During this world wide coronavirus pandemic, we have been reminded of profound suffering. Due to the needed social-distancing and 'stay at home' policies, people have been without income and the unemployment numbers have skyrocketed. All levels of education are compromised, ceremonial customs such as graduations, weddings, memorial services along with sporting events and entertainment offerings have been suspended or canceled.
Another major social activity that has taken a gigantic hit is the restaraunt eating experience. Unfortunately, we are cautioned that many of those eateries will not survive the 'time out.' A side bar negative to the restaraunt closures may soon be causing a rodent invasion in your neighborhood. I kid you not. It is reported that the pandemic, which finds restaraunts closed and less food waste in City dumpsters is causing rats to venture out from their normal 'ranges' in search of survival.
I've had experience in this matter and I'll share one rat-counter method. Back in the 1950's, neighborhoods put trash cans and garbage containers at the back of our homes in that small alley way between properties. Some local fellow in a dump truck came around and picked up our trash/garbage and took it to a dump site. I also remember old man, 'Snuffy' who drove a horse pulled wagon down the alley once a week. I liked talking to 'Snuffy' as long as I was not standing downwind.
One spring, my father built a nice brick bar-b-q fireplace near the back alley. We bar-b-qued two or three times that summer but soon we were using that pit to burn trash and some garbage. You guessed. Before long a family of rats found a happy home. One early morning, mother pointed out the kitchen window showing my father the playful antics of eight or nine healthy looking rats engaged in a game of tag. The next day, my dad told me to accompany him to 'the pit' and suggested I bring a baseball bat. Dad backed the 1950 Bel Air Chevy up close to the pit and hooked one end of a tube-hose to the tail pipe and stuck the other end down one rat hole. It wasn't long before dazed rats stumbled out of other openings. I believe dad was five-for-five that day while I went 3-for-4...One rat ran by me to the neighbor's garage. That was the only time dad and I went hunting together.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Looking Ahead
I suspect Americans are looking forward to the future when they might return to some resemblance of social normalcy...but then there is apt to be a 'new normalcy.' I believe changes are coming.
We might anticipate the following changes within the year:
1. A majority of mask wearing public.
2. A subtle nod replacing the 🤝👎🏼handshake greeting.
3. No hugging.
4. Memorial Remembrance Services replacing wake visitations.
5. A baby-boom...(can't mandate 'stay-at-home' policy and expect 💑 couples to just play cards).
6. An increase incidence of anxiety and depression reported.
7. Spousal abuse increase.
8. A rise in suicides.
9. More office and restaraunt cubicles providing a greater degree of 🤧 personal space.
10. Sanitizing dispensers and wipes on all public 🚕 transportation and in commercial buildings.
11. More online local purchases and home delivery services.
12. A rise in cookbook sales and a decline in restaraunt sales.
13. Home and business 'air-purification' will become a huge industry.
14. Medicated Facial salves and lip balms will become fashionable.
15. Personal-space aerosol canister-sanitizer will make the drugstore shelves.
16. Designer face masks with sport logos, Disney Characters, etc.
17. Resurgence of Drive-In Theaters
18. A cell phone app equipped with 'beeper' when somebody enters your six foot space.
19. A Trump pull-string talking doll spewing 💩one liners, i.e. "I know more about 🙍🏿♂️ everything
than anybody."
20. Temperature 😡 monitoring at all social events and gatherings.
21. Hydroxoychloroquine Cereal...just in case it's good for you ...."whata ya got to lose?"
22. More men wearing ponytails since the barber 💇🏼♂️stands closer than six feet.👩👧👦
We might anticipate the following changes within the year:
1. A majority of mask wearing public.
2. A subtle nod replacing the 🤝👎🏼handshake greeting.
3. No hugging.
4. Memorial Remembrance Services replacing wake visitations.
5. A baby-boom...(can't mandate 'stay-at-home' policy and expect 💑 couples to just play cards).
6. An increase incidence of anxiety and depression reported.
7. Spousal abuse increase.
8. A rise in suicides.
9. More office and restaraunt cubicles providing a greater degree of 🤧 personal space.
10. Sanitizing dispensers and wipes on all public 🚕 transportation and in commercial buildings.
11. More online local purchases and home delivery services.
12. A rise in cookbook sales and a decline in restaraunt sales.
13. Home and business 'air-purification' will become a huge industry.
14. Medicated Facial salves and lip balms will become fashionable.
15. Personal-space aerosol canister-sanitizer will make the drugstore shelves.
16. Designer face masks with sport logos, Disney Characters, etc.
17. Resurgence of Drive-In Theaters
18. A cell phone app equipped with 'beeper' when somebody enters your six foot space.
19. A Trump pull-string talking doll spewing 💩one liners, i.e. "I know more about 🙍🏿♂️ everything
than anybody."
20. Temperature 😡 monitoring at all social events and gatherings.
21. Hydroxoychloroquine Cereal...just in case it's good for you ...."whata ya got to lose?"
22. More men wearing ponytails since the barber 💇🏼♂️stands closer than six feet.👩👧👦
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
His Laziness Cost Lives
Back in the 1980's, I was coaching basketball at Jacksonville high school and hosting a half-hour Saturday morning radio show on WLDS Jacksonville called 'Sports Spotlight.' I once met the late NCAA Championship Marquette University coach and then NCAA television basketball analyst, Al McGuire to record an interview for my radio show. During that recorded interview, McGurie made the following suggestion to aspiring coaches and others in leadership roles when he said, "If you're going to worry then don't prepare; if you're going to prepare then don't worry." Good advice but I often did both.
I had a simple coaching philosophy when it came to preparation. Do everything I could to have my team physically conditioned, have at least three defenses ready because you never know what the other team cannot attack, be honest with players regarding team strengths and weaknesses so they understood why we approached offense and defense in specific ways and finally, get at least two scouting reports on every opponent. I truly believed I was responsible for anticipating every scenario a contest could present to my players.
With this as part of my leadership modus operandi you can imagine why I am furious with the President of the United States, a leader with perhaps the most important responbilities in our nation to ignore daily presidential briefings and communications and then learn that he (Trump) ignored such information, which came across his desk back in November regarding the possibility of this coronavirus becoming a pandemic.
Please feel free to attack me for this blog post but please, I repeat please don't attempt to defend Donald Trump on this one because it will make you look unintelligent!
Oh, the last thing McGurie said on that interview years ago?..."Mel, always remember the 6- P's,
Piss Poor Planning Produces Pitiful Performance."
I had a simple coaching philosophy when it came to preparation. Do everything I could to have my team physically conditioned, have at least three defenses ready because you never know what the other team cannot attack, be honest with players regarding team strengths and weaknesses so they understood why we approached offense and defense in specific ways and finally, get at least two scouting reports on every opponent. I truly believed I was responsible for anticipating every scenario a contest could present to my players.
With this as part of my leadership modus operandi you can imagine why I am furious with the President of the United States, a leader with perhaps the most important responbilities in our nation to ignore daily presidential briefings and communications and then learn that he (Trump) ignored such information, which came across his desk back in November regarding the possibility of this coronavirus becoming a pandemic.
Please feel free to attack me for this blog post but please, I repeat please don't attempt to defend Donald Trump on this one because it will make you look unintelligent!
Oh, the last thing McGurie said on that interview years ago?..."Mel, always remember the 6- P's,
Piss Poor Planning Produces Pitiful Performance."
Monday, April 6, 2020
Can't Live on Hurrah's!
In the midst of this horrific and mind-numbing coronavirus, we note a plethora of kudos going out to medical personnel, i.e., doctors, nurses, police, firemen and EMT's. It is good and it is right to applaud these brave and committed mankind servants who place themselves in great personal danger attending to the critically ill. Please consider other professionals and workers who continue to 'show up' at those essential jobs who also deserve our gratitude: the pharmaceutical providers, grocery store employees, sanitation workers, public transportation workers, delivery service folks, military personnel and school teachers who periodically go to their work places to prepare packets to provide for students who are homebound without computers.
I have observed my entire adult life that the aforementioned people have frequently been singled out for praise. I especially note, as others that politicians during campaigns always talk about increasing pay for first responders, educators and promising increasing the minimum pay. Sadly it is all smoke and mirrors, gibberish-jabber and bullcrap talk. Once the political campaign ends, the first political order of business is vote for your own pay raise and then plan fundraisers for the next campaign. Okay, I'll confess, my cynicism is showing.
If we really appreciate these fearless workers, I have a suggestion (you knew I would), as we give trillions of stimulus dollars to businesses, corporation and other entities let's pay off any student loans of those healthcare providers, let's put two policemen in every squad car in high crime areas and pay them better. Let's have free job training for all military men and women coming out of service. And all those minimum wage people doing our dirty work, shall we give them a wage that doesn't require them to seek a second job.
I'm reminded of the memorable quote in the Jerry McGuire movie scene when Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Golding) shouts at Sports agent, Jerry McGuire (Tom Cruise), "Show me the money!"
During my Illinois State collegiant days, (1957-1961) I had a scholarship, which paid all but $15.00 per week. Along with that I was getting $45.00 per month for preparing the football field for home games, sweeping the gym floor before basketball practice and seeing that baseball's got to and from practice each day. My junior year, I asked the Athletic Director if he could bump my State job pay to the maximum, which was $60.00 per month. He said, "Roustio, you're doing a good job for us in baseball so I'll give it some thought." My reply was, "Moose, I can't live on hurrah's."
I have observed my entire adult life that the aforementioned people have frequently been singled out for praise. I especially note, as others that politicians during campaigns always talk about increasing pay for first responders, educators and promising increasing the minimum pay. Sadly it is all smoke and mirrors, gibberish-jabber and bullcrap talk. Once the political campaign ends, the first political order of business is vote for your own pay raise and then plan fundraisers for the next campaign. Okay, I'll confess, my cynicism is showing.
If we really appreciate these fearless workers, I have a suggestion (you knew I would), as we give trillions of stimulus dollars to businesses, corporation and other entities let's pay off any student loans of those healthcare providers, let's put two policemen in every squad car in high crime areas and pay them better. Let's have free job training for all military men and women coming out of service. And all those minimum wage people doing our dirty work, shall we give them a wage that doesn't require them to seek a second job.
I'm reminded of the memorable quote in the Jerry McGuire movie scene when Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Golding) shouts at Sports agent, Jerry McGuire (Tom Cruise), "Show me the money!"
During my Illinois State collegiant days, (1957-1961) I had a scholarship, which paid all but $15.00 per week. Along with that I was getting $45.00 per month for preparing the football field for home games, sweeping the gym floor before basketball practice and seeing that baseball's got to and from practice each day. My junior year, I asked the Athletic Director if he could bump my State job pay to the maximum, which was $60.00 per month. He said, "Roustio, you're doing a good job for us in baseball so I'll give it some thought." My reply was, "Moose, I can't live on hurrah's."
Sunday, April 5, 2020
The Christian Response
Amidst this 2020 world wide coronavirus pandemic, we are inundated with information on how people should respond. For example, the phrase 'social distancing,' although a misnomer resonates along with hand-washing and sanitizing as they all pertain to protective safeguard measures against the virus. The pandemic has created the call for some 330-million people to 'stay at home' for a period of time in hopes that act will lessen the negatives impacted by the virus. In our nation, where people relish their liberties and freedoms while seeking self-gratifying 'meism,' we find rebuffing and often a flaunting arrogant rejection of any requests, suggestions or orders even though deemed for the good of the order. In short, "I'm going to the beach because it's spring break." "I'll gather with others in church and ignore social distancing because I'm covered in the blood of Jesus."
The two previous paragraphs offer enough raw meat for debate and shouting to defend our respective position and attitudes and recently we Americans appear to enjoy shouting at others who oppose our position and attitude. It seems to this writer that more and more people wish 'to be right rather than getting it right.'
In the song, 'My World,' brother Ray sings, "everybody's got their own opinion and you know I sure got mine..." And here is that opinion from my Christian perspective. (Please note that I speak for myself...never so presumptuous to suggest I have the credentials to speak for Christ). I also am 'covered in the blood of Jesus, which means (to me) that I am forgiven of my sins because Christ bled and died on a cross for those transgressions and I acknowledge that redeeming act of love and forgiveness. Now then, how should I respond to the social and personal recommendations regarding this pandemic? As an act of sister and brotherly love, I shall practice those virus-fighting procedures. I will wash hands often, keep social distance, wear a mask in public and worship my Lord in the confines of my home until a time when this scourge has passed.
To suggest that the Savior's blood protects me regardless of my actions is folly. I don't drive 100 miles per hour holding the notion that God will protect me and others along the highway. I don't ignore my diabetic diet pretending my Lord's love for me will overcome my carelessness and disregard for smart choices.
Those who refuse to join the efforts to slow down the advances of this disease simply cause more deaths and a longer period of time to recover the economic, mental and emotional health of all.
The two previous paragraphs offer enough raw meat for debate and shouting to defend our respective position and attitudes and recently we Americans appear to enjoy shouting at others who oppose our position and attitude. It seems to this writer that more and more people wish 'to be right rather than getting it right.'
In the song, 'My World,' brother Ray sings, "everybody's got their own opinion and you know I sure got mine..." And here is that opinion from my Christian perspective. (Please note that I speak for myself...never so presumptuous to suggest I have the credentials to speak for Christ). I also am 'covered in the blood of Jesus, which means (to me) that I am forgiven of my sins because Christ bled and died on a cross for those transgressions and I acknowledge that redeeming act of love and forgiveness. Now then, how should I respond to the social and personal recommendations regarding this pandemic? As an act of sister and brotherly love, I shall practice those virus-fighting procedures. I will wash hands often, keep social distance, wear a mask in public and worship my Lord in the confines of my home until a time when this scourge has passed.
To suggest that the Savior's blood protects me regardless of my actions is folly. I don't drive 100 miles per hour holding the notion that God will protect me and others along the highway. I don't ignore my diabetic diet pretending my Lord's love for me will overcome my carelessness and disregard for smart choices.
Those who refuse to join the efforts to slow down the advances of this disease simply cause more deaths and a longer period of time to recover the economic, mental and emotional health of all.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
I Miss That Little Bug-Eyed Guy
The nation-wide 'stay-at-home' edict has more Americans sitting in front of their television digesting unhappy reporting and often times stupidity spewed from the lips of elected officials. On the latter, let me share this week's most ridiculous politician's remarks. It's an indisputable fact that the Trump administration was delinquent in an early response to this coronavirus; that is well documented. That said, we also know that 'The Donald' would never assume responsibility for anything as long as he has his fall-back excuse to blame his predecessor, the Black President.
I digress. Back to that dumb politician's comments from the mouth of Kentucky US Senator, Mitch McConnell who is trying out a 'new' excuse hoping it might fly. Are you ready? Mitch says, "The impeachment trial distracted our government from the threat of the coronavirus." In simpler terms, our government cannot walk and chew gum at the same time. Yeah, that sounds reasonable, heavens, I recall when coaching basketball and my team lost a Friday night game because they were studying that week for final exams. Pray for me, I need to stop yelling at people on television.
Speaking of television, I've noticed that many television anchor people who have been reporting the daily depressing numbers of growing virus cases and deaths are beginning to display 'doom and gloom' expressions. Day in and day out these television personalities are immersed in crisis communication and just as frontline healthcare workers, the physical and emotional expense is significantly noticeable.
We need some humor and levity once in awhile on the tube. Where then hell is Rudy Giuliani when you need him?
I digress. Back to that dumb politician's comments from the mouth of Kentucky US Senator, Mitch McConnell who is trying out a 'new' excuse hoping it might fly. Are you ready? Mitch says, "The impeachment trial distracted our government from the threat of the coronavirus." In simpler terms, our government cannot walk and chew gum at the same time. Yeah, that sounds reasonable, heavens, I recall when coaching basketball and my team lost a Friday night game because they were studying that week for final exams. Pray for me, I need to stop yelling at people on television.
Speaking of television, I've noticed that many television anchor people who have been reporting the daily depressing numbers of growing virus cases and deaths are beginning to display 'doom and gloom' expressions. Day in and day out these television personalities are immersed in crisis communication and just as frontline healthcare workers, the physical and emotional expense is significantly noticeable.
We need some humor and levity once in awhile on the tube. Where then hell is Rudy Giuliani when you need him?
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
S'plain It PLEASE!
In the television sitcom, 'I Love Lucy,' Ricky Ricardo when confused by wife Lucy's crazy antics and predicaments would often say, "Lucy S'plain it to me!" Well, I am confused and need somebody to explain it to me. The United States coronavirus cases are fast increasing as are the deaths, which are currently doubling every two days. Seemingly, President Trump has been convinced by infectious disease experts to extend the 'stay-at-home' recommendation measures until April 30.
Here is the puzzling aspect. 87% of Americans are comlying, however it was just today that Georgia, Florida and Mississippi Governors issued the 'stay-at-home' order; but let's look at those States who are still holding out.: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Let me help you get started> All the aforementioned States holding out and not issuing stay-at-home orders have Republican Governors.
The medical experts have made it clear that for the best outcome, which means fewer people die, the stay-at-home orders is shortened and the economy gets back on track is dependent on ALL STATES SHUTTING DOWN. Not my opinion but the opinion of infectious experts world wide.
I'll stop here because sombody or perhaps many bodies are now going to S'plain to me. Why all Republican State Governors and why a refusal to be a team player especially with the stakes so very high?
Here is the puzzling aspect. 87% of Americans are comlying, however it was just today that Georgia, Florida and Mississippi Governors issued the 'stay-at-home' order; but let's look at those States who are still holding out.: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Let me help you get started> All the aforementioned States holding out and not issuing stay-at-home orders have Republican Governors.
The medical experts have made it clear that for the best outcome, which means fewer people die, the stay-at-home orders is shortened and the economy gets back on track is dependent on ALL STATES SHUTTING DOWN. Not my opinion but the opinion of infectious experts world wide.
I'll stop here because sombody or perhaps many bodies are now going to S'plain to me. Why all Republican State Governors and why a refusal to be a team player especially with the stakes so very high?
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