As a former high school and college baseball pitcher, I enjoyed later in life my 11-years umpiring high school and college baseball. I truly did. I began umpiring in 1968 and and finished the gig working the Division II World Series in 1978. Unlike football and basketball officiating, the game of baseball has many more rules covering many more of the unusual plays and developments. Because of the unusual unexpected baseball action that can occur it becomes paramount that whether you're working a two-man crew or four-man crew when in doubt converse with your partner(s) and 'get it right;' get the umpire call correct!
I couldn't help but think of that umpire mind-set yesterday while watching the television coverage of the United States Senate hearing regarding the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. Suffice to say, this confirmation process of Kavanaugh has been underscored by an ever widening division and animosity between our two political parties.
For several years now, I believe it's reasonable to state that political compromise has been absent while ugly mean-spirited rhetoric rules the day. Thanks to Republican Senator, Jeff Flake and Democrat Senator, Chris Coons this uncompromising attitude was 'put in time-out.'
The Democrats have been angry about President Obama's Supreme Court nominee not getting a vote two years ago as it was stymied by Republicans. Two years later and just before mid-term elections the GOP is trying to get this confirmation done. On the other hand the Democrats are attempting every stall tactic possible until after the elections as they bet on gaining control of Congress. Gamesmanship? Perhaps. Dirty politics? More likely. Whatever the case, we find the process in the midst of a nasty 'he said, she said,' hearing regarding alleged sexual transgressions by the nominee.
As the clock ticked down just minutes away from a vote to confirm, Senators Flake and Coons called time out and huddled for a discussion. A plea to delay they final confirmation vote for one week to allow more investigation into the accusations was granted. This is what a democracy looks like. Now no matter what the investigation may or may not reveal and no matter the subsequent confirmation vote-outcome, we can be proud that integrity of our system was polished and held high. Both parties and the American people should be thankful for compromising leadership seeking to 'Get It Right.'
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Friday, September 28, 2018
KISS Philosophy
Recently, a long time friend of mine and high school baseball/basketball teammate was doing research on leading basketball scorers in IHSA prep boys' history. When my friend discovered that I coached Andy Kaufmann, the number #2 IHSA all-time scorer behind #1 Charlie 'Chico' Vaughn whom I played against in college, my friend mused, "Mel you were fortunate to be a part of a special history connection." I was indeed. However, I couldn't stop Chico's shot and I did not teach Andy to shoot.
Vaughn's shot was impossible to defend. He started his shot with the ball above and slightly behind his head and would fade-away from the basket. He was deadly. Kaufmann was 6'5" and weighed 218lbs. and he possessed guard ball handling, passing and dribbling skills. A defender his size often had difficulty due to these skills. His size and strength was often a mismatch for defenders when he posted. He not only was an excellent shooter but his incredible knack for drawing fouls is evident by his all-time IHSA record for most career free throws with 912 points. Andy's total career points is 3,160.
Now for the blog title>>KISS That is an acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid, which most any coach would tell you that it's a reminder not to over coach your team. When a coach fails to keep things simple he runs a great risk of 'taking' players away from the games' 'natural flow' in which players can best demonstrate and apply their skills and abilities. I will give Andy's father kudos at this point. I once asked Mr. Kaufmann if he ever gave Andy shooting advice. His answer: "I just remind Andy that if his defender is NOT closely guarding him then SHOOT THE BALL and if the defender is guarding him too close, dribble around him and SHOOT. Talk about KISSS PHILOSOPHY!
Andy took that same KISS philosophy to the University of Illinois and today ranks #11, on the Orange & Blue men's scoring leaders.
Vaughn's shot was impossible to defend. He started his shot with the ball above and slightly behind his head and would fade-away from the basket. He was deadly. Kaufmann was 6'5" and weighed 218lbs. and he possessed guard ball handling, passing and dribbling skills. A defender his size often had difficulty due to these skills. His size and strength was often a mismatch for defenders when he posted. He not only was an excellent shooter but his incredible knack for drawing fouls is evident by his all-time IHSA record for most career free throws with 912 points. Andy's total career points is 3,160.
Now for the blog title>>KISS That is an acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid, which most any coach would tell you that it's a reminder not to over coach your team. When a coach fails to keep things simple he runs a great risk of 'taking' players away from the games' 'natural flow' in which players can best demonstrate and apply their skills and abilities. I will give Andy's father kudos at this point. I once asked Mr. Kaufmann if he ever gave Andy shooting advice. His answer: "I just remind Andy that if his defender is NOT closely guarding him then SHOOT THE BALL and if the defender is guarding him too close, dribble around him and SHOOT. Talk about KISSS PHILOSOPHY!
Andy took that same KISS philosophy to the University of Illinois and today ranks #11, on the Orange & Blue men's scoring leaders.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
A Missed Opportunity
Today's scheduled Senate Hearing on the alleged sexual transgressions brought by Christine Blasey Ford against Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh is sadly becoming a dud. Come on now, we Americans are better than this. Oh, I'm not talking about the pathetic nature of the issue. I mean there is a financial windfall being missed.
The issue (sex) and subsequent hearing event (old men talking about sex) is as hot a topic and as American as Apple pie, the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals or the Soccer's World Cup. This is underscored by the excessive 24-hour cable news coverage, the President's obsession for tweeting and commenting about it and the explosive Facebook comment interaction. The evangelicals have not had as much to be excited about since Trump's announcement to the world about his appetite for female crotch-grabbing. You all recall that. First Lady Melania called it "boys locker room talk." I suppose boys getting young girls drunk and lining up to take turns in non-consensual sex is 'boys just being boys.'
This hearing should be given its dues. The hearing should be treated as a Super Bowl event. The hearing should be held in the 49,000 seat Carrier Dome on the campus at Syracuse University. Just think of the ticket prices. We could have Trumpian crazies seated on one side of the arena and liberal loonies on the opposite side. We would have scantly dressed cheerleaders for senators to ogle when there is a lull in the proceedings.
There should be weeks of hype. T-shirts should be sold with all kinds of clever sayings. Americans could host 'Sexual Harassment Parties.' The event would be televised with clever commercials aired i.e. The Super Bowl so we can once again talk about how cute puppies and Clydesdale's are together.
Once upon a time, Romans threw the Christians to the Lions and this hearing reeks with similarities. If ever our National Anthem should precede an sick event IT IS AT THIS HEARING.
The issue (sex) and subsequent hearing event (old men talking about sex) is as hot a topic and as American as Apple pie, the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals or the Soccer's World Cup. This is underscored by the excessive 24-hour cable news coverage, the President's obsession for tweeting and commenting about it and the explosive Facebook comment interaction. The evangelicals have not had as much to be excited about since Trump's announcement to the world about his appetite for female crotch-grabbing. You all recall that. First Lady Melania called it "boys locker room talk." I suppose boys getting young girls drunk and lining up to take turns in non-consensual sex is 'boys just being boys.'
This hearing should be given its dues. The hearing should be treated as a Super Bowl event. The hearing should be held in the 49,000 seat Carrier Dome on the campus at Syracuse University. Just think of the ticket prices. We could have Trumpian crazies seated on one side of the arena and liberal loonies on the opposite side. We would have scantly dressed cheerleaders for senators to ogle when there is a lull in the proceedings.
There should be weeks of hype. T-shirts should be sold with all kinds of clever sayings. Americans could host 'Sexual Harassment Parties.' The event would be televised with clever commercials aired i.e. The Super Bowl so we can once again talk about how cute puppies and Clydesdale's are together.
Once upon a time, Romans threw the Christians to the Lions and this hearing reeks with similarities. If ever our National Anthem should precede an sick event IT IS AT THIS HEARING.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Shallow Time Can Occur in the Morning.
While in the nearby coffee shop sipping on my beverage and reading the morning newspaper, I was subjected to louder than usual chit-chat from two gentlemen of my generation wearing not very good hearing aids. Their range of topics was a extensive and the their problem solving abilities unprecedented.
I discovered the following: Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh is a victim of "Those crazy women caught up in that damn 'me too movement' just looking for a moment of fame." "People outta
Just let Trump alone to do his job." "These damn tariffs are killing farmers." " All those damn black football players kneeling when the National Anthem is played need to have a real job." (Note: I worked in factories and in education all my life and never was I required to stand for the playing of the National Anthem at the start of the work day).
One fella had to weigh-in on Tiger Woods: "I see where that Tiger Woods finally won a golf tournament. He'll probably start chasing a bunch of white gals and fade again." And this comment, "I don't know why the schools shortened the school day a few weeks when the weather was hot. Don't all them buildings have air conditioning?" "While Hell, back in the day we never called off school for any kinda weather."
One gent had to leave because some fella Bow Hunting deer on his farm property got hurt and the wife said he'd better get on hone. After leaving the remaining fella looked my way and spoke, "Are you retire?" I stood up quickly and answered, "Yes, but I gotta hit the road, I'm late for an appointment with my psychiatrist, better go." I don't know why I said that but I did!
And the Beat Goes On!
I discovered the following: Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh is a victim of "Those crazy women caught up in that damn 'me too movement' just looking for a moment of fame." "People outta
Just let Trump alone to do his job." "These damn tariffs are killing farmers." " All those damn black football players kneeling when the National Anthem is played need to have a real job." (Note: I worked in factories and in education all my life and never was I required to stand for the playing of the National Anthem at the start of the work day).
One fella had to weigh-in on Tiger Woods: "I see where that Tiger Woods finally won a golf tournament. He'll probably start chasing a bunch of white gals and fade again." And this comment, "I don't know why the schools shortened the school day a few weeks when the weather was hot. Don't all them buildings have air conditioning?" "While Hell, back in the day we never called off school for any kinda weather."
One gent had to leave because some fella Bow Hunting deer on his farm property got hurt and the wife said he'd better get on hone. After leaving the remaining fella looked my way and spoke, "Are you retire?" I stood up quickly and answered, "Yes, but I gotta hit the road, I'm late for an appointment with my psychiatrist, better go." I don't know why I said that but I did!
And the Beat Goes On!
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Not a Simple Call
May I preference this day's rant with the following: I view censorship with great caution and trepidation. I believe a truly 'free' society flourishes on individual freedoms of expressions and rights of consumption. Therein lies the critical need of a democracy's lifeline tethered to its free press...that fourth estate...the profession of journalism.
This nation has struggled greatly over the decades attempting to legislate consumption as the government flirts with establishing standards of behavior expectation; an approach doomed from the start. That government must figure out what behavior protects those individual rights of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" so long as one individuals searching of such rights doesn't hinder another's pursuit. When that occurs, we had to make laws.
It has not been so much of an attack on our rights that has impacted our nation changing behavior as much as those undefined behaviors that every society and culture establishes resulting from the group's collective attitudes of what is best for the order. Perhaps simply stated as that which is in good tastes. Those 'things' are defined as our folkways and mores. It is here that people attempt to extend the current limits of performance. They seek to push beyond the accepted boundaries.
It has become far too easy and incorrect to point fingers of blame for our changing morals due to the movie industry or contemporary music claiming its unfiltered productions. This nation has always depended upon three major societal institutions for a checks and balance of accepted behavior:
(1) The Home (Family), The Schools (Teachers) and (3) The Church. No one institution is to blame for failure but all share in our morality decline and we have declined.
Acknowledging the possibility to overgeneralize with simplistic answers and solutions, may I touch on a few observations. The family structure continues to break down as parents turned away from significant discipline choosing to soften things with the 'friendly time out.' Many parents confused their role as they choose to be their child's friend rather than parent. The school has acquiesced to the parents' discipline style fearing lack of administrative support. This became a cocktail for a compromised learning environment, which led to academic dumbing-down and social promotion. The third institution, The Church can only survive if its value is embraced by the family while children are in those formative adolescent years.
In our society bigger and more is embraced as being better. It is noble for parents to wish to 'give a good life' to their children but they can run the risk of creating an enabling life for the child. I recall when senior high school trips were to Washington D.C or New York. Today, we must send the senior class to Aruba. I remember when the bachelor party was a one night affair of goofy and borderline stupid behavior; today it must be a weekend drunk. As is the bride and her wedding maids.
Let's be honest, the pendulum never swings all the way back...be aware.
This nation has struggled greatly over the decades attempting to legislate consumption as the government flirts with establishing standards of behavior expectation; an approach doomed from the start. That government must figure out what behavior protects those individual rights of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" so long as one individuals searching of such rights doesn't hinder another's pursuit. When that occurs, we had to make laws.
It has not been so much of an attack on our rights that has impacted our nation changing behavior as much as those undefined behaviors that every society and culture establishes resulting from the group's collective attitudes of what is best for the order. Perhaps simply stated as that which is in good tastes. Those 'things' are defined as our folkways and mores. It is here that people attempt to extend the current limits of performance. They seek to push beyond the accepted boundaries.
It has become far too easy and incorrect to point fingers of blame for our changing morals due to the movie industry or contemporary music claiming its unfiltered productions. This nation has always depended upon three major societal institutions for a checks and balance of accepted behavior:
(1) The Home (Family), The Schools (Teachers) and (3) The Church. No one institution is to blame for failure but all share in our morality decline and we have declined.
Acknowledging the possibility to overgeneralize with simplistic answers and solutions, may I touch on a few observations. The family structure continues to break down as parents turned away from significant discipline choosing to soften things with the 'friendly time out.' Many parents confused their role as they choose to be their child's friend rather than parent. The school has acquiesced to the parents' discipline style fearing lack of administrative support. This became a cocktail for a compromised learning environment, which led to academic dumbing-down and social promotion. The third institution, The Church can only survive if its value is embraced by the family while children are in those formative adolescent years.
In our society bigger and more is embraced as being better. It is noble for parents to wish to 'give a good life' to their children but they can run the risk of creating an enabling life for the child. I recall when senior high school trips were to Washington D.C or New York. Today, we must send the senior class to Aruba. I remember when the bachelor party was a one night affair of goofy and borderline stupid behavior; today it must be a weekend drunk. As is the bride and her wedding maids.
Let's be honest, the pendulum never swings all the way back...be aware.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Another Dog & Pony Show
Shall we not get our dander-up and quibble over our obvious pre-predisposed political attitudes and thereby agree that this scheduled 'hearing' before a United States senate committee this Thursday has zero credibility? There is suspicious behavior coming from both Democrats and Republicans as a woman brings forth accusation of a thirty-year old sexual asault alegedly committed by an individual nominated for and awaiting confirmation to the United States Supreme Court.
The Republican Party is in a power position to easily confirm a conservative judge who will likely be the 'swing-vote' to finally overturn their long time cry for overturning Roe v. Wade and put the skids to legal abortion. The Trump supporters also like the philosophy of this judge because he can argue that a President should be left alone while in office and not subject to investigation into any possible wrong-doings. If you cannot grasp that appeal to Trump, well you've evidently been in a coma.
The Democrats not only wish to 'stall' this confirmation as they hope for a swing of political clout coming their way after the November 2018, mid-term elections but they are still in a get-even angry mood over the GOP's sandbagging Obama's Supreme Court nomination back in March 2016.
You ask, "'Mel, what's your point? Where's the dog & pony show?" Okay, take those blinders off, NOW. If there is any kind of injustice claimed by you or your neighbor is it not reasonable to interview anybody and everybody who MAY have witnessed or have pertinent information about the alleged action of injustice as the attempt is made to resolve the Question?? If there is no appetite for this approach, then we should not have an elaborate display or presentation, which insults the intelligence of those who have a degree of intelligence. We have professional wrestling for such.
The Republican Party is in a power position to easily confirm a conservative judge who will likely be the 'swing-vote' to finally overturn their long time cry for overturning Roe v. Wade and put the skids to legal abortion. The Trump supporters also like the philosophy of this judge because he can argue that a President should be left alone while in office and not subject to investigation into any possible wrong-doings. If you cannot grasp that appeal to Trump, well you've evidently been in a coma.
The Democrats not only wish to 'stall' this confirmation as they hope for a swing of political clout coming their way after the November 2018, mid-term elections but they are still in a get-even angry mood over the GOP's sandbagging Obama's Supreme Court nomination back in March 2016.
You ask, "'Mel, what's your point? Where's the dog & pony show?" Okay, take those blinders off, NOW. If there is any kind of injustice claimed by you or your neighbor is it not reasonable to interview anybody and everybody who MAY have witnessed or have pertinent information about the alleged action of injustice as the attempt is made to resolve the Question?? If there is no appetite for this approach, then we should not have an elaborate display or presentation, which insults the intelligence of those who have a degree of intelligence. We have professional wrestling for such.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Times Change and Nothing Is Certain
A few days ago, I was leaving our home for a meeting when my wife yelled to me from another room, "Be sure you lock the door when you leave and make sure you have a house key because I'm going to bible class and won't be home."
House key?
A few weeks ago, I read reports listing the ten most dangerous 'neighborhoods' in America. Now put your head around that...we're talking NEIGHBORHOODS. The third most dangerous, crime infested neighborhood in America is my 'old East St. Louis neighborhood,' Caseyville Avenue. Folks, this writer NEVER, I repeat, NEVER had a house key because in my 1950's East St. Louis neighborhood we did NOT LOCK OUR HOMES. Today, across America people lock homes, carry guns and hope they are not slaughtered while watching music concerts in the local community park.
I often feel sad that my grandchildren will never know the social serenity of my youth. Listen, I'm not one of those old timers who pontificate about the 'good old days.' To the contrary, I believe today on most fronts far outdistances the old days, especially in the realm of technology, which has advanced medicine to untold benefits for mankind. However, I notice that even some medical advice takes 'U-Turns' much like my weatherman the day after the six inch surprise snow accumulation.
Just this past week the medical professionals told us that low dose aspirin benefits, long a part of millions' daily medical regiment holds greater risks than benefits; so much for St. Joseph's Baby Aspirin Stock Market value. According to recent scientific reports, the 980 established medical practices over a ten year period have had 146 -reversals. This entire wish-washy advice makes me think of my Aunt Kate. When she was 89, she became irritated with all the medicines doctors had prescribed for her so she threw every pill bottle in her medicine cabinet away. I'm not sure it was a wise decision because she died a short ten years later just a couple months shy of her 100th birthday.
(Touch)
Confusing
House key?
A few weeks ago, I read reports listing the ten most dangerous 'neighborhoods' in America. Now put your head around that...we're talking NEIGHBORHOODS. The third most dangerous, crime infested neighborhood in America is my 'old East St. Louis neighborhood,' Caseyville Avenue. Folks, this writer NEVER, I repeat, NEVER had a house key because in my 1950's East St. Louis neighborhood we did NOT LOCK OUR HOMES. Today, across America people lock homes, carry guns and hope they are not slaughtered while watching music concerts in the local community park.
I often feel sad that my grandchildren will never know the social serenity of my youth. Listen, I'm not one of those old timers who pontificate about the 'good old days.' To the contrary, I believe today on most fronts far outdistances the old days, especially in the realm of technology, which has advanced medicine to untold benefits for mankind. However, I notice that even some medical advice takes 'U-Turns' much like my weatherman the day after the six inch surprise snow accumulation.
Just this past week the medical professionals told us that low dose aspirin benefits, long a part of millions' daily medical regiment holds greater risks than benefits; so much for St. Joseph's Baby Aspirin Stock Market value. According to recent scientific reports, the 980 established medical practices over a ten year period have had 146 -reversals. This entire wish-washy advice makes me think of my Aunt Kate. When she was 89, she became irritated with all the medicines doctors had prescribed for her so she threw every pill bottle in her medicine cabinet away. I'm not sure it was a wise decision because she died a short ten years later just a couple months shy of her 100th birthday.
(Touch)
Confusing
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