Friday, April 1, 2011
Shed Negative Thoughts
Sometimes we're tempted to see others in a negative light. We think of them as lazy, selfish, overweight, too skinny, too talkative or too quiet. As soon as you have a thought like this strike it from your mind immediately. Thoughts like these can bring nothing but bad results into your life. You are what you think. Remember the old saying, "if you can't say tomething nice about someone, don't say anything." Here's an extension of that rule. "If you can't think something nice about someone don't think anything at all." Often I hear people discussing their latest illness or surgery as if it's an old friend. Resist the temptation to talk about sickness. Hold in your mind thoughts of good health and don't fall victim to talk of "flu season" or some newly titled disease for which a new drug has just been approved.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Send Those Jobs Away
I just found out the United States levies no tax on U.S. firms overseas earnings s long as those profits remain overseas. Let me get this straight, our government encourages U.S. companies to hire cheap labor overseas by not taxing them for doing it and we wonder why so many Americans are out of work.
On top of that the IRS allows companies that move factories abroad to deduct from their taxable income the cost of closing down U.S. factories.
Last fall Democrats in the Senate attemped to close those loopholes and create incentives to repatriate profits and jobs, but pro-business Republicans blocked their proposal. By the way the off shore strategy is working fine for employers and stock holders. In the 3rd quarter of 2010 U.S. corporate profits hit an all time high of $1,659 trillion, despite an unemployment rate of 9 percent. The greed of a few is working to destroy the morale of many.
Foreclosing on Soldiers
Morgan Stanley, the 6th largest U.S. bank by assets and other lenders are being investigated by the justice department for over charging soldiers and foreclosing on their homes without court orders.
Let me get this straight. We send our men and women off to war and then foreclose on their mortgages. You can't make this stuff up.
On top of that the IRS allows companies that move factories abroad to deduct from their taxable income the cost of closing down U.S. factories.
Last fall Democrats in the Senate attemped to close those loopholes and create incentives to repatriate profits and jobs, but pro-business Republicans blocked their proposal. By the way the off shore strategy is working fine for employers and stock holders. In the 3rd quarter of 2010 U.S. corporate profits hit an all time high of $1,659 trillion, despite an unemployment rate of 9 percent. The greed of a few is working to destroy the morale of many.
Foreclosing on Soldiers
Morgan Stanley, the 6th largest U.S. bank by assets and other lenders are being investigated by the justice department for over charging soldiers and foreclosing on their homes without court orders.
Let me get this straight. We send our men and women off to war and then foreclose on their mortgages. You can't make this stuff up.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Seattle Sports Talk
The fun is gone from sports talk radio in Seattle. You either get two guys bragging about how drunk they were in college or a really serious discussion of a .237 hitter making 2 million a year.
The most clever guy on 710 ESPN Seattle Chris Cashman is gone. Was he too funny? Did the humor go over the head of whoever the program director is? Seattle has had it's challenges on the field in recent years and now we've added to it by sucking the imagination and humor out of sports talk shows.
We do have some well prepared, professional men and women on 710 ESPN and KJR and I congratulate them for trying to make their shows informative and interesting. But there's still way too much of a frat boy mentality on the air and frankly it's the lowest and easiest form of humor there is.
Brock and Salk mix serious discussions of sports topics with interviews pretty well. They are obviously well prepared and not afraid to voice an opinion that might be unpopular with their listeners and each other.
Elise Woodward is the only woman in a hosting role on local radio and ranks very high in my book for informative interviews and well founded opinions.
Dave "Softie" Mahler on KJR comes closest to the "east coast" style of talk radio I'm used to. He's passionate, loud, tough on some callers and would work well in other markets around the country.
Kevin Calabro on 710 ESPN should be doing NBA games full time or maybe Mariner broadcasts next season. One of the best play-by-play men in the country should not be wasting his time or mine by doing talk radio.
As for everyone else, I wish them well. Talk radio is not an easy job. If it were easy everyone would be good at it.
My own general talk show on 710 am lasted only nine months in 2005. I refuse to defer the blame for that one. I will never point fingers, especially at the jerks who fired me.
The most clever guy on 710 ESPN Seattle Chris Cashman is gone. Was he too funny? Did the humor go over the head of whoever the program director is? Seattle has had it's challenges on the field in recent years and now we've added to it by sucking the imagination and humor out of sports talk shows.
We do have some well prepared, professional men and women on 710 ESPN and KJR and I congratulate them for trying to make their shows informative and interesting. But there's still way too much of a frat boy mentality on the air and frankly it's the lowest and easiest form of humor there is.
Brock and Salk mix serious discussions of sports topics with interviews pretty well. They are obviously well prepared and not afraid to voice an opinion that might be unpopular with their listeners and each other.
Elise Woodward is the only woman in a hosting role on local radio and ranks very high in my book for informative interviews and well founded opinions.
Dave "Softie" Mahler on KJR comes closest to the "east coast" style of talk radio I'm used to. He's passionate, loud, tough on some callers and would work well in other markets around the country.
Kevin Calabro on 710 ESPN should be doing NBA games full time or maybe Mariner broadcasts next season. One of the best play-by-play men in the country should not be wasting his time or mine by doing talk radio.
As for everyone else, I wish them well. Talk radio is not an easy job. If it were easy everyone would be good at it.
My own general talk show on 710 am lasted only nine months in 2005. I refuse to defer the blame for that one. I will never point fingers, especially at the jerks who fired me.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Free Pep Talks
"To whom much is given, much is required." That according to Luke in the Bible. A simple statement meaning if you have some good fortune in your life or a special talent you should willingly offer to share it with others.
I've been fortunate enough to be blessed with the ability to share motivational ideas with groups of people while making them laugh at the same time. I've done this for years and was paid a nice fee for my work. In light of the slow climb out of the recent recession I've decided to offer my 30 minute "Pep Talk" to companies and non profits "free."
Sounds crazy huh. It is but I'm doing it anyway. Is there a catch? Sure but only a slight one. If you group of individuals purchases 50 or more of my book, "Smile in the Mirror" at the event at a discount rate of $10, the "Pep Talk" will be offered t no charge to the company.
Recently some government agencies and onn profits have taken advantage of the deal by either purchasing the books in bulk and giving them as gifts to their employees, splitting the cost with employees or having the employees pay the entire $10 themselves.
Any way you twist it, I believe it's a great deal and I'm happy do offer it to your company during 2011. If you're interested contact my assistant Aryn McCarthy at this email address: airbear333@msn.com.
I've been fortunate enough to be blessed with the ability to share motivational ideas with groups of people while making them laugh at the same time. I've done this for years and was paid a nice fee for my work. In light of the slow climb out of the recent recession I've decided to offer my 30 minute "Pep Talk" to companies and non profits "free."
Sounds crazy huh. It is but I'm doing it anyway. Is there a catch? Sure but only a slight one. If you group of individuals purchases 50 or more of my book, "Smile in the Mirror" at the event at a discount rate of $10, the "Pep Talk" will be offered t no charge to the company.
Recently some government agencies and onn profits have taken advantage of the deal by either purchasing the books in bulk and giving them as gifts to their employees, splitting the cost with employees or having the employees pay the entire $10 themselves.
Any way you twist it, I believe it's a great deal and I'm happy do offer it to your company during 2011. If you're interested contact my assistant Aryn McCarthy at this email address: airbear333@msn.com.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Elvis' Christmas Visit
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.
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.
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
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