I doubt anything is more obvious than our Capitalistic culture driving Americans to do earlier Christmas shopping these days. The first cold turkey leftover (Thanksgiving) sandwich has not been made and American people are fighting over items in department stores on what we have famously branded 'Black Friday.' We begin 'getting into' this Christmas Spirit beginning around 6PM on Thanksgiving evening. This gives us approximately five weeks to build the crescendo to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. America's church pews will overflow on those warm and fuzzy candle-lighting Christmas Eve Services. Of course, we will be back to the 14-to-18 % regular Sunday morning attendance come January of the New Year.
I have no problem with starting the 'Christmas Season' early. Let me explain my reasoning. Beginning the Christmas Season early does not motivate me to shop sooner or more often, in fact I don't shop at all and I haven't for several years. Why don't I shop? If I need it or my wife needs it, we buy it. We don't wait for Christmas for material needs. Regarding children, grandchildren and great- grandkids, we give them money for Christmas. My goodness, why pretend we know what they need or like only to stress them out keeping track of return-receipts.
Here's why I like the Christmas Season beginning early: Christmas takes the edge off America's cynical attitudes. For a brief period of time we are a nation of people who really try to tolerate, show love, show a caring-kindness and purport a Christ-like message. Personally, I think we should all keep our Christmas decorations up year round and the shopping malls and radio stations should play Christmas songs periodically throughout the year. Once a month the Jimmy Stewart movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" should be aired on television.
Ray Charles said it best, "Why can't it remain all through the year, each day the same, that's what I want hear; it's truly amazing that Spirit of Christmas."
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Possible? I Think So.
The FBI and other government agencies cannot positively determine the number of (race-religious-homophobic) hate crimes, which occur annually in the United States but it is estimated to be approximately 200,000-to-300,000. That's a bunch of 'hate' goin' on in a Christian nation...wouldn't you say?
Regardless one's views on the 2016 Presidential campaign, we would have to agree that race hate and religious intolerance were major 'hot topics' during the campaigns. I am not inclined to point fingers at either candidate or political party with this blog rant today. That established, I am wondering how much of this 'hate' is nurtured in American homes. It appears to me, predicated on observed attitudes, rhetoric and actions, that there has been generations of American children, which have been erroneously brainwashed to believe that Jesus Christ is a 'White man' with blue eyes and the boogieman is 'Black.'
Regardless one's views on the 2016 Presidential campaign, we would have to agree that race hate and religious intolerance were major 'hot topics' during the campaigns. I am not inclined to point fingers at either candidate or political party with this blog rant today. That established, I am wondering how much of this 'hate' is nurtured in American homes. It appears to me, predicated on observed attitudes, rhetoric and actions, that there has been generations of American children, which have been erroneously brainwashed to believe that Jesus Christ is a 'White man' with blue eyes and the boogieman is 'Black.'
Monday, December 5, 2016
It's Bullcrap and YOU Know It
One frequent target of President-elect Donald Trump while campaigning for the presidency was the media. I get that. The media certainly should be scrutinized. We would be fools if we did not accept the reality that MSNBC advances a liberal-leaning news message. On the other coin-side, we note Fox News to be a mouthpiece for the conservative cause. Okay, back to the point. Trump's campaign style was predicated on personal attacks. I would not argue with his successful outcome even though we still remain unsure about his methods to 'Make America Great Again.'
Trump's camp continues to offer the 'evil media' as problematic this post-election. Recently, when Trump was called-out for 'walking back' many campaign pontificated ideas, his campaign staff informed us that this IS the media's fault because the media took what Trump said, 'literally.' This mixed messaging can be confusing for consumption. I ask myself: Did Donald mean it when he said Mexico is sending us (America) murderers and rapists? Did Trump mean it when he agreed with an interviewer that his daughter had a nice ass? Did he mean it when he said he would pursue prosecuting Hillary Clinton? Did he mean it when he said he could touch women in private body areas because he is a famous person? Did Trump mean it when he said Ted Cruz's father was involved in JFK's assassination? Did he mean it when he said he thinks Obama might be a Muslim not born in the USA? Did he mean it when he said he knows more about ISIS than the American military?
Okay, I'll stop. I'm having a difficult time connecting dots that conclude Trump should not be responsible for anything he may say but the media is responsible to interpret Trumps words in a manner, which sheds only a positive spin on his comments.
On a personal note, I can state that I dealt with media as a basketball coach for 37 years. I always warned my coaches and players to say positive things about teammates and the opponents. I never blamed a player for a loss. When we won I gave credit to my players and assistants. When we lost I gave credit to the opponent. I never blamed...I said I never blamed the officials for a defeat.
I had one confrontation with a media person in 37-years. I felt the media individual was being too critical of one of my players and I told him so. He became defensive and said that I was not doing my best job coaching that year. I told him to report that if he wished but get off the player's back. I was taught to own my words and own my actions. Sometimes I was pleased with my words/actions and other times I am not...but my problems were not another's fault.
I have told you readers before that when I was a teenage boy heading out the door on a weekend night, my father often said, "Hey boy, be home a a decent hour and don't let your mouth overload your ass on the streets." Oh crap, Dad. You mean everybody out there is not going to give me the benefit-of-doubt?
Trump's camp continues to offer the 'evil media' as problematic this post-election. Recently, when Trump was called-out for 'walking back' many campaign pontificated ideas, his campaign staff informed us that this IS the media's fault because the media took what Trump said, 'literally.' This mixed messaging can be confusing for consumption. I ask myself: Did Donald mean it when he said Mexico is sending us (America) murderers and rapists? Did Trump mean it when he agreed with an interviewer that his daughter had a nice ass? Did he mean it when he said he would pursue prosecuting Hillary Clinton? Did he mean it when he said he could touch women in private body areas because he is a famous person? Did Trump mean it when he said Ted Cruz's father was involved in JFK's assassination? Did he mean it when he said he thinks Obama might be a Muslim not born in the USA? Did he mean it when he said he knows more about ISIS than the American military?
Okay, I'll stop. I'm having a difficult time connecting dots that conclude Trump should not be responsible for anything he may say but the media is responsible to interpret Trumps words in a manner, which sheds only a positive spin on his comments.
On a personal note, I can state that I dealt with media as a basketball coach for 37 years. I always warned my coaches and players to say positive things about teammates and the opponents. I never blamed a player for a loss. When we won I gave credit to my players and assistants. When we lost I gave credit to the opponent. I never blamed...I said I never blamed the officials for a defeat.
I had one confrontation with a media person in 37-years. I felt the media individual was being too critical of one of my players and I told him so. He became defensive and said that I was not doing my best job coaching that year. I told him to report that if he wished but get off the player's back. I was taught to own my words and own my actions. Sometimes I was pleased with my words/actions and other times I am not...but my problems were not another's fault.
I have told you readers before that when I was a teenage boy heading out the door on a weekend night, my father often said, "Hey boy, be home a a decent hour and don't let your mouth overload your ass on the streets." Oh crap, Dad. You mean everybody out there is not going to give me the benefit-of-doubt?
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Who's watching 'The Boys?'
Eighteen years ago this December 29, our son, Steve's wife, Kathy gave birth to triplet boys. My wife and I immediately thanked God for healthy babies and began praying for our son and daughter-in law's mental stability. God is good all the time; All the time God is good. That's not to suggest it has not been a challenging journey for that family.
Change was sure to happen with multiple births, especially three boys who for 15 years could not pass by a sibling without offering an agitating touch, slap or push that would cause all hell to break loose every time. Another noted triplet-inducing phenomenon was the increased conversational volume. Why not? It is nearly impossible to hear yourself 'think' much less be heard when all parties were on deck. Sandwiched around the triplets is two older sisters. One married the second a high-academic achieving girl and the youngest a high-octane little sister.
'The Boys,' as they would often be referenced are all handsome specimens. Carter picked up on second oldest sister, Loren's school achieving blueprint as he embraces desires to be 'first' in grades, which compliments his insistence to be 'first-in-line' for every thing else. Jake would be the most socially engaged triplet with anxiety filled saddlebags. And then there's Jamie, the carefree fun-loving spirit who has never been guilty of worry or focus.
As Jake and Jamie's senior basketball season was revving up to begin a few weeks ago, the family was concerned about Jamie's health. He appeared to be lethargic and fatigued with a need to sleep all the time. Was it mononucleosis? Was it some other mysterious illness? Clinic visits and repeated blood tests dismissed all guesses. Now into the basketball season both Jake & Jamie are performing well. Jamie seems to be physically back on his feet and apparently the mystery behind his sleep ailment was resolved. Several weeks ago, mother Kathy purchased some Melatonin sleep aids for anxious, Jake. The sleep pills were in the form of candy-looking gummy bears. You guessed it...Jamie thought it Was candy and was eating it as such. Let's hope the lad does not reach into a medicine cabinet for vitamins and mistakingly grab those adult male 'blue pills.' He might go missing.
Change was sure to happen with multiple births, especially three boys who for 15 years could not pass by a sibling without offering an agitating touch, slap or push that would cause all hell to break loose every time. Another noted triplet-inducing phenomenon was the increased conversational volume. Why not? It is nearly impossible to hear yourself 'think' much less be heard when all parties were on deck. Sandwiched around the triplets is two older sisters. One married the second a high-academic achieving girl and the youngest a high-octane little sister.
'The Boys,' as they would often be referenced are all handsome specimens. Carter picked up on second oldest sister, Loren's school achieving blueprint as he embraces desires to be 'first' in grades, which compliments his insistence to be 'first-in-line' for every thing else. Jake would be the most socially engaged triplet with anxiety filled saddlebags. And then there's Jamie, the carefree fun-loving spirit who has never been guilty of worry or focus.
As Jake and Jamie's senior basketball season was revving up to begin a few weeks ago, the family was concerned about Jamie's health. He appeared to be lethargic and fatigued with a need to sleep all the time. Was it mononucleosis? Was it some other mysterious illness? Clinic visits and repeated blood tests dismissed all guesses. Now into the basketball season both Jake & Jamie are performing well. Jamie seems to be physically back on his feet and apparently the mystery behind his sleep ailment was resolved. Several weeks ago, mother Kathy purchased some Melatonin sleep aids for anxious, Jake. The sleep pills were in the form of candy-looking gummy bears. You guessed it...Jamie thought it Was candy and was eating it as such. Let's hope the lad does not reach into a medicine cabinet for vitamins and mistakingly grab those adult male 'blue pills.' He might go missing.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
To Love or Not To Love
Last week, I had a meeting scheduled at Panera's (Decatur) and I passed a Starbucks on my drive. I don't care for Panera's coffee and I cannot tolerate Starbucks pricey-Java. Personally, I like the .63 cents senior coffee at McDonald's. This brief moment regarding coffee likes and dislikes got me to thinking about several things I 'love' and things I don't 'love.' Perhaps my list will stimulate your thoughts of personal likes and dislikes.
The following things I believe are appropriate to love:
Your God, Your spouse, Your country, Streetcars, Your parents, Your kids and grandkids, Your hometown, Trash collectors, Your team, Jennifer Aniston, Your job, Your dogs, Your backyard swing,
Music, the smell of a leather baseball glove, Church hymns people know, chocolate, peanut butter and a cold Navy bean sandwich.
The following list are things you should NOT love:
Torn jeans, the fourth relief pitcher in a baseball game, Sunday Church Service Segregation, snakes,
War, Buttermilk, Mimes, Cello, Foreign movies, Chicago, grass clippings in the street, falsely stated movie 'start times,' Politicians, Opera, doctors' offices, high school graduation classes larger than a hundred graduates, mysterious trophies, people who ignore directions, women who seem to think they get a prize if they find the exact change in the bottom of their purse at the grocery-store checkout line, reality television shows, people who race ahead when highway sign warns of narrowing and then expect to get in front of you later and some athletes who must live with their parents
Please note that as one ages one becomes more cynical and his dislike-list grows expeditiously.
Shall we make today a 'National Prayer Day for Old Farts.'
The following things I believe are appropriate to love:
Your God, Your spouse, Your country, Streetcars, Your parents, Your kids and grandkids, Your hometown, Trash collectors, Your team, Jennifer Aniston, Your job, Your dogs, Your backyard swing,
Music, the smell of a leather baseball glove, Church hymns people know, chocolate, peanut butter and a cold Navy bean sandwich.
The following list are things you should NOT love:
Torn jeans, the fourth relief pitcher in a baseball game, Sunday Church Service Segregation, snakes,
War, Buttermilk, Mimes, Cello, Foreign movies, Chicago, grass clippings in the street, falsely stated movie 'start times,' Politicians, Opera, doctors' offices, high school graduation classes larger than a hundred graduates, mysterious trophies, people who ignore directions, women who seem to think they get a prize if they find the exact change in the bottom of their purse at the grocery-store checkout line, reality television shows, people who race ahead when highway sign warns of narrowing and then expect to get in front of you later and some athletes who must live with their parents
Please note that as one ages one becomes more cynical and his dislike-list grows expeditiously.
Shall we make today a 'National Prayer Day for Old Farts.'
Friday, December 2, 2016
I Need Diversion
Let me state unequivocally that retirement years are terrific! My wife and I enjoy more advantages than disadvantages in these senior-seasons. (Notwithstanding the fact that I am subjected to far too many Hallmark Channel Christmas movies).
There is, however one drawback. These 'golden years' present more free time to observe the nation's politics. This is not good. In fact, we all know the tendency for old people to become more critical and cynical. Serve up the daily cable news politics dosage into the retirement-environment is like throwing gasoline on the camp fire in the midst of S'mores making.
In my younger working years, I was simply too busy trying to 'make' a go of things to pay much attention to the activities of my government leaders. I knew we had a government but I was focused on my own race. Holy crap, in these retirement years, I've noticed that it's a mess out there! Not only are our leaders self-centered and greedy they are grossly inept and believe we folks are hopelessly stupid. Sadly, they are perhaps correct on the latter.
My dad once told me that if I found myself unhappy with conditions, I should not bellyache about the circumstance but do something to change the conditions, which surround me. If I embrace that advise, I think the only thing in my control is either go back into the work force or busy myself with volunteer work that distracts my attention from the self-centered greed and leadership ineptness, which abounds.
There is, however one drawback. These 'golden years' present more free time to observe the nation's politics. This is not good. In fact, we all know the tendency for old people to become more critical and cynical. Serve up the daily cable news politics dosage into the retirement-environment is like throwing gasoline on the camp fire in the midst of S'mores making.
In my younger working years, I was simply too busy trying to 'make' a go of things to pay much attention to the activities of my government leaders. I knew we had a government but I was focused on my own race. Holy crap, in these retirement years, I've noticed that it's a mess out there! Not only are our leaders self-centered and greedy they are grossly inept and believe we folks are hopelessly stupid. Sadly, they are perhaps correct on the latter.
My dad once told me that if I found myself unhappy with conditions, I should not bellyache about the circumstance but do something to change the conditions, which surround me. If I embrace that advise, I think the only thing in my control is either go back into the work force or busy myself with volunteer work that distracts my attention from the self-centered greed and leadership ineptness, which abounds.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
It's Only a Number
I have always had a fascination with numbers. I recall family addresses and most telephone numbers from my teen years. My high school basketball and baseball uniform numbers were 20 & 21 respectively. College uniform numbers were 6 & 41. I am uncertain of the number of true friends I've had but I am positive it is not as many as the 13- pet dogs.
I can rattle off my adult childrens' telephone numbers and most of the grandkids. I don't remember the number of times my Dad said, "Oh Boy" as he lay dying of heart failure in Barnes Hospital; God only knows the number of times I continue to hear it in my head.
The 1954, Grace Methodist Sunday School boys had a favorite song called, "He Lives," which you found on page 52 of the hymnal. I remember as I approached that coveted 500th coaching victory, I was excited. Once the plateau was reached and ended at 541, I realized the 'true' joy was not the numbers but the journey. For many years, my wife has collected antique teapots...that number of teapots is ridiculous with an even more ridiculous financial number commitment.
I have four (4) prepared speeches that I give at conferences, clinics and school institutes. I've given those speeches hundreds of times but with less frequency in recent years. Perhaps the number of invitations to speak has lessened due to financial issues facing school districts, then again maybe the number 77 (my age) is now a deal breaker.
My Toy Poodle, Yodie has 27 toys but only plays with two; a rubber duck and teddy bear.
I cannot imagine why, but if you are ever in East St. Louis the pink corner house at 5401 Rosemont Avenue Washington Park was my childhood home. I don't believe those living there have the telephone number Bridge 1-6129 and since my wife's childhood home at 1632 North 43rd Street was razed that Upton 4-3282 likely won't ring. Since Facebook posting 1268 Roustio Rants there has been 68,689 readers...and all those numbers means 'zero'...'nothing,' except to me.
I can rattle off my adult childrens' telephone numbers and most of the grandkids. I don't remember the number of times my Dad said, "Oh Boy" as he lay dying of heart failure in Barnes Hospital; God only knows the number of times I continue to hear it in my head.
The 1954, Grace Methodist Sunday School boys had a favorite song called, "He Lives," which you found on page 52 of the hymnal. I remember as I approached that coveted 500th coaching victory, I was excited. Once the plateau was reached and ended at 541, I realized the 'true' joy was not the numbers but the journey. For many years, my wife has collected antique teapots...that number of teapots is ridiculous with an even more ridiculous financial number commitment.
I have four (4) prepared speeches that I give at conferences, clinics and school institutes. I've given those speeches hundreds of times but with less frequency in recent years. Perhaps the number of invitations to speak has lessened due to financial issues facing school districts, then again maybe the number 77 (my age) is now a deal breaker.
My Toy Poodle, Yodie has 27 toys but only plays with two; a rubber duck and teddy bear.
I cannot imagine why, but if you are ever in East St. Louis the pink corner house at 5401 Rosemont Avenue Washington Park was my childhood home. I don't believe those living there have the telephone number Bridge 1-6129 and since my wife's childhood home at 1632 North 43rd Street was razed that Upton 4-3282 likely won't ring. Since Facebook posting 1268 Roustio Rants there has been 68,689 readers...and all those numbers means 'zero'...'nothing,' except to me.
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