This is how low we've fallen?

Marion Chronicle Tribune - Judge Denies Player's Request

In 45 days I will be celebrating my 20th anniversary as a resident of Grant County. In that time I've learned how important high school sports are to some people in Grant County. To some folks, high school sports are the pinnacle of life. It's the ultimate experience to them. But that's not reality. High school sports are supposed to be another classroom in life's journey. You are supposed to learn about the sacrifices required to win and what it feels like to lose. You are supposed to learn about discipline and teamwork. You are supposed to build relationships that you will keep, with some, for the rest of your life. That's how high school sports are supposed to work.

I do not know the young man in question, I do not know his parents. I think there is something wrong in the world when parents sue a school system because their son has a 1.60 grade point average and is ineligible to play high school basketball. A 1.60 grade point average. Where were the parents when the first mid-terms came home and identified the young man has a problem? Wouldn't you be embarrassed to file a lawsuit and admit your son has a 1.60 grade point average. On a 4 point scale, that's a grade less than a C! So they're blaming the school, saying the No Pass No Play Policy doesn't apply to extra curricular activities (and it should.) But they also claim a female athlete got help to bring up her grade point average without being suspended. I think the problem here is bigger than who got help and who didn't. Why is this young man getting these grades? Are these typical grades for him? How is he going to get into college with a 1.60 gpa.

According to the Marion Chronicle-Tribune, Madison Grant United Schools' No Pass-No Play Policy requires athletes to have a minimum grade point average of 1.67. How did they come to that number? I have a feeling that was a compromise. The grade point average should be higher. It should be at least a 2.0 if not 2.5. I'm no angel. In my high school athletic career, there were times I got bad grades. So I know what it's like to struggle in a class. I also know what it's like to refuse to ask for help because "I'm a jock, I can figure this out." As I remind my kids, there is nothing wrong with asking for help or telling a teacher "I don't understand this." They're teachers, they're supposed to help you figure it out.

I think it's a shame that we have this story plastered on the front page of our local newspaper. I hope this young man learns a valuable lesson. It's school that's important. Basketball is important too, but it's not THE most important thing. You would think with Grant County's experience over the last few years losing factory jobs that people would learn how important education is in our society today. If you don't have a good education, you're probably not going to go too far in the 21st century.

Remembering the Challenger

I remember January 28th, 1986. I worked at WADM-AM/WQTZ-FM in Decatur, Indiana. It was my first job out of college taking home $121.80 a week for reading news and playing music. I was getting ready for the noon news. I monitored CNN radio and they said something about the Space Shuttle Challenger having a problem. I didn't think anything of it. It was 45 minutes before I found out the Shuttle had exploded after take-off.

When I was in early elementary school, I wanted to be an astronaut. It was the time of the Apollo space missions. I got up early in the morning to watch the launch of Apollo Saturn Five rockets. I remember seeing Neil Armstrong walk on the moon, live. I remember the Apollo 13 ordeal as it happened. I remember Skylab. I remember the arrival of the Space Shuttle. I visited Johnson Space Center in Houston in the mid 1970's. If it had to do with space travel, I was all over it.

As I got older, I realized if I wanted to be an astronaut, I was going to need to be pretty sharp in math and science. Alas, math and science are my weaknesses. I loved science and learning about things, but when it came to science in 7th and 8th grades, I knew I was way out of my element. Math was also a challenge. Reading and writing and speaking seemed to be my strengths. So the astronaut dream dissolved as many childhood dreams do.

I retained an interest in space travel through my high school and college years as our nation moved away from Apollo and space flight became a "routine" thing. The Space Shuttle was sold as this reusable spacecraft that would allow astronauts to fly many missions to repair satellites and do science experiments in space.

I can remember feeling pain and sorrow that January afternoon. Some aspects of the Challenger Disaster seemed so surreal. Did people really die? How could this happen? We're the United States, this happens to the Russians, not us.

It has been 20 years since we lost Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Judith Resnik, Ellison Onizuka, Ronald McNair, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. It seems hard to believe it's been so long. I'm no longer an idealistic kid working his first job out of junior college. I'm now a father and husband looking at the big five-oh just 9 years away. It's been a long time, but I still feel pain and sorrow about the loss of the Challenger crew.

Last month my family visited Florida. We spent part of a day at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Time did not permit us to take the bus out to the launch pads. We did have time to go see the Astronaut memorial. The imposing black mirrored memorial is inscribed with the names of Gus Grissom and the astronauts of Apollo 1, The Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts and the Challenger 7, among others.

I wish I had remembered that Challenger's 20th anniversary was upon us. Looking back, I can't believe there wasn't a special exhibit about Challenger. Not even a display or a sign. We shouldn't forget those brave explorers that died that day. We should not abandon the pursuit of manned spaceflight. Through space exploration we have gained so much from the advances in technology in the fields of medicine, science, business and agriculture. We must continue on, in the memory of the Challenger 7.

"We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and "slipped the surly bonds of earth" to "touch the face of God." President Ronald Reagan speaking to the nation about the Challenger astronauts, January 28th, 1986.

Sold!

Business savvy meets political reality IndyStar.com

All this week I've been going back and forth about this Toll Road lease deal. Initially I was for it. Then I was against it. Now I'm for it again. The Indianapolis Star's John Ketzenberger convinced me that this is a good deal. Why is this a good deal? #1 Indiana hasn't raised tolls on the Toll Road since 1985. Why? Because it wasn't considered in the best interest of those politicians raising the tolls. So the new lesees of the Toll Road can raise the tolls and nobody is going to blame the folks on Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis. #2 The state is creating a trust fund using some of the 3.85 billion dollar deal to pay for future road projects. That sounds like a great idea. As long as you can insure that money actually goes for projects all over the state, not just roads in top level legislative districts. #3 This is better than raising the gas tax.

I still have some reservations over the 75 year term of the lease. But as long as there are controls in the lease that forces the consortium leasing the Toll Road to keep it in good shape, I'm all for it. Let's just hope our legislators do the right thing.

Katie & Matt at Kennedy Space Center-Cape Canaveral, Florida. December 2005

It's amazing to me that my "little kids" are 15 (Katie) and 14 (Matt). It just seems like yesterday that they were toddlers. Where does time go? It's just amazing. I am so proud of them. I'm glad they don't mind their crazy old dad, too much. 

Indiana offered $3.8 billion for Toll Road | IndyStar.com

Indiana offered $3.8 billion for Toll Road | IndyStar.com

Is this a good deal? I don't know. How can you say "no" to 3.8 billion dollars? You say "no." That's how. I think if the State Government is going to do this, the lease must include some performance benchmarks on how the road is maintained. So if the State of Indiana does lease the tollroad, does that mean the state will not get the toll revenue for the next 75 years? I think we really need this spelled out what it really means before we take the money and run.

At Disney, a Dealmaker in the Grip of Technological Change - New York Times

At Disney, a Dealmaker in the Grip of Technological Change - New York Times

I think the Pixar/Disney deal would be good for Disney. As a lifelong fan of Walt Disney-the man and Walt Disney-the company, I'm very interested in this deal. And Steve Jobs being on the Disney Board of Directors wouldn't be a bad thing. I can see the Disney Annual shareholders Meeting now....Bob Iger in a black turtleneck saying "And one more thing...." (If you don't get the joke, ask somebody who is a hardcore Apple enthusiast. They'll clue you in..."

Today Show Hints President Bush Used Earlier OBL Tape to Manipulate 2004 Election

Mark Finkelstein's blog | NewsBusters.org

It's official, the Liberal Media is insane! President Bush is manipulating the release of Osama Bin Laden audio tapes?What is he calling Al Jazera saying "Hey, Habib. GW here. Could ya help me out and release a tape oh, say next Thursday? It would really help me out." Bin Laden and Al Jazera hate our President just as much as the Liberal Media does. What's next, President Bush conspired with Bin Laden to put together the 9/11 attacks. Someone needs to call the Liberal Media out. Insane.

Foxtrot's take on "24"

Foxtrot by Bill Amend. Foxtrot copyright 2006 United Features Syndicate. Visit Foxtrot online at http://www.ucomics.com/foxtrot/

The name is Bauer, Jack Bauer...

FOX Broadcasting Company: 24

My favorite tv show is back and the first four hours were AWESOME! If you've never seen "24" with Keifer Sutherland, you need to make a point to watch next Monday night at 9 on Fox. They seem to top themselves every year. And don't give me the "it's not realistic" comment. We watch TV to escape from real life. Who wants to see Jack Bauer at his kitchen table doing his taxes anyway. Although it might be funny.

I needed this laugh...

USATODAY.com - Dave Barry puts humorous spin on economy

A Dave Barry book on Economics and money management? Oh that must be hilarious! I am currently in week 4 of an 11 week Master's level Economics class in my MBA program. The Marginal Cost of this book? Priceless....

Increase the cigarette tax? Why not?

Daniels: Boost tax on cigarettes 25 cents | IndyStar.com

Governor Mitch Daniels proposal to increase the Indiana Cigarette Tax by 50 cents would generate 115 million dollars in tax revenue according to the Indianapolis Star. Do it. Enact this tax and use the money either to lower property taxes or improve schools. The Governor says he wants to make smoking more expensive so fewer teens will smoke. I think increasing the tax 50 cents a pack would help. It won't cut out teen smoking entirely, but it will help. Will our wonderful Indiana General Assembly pass this bill into law? No. No chance. It's an election year, are you kidding? It's a year for making yourself look good, passing legislation to justify your existence and to take money from lobbyists and special interests. Of course in Indianapolis and Washington, it's ALWAYS time to take money from lobbyists and special interests (sigh.)

What Ever Happened to Common Sense?

Bill pits freedom of speech vs. right to grieve in peace | IndyStar.com

Is it me, or is it sick that anyone from a church would protest at a funeral for a U.S. Soldier. I understand, they don't approve of homosexuality. It's not biblical, it's not right. We agree on that. But I think they've taken a page out of the Pat Robertson/Operation Rescue playbook protesting a funeral of a U.S. Soldier who gave his life in Iraq. That soldier has nothing to do with the fact that there is homosexuality in this country. Maybe I've missed the point of this article. I wouldn't have a problem with these bills being proposed in the Indiana General Assembly.

I think this church from Kansas is misguided. If they want to wage a war on homosexuality, pray for those who think homosexuality is acceptable and it's okay. Talk to kids and adults about homosexuality and explain why they think it is wrong. But don't make go over the top and protest and stomp on American flags at the funeral of a soldier that died in Iraq who has nothing to do with what you're protesting. My goodness, do you think Jesus would approve of what you're doing?

For the record, I believe homosexuality is wrong. I have a dear friend who is gay. I pray for them every day. I love them regardless of their orientation. I'm not going to turn my back on them because I don't agree with them. I'm going to love them with the hopes that someday, God will set them free. Maybe I'm wrong in my approach, but I think I'm right.

Smiling? This Guy?

 


Hey I can be happy in a place where I have no internet access and no computer. Of course it has to be at least 65 degrees every day.... 

What I learned in 2005 Part 1

#1 I am not as young as I used to be

I had a lot of projects (including school, church, websites etc.) going in 2005. I think at one time I had six or seven website projects going at once. (Right now the official number is three.) I did several allnighters, several days where I only slept 2 hours etc. I can't do that anymore. I used to be able to do that ten years ago, but there is just no way I can do that now. What I learned in 2005. Lots of sleep is good.

#2 Don't put off work because it all piles up

See above, Seven website projects at once. No way, no how that is ever happening again (I hope).

#3 Delegation can be fun

I delegated a number of things to other people in 2005 and it felt good. The world didn't end! I actually got more things done. Look for more delegation in 2006.

I don't believe in making New Year's Resolutions. But I do believe in improving yourself and working on it every day. I'm still trying to slay some huge dragons in 2006. The biggest is time management. I have struggled with that for 41 years, my big goal right now is try to master time management juggling family, my last 10 months of school, the website business, church, and any other stuff that might come my way. If you've got some time management suggestions, let me know.

You're not going to write about us, are you dad? Dad?
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