Well, Hallelujah ! I finally have a 'strange bedfellow' in a staunch Republican. Of course, I must point out that 'the' Republican was slow coming around to my way of thinking. The Republican is none other than our 41st President, George H. W. Bush. Thank you, George, Sr. Doesn't it feel cleansing to speak such candid truth. Those two cats you called out remind me of faces at the Nuremberg Trial.
Former President George H. W. has a new book ready for release and in the book the daddy of 'W' blast his son's Vice-President and Secretary of Defense. Papa Bush calls Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld too 'hawkish,' talking too harsh and inflexible, all of which tarnished America's reputation around the world. Senior Bush referenced Cheney as a "hard-ass"'and Rumsfeld as "arrogant."
The War Hawk defenders, John McCain, Cheney and Rumsfeld are already dismissing George H.W. Bush's comments by subtly hinting that the senior Bush is likely senile and his opinions hold little validity. I shall sit back and listen to the hawkish, trash talking, inflexible pundits such as Hannity, O'Rielly and Limbaugh gingerly distance themselves from old man Bush while continuing to promote uncompromising Republican arrogance as they spin their divisive hatred.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Yodie Delivers the Goods
Normally, I take breakfast each morning to my wife in our upstairs bedroom. The AM menu usually consists of cereals both hot & cold or the occasional pancakes or French Toast. The daily breakfast moments permits visiting, newspaper reading and 'Today Show' snippets.
The aforementioned routine documented, you can imagine my surprise when yesterday morning, my wife was rattling pots and pans about 40 minutes ahead of the normal schedule. She yelled to me in the family room where I was reading, "Would you like a couple of scrambled eggs?" WOW! What's going on, I'm wondering. We don't have a mid-week breakfast of eggs at 7:00AM.
Moments later she called out my name again to tell me my eggs were ready. As I entered the kitchen things suddenly became clear. I walked past Toy Poodle, Yodie who was bent over gobbling up his morning breakfast. Lo' & Behold, Yodie was eating a scrambled egg mixed in with his dry cereal.
I was tempted to call my wife out on her obvious ' guilt eggs' but I bit my tongue. Why look a 'gift dog in the mouth?'
The aforementioned routine documented, you can imagine my surprise when yesterday morning, my wife was rattling pots and pans about 40 minutes ahead of the normal schedule. She yelled to me in the family room where I was reading, "Would you like a couple of scrambled eggs?" WOW! What's going on, I'm wondering. We don't have a mid-week breakfast of eggs at 7:00AM.
Moments later she called out my name again to tell me my eggs were ready. As I entered the kitchen things suddenly became clear. I walked past Toy Poodle, Yodie who was bent over gobbling up his morning breakfast. Lo' & Behold, Yodie was eating a scrambled egg mixed in with his dry cereal.
I was tempted to call my wife out on her obvious ' guilt eggs' but I bit my tongue. Why look a 'gift dog in the mouth?'
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Book is Available
This past Monday evening, my wife and I paid our respects attending the wake visitation of a lady whose son I coached on the Assumption high school baseball team (Assumption, Illinois) in 1963. It was my first varsity coaching position at that high school of 225 students, which is now consolidated with Moweaqua, Illinois forming Central A & M. The 91 year old, Barb Cazalet was a delightful person who demonstrated unbelievable faith in the face of losing two sons at young ages; one with muscular dystrophy and a second son with cancer.
While standing in the outer foyer of the funeral home, Tony Woods, another player from that 1963 baseball team walked up to me and opened his mouth wide and then smiled. I quickly said, "One thousand one, one thousand two..." Tony winked and said, "And we picked him off second base." Tony was recalling a 'timing play' we ran over fifty years ago on that Assumption baseball team. Woods, playing shortstop would open his mouth wide as the pitcher stretched. He and the pitcher would then count to one thousand two then the pitcher would whirl and throw behind the base runner to the shortstop breaking for second base.
I tell this story for two reasons: It is both amazing and frightening what people recall over the years. Secondly, those recalls were most often very funny.
I have recently authored my fourth book, which is entitled, "Game Laughter" (The Sunny Side of Sports). In the book, I recall a total of 115 stories. Most of these humorous recollections came from my personal playing days in East St. Louis and Illinois State University but many more from coaching stops at the following Illinois high schools: Assumption, Mason City, Washington, Edwardsville, Jacksonville and Decatur. Also, I was blessed with radio hosting opportunities that opened doors to more sports' humor.
The book cost is $12.00, which covers postage. You may send a check or money order (payable to TEPCA) to Mel Roustio 3991 Greenridge Dr. Decatur, IL. 62526 or telephone Mel Roustio @ (217 358-7574.
While standing in the outer foyer of the funeral home, Tony Woods, another player from that 1963 baseball team walked up to me and opened his mouth wide and then smiled. I quickly said, "One thousand one, one thousand two..." Tony winked and said, "And we picked him off second base." Tony was recalling a 'timing play' we ran over fifty years ago on that Assumption baseball team. Woods, playing shortstop would open his mouth wide as the pitcher stretched. He and the pitcher would then count to one thousand two then the pitcher would whirl and throw behind the base runner to the shortstop breaking for second base.
I tell this story for two reasons: It is both amazing and frightening what people recall over the years. Secondly, those recalls were most often very funny.
I have recently authored my fourth book, which is entitled, "Game Laughter" (The Sunny Side of Sports). In the book, I recall a total of 115 stories. Most of these humorous recollections came from my personal playing days in East St. Louis and Illinois State University but many more from coaching stops at the following Illinois high schools: Assumption, Mason City, Washington, Edwardsville, Jacksonville and Decatur. Also, I was blessed with radio hosting opportunities that opened doors to more sports' humor.
The book cost is $12.00, which covers postage. You may send a check or money order (payable to TEPCA) to Mel Roustio 3991 Greenridge Dr. Decatur, IL. 62526 or telephone Mel Roustio @ (217 358-7574.
Think About It
One of the reasons I pass on morning coffee with 'the fellas' centers around my desire to keep the few friends I have. I know that those AM coffee gatherings presents a multitude of topics and I am positive politics is one. That said, most old farts, like me are Republicans whereas, I am not. You see the picture developing?
Recently, a high school age neighbor kid stopped by the house asking me to participate in a political science project. It seems his class has a lesson requiring students to gather political philosophies or attitudes and after collecting data they discuss opinions expressed against factors such as gender, age, amount of formal education, etc.
The survey was a breeze for me. Question: Mr. Roustio, if you were a Presidential candidate what would be your main 'talking point?' (I wished I'd videoed the lad when I spoke these words):
"I would push for legislation that mandates every new born males must have a vasectomy. When the male reaches the age of 21+ he may have the procedure reversed IF he has steady full-time employment, has fifteen thousand dollars in savings and knows 12 nursery rhymes."
I would not suggest all our country's problems would be solved through this legislative enactment but a hellava lot would go away.
...okay, okay, I jest. I recognize the silliness in my political platform. I told the student as much. However, let me tell you readers this: I was an educator for nearly forty years, I have a son, daughter daughter-in law and two granddaughters teaching in the public schools today. Collectively, they have taught for approximately 75 years (give or take). The stories they share does not paint a positive picture about accountability being taught in the American homes today.
Recently, a high school age neighbor kid stopped by the house asking me to participate in a political science project. It seems his class has a lesson requiring students to gather political philosophies or attitudes and after collecting data they discuss opinions expressed against factors such as gender, age, amount of formal education, etc.
The survey was a breeze for me. Question: Mr. Roustio, if you were a Presidential candidate what would be your main 'talking point?' (I wished I'd videoed the lad when I spoke these words):
"I would push for legislation that mandates every new born males must have a vasectomy. When the male reaches the age of 21+ he may have the procedure reversed IF he has steady full-time employment, has fifteen thousand dollars in savings and knows 12 nursery rhymes."
I would not suggest all our country's problems would be solved through this legislative enactment but a hellava lot would go away.
...okay, okay, I jest. I recognize the silliness in my political platform. I told the student as much. However, let me tell you readers this: I was an educator for nearly forty years, I have a son, daughter daughter-in law and two granddaughters teaching in the public schools today. Collectively, they have taught for approximately 75 years (give or take). The stories they share does not paint a positive picture about accountability being taught in the American homes today.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Men & Women Age Differently
My wife is a better person than her husband. She is more genuine, kinder, engaging, pure and sincere. I don't mean to suggest that I am a bad person...my wife is simply better. That said, she parents differently and relates differently. She also makes boys mentally weaker with her nurturing.
Follow my logic: Last week, I had a16-year old grandson and his 16-year old friend at my house. I fed them very well and gave them free advice on things like responsibilities, being accountable for your behavior and respecting others. As I said, no charge for these informational life-staple morsels.
I also paid these two boys $10.00 per hour per person for raking and bagging yard leaves. Lots of leaves but that is immaterial because the $10.00 per hour negates all questions and moaning about the amount of leaves. I explained to them that while working no cell phone and no standing around bullshitting. If they want to do that then the pay is $5.00 per hour. With ground rules established, my wife interrupted the boys to give them gloves. My wife worried that the 45 degrees and wind made things tough on the boys. My wife interrupted the boys to give them hot chocolate, which ultimately created a situation to stand, check cell phones and bullshit. My point: At every turn whether it is school grading systems, sports participation or manual labor, we adults are making the next generation 'SOFT.' Too soft! I'm right on this and my wife is wrong.
Look, it's simple, I'm trying to 'Make America Great Again' like Trump. If these homegrown people can't cut the mustard then I should hire some illegal immigrants to rake my leaves before that wall is built.
Perhaps, just perhaps it's the aging process. As women age they become even more caring while old males simply become more cantankerous.
Follow my logic: Last week, I had a16-year old grandson and his 16-year old friend at my house. I fed them very well and gave them free advice on things like responsibilities, being accountable for your behavior and respecting others. As I said, no charge for these informational life-staple morsels.
I also paid these two boys $10.00 per hour per person for raking and bagging yard leaves. Lots of leaves but that is immaterial because the $10.00 per hour negates all questions and moaning about the amount of leaves. I explained to them that while working no cell phone and no standing around bullshitting. If they want to do that then the pay is $5.00 per hour. With ground rules established, my wife interrupted the boys to give them gloves. My wife worried that the 45 degrees and wind made things tough on the boys. My wife interrupted the boys to give them hot chocolate, which ultimately created a situation to stand, check cell phones and bullshit. My point: At every turn whether it is school grading systems, sports participation or manual labor, we adults are making the next generation 'SOFT.' Too soft! I'm right on this and my wife is wrong.
Look, it's simple, I'm trying to 'Make America Great Again' like Trump. If these homegrown people can't cut the mustard then I should hire some illegal immigrants to rake my leaves before that wall is built.
Perhaps, just perhaps it's the aging process. As women age they become even more caring while old males simply become more cantankerous.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Cry Me a River
There certainly is much hullabaloo amongst the GOP presidential candidates over these ongoing televised debates. It appears the Republican candidates feel they are being asked loaded, mean-spirited questions by those evil left wing-leaning media folks. Again, we have boogieman conspiracies.
GOP Tea Party guy, Ted Cruz has a solution to this debate debacle. Cruz suggest that the Republican debate should be moderated by Republicans. Now this approach to competition should sound familiar to you readers. It is much like 'coach-pitch little league baseball.' For those who may be unfamiliar with 'coach-pitch' let me explain: The pitcher is one of the fathers of the team batting. The pitcher wants the batter to be successful.
Clown Cruz has to be one of the biggest 'wimp-asses' in America. He wishes to be THE LEADER of the free world as President of the United States and YET he does not want to face unfriendly questioning. He must be crapping us! I'm sure Putin and other adversarial world leaders are going to play footsies with Cruz or his other GOP hopefuls.
I find it amusing that the political party, which pontificates free market competition and deregulation wishes to reduce competitiveness and regulate the Presidential debates.
GOP Tea Party guy, Ted Cruz has a solution to this debate debacle. Cruz suggest that the Republican debate should be moderated by Republicans. Now this approach to competition should sound familiar to you readers. It is much like 'coach-pitch little league baseball.' For those who may be unfamiliar with 'coach-pitch' let me explain: The pitcher is one of the fathers of the team batting. The pitcher wants the batter to be successful.
Clown Cruz has to be one of the biggest 'wimp-asses' in America. He wishes to be THE LEADER of the free world as President of the United States and YET he does not want to face unfriendly questioning. He must be crapping us! I'm sure Putin and other adversarial world leaders are going to play footsies with Cruz or his other GOP hopefuls.
I find it amusing that the political party, which pontificates free market competition and deregulation wishes to reduce competitiveness and regulate the Presidential debates.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
The 'Impact' Boys
Last week when my grandson and his friend visited from Wednesday evening until Saturday morning with the expressed purpose of leaf-raking; they filled 31 lawn bags with leaves and mulched that many bags for the garden. In the wake was two broken rakes. I understand how a wooden handle breaks but how do two metal prongs go missing from an all-metal rake?
Other revealing statistics from the two 16-year old lads' visit are as listed: Food and liquid consumption...two extra large pizza, two gallons milk, 11/2 loaves of bread, one box Fruit Loops, one box Cheerios, 21/2 gallons of orange juice, one gallon of tea, 13 sodas, 1/2 box crackers, eight large chili-pasta servings, 7 hot dogs, 4 hamburgers, 1/2 gallon ice cream, one apple pie, one cherry pie, two large bags-potato chips, undisclosed amount of cheese, 2lbs hamburger patties and 17 pancakes and a three roll sleeve of toilet tissue, which makes sense.
I overheard the following contemporary teen language-expressions: "I'm good." (37 X),
"For Sure!" (21 X), "What S'up?" (19 X), "When we gunna eat?" (15 X), "Hey Bro." (13 X).
My Toy Poodle, Yodie, although happy to see the boys each morning, appeared more neurotic each night.
Other revealing statistics from the two 16-year old lads' visit are as listed: Food and liquid consumption...two extra large pizza, two gallons milk, 11/2 loaves of bread, one box Fruit Loops, one box Cheerios, 21/2 gallons of orange juice, one gallon of tea, 13 sodas, 1/2 box crackers, eight large chili-pasta servings, 7 hot dogs, 4 hamburgers, 1/2 gallon ice cream, one apple pie, one cherry pie, two large bags-potato chips, undisclosed amount of cheese, 2lbs hamburger patties and 17 pancakes and a three roll sleeve of toilet tissue, which makes sense.
I overheard the following contemporary teen language-expressions: "I'm good." (37 X),
"For Sure!" (21 X), "What S'up?" (19 X), "When we gunna eat?" (15 X), "Hey Bro." (13 X).
My Toy Poodle, Yodie, although happy to see the boys each morning, appeared more neurotic each night.
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