When Elvis came out with his only Christmas album in the late 1950s I spent $3 and bought the record. I loved Elvis but my sister wasn't much of a fan back then. As I was playing the Elvis version of "Here Comes Santa Claus," my sister walked past my room. She popped her head into the doorway and said, "how can you play that music at Christmas time, it's awful. You have to remember in those days Johnnie Mathis, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were among the most popular holiday singers. Elvis played and sang rock and roll so the Christmas album wasn't everyone's cup of tea.
The following year my sister went away to college and as a joke one day in early December I called her and as soon as she answered I turned up, ""Here Comes Santa Claus," full blast. It made her laugh and it made her feel a little closer to home.
The year was 1960 and I've been playing Elvis over the phone to my sister every year since. I haven't missed a single year. She now admits it really isn't Christmas until Elvis visits on Christmas Eve and sings, "Here Comes Santa Claus."
I've got the CD player all cued up for this Friday night. Merry Christmas to all, Elvis fans or not.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
What We Must Do to Survive
Neither our society nor our species can sustain itself until every person realizes that the gift of life comes not without some sacrifice and obligation to the well being of all mankind.
A company or business that outsources it's labor oversees for the single minded, selfish benefit on a few stock holders at the expense of hundreds and perhaps thousands of hard working citizens, erodes the very basis of the founding fathers concept of the American experience.
Some may call it liberalism, some may call it socialism, I choose to call it what it is, the very basic reason for man's existance on earth.
God put us here to glorify him. He gave us each this temporary gift of time in which to use our human resources not to enrich outselves materially but to celebrate all men, care for all of God's creations, the forest, the sea, the air we breathe and every living thing on the face of the earth.
A company or business that outsources it's labor oversees for the single minded, selfish benefit on a few stock holders at the expense of hundreds and perhaps thousands of hard working citizens, erodes the very basis of the founding fathers concept of the American experience.
Some may call it liberalism, some may call it socialism, I choose to call it what it is, the very basic reason for man's existance on earth.
God put us here to glorify him. He gave us each this temporary gift of time in which to use our human resources not to enrich outselves materially but to celebrate all men, care for all of God's creations, the forest, the sea, the air we breathe and every living thing on the face of the earth.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Advice from Harry S Truman
"It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit."
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Star Gazing
Each time I drive from Seattle to eastern Washington over Snoqualmie Pass I stop and get out of the car and look up at the stars. It is spectacular. Without the influence of the Seattle city lights the billions of stars offer a show that cannot be matched by anything.
An effective way to minimize of eliminate entirely all the negative energy around us is to mentally block it out by looking for the stars or the positive elements of life.
For every negative political commercial on television or radio there are 10 nice things one could say about the candidates, but you will never hear them.
For each act of viloence you hear about in the news there are 20 acts of kindness you will never hear about.
Give yourself a gift by seeking out the "stars" ands avoiding the glare of city lights whenever possible.
An effective way to minimize of eliminate entirely all the negative energy around us is to mentally block it out by looking for the stars or the positive elements of life.
For every negative political commercial on television or radio there are 10 nice things one could say about the candidates, but you will never hear them.
For each act of viloence you hear about in the news there are 20 acts of kindness you will never hear about.
Give yourself a gift by seeking out the "stars" ands avoiding the glare of city lights whenever possible.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Double the Budget
I do a weekly commenmtary on the Harborstone Credit Union website and I'm so passionate about the topic this week I had to share it with you here as well. You could skip reading and just go to Harborstone.com to hear the audio blog if you'd like or you can let me explain it here.
I work for the Seattle Seahawks doing videos for their web site and every day I observe the way NFL teams do business. It's all very impressive and very efficient and in some cases very effective.
There are 53 players on the active roster every week. There are also 20 coaches on the staff not to mention trainers, doctors and equipment people. There's even a guy who's job it is to make sure everything runs on schedule.
What if we used that system with that ratio in our public school system. The average public school in our state has 25 students per teacher. By NFL standards they'd have 10 teachers for every 25 students.
Just think of how smart American students would be with that much help. Their chances of competing for jobs at the global level would be greatly enhanced.
Of course it would mean doubling the school budget and it's tough enough making it work the way it is.
My solution is simple if silly. Let's charge a fee to have fans come and see the teachers teaching the students. We'll sell hot dogs and drinks and print nice programs. We can also sell jerseys with the kids names on the back. Heck we can even sell television rights to ESPN, NBC and FOX and have the classes on "live" television. Then with all that revenue we hire a few thousand more teachers and bring our public schools up to par.
Sound silly? No sillier than putting professional football above public schools on our list of priorities.
I work for the Seattle Seahawks doing videos for their web site and every day I observe the way NFL teams do business. It's all very impressive and very efficient and in some cases very effective.
There are 53 players on the active roster every week. There are also 20 coaches on the staff not to mention trainers, doctors and equipment people. There's even a guy who's job it is to make sure everything runs on schedule.
What if we used that system with that ratio in our public school system. The average public school in our state has 25 students per teacher. By NFL standards they'd have 10 teachers for every 25 students.
Just think of how smart American students would be with that much help. Their chances of competing for jobs at the global level would be greatly enhanced.
Of course it would mean doubling the school budget and it's tough enough making it work the way it is.
My solution is simple if silly. Let's charge a fee to have fans come and see the teachers teaching the students. We'll sell hot dogs and drinks and print nice programs. We can also sell jerseys with the kids names on the back. Heck we can even sell television rights to ESPN, NBC and FOX and have the classes on "live" television. Then with all that revenue we hire a few thousand more teachers and bring our public schools up to par.
Sound silly? No sillier than putting professional football above public schools on our list of priorities.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Too Many In Jail
The United States is good at a lot of things. We're a generous people, we give to other nations and citizens in need during natural disasters. We support women's rights in parts of the world that are hundreds of years behind the times in that area. We at least try to keep the air and water clean for future generations. We have a really good interstate highway system and an even better parks and national forest system. In all those areas we shine. Not so much in our prison system.
In the United States we have 2.3 millions people behind bars. That's more than the population of 15 of our states. We incarcerate more people than any other country in the world. We have five times the number of people behind bars than England, nine times more than Germany and 12 times more than Japan.
Thank goodness Congress is finally trying to do something about these disturbing numbers. They now realize that if we invest more in education and other obvious prevention programs, we'd be well ahead of the game.
It costs $50,000 a year to incarcerate someone in a California prison. It costs less thank $8000 a year to edcuate that same person for a year in the publoic school system.
Senator James Webb D-Virginia is proposing a National Criminal Justice System to take a close up look at the prison system in America. His bill passed the House without opposition but there is a procedural objection by Republican Senator Tom Coburn R-Oklahoma that could stall it in the Senate.
We need this commission and cannot worry about short term costs when we are already spending billions to keep people in jail who should not be there.
In the United States we have 2.3 millions people behind bars. That's more than the population of 15 of our states. We incarcerate more people than any other country in the world. We have five times the number of people behind bars than England, nine times more than Germany and 12 times more than Japan.
Thank goodness Congress is finally trying to do something about these disturbing numbers. They now realize that if we invest more in education and other obvious prevention programs, we'd be well ahead of the game.
It costs $50,000 a year to incarcerate someone in a California prison. It costs less thank $8000 a year to edcuate that same person for a year in the publoic school system.
Senator James Webb D-Virginia is proposing a National Criminal Justice System to take a close up look at the prison system in America. His bill passed the House without opposition but there is a procedural objection by Republican Senator Tom Coburn R-Oklahoma that could stall it in the Senate.
We need this commission and cannot worry about short term costs when we are already spending billions to keep people in jail who should not be there.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Guns in the Parade
At the recent Renton River Days parade several candidates for local and national office showed up to wave to the crowd and pass out buttons and bumber stickers. United States Senate candidate Clint Didier took the parade to a new level with his "statement" about Americans right to bear arms. His representitves showed up wearing side arms. They had guns strapped to their hips at a nice family oriented summer parade.
With all of the issues effecting "real" people around the country the right to bear arms is at the bottom of that list.
Just a few weeks ago at Samammish State park two separate groups showed up for to "party" and between them there were 20 hand guns. Two people died. Gee hand guns and death, you wouldn't expect those two things to go together would you?
Get over this right to bear arms crap and concentrate on the real issues facing us in the USA like getting people back to work, helping new small businesses by actually getting banks to loan money again, and getting out of Afghanistan once and for all.
I'd like to go on with this but my grand kids want to go to the park so I have to find a hand gun so they'll be safe.
With all of the issues effecting "real" people around the country the right to bear arms is at the bottom of that list.
Just a few weeks ago at Samammish State park two separate groups showed up for to "party" and between them there were 20 hand guns. Two people died. Gee hand guns and death, you wouldn't expect those two things to go together would you?
Get over this right to bear arms crap and concentrate on the real issues facing us in the USA like getting people back to work, helping new small businesses by actually getting banks to loan money again, and getting out of Afghanistan once and for all.
I'd like to go on with this but my grand kids want to go to the park so I have to find a hand gun so they'll be safe.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Slip N Slide
What a day for a Slip N Slide. As a grown up I'd like to proclaim every day over 80 degrees to be Slip N Slide day. Adults don't run through the sprinkler enough on hot days. Adults don't eat enough marshmellows, chew enough "Big League Chew" bubble gum, especially the grape flavor. Adults are too mired in their own little worlds to take the time to run bare foot across the lawn with only half their clothes on. Little kids do it all the time and look how happy they are until some adult tells them to wipe that smile off their face.
As a kid I used to hit rocks into the woods with a baseball bat. I made believe I was every great Yankee hitters. I was Ruth, gehrig, Dimaggio, Mantle and Maris. I hit some monster home runs deep into the trees on Newsome Lane in Wilton, Conn. where I lived in the 1950s. I was in my own little world when I was hitting rocks. I also called play by play of every hit which convinced the neighbors that I had more than one loose screw in my mental mechanism.
Boy I showed them. I'm a grown up now and I still hit rocks, so there. I still make believe I'm Ruth, Gehrig or Dimaggio too becuase I can't bring myself to believe the over paid players of today would spend their time hitting rocks into the woods.
Good thing I don't live in Chicago. Some northside Cubs fan would probably throw the rocks back at me from behind a tree.
As a kid I used to hit rocks into the woods with a baseball bat. I made believe I was every great Yankee hitters. I was Ruth, gehrig, Dimaggio, Mantle and Maris. I hit some monster home runs deep into the trees on Newsome Lane in Wilton, Conn. where I lived in the 1950s. I was in my own little world when I was hitting rocks. I also called play by play of every hit which convinced the neighbors that I had more than one loose screw in my mental mechanism.
Boy I showed them. I'm a grown up now and I still hit rocks, so there. I still make believe I'm Ruth, Gehrig or Dimaggio too becuase I can't bring myself to believe the over paid players of today would spend their time hitting rocks into the woods.
Good thing I don't live in Chicago. Some northside Cubs fan would probably throw the rocks back at me from behind a tree.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Yankee Heaven
I know, I know, I know. If you're not a Yankee fan or even worse if you are a Yankee hater this column will have no meaning to you. Sorry but I have to express myself. Within just a few days two Yankee icons passed away. Last weekend the best in stadium announcer in the history of sports Bob Sheppard died at age 99.
On my first visit to Yankee Stadium in the summer of 1956 his booming voice came over the public address system and etched itself in my memory forever. "Now batting number seven, Mickey Mantle, number seven." Bob Sheppard wasn't fancy but he was perfect. He never mis pronounced a single name to my knowledge because he made it ap ractice to ask each player how he would like his name announced.
After Sheppard stepped away from the announcers booth a couple of seasons ago, Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter asked that each of his at bats for the rest of his career be announced by a recording of Bob Sheppard. Thank you Bob for all those memories.
Then just today long time Yankee owner George Steinbrenner passed way at the age of 80. When he purchsed the Yankees in 1974 they were in dismal shape. He vowed to re build the dynasty and he did. He also rebuilt the tradition and mystique of the Yankees by calling back to the fold such greats as play by play man Mel Allen and Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
Not everyone liked George but no one could ever deny what he did for the Yankees and the city of New York by bringing them back to their championship level of the late 1920s, early 1950s and late 1990s. Steinbrenner was famous for hiring and firing Billy Martin but he was also famous for signing the big name free agents to turn the teams forturesd around. The first big move was getting Reggie Jackson rrom the Oakland A's. Reggie earned the title , "Mr. October" and helped the Yankees win the pennant in 1976,77 and 78 and the World Series title in 77 and 78.
He also had a knack for keeping young players being developed in the Yankees farm system. The best examples of that are future hall of famers Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera and long time catcher Jorge Posada.
As eight all stars represent the Yankees this week in Anaheim the baseball world mourns the passing of two of the most memorable Yankees ever Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner.
On my first visit to Yankee Stadium in the summer of 1956 his booming voice came over the public address system and etched itself in my memory forever. "Now batting number seven, Mickey Mantle, number seven." Bob Sheppard wasn't fancy but he was perfect. He never mis pronounced a single name to my knowledge because he made it ap ractice to ask each player how he would like his name announced.
After Sheppard stepped away from the announcers booth a couple of seasons ago, Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter asked that each of his at bats for the rest of his career be announced by a recording of Bob Sheppard. Thank you Bob for all those memories.
Then just today long time Yankee owner George Steinbrenner passed way at the age of 80. When he purchsed the Yankees in 1974 they were in dismal shape. He vowed to re build the dynasty and he did. He also rebuilt the tradition and mystique of the Yankees by calling back to the fold such greats as play by play man Mel Allen and Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
Not everyone liked George but no one could ever deny what he did for the Yankees and the city of New York by bringing them back to their championship level of the late 1920s, early 1950s and late 1990s. Steinbrenner was famous for hiring and firing Billy Martin but he was also famous for signing the big name free agents to turn the teams forturesd around. The first big move was getting Reggie Jackson rrom the Oakland A's. Reggie earned the title , "Mr. October" and helped the Yankees win the pennant in 1976,77 and 78 and the World Series title in 77 and 78.
He also had a knack for keeping young players being developed in the Yankees farm system. The best examples of that are future hall of famers Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera and long time catcher Jorge Posada.
As eight all stars represent the Yankees this week in Anaheim the baseball world mourns the passing of two of the most memorable Yankees ever Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner.
Monday, July 12, 2010
7 Keys to Happiness
Hi everyone. You're all invited to a "free" presentation of "7 Keys to Happiness," at the Longview, Wa. PUD building 961 12th Ave in Longview, Wa. July 20th at 7 p.m. I'll present my "7 Keys to Happiness" seminar and everyone who attends will get a "free" copy of my book, "Smile in the Mirror." There is no obligation, we are not selling anything and we don't want your contact information. This is "free" to all who attend and I know you'll enjoy it. See you July 20th in Longview.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Independence Day
Millions of people all across the United States will celebrate the 4th of July this weekend. It is a celebration of an event that happened 232 years ago when a committee of five men led by Thomas Jefferson John Adams and Benjamin Franklin crafted the Declaration of Independence.
They knew that their actions would lead to months of sacrifice and blood shed. They also knew that no action would bring the greatest tragedy of all, a lack of freedom and independence.
Planted deep inside every human being is a "spirit of independence" crying to step away from the crowd and establish it's own identity.
I believe Independence Day has a two fold significance. As a nation we should always strive to remain free. We do that by registering to vote, by knowing who represents us in the Congress of the United States and in our local government and by staying involved in decisions that effect our cities and schools.
Too many of us struggle to name even our U.S. Senators let alone our state and local leaders. We are often quick to criticize state and local decisions without having any knowledge of why those decisions were made. It is far easier to repeat the "talk show" babble of your favorite host than it is to actually research a topic and discuss it intelligently.
Every time we utter a statement that simply mirrors someone else's opinion with no research of our own, we thumb our noses at our own declaration on independence.
I also believe this holiday should be a reminder that as individuals we enjoy a level of independence in this country that is un-matched anywhere in the world.
Every day of our lives we make hundreds of decisions. We decide what to eat, what to read, what to watch on television, what to say to our children, our spouses, our parents and our friends.
Hundreds of times a day we decide what to think and whether to agree with what we hear.
During the course of a day we will hear radio and television commercials, news and hearsay. We will see pop up ads on our lap tops and phones. We will hear office chatter and gossip.
Hundreds of times a day we will have to decide what to absorb and what to discard. In a split second we will have to decide what is "noise" trying to seep into our brains and what is useful information.
This is where our true independence is tested. Are we going along with the crowd or making a conscious decision to accept or reject what we've heard ourselves?
If your "human filter" is working properly you'll be free to decide for yourself what is good and bad for you. Those decisions will determine whether or not you have a happy and successful life.
I wish you all a fun filled 4th of July weekend. Find a family celebration in your town or city and enjoy the fireworks.
I am not a fan of the illegal and often over sized explosives I hear in the woods behind my house every July. I wonder if the thoughtless people who buy and use them every year think about the effect they have on pets or more important the effect they may have on the men and women recently home from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I'll close with an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them to another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Libery and the pursuit of Happiness.
They knew that their actions would lead to months of sacrifice and blood shed. They also knew that no action would bring the greatest tragedy of all, a lack of freedom and independence.
Planted deep inside every human being is a "spirit of independence" crying to step away from the crowd and establish it's own identity.
I believe Independence Day has a two fold significance. As a nation we should always strive to remain free. We do that by registering to vote, by knowing who represents us in the Congress of the United States and in our local government and by staying involved in decisions that effect our cities and schools.
Too many of us struggle to name even our U.S. Senators let alone our state and local leaders. We are often quick to criticize state and local decisions without having any knowledge of why those decisions were made. It is far easier to repeat the "talk show" babble of your favorite host than it is to actually research a topic and discuss it intelligently.
Every time we utter a statement that simply mirrors someone else's opinion with no research of our own, we thumb our noses at our own declaration on independence.
I also believe this holiday should be a reminder that as individuals we enjoy a level of independence in this country that is un-matched anywhere in the world.
Every day of our lives we make hundreds of decisions. We decide what to eat, what to read, what to watch on television, what to say to our children, our spouses, our parents and our friends.
Hundreds of times a day we decide what to think and whether to agree with what we hear.
During the course of a day we will hear radio and television commercials, news and hearsay. We will see pop up ads on our lap tops and phones. We will hear office chatter and gossip.
Hundreds of times a day we will have to decide what to absorb and what to discard. In a split second we will have to decide what is "noise" trying to seep into our brains and what is useful information.
This is where our true independence is tested. Are we going along with the crowd or making a conscious decision to accept or reject what we've heard ourselves?
If your "human filter" is working properly you'll be free to decide for yourself what is good and bad for you. Those decisions will determine whether or not you have a happy and successful life.
I wish you all a fun filled 4th of July weekend. Find a family celebration in your town or city and enjoy the fireworks.
I am not a fan of the illegal and often over sized explosives I hear in the woods behind my house every July. I wonder if the thoughtless people who buy and use them every year think about the effect they have on pets or more important the effect they may have on the men and women recently home from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I'll close with an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them to another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Libery and the pursuit of Happiness.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Card Store
It was a rainy Saturday in the pacific northwest. I spent most of the early part of the day cleaning the house, vacuuming, folding laundry, mopping floors and bagging up clothing to take to Goodwill. I know I'm a wacky funster with no limits on what I'll do for a good time. Just as I began to get bored I decided to take the two mile walk from my house to DJ's Sports Cards. It was like a return to the summer of 1957 for me walking to the baseball card shop with a couple of bucks in my pocket and big dreams in my head. It was almost like my boyhood friend Dave Appelbaum was right there by my side pounding a tattered baseball into his Spaulding glove. Dave taught to me to bat left handed when I was seven years old. I started as a right hand hitter but he convinced me I'd be more effective if I could bat lefty as well. It paid off handsomely in my teenage years when I became one of the better Wiffle ball players in the state of Connecticut.
So I'm walking to the sports card shop on a rainy Saturday thinking about the old days, Dave and Wiffle ball. Thinking about the hour I spent on our gravel road in my home town hitting small rocks into the woods with an old baseball bat. I'd call play by play like Mel Allen the Hall of Fame yankees broadcaster of the 50s and 60s. When Mickey Mantle came up I'd hit lefty if he was facing a right hand hitter and vice versa. I spent entire summers living an imaginary life as a big league ball player. The only thing missing was the chewing tobacco. I substituted Bazooka Bubble gum. I couldn't spit worth a darn but it tasted a lot better than tobacco.
My mind wandered to the time I hit a grand slam homer off Bob Feller at the old Yankee Stadium. Actually it was a rock I tossed to myself and it was on Newsome Lane. The rock flew deep into the woods, squirrels scattered, birds retreated to the neighbors yard, the crowd roared. It was the longest home run of my career. I think the rock I hit is in the hall of fame.
As I approached DJ Sports Cards on Saturday I realized that I am a grown up now, my child hood was decades ago, I really should face reality. On the other hand I think I'll go down to the river and hit some rocks. Bob Feller is 90 years old now I think I can hit another long one off "Rapid Robert."
So I'm walking to the sports card shop on a rainy Saturday thinking about the old days, Dave and Wiffle ball. Thinking about the hour I spent on our gravel road in my home town hitting small rocks into the woods with an old baseball bat. I'd call play by play like Mel Allen the Hall of Fame yankees broadcaster of the 50s and 60s. When Mickey Mantle came up I'd hit lefty if he was facing a right hand hitter and vice versa. I spent entire summers living an imaginary life as a big league ball player. The only thing missing was the chewing tobacco. I substituted Bazooka Bubble gum. I couldn't spit worth a darn but it tasted a lot better than tobacco.
My mind wandered to the time I hit a grand slam homer off Bob Feller at the old Yankee Stadium. Actually it was a rock I tossed to myself and it was on Newsome Lane. The rock flew deep into the woods, squirrels scattered, birds retreated to the neighbors yard, the crowd roared. It was the longest home run of my career. I think the rock I hit is in the hall of fame.
As I approached DJ Sports Cards on Saturday I realized that I am a grown up now, my child hood was decades ago, I really should face reality. On the other hand I think I'll go down to the river and hit some rocks. Bob Feller is 90 years old now I think I can hit another long one off "Rapid Robert."
Monday, June 14, 2010
Hopeful Solutions
Check out the Monday June 14 Seattle Times article about a major mineral discovery in the Afghan mountains. In a nut shell U.S. Geologists and Pentagon officials discovered veins of gold, cobalt, iron and other minerals worth at least a trillion dollars in the Afghan mountains. This discovery could turn a war ravaged region in one of the great mining centers in the world.
There are people who spend their entires lives working on this kind of solution to the problems that face us. We should applaud their efforts and find ways to help them.
Complaining about everything from crime rates to poor public education to the price of health care is easy to do. Finding solutions to these problems is difficult and should be supported.
There are people who spend their entires lives working on this kind of solution to the problems that face us. We should applaud their efforts and find ways to help them.
Complaining about everything from crime rates to poor public education to the price of health care is easy to do. Finding solutions to these problems is difficult and should be supported.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Living Wooden's Words
Most of the talk about John Wooden immediately following his passing last week was about his character. There's a good reason for that. It can be found in this Wooden quote. "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, whilte your reputation is merely what others think you are."
The Wizard of Westwood won 10 NCAA titles as coach at UCLA including seven in a row. His winning percentage of .804 will never be surpassed. The numbers in the record books tell the story of a great career. The lives of the houndred of players and coaches he touched tell an even greater story.
John Wooden always had time for people. It didn't matter if they were from Sports Illustrated or a small newspaper in Yakima Coach Wooden had time for them. He listened more thank he spoke and when he spoke he didn't talk about himself he asked about you.
Remember the records if you wish but also never forget the lessons this man taught all of us. "Be prepared and be honest," he said. Let's all start with that one and go from there.
The Wizard of Westwood won 10 NCAA titles as coach at UCLA including seven in a row. His winning percentage of .804 will never be surpassed. The numbers in the record books tell the story of a great career. The lives of the houndred of players and coaches he touched tell an even greater story.
John Wooden always had time for people. It didn't matter if they were from Sports Illustrated or a small newspaper in Yakima Coach Wooden had time for them. He listened more thank he spoke and when he spoke he didn't talk about himself he asked about you.
Remember the records if you wish but also never forget the lessons this man taught all of us. "Be prepared and be honest," he said. Let's all start with that one and go from there.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Memorial Day
If you're looking for a new car Memorial Day is a good holiday for you. Every car dealership from here to Guam is having a sale. Car deals are good as long as it's not the only reason you're celebrating the holiday.
Please take a minute or two to remember the hundreds of thousands of men and women who've given their lives in the line of duty for this country. Please never take for granted the events that have shaped the freedom of America.
I am no fan of war. I think it is the worst of what we do as human beings but by the same token friends and family have died in wars they did not create and we must remember them fondly on this weekend.
If your town or city has a parade go to it and give a silent blessing in memory of our brave fallen heros.
We had a memorial day parade in my home town of Wilton, Conn. every year. Growing up in Connecticut we had a Memorial Day parade every May. It was so small my Dad used to tease us and say, "don't sneeze or you'll miss it." Inspite of it's size the whole town took great pride in the parade. Back in the 50s there were still World War I veterans marching in the annual event. They were followed by vets from WWII and Korea, then the local police, fire department, school bands and finally kids with decorated bicycles. We marched from Wilton Center up Ridgefield Road to Hillside Cemetary for the actual ceremony.
After the parade there was a softball game at the school field. The local Democrats played the Republicans in what was billed as the "Frivolity Bowl." Apparently a Democrat suggested a softball game years earlier at a town council meeting and a prominent Republican said, "we cannot spend our time on such frivolity. Thus the "Frivolity Bowl" was born. I was winning pitcher in 1971.
I urge everyone to have a great time on Memorial Day weekend. If you can find a Ford truck at a good price, go for it, but never forget why we celebrate this holiday. Never forget the brave men and women who served their country unselfishly so you and I could have a picnic on a nice weekend any time we feel like it.
Please take a minute or two to remember the hundreds of thousands of men and women who've given their lives in the line of duty for this country. Please never take for granted the events that have shaped the freedom of America.
I am no fan of war. I think it is the worst of what we do as human beings but by the same token friends and family have died in wars they did not create and we must remember them fondly on this weekend.
If your town or city has a parade go to it and give a silent blessing in memory of our brave fallen heros.
We had a memorial day parade in my home town of Wilton, Conn. every year. Growing up in Connecticut we had a Memorial Day parade every May. It was so small my Dad used to tease us and say, "don't sneeze or you'll miss it." Inspite of it's size the whole town took great pride in the parade. Back in the 50s there were still World War I veterans marching in the annual event. They were followed by vets from WWII and Korea, then the local police, fire department, school bands and finally kids with decorated bicycles. We marched from Wilton Center up Ridgefield Road to Hillside Cemetary for the actual ceremony.
After the parade there was a softball game at the school field. The local Democrats played the Republicans in what was billed as the "Frivolity Bowl." Apparently a Democrat suggested a softball game years earlier at a town council meeting and a prominent Republican said, "we cannot spend our time on such frivolity. Thus the "Frivolity Bowl" was born. I was winning pitcher in 1971.
I urge everyone to have a great time on Memorial Day weekend. If you can find a Ford truck at a good price, go for it, but never forget why we celebrate this holiday. Never forget the brave men and women who served their country unselfishly so you and I could have a picnic on a nice weekend any time we feel like it.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Griffey Nap No Big Deal
What's the big deal about Ken Griffey Jr taking a nap in the clubhouse during a game if that's indeed what happened? Most of his teammates have been napping at the plate all season so one more nap isn't going bother me. I've come to one conclusion, there are far too many talk shows on the air and bloggers on the web, including me and I'm tired of hearing and reading what these "experts" have to say. In fact I've written myself a nasty note about this column and promise to mail it as soon as I'm finished.
Who among all of you haven't thought about taking a nap under your desk during the work day?
This is not a big deal and I'm tired of hearing about it. Obviously Griffey's bat speed is slower than it was but I still believe he'll snap out of this slump and have a productive season. Unfortunately it may not come to that. The Mariners may be forced to clear a roster spot and talk Junior into retiring.
Here's my suggestion. The next time Griffey hits a home run the Mariners should called a press conference and announce his retirement, that way he can go out the way Ted Williams went out, with a home run in his last at bat. All we need to do now is get an opposing pitcher to set him up with fast balls right down the middle, sort of like Denny McClain did when Mickey Mantle was one homer shy of 500. Come on boys let's create a happy ending for this story. Griffey deserves it.
Ken Griffey taking a nap in the clubhouse is far less a problem than Milton Bradley
Who among all of you haven't thought about taking a nap under your desk during the work day?
This is not a big deal and I'm tired of hearing about it. Obviously Griffey's bat speed is slower than it was but I still believe he'll snap out of this slump and have a productive season. Unfortunately it may not come to that. The Mariners may be forced to clear a roster spot and talk Junior into retiring.
Here's my suggestion. The next time Griffey hits a home run the Mariners should called a press conference and announce his retirement, that way he can go out the way Ted Williams went out, with a home run in his last at bat. All we need to do now is get an opposing pitcher to set him up with fast balls right down the middle, sort of like Denny McClain did when Mickey Mantle was one homer shy of 500. Come on boys let's create a happy ending for this story. Griffey deserves it.
Ken Griffey taking a nap in the clubhouse is far less a problem than Milton Bradley
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mom Was Right
I always thought the advice I got from my Dad through the years was pretty good. Most of the time he was right. He told me I should learn a trade so I learned the barber business and used it to supplement my income during my early years in broadcasting. He advised me to change the oil in my car every 3000 miles so it wouldn't wear out. He was right about that too. But it was my mother who gave me the spiritual advice I needed most. She was the one who told me to look within myself before blaming anyone else for my problems. She was the one who taught me the daily prayer, "This is the day the Lord hath made, I shall rejoice and be glad in it." She was always the one who told me the straight truth. I remember the first time she saw me on television. She had flown out from the east coast to visit me in Seattle. I went on the air for the 5, 6 and 11 o'clock news and when I got home at midnight she was still awake. She looked at me and said, "Dear, don't wear a brown jacket anymore you look better in navy blue." The next day I donated my brown jacket to Goodwill.
My mom passed away this last Christmas night and in her memory I put here in the sub title of my book, "Smile In The Mirror." The sub title is Dad was Right and So Was Mom.
On this Mothers Day do something memorable for your mom instead of just showing up for dinner. I leave you now with one of my favorite mom quotes. "A mother is someone who notices four pieces of pie for the five people around the table and suddenly decides she doesn't like pie."
My mom passed away this last Christmas night and in her memory I put here in the sub title of my book, "Smile In The Mirror." The sub title is Dad was Right and So Was Mom.
On this Mothers Day do something memorable for your mom instead of just showing up for dinner. I leave you now with one of my favorite mom quotes. "A mother is someone who notices four pieces of pie for the five people around the table and suddenly decides she doesn't like pie."
Monday, May 3, 2010
Cardboard Heros
Michey Mantle lived in a shoe box in my closet when I was a kid. He shared it with Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Duke Snider and Jackie Robinson. They were the cardboard heros of my childhood. I used to imagine that they would come alive at night when I was sleep and play an all star game on the carpet next to my bed. For all I know maybe they did. I was a pretty hard sleeper in those days.
Baseball cards have been a constant in my life time and in fact for generations. I bought my first card from herman's Smoke Shop in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1953. I'm not sure but I think a pack of cards cost 10 cents and included a rock hard square of bubble gum whose flavor lasted less then 40 seconds.
Herman's sold tobacco products, candy, gum, Coke and Pepsi in bottles and baseball cards. Oddly enough the guy running Herman's Smoke Shop was named Herman. He was a friendly guy who used to point out which packs of cards had the best players inside them. I don't know how he knew but he was usually right. Following his advice I once got a Mickey Mantle in a pack of 1954 Topps and a Ted Williams in the next pack. That was years before kids even cared about the value of a card. In those days we traded them, flipped them or attached them to the fenders of our bikes with clothes pins to make it sound like a motor bike.
Baseball cards are still appealing to me though they cost as much as 3 bucks a pack now and don't come with bubble gum anymore. Herman's Smoke Shop is long gone and I live three thousand miles away anyway so it wouldn't be practicle even if Herman was still there. Now I buy my cards at a store that sells nothing but sports collectables. The guy who runs it is nice enough but he never tells me which packs have the best cards and I don't even think his name is Herman.
Baseball cards have been a constant in my life time and in fact for generations. I bought my first card from herman's Smoke Shop in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1953. I'm not sure but I think a pack of cards cost 10 cents and included a rock hard square of bubble gum whose flavor lasted less then 40 seconds.
Herman's sold tobacco products, candy, gum, Coke and Pepsi in bottles and baseball cards. Oddly enough the guy running Herman's Smoke Shop was named Herman. He was a friendly guy who used to point out which packs of cards had the best players inside them. I don't know how he knew but he was usually right. Following his advice I once got a Mickey Mantle in a pack of 1954 Topps and a Ted Williams in the next pack. That was years before kids even cared about the value of a card. In those days we traded them, flipped them or attached them to the fenders of our bikes with clothes pins to make it sound like a motor bike.
Baseball cards are still appealing to me though they cost as much as 3 bucks a pack now and don't come with bubble gum anymore. Herman's Smoke Shop is long gone and I live three thousand miles away anyway so it wouldn't be practicle even if Herman was still there. Now I buy my cards at a store that sells nothing but sports collectables. The guy who runs it is nice enough but he never tells me which packs have the best cards and I don't even think his name is Herman.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Seahawks Mini Camp
Picture a jigsaw puzzle with 53 pieces. Sounds simple enough huh. Now what if you had to start with a 104 pieces and figure out which 53 make up the real puzzle. That's the task facing Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and his staff as they launch into a three day weekend mini camp.
With three over head cameras watching every move of every player for 90 minutes a day the coaches will be armed with enough material to figure out who belongs where when training camp begins in late July.
The team has a lot of needs, that's no secret but with a successful draft netting nine new players including at least two immediate starters, the Seahawks are one their way to a comeback.
Bird and Cash Return
Sue Bird and Swin Cash return to Seattle this weekend and will be on hand for Storm Media Day Monday at Key Arena. Lauren Jackson will be back in town next week. All three have been playing basketball in Europe which is commonplace in the WNBA. It's like the old days in major league baseball when players actually had to get jobs in the off season to supplement their incomes. The Storm open their home season against Los Angeles Sunday May 16th at Key Arena.
With three over head cameras watching every move of every player for 90 minutes a day the coaches will be armed with enough material to figure out who belongs where when training camp begins in late July.
The team has a lot of needs, that's no secret but with a successful draft netting nine new players including at least two immediate starters, the Seahawks are one their way to a comeback.
Bird and Cash Return
Sue Bird and Swin Cash return to Seattle this weekend and will be on hand for Storm Media Day Monday at Key Arena. Lauren Jackson will be back in town next week. All three have been playing basketball in Europe which is commonplace in the WNBA. It's like the old days in major league baseball when players actually had to get jobs in the off season to supplement their incomes. The Storm open their home season against Los Angeles Sunday May 16th at Key Arena.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Alaska Makes it Tough
Last year I volunteered to skip an over booked flight on Alaska Airlines and received a $200 Bonus Travel Certificate. I forgot about it until 90 days ago when I received an email from Alaska reminding me to redeem it for travel. I tried, really I tried. I called the toll free number and got someone on the phone who had no clue about what I wanted. I went on line and faced further obstacles that made the whole process a chore. I have now decided to forget about the $200 and not make the mistake again of volunteering to postpone a trip on Alaska or any other airline.
NFL Draft
The build up to the NFL draft is a lesson in the genious of marketing. The league has figured out a way to make something that was going to happen anyway seem way more important than it really is. This is not a complaint, I admire what the league is doing. The NFL makes a celeration out of everything it does, including the Pro Bowl which is it's post season reward for its best players. Now the Pro Bowl precedes the Super Bowl in the same location. This way the league gets the full attention of the sports media and the fans for twice as long as before. That's brilliant.
Names on Uniforms
The Seattle Storm of the WNBA have a new agreement with Microsoft's new search engine Bing. Now instead od Storm on the front of their uniforms, its says BING. I have no problem with that either. It's another case of great marketing and besides I always loved Bing Crosby anyway. Too bad old Bing isn't alive to see his name on those jerseys, I'm sure he'd be proud.
NFL Draft
The build up to the NFL draft is a lesson in the genious of marketing. The league has figured out a way to make something that was going to happen anyway seem way more important than it really is. This is not a complaint, I admire what the league is doing. The NFL makes a celeration out of everything it does, including the Pro Bowl which is it's post season reward for its best players. Now the Pro Bowl precedes the Super Bowl in the same location. This way the league gets the full attention of the sports media and the fans for twice as long as before. That's brilliant.
Names on Uniforms
The Seattle Storm of the WNBA have a new agreement with Microsoft's new search engine Bing. Now instead od Storm on the front of their uniforms, its says BING. I have no problem with that either. It's another case of great marketing and besides I always loved Bing Crosby anyway. Too bad old Bing isn't alive to see his name on those jerseys, I'm sure he'd be proud.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Next Great Idea
I don't waste my time with reality, I'm a dreamer. Some of my friends think my head is in a cloud. It's actually above the clouds where the sun is shining. While some dwell on the idea that my "Boomer" generation is the last great gift to the world I'd like to remind them that no one thought the "Greatest Generation" could be equalled either, but it's been done.
Now it's up to the next generation to leave us in the dust. I've heard the predictions that our children will be the first generation to be worth less than their parents. That's hogwash, give them a few years, they'll catch up and pass us with ease.
A few thousand years ago someone invented the wheel. Now you have to buy four of them or your car won't go anywhere.
Sorry for the big leap but in 1887 Heinrich Hertz was the first to detect radio waves by causing a spark to leap across a gap that generated electromagnetic waves.
Guglielmo Marconi took it a step further when he invented the spark transmitter with antenna
in 1894.
He started the world first radio factory four years later and five years after that General Electric made a voice broadcast ove the North Atlantic. The first coast to coast radio program was "The Dodge Victory Hour" starring Will Rogers and Al Jolson in 1928. Radio golden age was from 1935-50 but it still thrives today.
GE began a regular television broadcast in 1928 and the rest is history. When we least expect greatness someone proves us wrong.
NASA started the Mercury Space Program in 1959 with seven original astronauts and in 1961 Alan Sheppard became the first American in space. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962 and Neil Armstrong the first on the moon in 1969.
We've always found a way to create something new and exciting, something that baffles the mind and makes us say, "why didn't I think of that."
Dr. Martin Cooper took early cellular phone technology and invented the first hand held cell phone in 1973.
Thanks to German scientist Konrad Ruse' invention of the first programmable computer in 1939, Bill Gates and Paul Allen were able to found Microsoft in 1975 and take the idea of personal computing to a whole different level.
For every one who worries about the future, predicts woeful things around the next corner or collects canned food in a closet there's someone else with a vision, an idea, a dream that will lift us all above the clouds where the sun is shining.
Now it's up to the next generation to leave us in the dust. I've heard the predictions that our children will be the first generation to be worth less than their parents. That's hogwash, give them a few years, they'll catch up and pass us with ease.
A few thousand years ago someone invented the wheel. Now you have to buy four of them or your car won't go anywhere.
Sorry for the big leap but in 1887 Heinrich Hertz was the first to detect radio waves by causing a spark to leap across a gap that generated electromagnetic waves.
Guglielmo Marconi took it a step further when he invented the spark transmitter with antenna
in 1894.
He started the world first radio factory four years later and five years after that General Electric made a voice broadcast ove the North Atlantic. The first coast to coast radio program was "The Dodge Victory Hour" starring Will Rogers and Al Jolson in 1928. Radio golden age was from 1935-50 but it still thrives today.
GE began a regular television broadcast in 1928 and the rest is history. When we least expect greatness someone proves us wrong.
NASA started the Mercury Space Program in 1959 with seven original astronauts and in 1961 Alan Sheppard became the first American in space. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962 and Neil Armstrong the first on the moon in 1969.
We've always found a way to create something new and exciting, something that baffles the mind and makes us say, "why didn't I think of that."
Dr. Martin Cooper took early cellular phone technology and invented the first hand held cell phone in 1973.
Thanks to German scientist Konrad Ruse' invention of the first programmable computer in 1939, Bill Gates and Paul Allen were able to found Microsoft in 1975 and take the idea of personal computing to a whole different level.
For every one who worries about the future, predicts woeful things around the next corner or collects canned food in a closet there's someone else with a vision, an idea, a dream that will lift us all above the clouds where the sun is shining.
Monday, March 1, 2010
We Need Government
If I hear one more person say government is too big, government cannot tell me what to do, government should not be mixed up in our lives, I'm going to scream. This poses a problem for me because I've never screamed before in my life. I may have to hire a government official to scream for me, after all there are so many of them just doing nothing but scheming different ways to take our money. At least that's the opinion of the "tea party" movement which seems obsessed with whining about paying taxes for any reason whatsoever.
One day a long time ago our founding fathers decided to break away from an oppressive British government because we were being unfairly taxed without representation. We staged something called the American Revolution and formed out own government around something called the constitution of the United States.
Today the only document mis quoted more than the Bible is the U.S. Constitution and by many of the same people.
To all of those who believe our current administration is trying to take away our rights I say this. Where were you when the "Patriots Act" was crammed down our thoats by President Bush and company. Where were you when we invaded Iraq against the wishes of most of the American people. Where were you when the deficit was run up out of control long before the Obama administration took office.
I know many people in local, state and national government. Every one of them is decicated to making their neghborhood, region, state or country a better place in which to live. I know hundreds of people who are government workers including fire fighters, policeman and women, teachers, secretaries, accountants, maintenance workers and elected officials.
The fact is we need more policeman, more fire fighters, more teachers and more good people to run the agencies that hold our country together. Government is not the enemy, ignorance is the enemy. Americans should spend their energy being involved in the process not whining about others who are.
Our system of government is not flawless but it is the best system ever devised. It invites debate, new ideas and innovation. It is a system that must keep improving itself and that can only be done with the support of all the people.
We dont all have to agree on what ideas will help us move forward but we should at least agree that moving forward and getting better as a people is what we need to do.
One day a long time ago our founding fathers decided to break away from an oppressive British government because we were being unfairly taxed without representation. We staged something called the American Revolution and formed out own government around something called the constitution of the United States.
Today the only document mis quoted more than the Bible is the U.S. Constitution and by many of the same people.
To all of those who believe our current administration is trying to take away our rights I say this. Where were you when the "Patriots Act" was crammed down our thoats by President Bush and company. Where were you when we invaded Iraq against the wishes of most of the American people. Where were you when the deficit was run up out of control long before the Obama administration took office.
I know many people in local, state and national government. Every one of them is decicated to making their neghborhood, region, state or country a better place in which to live. I know hundreds of people who are government workers including fire fighters, policeman and women, teachers, secretaries, accountants, maintenance workers and elected officials.
The fact is we need more policeman, more fire fighters, more teachers and more good people to run the agencies that hold our country together. Government is not the enemy, ignorance is the enemy. Americans should spend their energy being involved in the process not whining about others who are.
Our system of government is not flawless but it is the best system ever devised. It invites debate, new ideas and innovation. It is a system that must keep improving itself and that can only be done with the support of all the people.
We dont all have to agree on what ideas will help us move forward but we should at least agree that moving forward and getting better as a people is what we need to do.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Childish Behavior
Am I the only one who noticed the childish behavior of most of the Republican members of Congress during the president's State of the Union speech Wednesday night. In all fairness the minority party never has led the cheering in any of the State of the union speeches I've seen since the JFK years but now it's geeting down right childish.
It's geeting so bad that the president's writers have to work passages into his speeches that force the opposition to show they at least have a pulse. President Obama is brilliant at this. He slips enough conservative fodder into his speeches to force the Republican minority to get off their hands and applaud at least for a few seconds.
The whole mood of the "opposition" whether they be Democrat of Republican makes me want to remove everyone from Congress and start over again.Aren't these people elected to work together to actually get something done on health care, the economy, education, national defense? Is this a class of 3rd graders or just a group of people acting like 3rd graders? Don't they realize how foolish they look when they refuse to acknowledge the president of the United States just because they're afraid of looking weak to their party leadership? I'm sick of it and I hope you are too.
Opposition Response
And one more thing. Can we please save four minutes of valuable television time by eliminating the "opposition's response" to the president. Or at least get someone who has a pulse and one or two hairs out of place.
It's geeting so bad that the president's writers have to work passages into his speeches that force the opposition to show they at least have a pulse. President Obama is brilliant at this. He slips enough conservative fodder into his speeches to force the Republican minority to get off their hands and applaud at least for a few seconds.
The whole mood of the "opposition" whether they be Democrat of Republican makes me want to remove everyone from Congress and start over again.Aren't these people elected to work together to actually get something done on health care, the economy, education, national defense? Is this a class of 3rd graders or just a group of people acting like 3rd graders? Don't they realize how foolish they look when they refuse to acknowledge the president of the United States just because they're afraid of looking weak to their party leadership? I'm sick of it and I hope you are too.
Opposition Response
And one more thing. Can we please save four minutes of valuable television time by eliminating the "opposition's response" to the president. Or at least get someone who has a pulse and one or two hairs out of place.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Living Without the Cell
Have you ever thought about tossing your cell phone into a drawer for a week just to see if you can function without it? The answer is probably no since so many people do so many things with their phones. The advertising should say, "oh by the way you can also make a call on this thing too." It's suddenly the least important function of today's phones. People are so busy googling, sending videos, texting and checking email they hardly have time to actually call anyone anymore. All the more reason to toss the thing into a closet and forget about it for a week. What would you do? Would you resort to actually meeting with people in person. An interesting concept but dangerous since you actually have to think about what you say when the guy is right there in front of you.
I did something odd the other day, I wrote a letter. That's where you take a piece of paper and a pen and write actual words onto the paper that someone else gets to read in a few days. The concept is lost on most people under 35 years old. Receiving a letter creates a real connection between people especially if it's written out and not typed on a key board.
I received an evite to a holiday party recently and decided not to go because the whole thing was so impersonal. Silly, I know but that's how I feel. You mean to say someone couldn't have taken the time to write out a few invitations and put them in the mail. Next year I'll probably get a letter from that person asking me not to come to their party. I'll text them this message, "Thanks, I'll be there."
I did something odd the other day, I wrote a letter. That's where you take a piece of paper and a pen and write actual words onto the paper that someone else gets to read in a few days. The concept is lost on most people under 35 years old. Receiving a letter creates a real connection between people especially if it's written out and not typed on a key board.
I received an evite to a holiday party recently and decided not to go because the whole thing was so impersonal. Silly, I know but that's how I feel. You mean to say someone couldn't have taken the time to write out a few invitations and put them in the mail. Next year I'll probably get a letter from that person asking me not to come to their party. I'll text them this message, "Thanks, I'll be there."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Where's Johnny When You Need Him
The fued between Conan O'Brien and Jay Leon is comical. It's the only thing about those guys that is comical. Okay so I'm starting to sound like a grouchy old man who thinks everything from the past is better than anything in the present. Not true. I think today's television sets are much better than the clunker I had in the 60s when Johnny Carson started on the "Tonight Show." The sets are better but the shows are much worse and no one ever really came up to the standards set by Johnny Carson who hosted the show from 1962-1992. From "Carnac the Magnificent" to "Aunt Blabby" to "Art Fern and The Tea Time Movie," Carson was just plain funny. So in the raging debate over whether Leno or O'Brien should have the better time slot I suggest NBC re-run Carson for the next ten years. They'll save money and the humor will be better.
McGwire Comes Clean
While I'm on this cranky kick let me get in a word about Mark McGwire's admission that he took steroids and he's sorry about it. I'm glad he came clean and I wish him well as hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. Now here's the shocker, I think he deserves a chance to be voted into the Hall of Fame. If and when he does make it I would only ask that his bust be made the exact size of his head during the performasnce enhancement years. Big head, big bust, it's only fair.
Bowl Season
I can't believe the college bowl season is over already. It seems like only six months ago it was just getting started.
McGwire Comes Clean
While I'm on this cranky kick let me get in a word about Mark McGwire's admission that he took steroids and he's sorry about it. I'm glad he came clean and I wish him well as hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. Now here's the shocker, I think he deserves a chance to be voted into the Hall of Fame. If and when he does make it I would only ask that his bust be made the exact size of his head during the performasnce enhancement years. Big head, big bust, it's only fair.
Bowl Season
I can't believe the college bowl season is over already. It seems like only six months ago it was just getting started.
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Book A Month
I've set a goal the last few years to read one book per month. I picked up the idea from Mark Twain who once said, "The man who does not read books has no advantage over the man who can't read."
January is "Yogi Berra" month for me. February is George Carlin month and March is set aside for Warren Buffit. In my quest to read at least one book per month I've laid out my first three for 2010. Two years ago I set a goal of reading 12 books and read 16. Last year I fell short of my goal by two books, finishing the year with only 10.
Every educator tells you how important it is to read to children and to have them learn to read to themselves. Well it's just as important to keep reading as an adult. To be successful you need to turn off all electronic devices: phones, I-Pods, TV sets, chips implanted in your brain. Turn them off, tune them out and start reading. Soon you'll find that you're more interesting and more interested. Your curiosity will grow, your vocabulary will be increased and you'll feel like you accomplished something.
To keep it interesting I try to read a biography, followed by a motivational book, followed by a novel. The challenge for me is staying awake longer then 15 minutes after I start reading. If I'm the least bit tired I will fall sleep with the book in my hands after a few pages. I've also found that reading in bed is not a good way to get a full night's sleep. It's best to read on a chair in a room other than the bedroom. Experts say the bedroom should be used for only two things, sleeping and sex. I'm no expert in either one so I'll just say this. Enjoy a good book today, it'll make you smarter and you'll sleep better. As far as the sex goes there's another blog out there somewhere dealing with that topic.
Enjoy a book this month
January is "Yogi Berra" month for me. February is George Carlin month and March is set aside for Warren Buffit. In my quest to read at least one book per month I've laid out my first three for 2010. Two years ago I set a goal of reading 12 books and read 16. Last year I fell short of my goal by two books, finishing the year with only 10.
Every educator tells you how important it is to read to children and to have them learn to read to themselves. Well it's just as important to keep reading as an adult. To be successful you need to turn off all electronic devices: phones, I-Pods, TV sets, chips implanted in your brain. Turn them off, tune them out and start reading. Soon you'll find that you're more interesting and more interested. Your curiosity will grow, your vocabulary will be increased and you'll feel like you accomplished something.
To keep it interesting I try to read a biography, followed by a motivational book, followed by a novel. The challenge for me is staying awake longer then 15 minutes after I start reading. If I'm the least bit tired I will fall sleep with the book in my hands after a few pages. I've also found that reading in bed is not a good way to get a full night's sleep. It's best to read on a chair in a room other than the bedroom. Experts say the bedroom should be used for only two things, sleeping and sex. I'm no expert in either one so I'll just say this. Enjoy a good book today, it'll make you smarter and you'll sleep better. As far as the sex goes there's another blog out there somewhere dealing with that topic.
Enjoy a book this month
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Twenty-Ten
I'm happy to report I've made the successful transition from 2009 to 20-ten. I've only written a couple of checks this year so far and I've avoided having to cross out 2009 each time. As far as what to call the new year I'm going with 20-ten because it rolls off the tongue easier. Two thousand ten takes too long to say.
A few days before January 1 I made a short list of resolutions for the new year. If I share them with you now it'll put pressure on me to actually achieve the goals I've set for myself.
Every year I set a goal to read one book a month and I'm doing that again. In the interest of honesty I can say I did not succeed with my lits in 2009. I ended up reading 10 news book in 2009 and now the 12 I'd hoped for. This year I'm going for 15. My first book this year is the story of Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra. As soon as I finish that I'll start on a book about the late comedian George Carlin.
My second goal this year is to learn Spanish. Many of the players on the SoundersFC soccer team speak Spanish and I'd love to be able to have a conversation with them without an interpreter.
My third goal is to get back to my running again. I used to run marathons and train 50 or 60 miles a week. I don't need to get back to that level but I would like to run between 15-20. I think my knees can take it. We'll see.
Goal setting is fun and rewarding. Start slowly so you don't get overwhelmed. List one of two achieveable goals, get started, achieve them and go from there. With each new success you'll find yourself moving to the next level with more ease and confidence.
A few days before January 1 I made a short list of resolutions for the new year. If I share them with you now it'll put pressure on me to actually achieve the goals I've set for myself.
Every year I set a goal to read one book a month and I'm doing that again. In the interest of honesty I can say I did not succeed with my lits in 2009. I ended up reading 10 news book in 2009 and now the 12 I'd hoped for. This year I'm going for 15. My first book this year is the story of Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra. As soon as I finish that I'll start on a book about the late comedian George Carlin.
My second goal this year is to learn Spanish. Many of the players on the SoundersFC soccer team speak Spanish and I'd love to be able to have a conversation with them without an interpreter.
My third goal is to get back to my running again. I used to run marathons and train 50 or 60 miles a week. I don't need to get back to that level but I would like to run between 15-20. I think my knees can take it. We'll see.
Goal setting is fun and rewarding. Start slowly so you don't get overwhelmed. List one of two achieveable goals, get started, achieve them and go from there. With each new success you'll find yourself moving to the next level with more ease and confidence.
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