It just might be my biggest 'pet peeve.' I am disgusted with those who feel a need to point towards others to address their own hopes, wishes and subsequent successes. I recall once when a coaching colleague of mine went to the school administration complaining that he had only one free period a day and the basketball coach (Mel) had two free periods each day. He said, "It should be equal." The next school year the administration made things equal...they took away one of my planning periods.
I believe there is an inherent weakness in an individual who cannot elevate his fortunes through self-effort. I find a pathetic argument from the lips of politicians who, in dodging a delivery of an honest answer invoke the name of a previous politician suggesting, "Well, what about so-and-so?" Give me a break! When did people get anywhere bitching and pointing fingers? Like my father told me, "Hey, boy if you don't like your circumstance then do something to change it to your liking. He meant 'look within.'
I suspect everybody could point to something in the past that handicapped them in some manner. In this nation we have seen various groups suffer from discrimination of some degree. The Jews, the Irish, the Hispanics, the Blacks, the Catholics, the Mormons, the Polish, the Muslims, etc. We also have groups that perceive discrimination,which in turn serves as their crutch.
As a high school mentor, I wanted to win basketball games but more importantly, I wanted my guys to learn sacrifice, dedication, commitment and develop traits that would help them succeed in life. I recall one of my African-American basketball players adamantly complaining after we lost a game in an all white community. His contention was 'an all Black basketball team is going to be cheated playing in a White town with White referees.' I scolded that kid hard explaining that WE missed opportunities that could have secured the victory. I made the point he was grabbing a crutch and if he continued to do that he would never live the big life. I explained that it was up to him to take care of business so he could one day have the job he wanted, vacation with family, live where he wanted, shop and eat where he wanted and embrace all that was available in life. I made it clear that he had the ability to achieve and how it is a loser who reaches for crutches and excuses. We ALL have something to overcome. Sure, I understand some have a deeper hole but it serves no good purpose to focus on others thus emphasizing our negative circumstances.
I have many former basketball ball players who live daily successes with family and loved ones. They have solid employment. Their respective circumstances thrill their old Coach. They are proud men and I am proud of them.
Like the locker room signs said: 'Respect All Fear None.' 'Work Hard Or Go Home.'
(Touch)
TCB
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Friday, March 29, 2019
Just Who Is Jesus?
Author Unknown...
There are 3-good arguments that Jesus was 'Black.'
1) He called everybody brother.
2) He liked Gospel
3) He did not get a fair trial.
But then there are 3-good arguments that Jesus was 'Jewish.'
1) He went into his father's business.
2) He lived at home until he was 33.
3) He was sure his mother was a virgin and his mother was sure He was God.
But then there are 3-good arguments that Jesus was an 'Italian.'
1) He talked with his hands.
2) He had wine with his meals.
3) He used olive oil.
But then there are 3-good arguments that Jesus was a 'Californian.'
1) He never cut his hair.
2) He walked around barefoot.
3) He started a new religion.
But then there are 3-equally good arguments that Jesus was an 'American Indian.'
1) He was at peace with nature.
2) He ate a lot of fish.
3) He talked about the Great Spirit.
But then there was the good arguments that Jesus was 'Irish.'
1) He never married.
2) He was always telling stories.
3) He loved green pastures.
But the most compelling 3-arguments was that Jesus was a woman.
1) He fed a crown a moment's notice with virtually no available food.
2) He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it.
3) And even when dead, he got up because there was still work to do.
Can I get an Amen?
(Touch)
Why Me Lord
There are 3-good arguments that Jesus was 'Black.'
1) He called everybody brother.
2) He liked Gospel
3) He did not get a fair trial.
But then there are 3-good arguments that Jesus was 'Jewish.'
1) He went into his father's business.
2) He lived at home until he was 33.
3) He was sure his mother was a virgin and his mother was sure He was God.
But then there are 3-good arguments that Jesus was an 'Italian.'
1) He talked with his hands.
2) He had wine with his meals.
3) He used olive oil.
But then there are 3-good arguments that Jesus was a 'Californian.'
1) He never cut his hair.
2) He walked around barefoot.
3) He started a new religion.
But then there are 3-equally good arguments that Jesus was an 'American Indian.'
1) He was at peace with nature.
2) He ate a lot of fish.
3) He talked about the Great Spirit.
But then there was the good arguments that Jesus was 'Irish.'
1) He never married.
2) He was always telling stories.
3) He loved green pastures.
But the most compelling 3-arguments was that Jesus was a woman.
1) He fed a crown a moment's notice with virtually no available food.
2) He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it.
3) And even when dead, he got up because there was still work to do.
Can I get an Amen?
(Touch)
Why Me Lord
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Two Winners; Different Personas
It was the spring of 1976. My Edwardsville basketball 'Tigers' had broken a 20-year State Tournament appearance drought. Our club advanced to the Sweet 16 where we lost to Marion.
Indiana Coach Bob Knight beat John Wooden's UCLA squad in the first game of the Final Four and went on the capture the Title.
I was attending a Midwest (St. Louis) 7-Up Coaches Clinic with some six hundred high school and colleges coaches at the Marriott (Lambert Airport) Hotel. Two of the Clinician Speakers were Bob Knight and John Wooden. As I continue with this recount story, I think the message is perhaps a simple one summed up in the old adage, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." That said, there's more than one way and personality to 'coach.' One would be hard-pressed to find two coaches with more pronounced opposite personalities or coaching styles than Bob Knight and John Wooden, yet both have stellar coaching credentials and successes.
It was during a 'break' between presentations when I Wonder out of the auditorium and noticed a long line of coaches waiting to purchase an autographed copies of Woods's book, 'Pyramid of Success.'
'Saint John' as many of his contemporaries called him was seated at a table signing copies. After several minutes, I saw Coach Wooden stand asking for the remaining coaches waiting in line to give them his attention. As silence settled in, the calm, congenial and classy Wooden spoke, "Coaches, I am humbled by your interest in my book and I will return to this table and continue our visiting but right now one of our colleagues is about to give his presentation. It would be unprofessional if me to keep you from joining me in the auditorium to listen to Coach Knight. And with that Wooden walked towards the auditorium doors. I walked in,as Knight was being introduced by Clinic Director Bob Murray. As Knight positioned himself at the podium a bevvy news photographers scurried about attempting to get their best photo of the Coach whose Indiana team just won the NCAA Championship. Knight slowly walked out from behind the microphone and 'flipped off' one photographer saying, "If you're with SI, this is for you." I suppose he had some ongoing tift with the magazine.
Different strokes for different Coaches.
Indiana Coach Bob Knight beat John Wooden's UCLA squad in the first game of the Final Four and went on the capture the Title.
I was attending a Midwest (St. Louis) 7-Up Coaches Clinic with some six hundred high school and colleges coaches at the Marriott (Lambert Airport) Hotel. Two of the Clinician Speakers were Bob Knight and John Wooden. As I continue with this recount story, I think the message is perhaps a simple one summed up in the old adage, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." That said, there's more than one way and personality to 'coach.' One would be hard-pressed to find two coaches with more pronounced opposite personalities or coaching styles than Bob Knight and John Wooden, yet both have stellar coaching credentials and successes.
It was during a 'break' between presentations when I Wonder out of the auditorium and noticed a long line of coaches waiting to purchase an autographed copies of Woods's book, 'Pyramid of Success.'
'Saint John' as many of his contemporaries called him was seated at a table signing copies. After several minutes, I saw Coach Wooden stand asking for the remaining coaches waiting in line to give them his attention. As silence settled in, the calm, congenial and classy Wooden spoke, "Coaches, I am humbled by your interest in my book and I will return to this table and continue our visiting but right now one of our colleagues is about to give his presentation. It would be unprofessional if me to keep you from joining me in the auditorium to listen to Coach Knight. And with that Wooden walked towards the auditorium doors. I walked in,as Knight was being introduced by Clinic Director Bob Murray. As Knight positioned himself at the podium a bevvy news photographers scurried about attempting to get their best photo of the Coach whose Indiana team just won the NCAA Championship. Knight slowly walked out from behind the microphone and 'flipped off' one photographer saying, "If you're with SI, this is for you." I suppose he had some ongoing tift with the magazine.
Different strokes for different Coaches.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Sure Would Like To Know
Recently an individual rather angry with my blog post said, "You think you've got all the answers." Immediately, I thought, boy that comment could not be farther from the truth. There are numerous things and circumstances for which I seek answers and here are just a few:
1. Was Lee Harvey Oswald a lone assassin or part of a larger conspiracy?
2. What is the true origin of baseball?
3. What was Ike Turner's I Q?
4. What thoughts go through Melanie Trump's mind when being intimate with her husband?
5. What was behind Jim Lowe's 'Green Door' and what 'Thing' did Phil Harris find on the beach?
6. Why in old age do I feel like the morning after the night before, but I didn't go anywhere?
7. Why has nobody invented a golf ball that floats?
8. What's the difference between crispy & extra crispy and unleaded & super unleaded?
9. Has it ever been verified that 'There's no fool like an old fool?'
10. Why do we sit down front at a concert but in the back at church.
11. Which venue is best for 'People Watching,' The Mall or a Hotel Lobby?
12. Why do old ladies hold up a checkout lane searching the bottom of huge purses for exact change?
13. Is Franklin Graham the antithesis of Billy Graham just to disprove the old saying, "The Apple
Does Not Fall Far From The Tree?"
14. Why was God so good to me?
You know, perhaps that fella that suggested I'm a 'know it all' is on to something. I just remembered a dear friend of mine, once sent me a greeting card on no particular occasion, which read:
"Those Of You Who Think You Know It All, Irritate Those Of Us Who Do."
1. Was Lee Harvey Oswald a lone assassin or part of a larger conspiracy?
2. What is the true origin of baseball?
3. What was Ike Turner's I Q?
4. What thoughts go through Melanie Trump's mind when being intimate with her husband?
5. What was behind Jim Lowe's 'Green Door' and what 'Thing' did Phil Harris find on the beach?
6. Why in old age do I feel like the morning after the night before, but I didn't go anywhere?
7. Why has nobody invented a golf ball that floats?
8. What's the difference between crispy & extra crispy and unleaded & super unleaded?
9. Has it ever been verified that 'There's no fool like an old fool?'
10. Why do we sit down front at a concert but in the back at church.
11. Which venue is best for 'People Watching,' The Mall or a Hotel Lobby?
12. Why do old ladies hold up a checkout lane searching the bottom of huge purses for exact change?
13. Is Franklin Graham the antithesis of Billy Graham just to disprove the old saying, "The Apple
Does Not Fall Far From The Tree?"
14. Why was God so good to me?
You know, perhaps that fella that suggested I'm a 'know it all' is on to something. I just remembered a dear friend of mine, once sent me a greeting card on no particular occasion, which read:
"Those Of You Who Think You Know It All, Irritate Those Of Us Who Do."
Hear The Message
Yesterday, I was coming out of the shopping mall when a Decatur basketball fan stopped me and asked if I had been watching the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I told him that I had and then he pursued to get my insight on thoughts about Michigan State coach, Tom Izzo openly screaming at one of his players during a time out. Again, I answered in the affirmative. Naturally, the gent wanted my 'take.'
I attempted to answer the fan's question not in behalf of Izzo but from my personal perspective as a former player and coach. Successful coaches build a cohesiveness similar to a family. That means emotions are intense and run the wide spectrum. We laugh together, cry together and embrace one another in good times and bad times. Yes, we can even yell in anger. Now, that said, I did not like to 'dress down' my guys in public. Don't mistake that comment. I got after players in the arena and sometimes that 'get-after' was extremely strong but while doing so my body language did not match my actual language. Therefore, everybody saved face. I told players, 'Listen to the message and don't get caught up in the animation or tone.
My philosophy on the subject is this> I never really dressed down my reserves but I did my starters because I felt the starters earned that privilege. Funny how every player wanted to be a starter. Do you suppose they wanted more attention from me?
I attempted to answer the fan's question not in behalf of Izzo but from my personal perspective as a former player and coach. Successful coaches build a cohesiveness similar to a family. That means emotions are intense and run the wide spectrum. We laugh together, cry together and embrace one another in good times and bad times. Yes, we can even yell in anger. Now, that said, I did not like to 'dress down' my guys in public. Don't mistake that comment. I got after players in the arena and sometimes that 'get-after' was extremely strong but while doing so my body language did not match my actual language. Therefore, everybody saved face. I told players, 'Listen to the message and don't get caught up in the animation or tone.
My philosophy on the subject is this> I never really dressed down my reserves but I did my starters because I felt the starters earned that privilege. Funny how every player wanted to be a starter. Do you suppose they wanted more attention from me?
Monday, March 25, 2019
I'm For The Birds
As an East St. Louis high school alumni, I was happy to see my old alma mater win the IHSA Boys' Basketball 3-A Championship. Of course, when I coached basketball against the Flyers, I enjoyed those times my clubs beat the Orange & Blue. Four years playing baseball and three basketball seasons playing for the Illinois State 'Redbirds,' I toiled with a passion and enjoyed it all. Once I left East Side and Illinois State, I did not 'follow' those teams as a fan and even though I'm an Illinois native, I could care less about the fortunes of the University of Illinois.
When it comes to wearing the 'fans' cap, I've only been a die hard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Growing up in East St. Louis in the 1940's & '50's offered a limited fan choice. We had two baseball teams: The Browns & The Birds. ( The Brownies struggled and eventually moved to Baltimore). For a brief period, young boys my age could become NBA fans following the St. Louis Hawks with stars like Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagen, Alex Hannum and 'Easy Ed' McCauley. But the Hawks time in St. Louis was short lived as the 'white' fan base struggled supporting the infusion of black players. Owner Ben Kerner pulled the plug and St. Louis' loss was Atlanta's gain. Of course the Rams story was more complex but resulted in the same end...no pro football for St. Louis. I was gone from the Metro-East area about the time the 'Blues' came to town therefore my sports' love affair was singular...Redbirds!
This week marks the beginning of the Major League Baseball, season and this old man can once again become that 'kid' who will angst with ever pitch. I will close my eyes during the National Anthem and remember moments with my dad who first introduced me to that 'game.' I will recall sitting with brothers Tom and Marty as Bob Gibson finished off the Yanks in game seven of the 1964 World Series. I recall that May day sitting on the first base side at Sportsman Park when 'The Man' hit five home runs in a double header. I will root for high priced overpaid ball players who stand on the shoulders of my heroes, Musial, Marion, Martin, Medwick, Moore, Slaughter, Kurowski, Munger, Pollit, Rice, Javier, Schoendiest and Brecheen.
Yep! This is the ONLY season and the Cardinals are the ONLY team that will permit me to be that person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal known as... 'The Fanatic.' PLAY BALL!
(Touch)
A Cardinals' Fan
When it comes to wearing the 'fans' cap, I've only been a die hard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Growing up in East St. Louis in the 1940's & '50's offered a limited fan choice. We had two baseball teams: The Browns & The Birds. ( The Brownies struggled and eventually moved to Baltimore). For a brief period, young boys my age could become NBA fans following the St. Louis Hawks with stars like Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagen, Alex Hannum and 'Easy Ed' McCauley. But the Hawks time in St. Louis was short lived as the 'white' fan base struggled supporting the infusion of black players. Owner Ben Kerner pulled the plug and St. Louis' loss was Atlanta's gain. Of course the Rams story was more complex but resulted in the same end...no pro football for St. Louis. I was gone from the Metro-East area about the time the 'Blues' came to town therefore my sports' love affair was singular...Redbirds!
This week marks the beginning of the Major League Baseball, season and this old man can once again become that 'kid' who will angst with ever pitch. I will close my eyes during the National Anthem and remember moments with my dad who first introduced me to that 'game.' I will recall sitting with brothers Tom and Marty as Bob Gibson finished off the Yanks in game seven of the 1964 World Series. I recall that May day sitting on the first base side at Sportsman Park when 'The Man' hit five home runs in a double header. I will root for high priced overpaid ball players who stand on the shoulders of my heroes, Musial, Marion, Martin, Medwick, Moore, Slaughter, Kurowski, Munger, Pollit, Rice, Javier, Schoendiest and Brecheen.
Yep! This is the ONLY season and the Cardinals are the ONLY team that will permit me to be that person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal known as... 'The Fanatic.' PLAY BALL!
(Touch)
A Cardinals' Fan
Friday, March 22, 2019
OMG
Do you ever take a step back and re-evaluate an other's comment? More importantly, do you re-examine comments made by elected officials and people in our nation's government? If you do, you are likely frightened after you stop laughing.
Let's examine two statements recently made by a United States Senator and a United States Cabinet Member: Senator Lindsay Graham, a long time friend of the late Senator John McCain was recently asked by a reporter his thoughts about President Trump's on-going bashing and criticism of McCain.
Graham answered, "The President's comments hurt him (Trump) more than McCain." Now, people give that thought for a moment. That's what I thought, you understand that once a person is DEAD that person is exempt from any kind of hurt or pain. Of course, Lindsey 'Spineless' Graham casually dismisses the hurtful pain felt by John McCain's loved ones with such attacks upon their beloved, husband and father. In the name of decency, what kind of man speaks so negatively about the dead? McCain cannot defend himself. Graham has hung around Trump so long his empathy filter is clogged.
Then we have the statement by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo who suggested, Perhaps Trump was sent by God to save the Jewish people from Iran. Oh My God! Really? Just what we need another politician speaking for God.
You know, the 'thought' has crossed this writer's mind that Trump 'could' be the Anti-Christ...ah but I stifle the urge to make such a proclamation.
Let's examine two statements recently made by a United States Senator and a United States Cabinet Member: Senator Lindsay Graham, a long time friend of the late Senator John McCain was recently asked by a reporter his thoughts about President Trump's on-going bashing and criticism of McCain.
Graham answered, "The President's comments hurt him (Trump) more than McCain." Now, people give that thought for a moment. That's what I thought, you understand that once a person is DEAD that person is exempt from any kind of hurt or pain. Of course, Lindsey 'Spineless' Graham casually dismisses the hurtful pain felt by John McCain's loved ones with such attacks upon their beloved, husband and father. In the name of decency, what kind of man speaks so negatively about the dead? McCain cannot defend himself. Graham has hung around Trump so long his empathy filter is clogged.
Then we have the statement by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo who suggested, Perhaps Trump was sent by God to save the Jewish people from Iran. Oh My God! Really? Just what we need another politician speaking for God.
You know, the 'thought' has crossed this writer's mind that Trump 'could' be the Anti-Christ...ah but I stifle the urge to make such a proclamation.
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