which places him in a very vulnerable position. This scenario is repeated approximately 250 times every game. Everyone who has ever pitched 'rolls-the-dice.' Head and chest trauma is a real possibility each time the umpire yells, "Play Ball!" There are no rules attempting to protect the most vulnerable...the problem is complicated and don't you know money & greed interferes with common logic.
So we continue to have endless conversations about bullshit, instead of talking 'turkey.' Whoops, 'turkey' is one of those racial terms...we need to get down to real conversation and call a spade a spade...whoops, there I go again! I guess we best let it be and continue to point fingers of blame? Wake me when everyone accepts part of the blame...don't wake me for the riot.
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