Skittles and Tea

“Just when you think you got it all figured out, wait another day or so and something else happens… and you say… “What was that all about?  And how did they get that wrong?”  

I know that it seems crazy, but just like a page out of history; we keep coming back to the same headline, same page and reference notes.  The only difference is the date and time.   And here are some facts, like more of America we are becoming more diverse each and every day.  And in America it is still about “race,”  the color of one’s skin, texture of hair, culture, tattoos and ethnic background.   According to the 2010 census data most major cities like Milwaukee in America have become more diverse with a younger generation that is more mixed, independent, liberal and carefree.  Added to this new phenomenon is a new wave of immigrants, political refugees, detainees and outcasts; and this “melting pot”… smells, looks, feels, taste and acts very differently than the previous generations.   

It’s about to get quite interesting from now until 2020.   For those who can’t wait… just make sure you keep your head above water… and you have not seen anything yet.   Just look at what’s happening now… climate change, cyber wars, rising sea levels, expanding world populations, natural and man-made disasters, famine, educational reform, debates on health care, social security and new diseases.  And when you add in stuff we are already wrestling with, such as crime, war, stand your ground laws, voter suppression, abortion restrictions, drone strikes, terrorism, same sex marriages, corporate greed, toxic pollution and limited resources… well you get the picture… this is going to be some kind of recipe.   

It is already hard to keep up with so much happening these days, one has to be so careful where you go, who you hang out with, what you say and what you are doing.   For you never know who is watching, following, tracking or listening.  Regardless of what you believe in, doing the right thing, treating others the way you want to be treated and following the laws of the land… everyone does not have or share those same values.  And so when you are out and about at night in your local neighborhood convenient store to buy a little snack… and just remember…be careful and take nothing for granted… even in a free county.

 

To Hoodie Or Not...

The hoodie has come a long way and has been traced back to medieval times in Europe when it was worn by monks and included a long, decorative hood called a cowl attached to a tunic or robe, and a chaperson or hooded cape.  It was also a favorite and commonly worn by outdoor workers and knights.  Since those times, hoodies as they are called today (the hooded sweatshirt) is just that a sweatshirt with a hood. 

 

They come in various forms, designs, fabrics, colors and sizes.  Nearly every department store sells some type of hoodie.  They are a favorite on all university and colleges campuses, even in the military.  You see them everywhere and every day and especially during cold nights at high school and college football games in the fall in Wisconsin.   Numerous professions, including tradesman, athletes, those in training, professional sport figures, utility workers, boxers and of course many of us who just like to lounge around some days.  They are wonderful to wear; convenience and in short order helps us to feel comfortable and to relax.   .   

Today, the hoodie has become an integrated part of our culture, society and families.  From its modest beginnings, these sweatshirts with a hood also include designs with zippers, pockets in the front, draw strings and matching pants.  Remarkably, the hoodie has become a vital part of wardrobes for both young and old.  In particular, it’s gives us something to relax in, enjoy a care free day and run some errands.  For others, it helps to enjoy those travel days in which we have to endure a long road trip to visit family, reunions and or go on vacation.  The hoodie in so many ways has helped to transform our lives, minds, lifestyles and of course... hide a “bad hairdo day.”  In other words, it can help us to reflect what we need to do more of… and that is “to chill out.” 

In this current age and a younger generation, the hoodie has become iconic and a norm, but for others its symbolism is not readily accepted.   It sometimes only reinforces the stenotype of something being evil, wrong, lazy, easy going and carefree.  Those stenotypes or deep down perceptions can bring out the worst in people and who will do almost anything to project and hide their prejudice and racism. In my estimation, the hoodie is not the greatest invention of all time, but it certainly high on my list, for it has kept these aging bones warm during the cold of days, nights…and even from people.      

Let's Play Ball

“Take me to the ball game, take me out with the crowd” are the opening lines to the infamous song that continues to be song during what is called the 7^th ending stretch at major league baseball games.  It’s a classic and has been around since 1908 and written by Jack Norworth.  Over time the song has gone through a few revisions, but in essence it has remained the same.  It is consider just as much a part of the game than as the game itself.   

Baseball continues to calls itself “America’s Pastime” game.  That was true before the rise of other sports, NFL, College Football, Pro Tennis, Golf, NASCAR and Hockey.  Of course with television, cable, satellite and the internet, sporting events can be viewed 24/7, plus reruns.  It was the game all people could play.  It was played after school, during recess, on weekends, in small towns, inner city neighborhoods and that is how most Americans…“passed the time.”  

However, a lot has changed since and questions continue to grow about “America’s pastime” game.  The professional game has lost a lot of its luster over the past few decades with players linked to steroids, HGH (Human Growth Hormone), behaviors and other drugs.  In addition, the high player salaries, ticket prices, tax payer’s bailouts, public funding for stadiums, lack of community service from players, greed and a decrease in the number of American born players now in the modern game.   In so many ways, the game with all its rich past, legendary heroes, historical venues and untapped potential, is itself its worst enemy.  

If it is to survive, it cannot become a game where only those who can afford it, can attend.  It has to be the game that little kids and the average person want to play.   From t-ball, slow pitch, high school … to minor and major league teams, the game has to return and become a catalyst for change.  More has to be done to inspire a new generation or two to return to “America’s Pastime” game.  It must change it direction, cleanup it act and reach down, for future generations are looking.   Then perhaps the rest of the song makes some sense… “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don’t care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don’t win it’s a shame.  For its one, two, three strikes, you’re out, at the old ball game.”    Batter UP!!!   

To Serve With Love

Talk about throwing spaghetti against the wall and just hoping that something sticks… well good luck to that idea.  This is what some would say is how to view the growing list of “let me do this for you and not include you in the process kind of stuff.”   If you do not know or aware, many of the social ills that are affecting the community also include… jobs.  I am not just talking about so, so, minimum wage employment, but real livable wage jobs. 

Operating a community base or what is commonly referred to as a “grass roots” agency is “big business.”  I mean really big business, just think about… it takes people to run the agency, do the case work, research, writing grants, build collaborative partnerships, seek out sponsors, organize community events, fundraising, staff, project leads, and search for agency broad members.  In many cases the list of jobs attached to a given non-profit or agency is quite lengthy.  This is called…“Overhead.” 

There are also watchdog groups, which also are full of “jobs” as well, that monitor what non-profits do, how much they spend on overhead, services and programs.  You need to see what they found out…“I mean about non-profits.” It’s enough to grow hair on your head and raise one’s blood pressure.  It is all being done in the name of outreach, community service, filling the gap and meeting perceived needs.  Shocking…isn’t it.  Let me tell you it is alarming.        

Today, there are enough non-profits and social services agencies in our communities that something should be happening or been solved at least by now.  Especially, when you consider what continues to occur in the inner city, one can only question, whether or not the money being donated to non-profits and alike is being used effectively.  In any rate, the accounting for these non-profits in recent reports cite that very little money is making its way down to address the problems.   In addition, there are also indicators of maleficent, sloppy bookkeeping and compliance to laws and regulations.   To add insult to injury many people who are employed by these so called agencies do not live in the community in which they work, provide few services and cannot be found to participate in any noteworthy event.  These are really “red flags” as far as I can see it.  

Using the socioeconomic status data of any community in order to make a proposal a “winning” proposal is just morally wrong, especially when the real intent is not to make the community better, but to make sure that someone has a good paying job.  I am not saying that all non-profits are bad, misguided or not doing something worthwhile, but like in every batch of apples, there is at least one or two that are causing considerable harm.  Here is my take, before you give, be sure that you ask plenty of questions… “For action speaks louder than words.”      

Crossing Over

Just when you think that things are going smooth and headed in the right direction, something happens out of the blue that leaves you in shock and disbelief.   It challenges your general understanding and trust in people as the ways things supposed to go. When things go hay wire, some people site that it’s an unfortunate incident, we don’t know the full story or let’s not rush to judgment too soon.  

Then again, others would say that was out of character for them, they must be under a lot of duress, an unusual set of circumstances or that’s not the person I know.  And yet others would point out it does not make any sense whatsoever, for they had it all; endowments, big contract, a mansion in a gated community and on the “A” list of the who’s who.  Than just as fast as they rose from nowhere, rages to riches, a virtual unknown…“Puff it’s all gone, ” all because they did something or said something while others were listening and looking.   Soon after that, the situation creates a firestorm and things quickly go from “good to bad” in a matter of days.  Before long, what was once a stellar career has now turned into a new story line…“How I lost It All”

I know that people at times do misspeak, hang out with the wrong people and do some wired things; no one is perfect and of course… sometimes…sometimes they do say what truly is in their heart and soul.  One’s actions can have a tremendous impact upon others, regardless of wealth or position.  No one is above reproach, scrutiny, invincible, an island by themselves... “For we all make mistakes.” 

In the movie ‘Midnight Cowboy’ Enrico “Ratso” Rizzo (Dustin Hofman) is trying to walk across a busy street in New York City… all of sudden a taxi cab comes into the cross walk and is about to hit him… he quickly turns and begins pounding on the hood of the cab, saying “I’m walkin’ here! ... I’m walkin’ here!  And so it is in life…everyone has an opportunity to choose what path to take.    

 

It's Up In The Air

I remember the captain of an airplane once coming on the intercom and saying… “please fasten your seat belts… we are experiencing some turbulence and it will get a little bumpy for the next few minutes…”   Talk about head winds and more… that certainly was an eventful day to say the least for me.  But in light of several recent  events, protests, scandals, congressional delays, state rights, civil rights, women rights, gun rights, Supreme Court decisions, global warming and natural disasters… this flight is far from over.  

There are a lot of head winds today, even on clear and sunny days.  If I see this right, our nation is now entering into uncharted social, political and scientific waters that have many people wondering what is going to happen to the greatest nation of modern times.  This is more than just change, for change sake…it is change most us have never experienced before and many are having a difficult time coming to grip with the perceived outcomes. 

There seems to be more “blurring” along the social lines of what is fair, humane, just and in maintaining a good society.  The situation gets even more complicated when you factor in personal agendas, conservatives, liberals, the far right, far left, moderates, centrist, Tea party and let’s not forgets about those progressives.  The issue is even more troubling when you consider that so much of what we were taught or have come to believe in is being altered.  It is enough to keep your head spending, a hand on your wallet or purse and an eye on the calendar for the next upcoming election.       

It seems that we need to put together a survival kit that includes a life preserver, motion sickness pills, oxygen, first aid kit, parachute, a good book, voting card, food and some prayer.  I know that it is hard to compare the upcoming changes in our society with those from the past, but I am sure that our parents and ancestors had to endure some difficult situations, tough decisions, sacrifices, and personal loses.  Let’s not forget Slavery, WWI, WWII, the Depression, Vietnam, March on Washington, voting rights and the Cold War, to just name a few.  The future is always difficult to predict for it is full of clouds, head winds, rain and sunshine… but like all planes that go up, they too must come down and land.  So, get your ticket early, the next flight is leaving soon… but make sure your seat belt is tight… this ride is going to be something.            

Taking It All In

It pretty amazing these days to meet people who have never traveled overseas, when on a cruise or even been on an airplane.  But it is true.  Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who are not caught up with how the world operates; i.e. Wall Street, Main Street, Corporate America, and even their local government. They are simply trying to survive as best as they can each and every day. All they really want is to live in peace, safety, be law abiding, work a fairly reasonable job, roof over their heads, clothes on their back, food on the table, the ability to pay bills on time and to attend church regularly.  Many of them only take what life gives them… nothing more and nothing less.  Way too often, they are overlooked and suffer in silence.     

For the up and coming generations of X, Y and Z, it is quite easy to get caught up trying to live a life way beyond one’s means. It is a hard habit to break, just ask the previous ones. It is more difficult when credit is easy to get, there are deals to be had and of course trying to keep up with the latest and greatest of the times.  Way too many people are trying to impress other people and live a life similar to those that appears on regular TV, cable, satellite or in the movies.  Some people even try to emulate what they see and are willing to go into massive debt in order to keep up appearances. It seems to be more about…what’s in it for me, me and more of me.

At the bottom of the sea floor lives a remarkable creature, it is called a Sea Sponge.  It is a renewable natural resource with over 5000 species, of which only seven are deemed to be of commercial value.  Some species have been found nearly 5 miles down in the ocean.  The Sea Sponge possess an amazing regenerative power as the natural process of the tide and current will pick them up and can re-grow in a new  location.  The superiority of natural sponges is unmatched for quality, safety and longevity.  Additionally, they are quite absorbent; create a luxurious lather, softly textured and suitable for the most sensitive skin.  It is truly one of nature’s most wonderful gifts and is the real deal.         

In the movie, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Clarence Oddbody (Henry Travers) the guardian angel for George Bailey (James Stewart) … makes this statement…  “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many others lives.  When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?  And perhaps, that is what Urban America needs, more people who know the real value of life and treasures each moment.  What do you think?