As I was riding through our subdivision and adjoining neighborhoods last night, it was nice see many folks outside and having cookouts. The cookout is a nice tradition of family and friends getting together to mark the beginning of the summer season.
Growing up, my father liked to cookout often. In the summer time, he would fire up the family grill on many weekends. In those days, I recall using a family Hibachi or small grill, not the mega gas grills that have become popular over the years. For some reason, I recall the food tasting better when cooked over Kingsford charcoal briquettes. Having tried the Kingsford a few times since, I cannot seem to replicate that same flavor I recall from childhood days.
Hard to believe that tomorrow will be June 1st and we are rapidly approaching the halfway point in 2010.
Memories from Memorial Days Past - the Parade
In Hopewell, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) sponsored, planned, and coordinated the annual Memorial Day Parade. As a kid, parades were exciting and fun to watch: dignitaries; floats; and, marching bands.
For a few years, my father served on the parade's planning committee. I vaguely remember the committee meeting in our home as they went down the list of bands that were either in or out. The Ft. Lee marching band was usually available as was the Hopewell High School band and some from local high shools.
A few times, I went down to the City Point area where the bands and floats gathered and organized into a queue. I do not recall how they did it, I just remember how chaotic things seemed at times. It was a good kind of chaos and it was exciting to see the bands and floats get into position.
The parade was typically led by a Hopewell police vehicle. Then, came the mayor and other dignitaries. Aftewards, the bands and other organizations followed. I do not recall any specific celebrities or grand masters in rode in the parade. They may have been there and I did not notice them.
I do not know whether Hopewell still has the parade or, if it does, who sponsors it. It was a nice tradition. Forty some years later, I can still hear the brass instruments and pounding drums.
For a few years, my father served on the parade's planning committee. I vaguely remember the committee meeting in our home as they went down the list of bands that were either in or out. The Ft. Lee marching band was usually available as was the Hopewell High School band and some from local high shools.
A few times, I went down to the City Point area where the bands and floats gathered and organized into a queue. I do not recall how they did it, I just remember how chaotic things seemed at times. It was a good kind of chaos and it was exciting to see the bands and floats get into position.
The parade was typically led by a Hopewell police vehicle. Then, came the mayor and other dignitaries. Aftewards, the bands and other organizations followed. I do not recall any specific celebrities or grand masters in rode in the parade. They may have been there and I did not notice them.
I do not know whether Hopewell still has the parade or, if it does, who sponsors it. It was a nice tradition. Forty some years later, I can still hear the brass instruments and pounding drums.
Memories from Memorials Days Past - Events
To me growing up, Hopewell was a sleepy little town. As a pre-teen, there wasn't much to do in Hopewell beyond going to school, playing sandlot football, softball, and basketball after school. My brother and I used to deliver the Hopewell News before graduating to the big time Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD). By the way, in the early 70's, the Hopewell News was $0.35 per week and RTD was $1.50 every two weeks.
I always looked forward to Memorial Day. It was the holiday that told us that summer vacation was right around corner.
I recall once or twice going to Hopewell's City Point National Cemetary earlier in the morning to see individuals (Boy Scouts I think) placing American flags at the base of perfectly-aligned white crosses or Stars of David. That scene was so peaceful and reverent.
The Memorial Day parade used to conclude at the cemetary. After which, a speaker, typically an officer from Fort Lee, would make a few appropriate remarks to commemorate the occassion. I recall one year in which Virginia POW Paul E. Galanti's (click here for more) son spoke at the ceremony I recall him to be a teenager, perhaps between 16-18. At the time, his father, who was held prisoner by North Viet Nam for approximately 7 years, was still a POW. He spoke with confidence and I recall his words about not forgetting our American POW's that Memorial Day; that his story was not "just another sad story" but one being experienced by many throughout the country.
Tomorrow: Hopewell's Memorial Day Parade.
I always looked forward to Memorial Day. It was the holiday that told us that summer vacation was right around corner.
I recall once or twice going to Hopewell's City Point National Cemetary earlier in the morning to see individuals (Boy Scouts I think) placing American flags at the base of perfectly-aligned white crosses or Stars of David. That scene was so peaceful and reverent.
The Memorial Day parade used to conclude at the cemetary. After which, a speaker, typically an officer from Fort Lee, would make a few appropriate remarks to commemorate the occassion. I recall one year in which Virginia POW Paul E. Galanti's (click here for more) son spoke at the ceremony I recall him to be a teenager, perhaps between 16-18. At the time, his father, who was held prisoner by North Viet Nam for approximately 7 years, was still a POW. He spoke with confidence and I recall his words about not forgetting our American POW's that Memorial Day; that his story was not "just another sad story" but one being experienced by many throughout the country.
Tomorrow: Hopewell's Memorial Day Parade.
Maybe it's just me....
but it seems that Hollywood continues to produce more movies and TV shows with demonic undertones and with images from the "dark side". The movie trailers I see on TV cause to shake my head in disbelief. Though we do not watch much TV, it seems that shows with vampire themes are popping up even more.
When I go to Apple's iTunes Store, I encounter the same thing.
Like many major shifts in our society, I suspect that this trend has been gradual over two generations. Perhaps I am just more sensitive to and notice it more.
When I go to Apple's iTunes Store, I encounter the same thing.
Like many major shifts in our society, I suspect that this trend has been gradual over two generations. Perhaps I am just more sensitive to and notice it more.
Buck O'Neill Story - Part 2
Buck was a player manager toward the end of his playing days. Thus, he was very interactive with his players during a game. During one of those games, Buck's team was down 2-1 very late in the game. His leadoff man singled to left. He took his lead and immediately got picked off by the opposing pitcher. One out. The dejected base runner hung his head and walked back to the dugout only to be greeted by Buck and his tirade for being thrown out thereby taking away "small ball" options. Though hurt, his leadoff man protested by saying the pitcher had a good pickoff move, best he had ever seen. Buck would hear none of it and relegated the guy to the bench for the rest of the game.
The batter at the plate singled, further infuriating Buck as his leadoff man, who got picked off, would have been in scoring position had he not been so careless.
Buck grabbed his bat and despite and still seething from his leadoff man's baserunning gaffe lined a single to center. Runners at 1st and 2nd, one out. Buck took his lead from first base. In an instant, the opposing pitcher wheeled and picked Buck off of first base. Now, there were two outs.
Shaking off the dirt from his uniform, Buck walked slowly back to the dugout only to see his leadoff man sitting at the left side of the dogout and looking straight ahead. Feeling ashamed, Buck headed toward the right side of the dugout. Buck sat and watched as the next batter drew a walk. Now, there were runners on 1st and 2nd, two out. Were it not for 2 baserunners having been picked off, Buck's team would have at least scored one run and tied the game.
While Buck was bemoaning to himself the lost opportunity, the leadoff man, who minutes earlier was feeling like a goat, walked down toward Buck's end of the dugout. Without looking at Buck and staring straight out onto the field, he calmly stated "so, Buck, that pitcher has some pickoff move, doesn't he?"
The humbled and chastened Buck could only smile, shake his head, and laugh in saying "yep, he's got quite a pickoff move, best I've ever seen".
Of course, it is better see and hear Buck O'Neill tell the story in his own voice. Quite a storyteller.
The batter at the plate singled, further infuriating Buck as his leadoff man, who got picked off, would have been in scoring position had he not been so careless.
Buck grabbed his bat and despite and still seething from his leadoff man's baserunning gaffe lined a single to center. Runners at 1st and 2nd, one out. Buck took his lead from first base. In an instant, the opposing pitcher wheeled and picked Buck off of first base. Now, there were two outs.
Shaking off the dirt from his uniform, Buck walked slowly back to the dugout only to see his leadoff man sitting at the left side of the dogout and looking straight ahead. Feeling ashamed, Buck headed toward the right side of the dugout. Buck sat and watched as the next batter drew a walk. Now, there were runners on 1st and 2nd, two out. Were it not for 2 baserunners having been picked off, Buck's team would have at least scored one run and tied the game.
While Buck was bemoaning to himself the lost opportunity, the leadoff man, who minutes earlier was feeling like a goat, walked down toward Buck's end of the dugout. Without looking at Buck and staring straight out onto the field, he calmly stated "so, Buck, that pitcher has some pickoff move, doesn't he?"
The humbled and chastened Buck could only smile, shake his head, and laugh in saying "yep, he's got quite a pickoff move, best I've ever seen".
Of course, it is better see and hear Buck O'Neill tell the story in his own voice. Quite a storyteller.
Buck O'Neill Story - Part 1
Buck O'Neill, featured in Ken Burns' "Baseball" series was a great story teller. Plus, he was class act. One of his favorite stories involved the great Satchell Paige and Josh Gibson. O'Neill played 3B on Satchell's team in the Negro League's equivalent of the World Series. That day, Satchell was mowing down the opposing team with K after K. Their team was leading 1-0 going into the bottom of the 9th inning. Satchell had retired the first two batters. The 3rd batter tagged one into the gap and legged out a triple.
Before going into his stretch, Satch called Buck over and said "Buck, do you know what I'm gonna do?" To which Buck replied "Well, Satch, I'm thinking that you're gonna strike this last guy out and we'll head into the clubhouse for beer and cold cuts". Satch said "Nope, I'm gonna walk the next 2 batters". An incredulous Buck responded "Why, Satch, why do you wanna go and do that?"
Satch rubbed his chin and with mischevious look said "everyone says that Josh Gibson is the best hitter in baseball. We all know I'm the best pitcher. Let me load 'em up to get to Gibson and let's see what happens". Buck shook his head knowing that there was no talking Satch out of this crazy idea, went back to 3rd base, and watched as Satch walked the next 2 hitters intentionally to face Josh Gibson.
According to Buck, Satch struck Gibson out on 3 straight fastballs, 90, 95, and 100 mph respectively. They all ran out to Satch, shook hands, and headed into the club house. Incidentally, Buck did not mention that radar guns were not in existence in those days. A great story nontheless though a bit embellished I suspect.
Before going into his stretch, Satch called Buck over and said "Buck, do you know what I'm gonna do?" To which Buck replied "Well, Satch, I'm thinking that you're gonna strike this last guy out and we'll head into the clubhouse for beer and cold cuts". Satch said "Nope, I'm gonna walk the next 2 batters". An incredulous Buck responded "Why, Satch, why do you wanna go and do that?"
Satch rubbed his chin and with mischevious look said "everyone says that Josh Gibson is the best hitter in baseball. We all know I'm the best pitcher. Let me load 'em up to get to Gibson and let's see what happens". Buck shook his head knowing that there was no talking Satch out of this crazy idea, went back to 3rd base, and watched as Satch walked the next 2 hitters intentionally to face Josh Gibson.
According to Buck, Satch struck Gibson out on 3 straight fastballs, 90, 95, and 100 mph respectively. They all ran out to Satch, shook hands, and headed into the club house. Incidentally, Buck did not mention that radar guns were not in existence in those days. A great story nontheless though a bit embellished I suspect.
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The name may not grab you. The stadium is pretty much the same. However, the Flying Squirrels' games are fan-friendly and about entertainment. They have between-inning contests involving children. They have lots of giveaways.
The players seem to hustle more and play harder. For my first Double-A level game, I was most impressed. Hope to make it out to the Diamond again this year.
The players seem to hustle more and play harder. For my first Double-A level game, I was most impressed. Hope to make it out to the Diamond again this year.
Boston Sportswriters
They wrote scathing comments about the great Ted Williams, so much so that he chose not to speak to them at one point in his career. They called Carl Yastremski "old" at age 29 the year he after he won baseball's Triple Crown in '67 (which has not been done since). Incidentally, "Yaz" won the AL batting title in '68 despite being "old". Most recently, the Boston press has pilloried David Ortiz ("Big Papi") despite his coming through with some of the most clutch hits in Red Sox history. Now, Big Papi is resurging at the plate but has chosen to avoid the press. Can't say that I blame him, or Yaz, or Ted Williams.
It must be difficult for athletes to be in the limelight one season only to be in the doghouse the next. One ex-Red Sox player once bemoaned how the Boston writers could be so critical, yet many of them have never played the game. Though some get paid tons of money, we must remember that they are human, too, read the criticsm as well, and may not have the thick skin one might expect.
So, I say to you, Big Papi, I admire your mental toughness and where are your critics now?
It must be difficult for athletes to be in the limelight one season only to be in the doghouse the next. One ex-Red Sox player once bemoaned how the Boston writers could be so critical, yet many of them have never played the game. Though some get paid tons of money, we must remember that they are human, too, read the criticsm as well, and may not have the thick skin one might expect.
So, I say to you, Big Papi, I admire your mental toughness and where are your critics now?
Replace "but" with "and"
Several of my colleagues and I have either read, listened to, or are listening to Daniel H. Pink's "A Whole New Mind". Though I cannot recall the specific chapter, I remember his lesson: replace "but" with "and" , This enables one to develop a different mindset toward problems. Here are some examples:
1. I really like to read BUT I do not have time and too tired to do so in the evening WITH
I really like to read AND I have a 45-minute commute to work & from work each day AND I can use that time to listen to audio books
2. I really would like to spend more time with my family BUT I travel for my job all the time WITH
I really would like to spend more time with my family AND I can bring them along when business requires me to be in one of our favorite vacation spots or places we have not been before
3. I really would like to cut back on snacks BUT folks at work bring in donuts, cakes, and pies all the time WITH
I really would like to cut back on snacks AND I need to bring in less fatty snacks and fruit to reduce my temptation to indulge in donuts, cakes, and pies.
In short, Mr. Pink prescribes "but out"!
1. I really like to read BUT I do not have time and too tired to do so in the evening WITH
I really like to read AND I have a 45-minute commute to work & from work each day AND I can use that time to listen to audio books
2. I really would like to spend more time with my family BUT I travel for my job all the time WITH
I really would like to spend more time with my family AND I can bring them along when business requires me to be in one of our favorite vacation spots or places we have not been before
3. I really would like to cut back on snacks BUT folks at work bring in donuts, cakes, and pies all the time WITH
I really would like to cut back on snacks AND I need to bring in less fatty snacks and fruit to reduce my temptation to indulge in donuts, cakes, and pies.
In short, Mr. Pink prescribes "but out"!
This upside down world in which we live....
From yesterday's tech news....click on the link, above, for the full story.
Woman sues cellular provider for exposing affair
A woman is suing her cell provider for $600,000. The provider consolidated her bill with her husband's account without her consent. Her husband discovered that she was having an affair after reviewing her calls. Her marriage ended shortly thereafter. Your cell phone data reveals a lot about you.
I do understand privacy issues. However, if you read the detailed story, no remorse on the part of the woman filing suit.
Woman sues cellular provider for exposing affair
A woman is suing her cell provider for $600,000. The provider consolidated her bill with her husband's account without her consent. Her husband discovered that she was having an affair after reviewing her calls. Her marriage ended shortly thereafter. Your cell phone data reveals a lot about you.
I do understand privacy issues. However, if you read the detailed story, no remorse on the part of the woman filing suit.
The picture says it all...
For many years now, civility has been absent from our society and even in America's National Pastime. Pitchers pump their fists and yell out after striking out an opposing hitter. The hitters, in turn, stop and watch the ascent of their home runs into the stands. For years now, the hitter would charge the mound after being hit by a pitch. Yet, the baseball commissioners and their underlings do very little to address this classless behavior.
Baseball needs to take a page from its more violent counterpart sport of football. At the least the NFL has rules against and penalties for taunting.
By the way, Major League Baseball, think about the example you're setting for our youth.
Unapplied Knowledge
"Unapplied knowledge is no knowledge at all" -- Stephen R. Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Individuals" and "The 8th Habit".
Do you possess knowledge about some application, process, or situation and do not use it?
This mismatch between possessing knowledge and applying it to useful pursuits, is often seen as a waste. Knowledge and accomplishments - combined properly, results in great achievements , both for individuals and organizations. This imbalance can result in missed opportunities, vacuums and, in some cases, disaster.
Knowledge is similar to other things in our lives, if we don't use it we lose it. It seems we must strike a balance between the acquisition of knowledge and putting into action that which we have learned.
This is why Dr. Covey often exhorts those who attend his seminars and read his books to share the knowledge learned with someone within 24 hours and begin applying that knowledge immediately to our lives.
Do you possess knowledge about some application, process, or situation and do not use it?
This mismatch between possessing knowledge and applying it to useful pursuits, is often seen as a waste. Knowledge and accomplishments - combined properly, results in great achievements , both for individuals and organizations. This imbalance can result in missed opportunities, vacuums and, in some cases, disaster.
Knowledge is similar to other things in our lives, if we don't use it we lose it. It seems we must strike a balance between the acquisition of knowledge and putting into action that which we have learned.
This is why Dr. Covey often exhorts those who attend his seminars and read his books to share the knowledge learned with someone within 24 hours and begin applying that knowledge immediately to our lives.
"Write It When I'm Gone" (on President Ford)
He was often referred to as the "Accidental President". His ambition was to become Speaker of the House. He was thrust into the Presidency in some of the darkest political days in our country's history as no other US President had ever resigned from office.
This book offers a very insightful look into this very decent man who served as President and helped to heal this country from the scorn and aftermath of Watergate.
Like any human, he was flawed and had his blind spots. He was deeply upset with Ronald Reagan's lukewarm support of him against Jimmy Carter; saddened by his ignominous loss to Carter; and, slighted by his party's dismissal of him as a candidate in his hoped-for rematch against Carter.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Presidential history.
This book offers a very insightful look into this very decent man who served as President and helped to heal this country from the scorn and aftermath of Watergate.
Like any human, he was flawed and had his blind spots. He was deeply upset with Ronald Reagan's lukewarm support of him against Jimmy Carter; saddened by his ignominous loss to Carter; and, slighted by his party's dismissal of him as a candidate in his hoped-for rematch against Carter.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Presidential history.
With all due respect....
We often hear people insert these words at the beginning of a sentence, just before they are ready to deliver a zinger. It begs the question, is the speaker really acknowledging respect or are these words uttered to soften the blow or just perfunctory? My question is this: shouldn't the words that follow "with all due respect" be conveyed with respect, too?
I suspect that this phrase, like so many time-honored phrases, are merely window dressing and not delivered with sincerity.
I suspect that this phrase, like so many time-honored phrases, are merely window dressing and not delivered with sincerity.
"The better angels of our nature."
This is a curious phrase. I have heard it used only a few times over the years. Some say that it is a take on having an angel on one shoulder, and a devil on the other.
It was inserted into President Lincoln's 1st Inaugural address to replace "guardian angel" as Lincoln did not want to assert, at that point, that either side clearly in the right.
"We are not enemies, but friends," spoke President Lincoln. "We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
It was inserted into President Lincoln's 1st Inaugural address to replace "guardian angel" as Lincoln did not want to assert, at that point, that either side clearly in the right.
"We are not enemies, but friends," spoke President Lincoln. "We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
Economists, Meteorologists, and Stockbrokers
Dr. Milton Friedman, author of "Free to Choose" and a Nobel prize winning economist, on stated on "Meet the Press" that, like the weatherman, economists are not popular, often discounted, yet people still want to hear a forecast from them. Forecasts, on the weather or the economy, help to us either plan or brace ourselves.
In the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown, many were looking to the experts to sort out what happened but more importantly seeking insight as to what the future held. Fortunately, the US and World enconomies averted a depression-like collapse. Nevertheless, I find myself monitoring the financial news more closely now than in years past and listening to the experts in the field.
About a year ago in the gym, where many stockbrokers go to work out, I would listen to the locker room chatter as to their market prognostications. One such broker often said little but sat back and listenened. After everyone left, I decided to ask for his thoughts. Borrowing from Dr. Friedman, I prefaced my question with "like the weatherman, people dismiss stockbroker forecasts on the market but what do you think?" He laughed and shared that he predicted that an 11,000 Dow was possible in about a year. Just as he got ready to walk out, he turned and "tomorrow will be sunny with a 50% chance of rain".
He was right on both counts.
In the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown, many were looking to the experts to sort out what happened but more importantly seeking insight as to what the future held. Fortunately, the US and World enconomies averted a depression-like collapse. Nevertheless, I find myself monitoring the financial news more closely now than in years past and listening to the experts in the field.
About a year ago in the gym, where many stockbrokers go to work out, I would listen to the locker room chatter as to their market prognostications. One such broker often said little but sat back and listenened. After everyone left, I decided to ask for his thoughts. Borrowing from Dr. Friedman, I prefaced my question with "like the weatherman, people dismiss stockbroker forecasts on the market but what do you think?" He laughed and shared that he predicted that an 11,000 Dow was possible in about a year. Just as he got ready to walk out, he turned and "tomorrow will be sunny with a 50% chance of rain".
He was right on both counts.
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