Seems like just last month sports' fans were gearing up for the most watched televised sporting event as the Patriots and Rams squared off for the Super Bowl; well excluding New Orleans Saints' fans who felt terribly cheated on an obvious blown call by an official much like the Auburn basketball fans who bemoan the fact that two referees missed a double-dribble call in closing seconds costing the War Eagles big time in NCAA Final Four action.
Through the eyes and sport experiences of this 80-year old man, I dare offer an opinion, but you knew I would. Here goes with some random thoughts about the State Of Sports:
1. Today's athletes are stronger and better prepared than previous athletes. They come from stronger women who benefit from greater prenatal care. These athletes also benefit from scientific based training techniques. That said, I would caution against a conclusion suggesting today's athletes are therefore more proficient.
2. Examining three sports (football-basketball & baseball) I notice significant offense changes over the years. Football is no longer 'student body right' with powerhouse running games. Instead rules changes seem to meet the fans' appetite for higher scoring contest as we note quarterbacks protected and multiple passing schemes. Basketball has abandoned the 'post' centered offense. Awarding three points for proficiency beyond the arc now finds teams constantly dribble penetrating and pitching the ball out to shooters beyond that arc. I also note that it is becoming more difficult for one defense player to stop today's skilled dribblers. When we examine baseball, I have noticed the demise in 'contact hitters' as big contracts are offered to hitters who hit 25-30 home runs in spite of striking out 200 times and sporting a season end batting average around .255.
3. Here is a legitimate question: Are college and professional athletes role models for youngsters?
Once upon a time the culture held in high regard the proficient athlete whose demeanor was unassuming and modest. Ernie Banks, Stan Musial, Bob Pettit, Jerry West, Bill Russell, Dick Butkus and Barry Sanders. Today it is commonplace and socially acceptable to bring attention to yourself for any momentary 'in-game' success. The basketball player that 'slam dunks' or blocks a shot screams, taunts and struts. The baseball player who hits successfully must either point to the heavens ( as if God favored him over the hurler) or do some preconceived hand gestures for teammates. Of course, the modern day football player rivals any choreographed dance troop. Sorry Barry Sanders.
4. When it comes to game management, the officials have not changed much over the years. Some really good ones, mostly bad ones and then there's Angel Hernandez who believes everybody came to see him.
5. Most of today's coaches and mangers are better especially better at tolerating prima donnas.
I said these are random thoughts and opinions from an old guy who no doubt is out-of-touch.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Monday, April 8, 2019
Impertinent Vanity!
Our President said...
"I think nobody knows more about campaign finance than me."
"I know more about ISIS than our generals do."
"I know more about social media than anybody."
"I know more about the courts than anybody on Earth."
"I understand politicians better than anybody."
"Nobody knows more about trade than me."
"I know more about renewable energy than anybody on Earth."
"I think, I know more about taxes than anybody in the history of the world."
"I understand money better than anybody."
"Nobody in the history of this country knows more about infrastructure than Donald Trump."
"I know more about Drones than anybody."
Biblical scriptures say...
Proverbs 27:2 "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips."
Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord."
James 4:16 "As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil."
(Touch)
So Vain
"I think nobody knows more about campaign finance than me."
"I know more about ISIS than our generals do."
"I know more about social media than anybody."
"I know more about the courts than anybody on Earth."
"I understand politicians better than anybody."
"Nobody knows more about trade than me."
"I know more about renewable energy than anybody on Earth."
"I think, I know more about taxes than anybody in the history of the world."
"I understand money better than anybody."
"Nobody in the history of this country knows more about infrastructure than Donald Trump."
"I know more about Drones than anybody."
Biblical scriptures say...
Proverbs 27:2 "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips."
Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord."
James 4:16 "As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil."
(Touch)
So Vain
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Hope I'm Wrong
More and more our technology, although beneficial on many levels to mankind continues to destroy people's interpersonal communication abilities and our face-to-face verbal interaction, which enriches our appreciation for our fellow man. We are fast becoming strangers even in our own homes.
I fear that my grandchildren and great-grandkids' fascination and extensive indulgence in cyberspace is isolating them and consequently denying them of valuable understanding and appreciation in the human experience. Perhaps I overstate...I hope so!
(Touch)
Talk To Me
I fear that my grandchildren and great-grandkids' fascination and extensive indulgence in cyberspace is isolating them and consequently denying them of valuable understanding and appreciation in the human experience. Perhaps I overstate...I hope so!
(Touch)
Talk To Me
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Life's Would-Coulda-Shoulda Moments
God only knows I've made my share of mistakes in my 80-year journey. That acknowledged, there's very little I would wish to change. Growing up near my maternal grandparents, I heard 'Mammy' Bennett speak many Biblical verses. One of her frequent scriptures shared was Exodus 20:12, which speaks to honoring fathers and mothers so your days upon the land, which the Lord has provided will be long. I suppose that's why I have preached so often to my own grandchildren about the wonderful gift of mothers and fathers. I've often footnoted my remarks telling grandkids that the day they look upon their parents for the final time, they want NO woulda-coulda-shoulda wishes.
I thought of those words this past week as several members of my wife's family assembled in the Metro East area to bid a farewell to my wife's 66-year old niece. Our family is like most other families in that there lies within some broken relationships. Two siblings of our deceased niece had not spoken to each other in 17-years. During the evening, the two were seen hugging each other. As said, "Better late than never," but then how much was lost to eternity in over six thousands days of 'I shoulda picked up the telephone and called."
I caution you to know in advance, no matter what your relationship might be with family members, YOU WILL MISS THEM SHOULD THEY LEAVE THIS LIFE BEFORE YOU.
Your heart will ache. And know there is a vast difference between a 'longing ache and a hurting ache.'
(Touch)
Nights are Long
I thought of those words this past week as several members of my wife's family assembled in the Metro East area to bid a farewell to my wife's 66-year old niece. Our family is like most other families in that there lies within some broken relationships. Two siblings of our deceased niece had not spoken to each other in 17-years. During the evening, the two were seen hugging each other. As said, "Better late than never," but then how much was lost to eternity in over six thousands days of 'I shoulda picked up the telephone and called."
I caution you to know in advance, no matter what your relationship might be with family members, YOU WILL MISS THEM SHOULD THEY LEAVE THIS LIFE BEFORE YOU.
Your heart will ache. And know there is a vast difference between a 'longing ache and a hurting ache.'
(Touch)
Nights are Long
Thursday, April 4, 2019
The Games' Funny Side
The question is asked less frequently but still the question does come up. I coached my last high school basketball game eighteen years ago and recently somebody asked, "Coach, do you miss those old coaching days?" Truth be told there are just a few things that I'll always miss. I miss practice. Practice was my classroom where I could take 12-to-15 individuals from different environments and life experiences and orchestrate a daily practice scenario, which would mold them into a selfless unit.
What a wonderful challenge and one I eagerly embraced each of my 37-seasons.
I also missed the camaraderie. Those relationships forged with players, assistants, support personnel and yes, even officials. Oh, the stories swapped and stories made during that coaching journey. Certainly, I had to deal with and guide young athletes through difficult times when a teammate would be tragically lost or a season-ending injury changed the fortunes of a team. However, the many funny events that unfolded during my coaching journey still brings a smile and chuckle.
A few years back, I penned a book called 'Game Laughter' in which I related many humorous stories from my sport experiences as a participant, coach and spectator. It was a fun project. I can tell you that if you hang around the games you'll be entertained by a funny story. One such moment happened a few years ago at the annual Decatur boys Thanksgiving basketball tournament, which I coordinate for the School District. We were recognizing a successful Decatur Team coached by Jack Kenny. The old Coach and former players were assembling in the foyer near the gym before their introduction. Coach Kenny was meticulously calling out names of his team members and checking off those not in attendance. Standing nearby was former player, DR Roberts. DR had been a sparsely used reserved on the team. After several names called out and their absence verified, DR tapped his long ago mentor on the shoulder and said, "Coach, I might get into the game tonight."
What a wonderful challenge and one I eagerly embraced each of my 37-seasons.
I also missed the camaraderie. Those relationships forged with players, assistants, support personnel and yes, even officials. Oh, the stories swapped and stories made during that coaching journey. Certainly, I had to deal with and guide young athletes through difficult times when a teammate would be tragically lost or a season-ending injury changed the fortunes of a team. However, the many funny events that unfolded during my coaching journey still brings a smile and chuckle.
A few years back, I penned a book called 'Game Laughter' in which I related many humorous stories from my sport experiences as a participant, coach and spectator. It was a fun project. I can tell you that if you hang around the games you'll be entertained by a funny story. One such moment happened a few years ago at the annual Decatur boys Thanksgiving basketball tournament, which I coordinate for the School District. We were recognizing a successful Decatur Team coached by Jack Kenny. The old Coach and former players were assembling in the foyer near the gym before their introduction. Coach Kenny was meticulously calling out names of his team members and checking off those not in attendance. Standing nearby was former player, DR Roberts. DR had been a sparsely used reserved on the team. After several names called out and their absence verified, DR tapped his long ago mentor on the shoulder and said, "Coach, I might get into the game tonight."
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Changing Times
This past weekend, a young neighborhood Boy rang the door bell and asked, "Are you kinda old?"
I looked at the lad who is perhaps eleven years old and answered, "Buddy Boy, If you're looking for 'old' you got the right house."
The 5th grade kid has a social studies project, which requires him to find an old person who could tell him something about changes. In fact his exact question was "What do you think are the five biggest technological changes and the five biggest social changes in your life-time?" The boy told me the assignment is due April 8. The kid's coming back this Friday for my answers. I have two lists I'm going with but I'd be willing to consider changing an item if somebody offered a more significant 'change.' Oh, you need not be 'old' to jump in the game.
Technological Changes:
1) Space Travel...I remember the fall of 1957, when Russia accomplished that Sputnik launch. Boy, up until then travel in space was comic book stuff.
2) Communication...Folks, the first telephone I recall using was hanging on the wall and when I picked up the receiver, the operator lady said, "Number please." That's of course if the neighbors on our 'party line' were not talking. Today, I tell my 'Smartphone to call 'whomever' and immediately I got my connection. I can also text, messenger, email, etc.
3) Medical Procedures...It used to be that X-ray was the only peek into our body. These days there is every imaginable scope, Cat Scan, MRI, etc. and organ transplants, artificial pumps, prosthesis and robotic surgeries. And don't forget the on-slaught of medical drugs.
4) Satellite Navigational Systems: No longer do I need read road maps or worse attempt to re-fold them after use. I now speak into my auto's dashboard or type in an address and walla, some sweet talking lady tells me every turn to make and even welcomes me to another State when crossing state lines.
5) Google Research: Oh, my gosh! Where was Google when in the late 1950's, I was trying to complete a college research paper. Damn that 'Card Catelog Library.
Social Changes:
1) Women In Professions: The number of women in the media industry was nil. Only men held jobs i.e., Attorney, medical doctors, insurance sales, bankers and construction work. Slowly but surely the gender landscape opportunities is evening out.
2) Co-Habitation Before Marriage: Perhaps its driven by mores Changes or maybe its financially expedient. I don't know. Whatever.
3) 24/7 Cable News Networks: Once upon a time, Americans had three major television / radio networks, which reported a morning, noon hour and evening news broadcasts. The news seems so relentlessly negative that it feeds depression.
4) Franchise Businesses: No longer do we have mom and pop drugstores, restaraunts and grocery stores. Instead, we have national company franchises.
5) Fractured Family: Perhaps driven by financial need or career preferences, the American family has both parents in the work place. This means that children are introduced to institutional care as early as infancy. From womb to room: Day Care, Pre School, Kindergarten and then twelve years of formal education often times offering supportive after-school programs to coincide with the end of the adult work day. The family dynamic has changed drastically in this old man's lifetime.
Okay, that's the list I'm prepared to give my neighbor boy. If anybody out there can improve upon it please do so because I recall not doing so well academically in the fifth grade and I'd like redemption.
I looked at the lad who is perhaps eleven years old and answered, "Buddy Boy, If you're looking for 'old' you got the right house."
The 5th grade kid has a social studies project, which requires him to find an old person who could tell him something about changes. In fact his exact question was "What do you think are the five biggest technological changes and the five biggest social changes in your life-time?" The boy told me the assignment is due April 8. The kid's coming back this Friday for my answers. I have two lists I'm going with but I'd be willing to consider changing an item if somebody offered a more significant 'change.' Oh, you need not be 'old' to jump in the game.
Technological Changes:
1) Space Travel...I remember the fall of 1957, when Russia accomplished that Sputnik launch. Boy, up until then travel in space was comic book stuff.
2) Communication...Folks, the first telephone I recall using was hanging on the wall and when I picked up the receiver, the operator lady said, "Number please." That's of course if the neighbors on our 'party line' were not talking. Today, I tell my 'Smartphone to call 'whomever' and immediately I got my connection. I can also text, messenger, email, etc.
3) Medical Procedures...It used to be that X-ray was the only peek into our body. These days there is every imaginable scope, Cat Scan, MRI, etc. and organ transplants, artificial pumps, prosthesis and robotic surgeries. And don't forget the on-slaught of medical drugs.
4) Satellite Navigational Systems: No longer do I need read road maps or worse attempt to re-fold them after use. I now speak into my auto's dashboard or type in an address and walla, some sweet talking lady tells me every turn to make and even welcomes me to another State when crossing state lines.
5) Google Research: Oh, my gosh! Where was Google when in the late 1950's, I was trying to complete a college research paper. Damn that 'Card Catelog Library.
Social Changes:
1) Women In Professions: The number of women in the media industry was nil. Only men held jobs i.e., Attorney, medical doctors, insurance sales, bankers and construction work. Slowly but surely the gender landscape opportunities is evening out.
2) Co-Habitation Before Marriage: Perhaps its driven by mores Changes or maybe its financially expedient. I don't know. Whatever.
3) 24/7 Cable News Networks: Once upon a time, Americans had three major television / radio networks, which reported a morning, noon hour and evening news broadcasts. The news seems so relentlessly negative that it feeds depression.
4) Franchise Businesses: No longer do we have mom and pop drugstores, restaraunts and grocery stores. Instead, we have national company franchises.
5) Fractured Family: Perhaps driven by financial need or career preferences, the American family has both parents in the work place. This means that children are introduced to institutional care as early as infancy. From womb to room: Day Care, Pre School, Kindergarten and then twelve years of formal education often times offering supportive after-school programs to coincide with the end of the adult work day. The family dynamic has changed drastically in this old man's lifetime.
Okay, that's the list I'm prepared to give my neighbor boy. If anybody out there can improve upon it please do so because I recall not doing so well academically in the fifth grade and I'd like redemption.
Monday, April 1, 2019
Keep An Eye On The Old Timers
Several years ago, I assumed the 'Power of Attorney' and responsibilities for my mother's 96-year old sister, Kate who lived two hours away in the Metro-East area. It was a bit challenging but needed to be done considering my mother was too old to assume the role.
Aunt Kate was childless and thus became that 'Aunt' who spent money, time and energies embracing, loving and doing for nieces and nephews. She was beloved but make no mistake, she could be overbearing with her lectures on proper etiquette, grooming and general posturing. Kate worked many years in Washington D. C. where she served as private secretary to Illinois' United States Senator, Paul Douglas. Back in those days, my Aunt Kate was a stylish. beautiful, shapely lady with unrivaled poise and grace.
As time has a way of rearranging our social filter through the aging process, Kate developed some rather eccentric traits in her latter years. Let me offer a few examples: Kate was residing in an independent/assisted living facility in Belleville, IL. Times that my wife, Gerry and I visited Kate, the staff personal would ask me to take Kate for a walk so they could go into her room and retrieve silverware Kate had taken from the cafeteria. I took Kate to her bank on a business matter and as soon as we were escorted into the Vice President's office, he immediately began rearranging items on his desk and pointed out to Kate the fountain pens that were his personal pens and explained to her that she should not put them in her purse. Perhaps Kate's most notable, 'Oh, NO, she didn't moment,' came when our two daughters and few grandkids were visiting Kate when took a fancy to an Illini T-shirt. My daughter said she had another such T-shirt in the auto and went to get it for Kate. As soon as the T-shirt was handed to Kate, she whipped off the top she was wearing exposing her bare chest and put the Illini shirt on...it wasn't pretty sight but it's funny to this day. I worried about a young grandson who witnessed the 96-Year old 'Boob Flash.' I wondered if the boy would ever marry.
Well folks, my wife and I belong to the club. Last Christmas Holiday Season, my wife and I were shopping in a nearby Target Store when my wife reminded me she needed to get some boxes of candies, as she did each Christmas to give to our pharmacy team. She scurried off and took care of that matter but two days later said, "Oh my goodness, I didn't pay for that candy that I got for the pharmacy people; I just took it off the shelf and walked it over and gave it to them." With that announcement she took off to settle her moral issue. Then just two days ago, I was in Target looking for an antacid medicine my wife wanted. She had given me an empty bottle for reference. While searching, the store manager, whom I know well saw me and asked, "Coach, you need help finding something?" I pulled the empty bottle from my jacket picket and said, "I'm looking for this product."
The manager looked in his little handheld gadget, walked four steps picked up the new bottle and as he handed it to me, said, "You want me to throw away your empty bottle?" I handed him the empty bottle and I put the new bottle INTO MY JACKET POCKET. I surely did! The manager looked at me with a puzzled expression and said, "You're not REALLY going to put that in your pocket and leave are you? Perhaps my wife. And I need to check out a 'Bail Bondsman' telephone number.
Aunt Kate was childless and thus became that 'Aunt' who spent money, time and energies embracing, loving and doing for nieces and nephews. She was beloved but make no mistake, she could be overbearing with her lectures on proper etiquette, grooming and general posturing. Kate worked many years in Washington D. C. where she served as private secretary to Illinois' United States Senator, Paul Douglas. Back in those days, my Aunt Kate was a stylish. beautiful, shapely lady with unrivaled poise and grace.
As time has a way of rearranging our social filter through the aging process, Kate developed some rather eccentric traits in her latter years. Let me offer a few examples: Kate was residing in an independent/assisted living facility in Belleville, IL. Times that my wife, Gerry and I visited Kate, the staff personal would ask me to take Kate for a walk so they could go into her room and retrieve silverware Kate had taken from the cafeteria. I took Kate to her bank on a business matter and as soon as we were escorted into the Vice President's office, he immediately began rearranging items on his desk and pointed out to Kate the fountain pens that were his personal pens and explained to her that she should not put them in her purse. Perhaps Kate's most notable, 'Oh, NO, she didn't moment,' came when our two daughters and few grandkids were visiting Kate when took a fancy to an Illini T-shirt. My daughter said she had another such T-shirt in the auto and went to get it for Kate. As soon as the T-shirt was handed to Kate, she whipped off the top she was wearing exposing her bare chest and put the Illini shirt on...it wasn't pretty sight but it's funny to this day. I worried about a young grandson who witnessed the 96-Year old 'Boob Flash.' I wondered if the boy would ever marry.
Well folks, my wife and I belong to the club. Last Christmas Holiday Season, my wife and I were shopping in a nearby Target Store when my wife reminded me she needed to get some boxes of candies, as she did each Christmas to give to our pharmacy team. She scurried off and took care of that matter but two days later said, "Oh my goodness, I didn't pay for that candy that I got for the pharmacy people; I just took it off the shelf and walked it over and gave it to them." With that announcement she took off to settle her moral issue. Then just two days ago, I was in Target looking for an antacid medicine my wife wanted. She had given me an empty bottle for reference. While searching, the store manager, whom I know well saw me and asked, "Coach, you need help finding something?" I pulled the empty bottle from my jacket picket and said, "I'm looking for this product."
The manager looked in his little handheld gadget, walked four steps picked up the new bottle and as he handed it to me, said, "You want me to throw away your empty bottle?" I handed him the empty bottle and I put the new bottle INTO MY JACKET POCKET. I surely did! The manager looked at me with a puzzled expression and said, "You're not REALLY going to put that in your pocket and leave are you? Perhaps my wife. And I need to check out a 'Bail Bondsman' telephone number.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)