Nightmare

Every time it happens, we put ourselves in the shoes of the grieving parents, and are terrified. Yesterday, it happened again.

A bright, talented, and very popular, high school senior at Belleville East died in a one-vehicle accident on his way to class. According to news reports, 18-year-old Chad Wood was one of those young people who lit up the lives of everyone around him. Chad was a talented athlete, starring in both football and baseball for the Lancers. He was well liked by adults as well as people of his own age group. He had everything going for him. His friends say he was simply a great person.

My sons are 24 and 20 respectively. But because they are a bit older, it doesn't stop me from worrying about their safety, and praying for it, every day. As is often said, no parent should have to outlive a child. It just doesn't seem right in the grand scheme. Young people bring such joy and energy to our lives. And, they should be able to fulfill their promise. But the reality of life and death sometimes hits us like a cold bucket of water. Because of their youth, and occasional carelessness, our kids are often taken from us. And so we parents worry. We preach to them to be careful, probably to the point that they don't really hear. Why do we preach? We can identify with the feeling of invincibility that we also had at their age. That's why stories such as Chad's send chills of fear up our spine. Being young makes them more vulnerable than we'd like to believe.

Parents all ask the same questions. Why are young people with such potential taken from us? Why did this happen to him? Why at this time? Is this meant as some sort of lesson? What possible good could come from this cruel twist of fate? Why such a good person? Couldn't God take a ne'er-do-well so that we wouldn't miss them, and hurt so much? What would he have accomplished had he lived? How can we cope?

Of course, I don't have the answers. All I know is that I never really confronted death until a high school classmate, about Chad's age, died in an auto accident in 1969. Neal Hettenhausen was a guy who was a lot like Chad. He was highly popular, good looking and musically gifted. He sang with a rock group. Many of us thought he would become a star. He was beginning to make a name for himself with his enormous singing talent. His friends, both girls and guys, just enjoyed being around him. The world seemed to be his oyster. He was the guy we all wanted to be.

But, one Spring night, while driving home to Millstadt from a play rehearsal in Belleville, Neal's car was hit head-on by another manned by a drunk driver. Our friend didn't have a chance. I still remember, to this day, the photo of the crumpled mass of wreckage that appeared on the front page of the News-Democrat. All of us who knew him were devastated. I sang with the Belleville Area College concert choir, of which Neal was a member, at his funeral. The tears were flood-like. The pain seemed like it would last forever. In a way, it has.

That crash, that took our highly-valued friend Neal, has indelibly etched a most valuable lesson into my consciousness. Death is a real possibility to anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car. I have driven, every day since, with a much greater respect for life, and a clear understanding of my responsibility. My experience gives me hope that Chad's friends and acquaintances might now really understand that its a life-and-death matter when they drive too. I would expect that Chad's unfortunate and tragic death might, over time, save some of them from a similar fate. I doubt, though, that this possibility is bringing comfort to Chad's poor parents today. I hope, if they should read this, that my lesson learned might, after all these years, bring a measure of consolation to Neal's family.

"That Toddlin' Town"

I have a son who attends DePaul University in Chicago. Occasionally, Barb and I go up to see him and also use that as an excuse to spend the weekend in the "Windy City". This was one of those weekends. We have grown to love spending time in Chicago. That's something I never thought I would say, let alone write.

Back in the 70's and early 80's, when working for WIBV radio, I took a number of trips to Chicago to cover high school and college sports. It seemed on each visit there would be some reason to come away with a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly, it was foul weather. A few times I had a less-than-happy experience with members of the Chicago media. Another time or two, I experienced some sort of transportation trouble. And, it seemed that I would always encounter someone from Chicago that had an air of superiority that grated on me. (I've come to learn that being a member of the visiting team's media contingent, its normal to not be made "totally comfortable". This phenomenon has nothing to do with Chicago people. It has more to do with how media people protect their turf, and local team.)

Back to my previous Chicago experiences. Once, Barb went along with me to cover a McKendree College basketball game and we ran into the worst fog storm....yes, fog storm...you could ever imagine. This wasn't just fog. This was fog that was blowing sideways....I guess off the lake. I not only couldn't see the road while driving, I couldn't see the hood of the car. After the basketball game, I was supposed to follow the team bus back to the hotel. Well, as soon as the bus pulled out of the parking lot, it disappeared into the darkness and blowing pea soup. We spent the next two hours driving by feel-of-the-tires-on-the-road and trying to guess what exit from the tollway (I hate those too) would get us to the hotel. Somehow we managed to do so without having an accident. But, we must have barely avoided at least 10 accidents in the process. I was a grown man. But, I don't mind admitting I was crying out of frustration with the situation.

Such experiences dominated my impression of Chicago because the visits were brief, and the impressions were so strong. Having made several extended stays in the last 3 years, I have done a total about face. I have come to experience the city in a more complete fashion. And, frankly, I wish that St. Louis had as much to offer. I'm not knocking St. Louis. I still love the Gateway City, and the overall quality of life here. But, you just can't argue the fact that Chicago has so much more to offer in the way of just about everything. Except good baseball teams.

In the downtown area around Michigan Avenue, State and Rush streets, and on the North Side, it is nearly impossible to turn around without finding a wonderful restaurant, a fascinating retail store, or some other form of high-quality entertainment. The shopping...well, Michigan Avenue is legendary world wide. Our St. Louis downtown, unfortunately, hasn't gotten anywhere close to providing such a safe, friendly, fun, and complete entertainment experience. At least, not yet. Hopefully, it will soon.

In the north side neighborhood, where my son's off-campus apartment is located, you feel totally safe at all hours of the day or night. You can hail a cab to take you anywhere at a reasonable price. If that's not an option, you can ride the "El" train to about anywhere for a buck and a quarter. A car is not necessary. Again, there are great things to see and do all around. What a lucky kid he is.

This weekend, even though we spent just one night, was packed with fun, great food and drink, and entertainment. You just can't help it in Chicago. Come on St. Louis, you've got some catching up to do. If it weren't for the bragging rights that go with being a Cardinals fan, it would be a one-sided competition.

Moms

I, like many men, suffer from a peculiar mental affliction that causes the phrase "I Love You" to stall out somewhere between the thought process and the mouth. I guess it has something to do with the notion that if a man says...er....uh...well...(averted eye contact)...you know...that phrase...it indicates you have a "softer side". Or that you need that person. Or that you're capable of emotions that are unbecoming of someone so "verile, impervious to pain, and manly". Or that you're not strong enough on your own. Or some other similar rubbish.

Guys have been taught this behavior by our fathers, and their fathers before them, and so on through the generations. They didn't mean to...they just did. We have been shown since we were little boys how to behave as men. Or so our fathers thought. And, so we thought, and therefore immitated. I presume it has something to do with the hormones with which we are "blessed" too.

I hope before "The spirit of Christmas future" visits I might manage to cure myself of this plague, and maybe provide a different example to my sons. I have earnestly tried to rid myself of this paralysis. I'd very much like to muster the ability to... when I have it in my mind to tell someone......that they are really, really, really, really, important or... (Oh crap!)... that I love them... that I will be able to move the words to my lips and actually spit them out. But it all seems so awkward.

Now, to the real purpose of this writing. I wish to make it known to the Mothers (intentionally capitalized) in my life, that "I Love You". I know. You say..."What a coward's way out. He can't tell them himself. He has to write something on a blog and then try to get them to read it". Well, yeah...I can understand that line of thinking. And, in part, it's absolutely valid. I wish I wasn't a victim of the "unable-to-say-it" thing. But, even though I'm a "mass-communicator" in the electronic media by trade, some of my better attempts at personal communication have come in written form. I've found that what you're attempting to convey can be much more effective when you have the time...and aren't overwhelmed by all the emotion...to put in print exactly what's on your mind. But, I still make this promise. I will tell (audibly) all of the female members of my family listed below "I Love You" this Mothers Day. Please read on.

To my mother, Doris, who just underwent a week of pain and physical trauma because of major surgery.... "I Love You".

Your total support and understanding has been amazing. From boyhood, to manhood, you have always provided a loving smile, words of support, and a total commitment to anything, and everything, I've ever really needed. I have often thought about how lucky I am to have been born into a family with a mother (and father, Dad passed away in '81) so committed to a son's happiness. I wish every guy could have a mother like you. The world would be a much better place. I hope if I've learned anything, that it was to pass such love along to the next generation.

To the mother of my sons, and "my honey", Barb. "I Love You".

Where do I start? I can't begin to think about what my life would be without you. To think that it wasn't "love at first sight" still terrifies me. The fact that we worked together for a number of months before it hit me that you were my soul-mate speaks to the kind of emotional stupidity that I'm writing about. I can't believe that we've been married 27-plus years. I hope we are able to be together another 57...at least. Not likely. But, let's try. If that doesn't work out, at least we'll have eternity together whenever we go to that "big, sunny beach with the swim-up bar in the sky". You are my heart.

To my sister Bonnie, and the mother of my teriffic nieces and a great nephew, "I Love You".

You have put up with way too much crap from your brother over the years, especially those early years. I cringe when I think of some of the stuff that I did to you when we were kids. I don't know why I did them. Something about power over someone else, I guess. But, don't ever think I didn't love you all the while. I've watched, with admiration, as you've grown into a sister any man would be proud of. I admire everything about you, and your family. And I'm glad we've grown to be friends, as well as sister and brother. And, I promise not to laugh the next time you get a fishhook lodged in your scalp.

There are many other mothers in my life...both living, and heavenly...that should be mentioned.

The best mother-in-law in the world-- Julia (Julie). "I Love You"
My mom's mom...The late Laura..I called her "Honey". "I Love You"
My very special, late aunt "Teeny"--real name Christine. (Who never was able to be a mother...but was like one to Bonnie and me.) "I Love You"
To all the mothers who have touched my life in so many positive ways... "I Love You".

Happy Mother's Day!

See, I couldn't have gotten through that in person.

Are Schools Teaching This?

Back in my school days, we weren't taught about what values it takes to develop personal character. I think it was assumed that, through parental lessons at home and church, most kids got all the character education they needed before heading for school. And that was probably the case.

Well, times have changed. Today's economics dictate that there are few stay-at-home moms to provide after-school, "do the right thing" knowledge. As for dads, you know the story. Some are so caught up in making a buck that they have little time for youth involvement. Others are fathers, but far from what most would call a "dad". If it weren't for Big Brothers-Big Sisters, a lot of kids wouldn't have a fatherly, or motherly, influence in their lives at all. And, then there are the parents who would have a difficult time spelling character...let alone teach it. Church-going is down. So, character teachings at home are unavailable, or at least less avialable, to many young people.

Here are the character lifeskills I'm talking about--

Respect-Showing regard for self, others, property and those in authority.
Responsibility-Willingness to be accountable for your own actions without blaming others.
Peace-Working and living in harmony with each other.
Empathy-Identifying and understanding others' feelings in order to get along better with people.
Integrity-Doing what is right even if it is difficult.
Honesty- Truthfulness in words and actions.
Perseverance-Staying with a task; not giving up.
Cooperation-Working together in a peaceful way.
Self-Discipline-Thinking about your words and actions and then making choices that are right for you and others.
Trustworthiness-Being honest, reliable, and doing what you say you'll do.
Fairness-Playing by the rules, being open-minded, listening to others, and not taking advantage of others.
Caring-Being compassionate and showing others you care.
Citizenship-Doing your share to make your school and community better, getting involved, staying informed and being a good neighbor.

The good news is that the answer to the headline to this piece is YES. Many schools are making serious efforts to teach and foster character in our schools. In fact, the above list came to me in a small brochure packaged with my West Pointe bank statement this month. Terry Schaefer at the bank received it from Belleville's public grade school district 118. The brochure says the district, and many others locally, have been attempting to bridge the "character gap" at their schools for several years. Perhaps you knew this. I didn't.

My hope is that when today's youth grow to adulthood they will do the right thing by re-kindling the tradition of character education at home and in religious settings. Then we could allow our school teachers to focus on "the three Rs".

Good Riddance

Because of other commitments, I haven't been able to view one second of American Idol this week. But when I found out last night...after p.a. duties at GMC Stadium for SIU-SLU baseball...that the overconfident and undertalented Scott Savol had been voted off, I couldn't have been more satisfied. Not that the guy is untalented...just undertalented ...in comparison to the rest of the finalists. And that includes most of those already voted off who were in the top 12. He could only have been alive at this point because of the "I'm voting for the doofus for prom king" crowd. Shame on them for trying to ruin our favorite show!

From what I have read about this week's shows on the information super-highway, I understand that "Pudge"...(not Rodriguez who plays for Detroit) but Savol who represents working, and non-working, class Cleveland...was still cocky as ever before getting the axe. What could possibly make this slug think he's the next Elvis? Or even Vanilla Ice? Whatever talent he does have needs some serious grooming by someone who does those talent image makevoers. I hope he finds a good agent...because he will need one.

Anthony and Scott were the bottom two. That figures. Anthony has been up and down throughout the competition too. But, as I said in earlier posts, he gets the very essential--"he's cute and appealling to teenie-boppers"--votes. (And maybe more than a few gay votes??) Clay Aiken's career booms now after garnering that "high school boy" contingent of cell phone users during his Idol days.

So, we have Bo, Carrie, Vonzell and Anthony as the Final Four.

Next to leave...Anthony. His clean-and-cute votes won't carry him another week. Unless he has a monster performance and Vonzell flops.

I don't see how it won't come down to Bo and Carrie. And, my money is on Bo at this point. He just seems a perch above the rest in professionalism. His voice never falters. He presents himself in a highly professional manner...particularly in his rock comfort zone. (Although his attachment to the microphone stand gets to me sometimes). It's hard to believe the guy was in the bottom three a few weeks ago. But, I think he has recovered effectively from the "not as intense Bo" doldrums that put him there.

Carrie is a local favorite...having originally auditioned for the show in St. Louis. But, as physically attractive as she is, she hasn't hit very many musical home runs in this competition. She can definitely sing. But her wandering collection of song choices, and occasionally iffy interpretations, have me wondering just how talented she really is. She's young...much younger than Bo. And, I think it shows in their level of professional presentation. That will kill her chances to become the next American Idol.

I'm already wondering where Bo will go after claiming "The Title". What kind of professional career will he have? Will he have to front a rock band? Will he be a solo artist of any consequence? What kind of music will he be identified with? He'll turn 30 pretty soon and be a part of the "starting-to-age rocker" crowd. He'll be tied down by AI commitments for a while. Am I getting ahead of myself?

My Home Town

I don't know who reads the stuff I distribute here. But, for those who do, I'd like to point with pride to something that's going on in the place where I grew up.

Belleville, Illinois-- Many know it as the home of some pretty famous people.

The late Buddy Ebsen, former US senator Alan Dixon, tennis super-star Jimmy Connors, golf's Jay Haas, and his uncle Bob Goalby are just a few. There are many other notable, but perhaps less generally recognizable, natives that we are just as proud to call sons and daughters of the county seat of St. Clair County.

Now let me tell you something that you might not know. Belleville...always a jewel in the crown of southern Illinois... is making a strong and proud comeback from some difficult times. Between say, 1975 and 2000, Belleville had gone from a clean, friendly, well-manicured and proud city to one that some of us were not so anxious to recognize as our home town. Crime increased. Property values decreased. Businesses moved to other surrounding communities, or closed. Residents moved out of the nice, older homes in Belleville to nice new homes in the country, or elsewhere. The older homes became poorly-maintained rental properties or were bought by struggling, low-income families. Schools were hard-pressed to maintain their high standards. All of this made for a less than savory situation, especially in Belleville's older neighborhoods. The city was in danger of becoming one big, crime-infested slum. It was not a pretty sight.

The reasons for all of this are fodder for another article. But, over the last five years the city has made considerable progress toward social stabilization and economic advancement . The slumlords were put out of business. The police have made major headway in running the criminal element out of town. Businesses, large and small, have been courted and have found Belleville a more attractive place to set up shop. So they have done so. Restaurants, bars, small theatres and other establishments have begun to flourish in the downtown shopping and entertainment district. In short, the good people who care about Belleville took charge of a bad situation. And with some hard work, and determination, they have made it better.

This "new Belleville" can only continue to improve under the leadership of recently-elected Mayor Mark Eckert. I have known Mark since we were both small boys growing up in the Henry Raab neighborhood. We were raised in the same church. He is a smart, hard-working, approachable and out-going fellow with his heart (and it's a big one) in the right place. He doesn't care who gets the credit... (imagine anyone saying that about a politician)... just as long as the job gets done. He meets people well. There's no pretense or arrogance. He presents himself professionally in almost any setting. And, he has energy to burn. Just about anywhere you might go in Belleville, you are likely to see Mark. And he will probably be on his way to somewhere trying to make things better in his home town. The city is in strong and caring hands with Mark Eckert.

I could go into some of the wonderful new plans and developments that I am privy to that are anticipated to materialize over the next 5-10 years. But instead let me say...keep your eyes on Belleville. Drive through the downtown area. Take a look at some of the new subdivisions, housing developments and businesses. Next weekend's "Art-on-the-Square" (recognized as one of the best art shows in the nation) would be a good time to make your examination. The city's one-time greatness is most definitely returning, if not already in place.

Once again...those of us born in Belleville are able to say..."That's my home town"... with heads held very high.

Now I'm Worried!

Jim Woodcock resigned Friday from his post as VP-Director of Marketing and Communications of the St. Louis Blues.

This is not a big story for the general sports public. But, I can't possibly overstate Woody's impact on the Blues, and their way of doing business, over the last 8 years. He has been the force behind most of the team's successful dealings with the outside world and its fan base. I can't imagine someone else coming in and doing the job half as well, at least not right away.

Woody would spend many of what should have been personal hours making sure all the bases were covered, all the possibilities were considered, and every opporunity to say, and do, the right thing was exercised. Not only that, but he constantly made it clear to those of us who worked under him that we were important to him, his superiors, and especially the fans. If you worked for Jim, you might not always agree with him, but you could never begin to question his ability as a communicator and passion for the Blues.

Many members of the media will also tell you that Woody showed a keen understanding of how a positive relationship with the press can translate into fans in the stands. Before his arrival... and I was there, so I remember... many media members seemingly couldn't wait to find something negative to say about the team. In large part, that was because Jim's predecessor did not have an appreciation for developing a working relationship with writers and broadcasters. The press lounge featured bad food and little atmosphere. The press box was a place to sit and work, nothing more. Woody changed that by making the press lounge a fun place with, what many will tell you is, gourment cuisine. He made sure the press box was visited frequently by members of management who would show their concern for the media and how they were being treated. Jim was often seen informally sitting and talking with beat writers and broadcasters in an effort to make someone from the team available and accessible. In short, the media became friendly to the team...because Jim's policies became friendly to them. I'm sure the less hostile attitude toward the Blues in the media could be directly related to increased ticket sales. I don't have proof. But, I'll bet it's true.

Jim is one of those leaders that commits himself 100% to not just getting the job done...but getting it done right. His ideas and opinions were formed in the context of a deep, working-class love for the team. Woody, like many of us, is a fan first. As a kid, he would happily take up a standing-room-only position in the last row of the upper-circle of the old Arena to catch a glimpse of "his team". His policies and internal guidelines were always reflective of that deep understanding of what a real Blues fan is all about. It is difficult to take that understanding, balance it with the internal budgetary and political problems of running a business, and still manage an effective external communications policy. But Woody displayed the talent to do it in award-winning fashion.

Jim's moving on, more than anything else so far, has me worried about the future of professional hockey in St. Louis, and North America. Exactly what could make Woody choose this time to leave? Does he see the labor situation as hopeless? Does ownership see it as being untenable, to the point that they told him to look elsewhere for employment? He says he doesn't know what he's going to do next. That tells me that he either quit because he was fed up, or was asked to resign in a budget-cutting maneuver. Either way, I view it as a sign that hockey, as we knew it, may be gone forever. Jim Woodcock is a "True Blue". How many of them can management find to do the job when they finally try to bring hockey back to life in St. Louis? That job wouldn't have been easy for Woody, It could be next to impossible for anyone else.

Wherever Woody lands, that concern will be much the better for it. Good luck Jim.

Constantine Shocker!!

For those who have no interest in American Idol, I'm going to lose you quickly with this one.

For the rest of us who are at least mildly interested, last night's show was a bombshell. How could Constantine Maroulis possibly get less votes than the rest of that bunch of finalists? I thought it was impossible too, until I started to analyze it a bit.

First, we all have to remember that there's nothing really fair about the way this is done. It's a popular vote. And in a popular vote, strange things can happen, depending on a lot of factors. Just ask George W. He's the President, but actually lost the popular vote to the uninteresting Al Gore in 2000. Popular votes have more to do with support factions, demographics, population concentrations and all those things that pollsters analyze.

It seems to me that Constantine was a victim of a split faction and a luke-warm loyalty from his home town. When it came to actual voting, he lost the "rocker" faction to Bo. Everyone else had their loyal constituencies casting millions of votes for their favorite. He didn't have a solid one.

--Carrie gets the country music and "she's hot" votes from conservative, middle America.
--Anthony (I guess) gets the "he's cute" votes from the teen, and pre-teen, girls (a very big faction to have on your side in Idol voting--re: Clay Aiken).
--Bo gets the rocker and southern (he's from Alabama) votes
--Vonzell gets the "she's cute and hot/Florida/and all minority" votes
--Scott gets the..."underdog/trailer-park/Cleveland/ and "I'm voting as a joke" votes
(There was always some strange person nominated for prom king in high school and people would vote for him as a joke...that's Scott) He certainly isn't surviving on performance or personality.

What's somewhat surprizing is that Constantine hails from New York. You would think that would put him in good shape for votes. Except that analysts always say that New York people have little loyalty to their own because there are so many of them...and they come from everywhere. There is no particular identity to a "New Yorker", other than an address. I'm guessing that the 15-million, or so, New Yorkers didn't care much about "their boy".

What's obvious is that very good performers will not necessarily move on because of their ability and performance. American Idol doesn't necessarily pick the best performer, because it's a vote of the people. And people vote based on loyalties and personalities, not talent. At this stage, it becomes a popularity contest. If they were picking the best performer, then professional performers should cast all the votes. But then...that wouldn't make much money for those cell phone companies would it?

"American Idol" seems like the wrong title for the show at this point. That connotes talent as the main factor in winning.

Hockey for Charity

I caught Kelly Chase on the baseball game last night promoting the upcoming game featuring NHL stars. They've got a charity auction on Thursday, May 5th. And the game featuring a rainbow of hockey stars on Friday the 6th at the Family Arena.

Keith Tkachuk, Brett Hull and many more will be puttin' on the skates to raise money for the 14 Fund. I'm glad these guys are jumping on this chance to do some good for others. The 14 Fund was established several years ago in memory of former Blue Doug Wickenheiser(his jersey number was 14) who died of a brain tumor. The Blues alumni group does great things with this charitable effort. I hope they pack the place.

What's going through my mind as this game approaches is how the current work stoppage is affecting the people who count on the industry for their livelihoods. (Yes, yours truly included)And I'm also thinking about the many St. Louis-area non-profit groups and charities that raise a good part of their budgets by helping out in the concession stands at Blues games. I'm thinking of the beer vendors, the musicians, the security people, the electricians, the stage hands, the restaurant workers, the bartenders, the ushers, the off-ice officials, the front office staff, ..well it goes on and on.

When is someone going to organize a game that will help defray the lost income and expenses of these people? These NHL players would score a big public relations goal if they would do a tour of all of the NHL cities and raise money for the people most affected by the work stoppage. Whatever money they raise could be divided equally among all bonified individuals and groups who can prove they have lost money during this NHL disaster. It might be a few hundred bucks. It might be two bucks. But the good will generated by the players...the owners obviously couldn't make such a game happen because they would have to ask the players for cooperation... would be enormous and everlasting.

Seems like something they should think about doing with all their spare time. And they might want to do it before hockey fans forget who they are.

Time's-a-Waistin'

More often than not, when I check the obits in the paper, I find someone I knew listed there.

I suppose it's a natural by-product of growing older, but lately I tend to wonder how my obituary will read. Will it be a simple collection of informative words constructed by my family and a funeral director? Will my passing be noteworthy enough to warrant a story separate from the obit? Will I have accomplished anything to achieve a positive legacy? Will anyone, other than family and close friends, really care? How will I be eulogized? I'm sure these are questions that most of us tend to ask ourselves now and again.

The thing that interests me is that it seems to take getting older to earnestly consider these thoughts. I certainly never gave them much time as a younger person...certainly not as a teen...and never before entering high school. At least, I don't remember really thinking at all about the possibility of my death back then. Sometimes, like all curious kids, I would wonder about where I was before I was born...and where I would go after I die...but not in the sense that I needed to do something important in between.

Young people, in particular, should understand the value of their time. Because they can do so much more with their sharp minds and highly-functional bodies. So, I propose a federal law that each morning when we get out of bed we are required to say something to remind ourselves that we're not seeing just another sunrise. Maybe something like: (I'm not sure all of this is original...seems kind of familiar)

"This day is a glorious gift...I understand that I will die...My body is not invincible...My time is not unlimited ...I make a promise to myself to do something valuable today, because today is the only day I can achieve anything. I cannot do something constructive yesterday or tomorrow... one is gone forever, and the other never comes."

Somehow I don't think we'll get the law passed that would require this thirty seconds of daily meditation, but think how much better the world would be if everyone walked around with such a mindset. Think of the accomplishments that would be made by those who ordinarily are afraid to do anything. Think of the respect that could finally be shown by each of us... to all of us.

I don't mean any of this in a religious sense. Religion shouldn't matter when considering the value of the life we are given. Who the giver is, is up to the individual. But that's worth thinking about too. I'm just saying that consideration of one's mortality is the perfect stimulant to accomplishment.

I think I'll begin reciting my little "day-starter" each morning. Just maybe I'll get that extra story on some page other than the obits. Why don't you join me?

Yaaaaaaawn...Monday Meanderings

--So..Let me understand this. Two men are found murdered by a mushroom hunter in Madison County. These two guys...one from Edwardsville, the other still unidentified...had been dead for 2-5 weeks according to the Major Case Squad. How does anybody disappear for that long...let alone two guys...without someone filing a missing persons report? I noticed that the Edwardsville man's cousin was quoted on the TV news. I guess someone can drop out of sight for a month with noone noticing...but not in most families. Something smells funny (no pun intended) about this story.

--I guess the Rams got what they wanted in the draft on Saturday. But, I've already read a couple of "experts" rating their draft as mediocre at best. Some think Alex Barron...the battleship-sized offensive lineman they drafted number one...has a poor work ethic. One would hope that the scouts did their homework on the guy. Some of the other picks are being called into question too. Reminds me of 1986. I was working for KXOK (at the time a news/talk/sports station) and the "Big Dead" and draft wizard George Boone selected linebacker Anthony Bell of Michigan State in the first round. This big fella (very nice kid) and I happened to show up at the press conference at Busch Stadium about the same time. I introduced myself and asked him if he liked Boone and the Cardinals, under the assumption that they had met at least once prior to the draft. He said, "Who's George Boone?". I reported this startling story. It was picked up by the other media too. The whole thing became a firestorm exposing the shoddy scouting done by Boone prior to draft day. I believe the fan reaction to the story became a major contributor to Boone losing his job.

--Can the Cardinals wrap up the NL Central by mid-August?? Late July?? I don't want to jinx them...but if the starting pitching continues to perform as it has...nobody in the division will seriously challenge them. I see the Cubs as the only team that can stay close. And they can't stay healthy. Cincinnatti doesn't have enough weapons...or pitching. Houston is over-the-hill and lost too much in the off-season. Milwaukee is much better than in recent years...but not to the Cardinals level. The Pirates...well, they're the Pirates.

--Bobby Orr...he of hockey royalty...wrote a column for the Boston Globe. He says the NHL is quickly becoming irrelevant. He urges players union rep Bob Goodenow and commissioner Gary Bettman to get a deal done now..or step aside for someone else. Maybe Bobby himself should be appointed "Special Uber-Commissioner" until the thing gets settled.

--I asked earlier if Eric Clapton would put in an appearance at Johnnie Johnson's funeral. Apparently a spray of flowers delivered to the funeral home with condolences and signed by E.C. was the best he could do. Clapton has raved about Johnson, and his contribution to rock-and-roll over the years. I'm sure he's a busy man.

--The wet winter, and warmer-than-usual early spring, has apprarently set us up for a rough mosquito season. St. Louis shows up 15th on the list of top 20 "mosquito problem cities" for this year. I've noticed a lot of ticks showing up on our pets in the wilds of Millstadt Township too.

--I am told by those who helped produce the show Friday night, that legendary Yackety Sax man Boots Randolph hasn't lost a note. He plays for an April dinner-show each year as The Falls reception and conference center in Columbia, IL celebrates the anniversary of it's opening. Not only does Boots still play an outstanding sax, he drives his musicians in from Nashville..and back home again the same night as the show. Randolph is 78. Good genes.

--One ticket was sold in Michigan for the 205 million dollar Mega-Millions jackpot in Friday night's drawing. Curses...foiled again.

More Friday Figgerin'

-I figger pulling a groin muscle away from the bone (like Nomar did the other night in the Cardinals game) sounds more like torture than a side-effect of sports. That's gotta leave a mark.
I'll be even Mia Hamm doesn't want to look at that bruise.

-I figger the Rams will not surprize anybody with their first-round draft pick. Probably the OT from Oklahoma.

-I figger when Pope Benedict XVI realizes he's 78 years old, and he only has so much time to leave his mark on the world, he may be more inclined to make a few changes than people might think.

-I figger it will be Hillary against Rudy in '08.

-I figger this Moussoaui character has some sort of martyrdom in mind now that he intends to plead guilty to his role in the 9-11 attacks.

-I figger I like this time of Spring about as much as any time of year.

People Are Strange

Two days ago I wrote about two kind and compassionate doctors. Scroll down to "Angels on Earth" for the whole story. I guess you can't have a Yin, without a Yang. So, today I'll vent about someone who occupies space on "the dark side". I prefer to stay positive about people..but sometimes people ARE just strange.

One of the nurses caring...and I use that word with great caution...for my mother in the hospital seems to have an attitude problem. This Nurse Ratchet wannabe seems to take great pride in being several things--

1) In charge
2) Gruff
3) Short with those in her care
4) Impatient
5) Generally mean-spirited

Understanding why someone who chose nursing as a profession would also choose to exhibit this sort of behavior is not easy. But this person seems unapologetic and confident that her approach is how the job is done.

Looking at it from her perspective, nursing is certainly stressful. Accomodating sick, uncomfortable, and sometimes dying people, and their often ungrateful family members, is no picnic. It's a job I wouldn't want. But, taking all that into account, wouldn't you think it easily ascertained that a large part of the mission is making those in your care comfortable..both physically and mentally.

This person was not happy to lose two patients earlier this week. That will happen. Death, particularly in hospitals, is part of life. But barking orders, being "un-gentle" physically, and thoroughly unpleasant won't "force" someone back to health. That seems to be the approach here--"You're not going to die on my watch...so, by God, you better toe the line and get better". I hope hospitals have means of monitoring the behavior of nurses. If they do, I'm sure someone will counsel this obviously intelligent, but drill-seargeant-like, person that her approach needs to be softened.

I'm not a psychologist, but one would think patients need all the positive reinforcement possible to fight for health. Particularly when you're dealing with the very sick and elderly, giving them a world they would want to remain a part of can make all the difference.

I don't know who said it...but I try to live by it..."The easiest thing in the world to be...is nice to others".

"Be nice to people on your way up, because you'll meet them again on your way down"
--Jimmy Durante (1893-1980)

People are strange when you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly when you’re alone
Women seem wicked when you’re unwanted
Streets are uneven when you’re down
When you’re strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you’re strange
No one remembers your name
When you’re strange
(Densmore-Krieger-Manzarek-Morrison) "The Doors"--1967

Ramblin'

GMC Stadium--Home of the Grizzlies--will be hosting it's first ever big music show this summer. The Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson tour of minor league ballparks will come to Sauget on July 8th. I just hope these guys don't try to smoke the outfield. I'll bet Craig Kuhl...the award-winning head groundskeeper for the Grizzlies is already developing an ulcer. He always has the playing field looking "major league".

If Matt Morris continues to pitch like he did last night, and Mark Mulder (the other double-M on the staff) has found his stuff, the Cardinals might have the NL Central wrapped up by the end of July.

George Steinbrenner blasted the Yankees the other day for not playing "like Yankees". I would think by now he would realize that he can't fire anybody but Joe Torre. I'll bet A-Rod is shaking in his spikes.

There's a Mexican restaurant in Belleville...and a new one by the same owners in Fairview Heights...called "Mariachi's" that's becoming my new favorite. Very good authentic Mexican food...and they make a great margarita. Very reasonbly priced menu. The Belleville location is on South Illinois in the space once occupied by "Diamond Lil's" at the Town House Motel.

Friday Figgerin' went pretty well--
The new pope was determined on the second day...not the second ballot.
Cal Eldred has an inflamation of his heart lining. He'll be recuperating for a while.
Morels are poppin'. We came up with a pretty good batch over the weekend...enjoyed them as part of dinner Sunday night. MMMMM.
My other figgerin' doesn't call for much follow-up.

American Idol Update--
I am totally in the dark about how last night's 70's music competition played out. Didn't get to see it...but what I hear is that Bo and Scott rocked, Anwar sucked, Carrie did OK, Vonzell was good, Constantine was so-so, and Anthony was strong. That's just what I gather from my research after the fact. So, I'll be watching tonight. Prediction (even though I didn't see a lick) Anwar (the technically sound...but no personality guy) will go home.

Something to think about.
Pope Benedict XVI is 78 years old.
Life expectancy for the average German is 71.8 years...Males 69.6...Females 74.0

Angels on Earth

I have always admired the life and work of a physician. There are few things more valuable than a good doctor. To be sure, there are some doctors that are better than others. But I have had the good fortune to experience the care of several very good ones during my life...both for myself...and for family members. At the time you desperately need their expertise and skill is when you appreciate them the most. And only then do you seem to comprehend that their commitment and dedication to helping others is such a noble use of a life.

Yesterday, these thoughts came streaming back to me as my mother underwent surgery for an intestinal disorder. The surgery was recommended and performed by a very bright and skilled surgeon named Scott Crouch. He is the type of person you would expect to be successful at whatever he chose to do with his life. Lucky for the general populous, he chose medicine. He has been clear, caring, and precise with each step along the path to diagnosing my mother's problem and recommending the treatment needed. Dr. Crouch has instilled confidence and trust in his ability to make my mother's life better since the first visit to his office.

Mom will turn 85 tomorrow. My sister and I want her remaining time with us to be enjoyable, and as healthy as possible. I have felt from day one that the doctor had this understanding of the situation and has dealt with her problem while exhibiting a level of compassion unusual for someone so young. I'm guessing, but I would say the doctor is in his early to mid 30's.

While my mother was in the operating room, another doctor came to visit my sister Bonnie, and me, in the waiting room. This doctor is a colleague in the same medical group as Dr. Crouch and was assisting with the surgery. He told us how it was going, explaining the procedure in more detail than lay people can understand. But, he made his best effort to communicate what they were accomplishing inside my mom's body. This man didn't have to be involved at all. Mom, technically, wasn't his patient. He just wanted to help. And he understood how precious our mother's well-being was to us. As it turns out, this fellow was a professor of Dr. Crouch's while he attended medical school at St. Louis University. The professor/doctor's name is Terry Wade. And he's a dear, old family friend.

Dr. Wade and I met as young boys back in the late 50's because we had relatives who were next-door neighbors. We would play impromptu games of wiffle ball...or tennis ball...or whatever we could find. Sometimes I would win...sometimes he would. Even though he was a few years younger, I always took pride in the victories because of his athletic ability and competitiveness. I'm sure those traits have served him well in his profession too. He has a well-earned reputation as one of the better surgeons in this part of the world. We've always enjoyed one another's company...but I never enjoyed his more than yesterday. We didn't ask for Terry to be with mom...he volunteered to be there. I'm sure he also knew how reassuring his face would be as he came into the waiting room yesterday. Is there really any way to thank a person like this enough? "Thank you" seems so inadequate.

Side comment: It's unbelievable to me that we have a climate so hostile to good doctors in our area. The good ones leave, just as quickly as the bad ones are sued for malpractice. Soon, a good doctor will be hard to find...and the not so good ones will be out of business... unless someone in government takes action to bring doctors a reasonable level of legal protection. I have nothing against most lawyers...just unjustified lawsuits.

The surgery went well. Mom will be uncomfortable for a few days, but should return to a very healthy and independent life very soon. Thanks to the good doctors.

Friday Figgerin'

-I figger $470 is a little too much to fork out for a couple of sun-faded seats from ol' Busch Stadium. I'd rather spend it on a whole season of fun at Grizzlies games.

-I figger the serial rapist who's working the East St. Louis female population will soon branch out to other communities if he's not caught soon. (The cops say they have a suspect and an arrest is imminent).

-I figger the new pope will be determined on the second ballot taken on Monday and won't be an Italian.

-I figger...but I hope I'm wrong...that Cardinals pitcher Cal Eldred has a health problem more serious than the upper respiratory infection that has been advertised.

-I figger Mike Danton is not too happy with his choices about now.

-I figger the Blues will be playing again in the fall...but you may not recognize many of the people wearing the uniforms.

-I figger its about time for the morels to be poppin'...and I'm not figgerin' to tell you where I find mine.

Thursday Thoughts

--So now there's a woman from Centreville, IL suing the Lowes company for allowing a bird to fly into her head and supposedly causing all sorts of physical damage. She was allegedly shopping in the garden department...which is not under roof...and this big, bad bird came swooping down...at the direction of Lowes management I'm sure...and knocked her down. Where will it all end? Has anyone ever heard of the word accident? Or is someone, somewhere, always responsible for someone else's misfortunes? As you already knew, the lawyers are out of control.

--My predictions in yesterday's post were close. But along with the rest of "American Idol" fans I was pretty shocked that Bo Bice was in the bottom three. When you think about it though, he has been pretty ordinary the last couple of weeks. And, I'm sure he and Constantine draw votes from the same base of fans. Constantine has continued to impress and improve...while Bo has stagnated.

--Once again, former Cardinals pitcher Steve Kline is trying to remove a rather large foot from his mouth. He told Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch the other day that he missed St. Louis and was miserable in Baltimore. Yesterday he called his teammates and the Baltimore press together to tell them that he really didn't mean it that way. Kline has always had a way of saying things before his brain is warmed up.

--One of the late Johnnie Johnson's biggest fans was Eric Clapton. It will be interesting to see if Clapton puts in a St. Louis appearance at Johnson's funeral.

--I see where the statistics are in for teen birth rates. In 2002 the rate of teens giving birth was down markedly. The very positive side-effect--fewer kids living in poverty and on the welfare dole. I wonder if the word is finally getting through that having babies when you are still a kid and living with your parents...or parent...or guardian...or (insert parental unit here)..is not such a great thing, and no badge of honor. I'm guessing that the trend away from actual intercourse...and toward Bill Clinton-type activity...is also partly responsible.

--Prediction--Next week on Idol--Scott Savol's luck runs out.

Idol Aftermath

OK...I admit it. I'm irreversably and undeniably hooked on the American Idol show. I don't know how it happened...but it's too late to turn back now.

So, here are my thoughts on last night's performances by the "Elite 8" who performed songs from the year they were born. (Mid to late 70's and early 80's)

----Rating Scale 1=Pathetic 5=Average 10=Show Stopper----

--Nadia Turner--My thoughts haven't changed on her from the beginning...very good performer, average voice. Last night's poor choice of songs (Some obscure Crystal Gayle tune) was unbelievable. She's so much better when she does high energy stuff that I can't believe she went for a slow...and totally unimpressive...tune like that. (Last night's rating- 5)
--Bo Bice--Perfect voice for a rocker. Excellent performer. But last night's "Free Bird" was not too inspiring. It didn't have a lot of range to the vocal...and there was never a moment in it that really got you anywhere close to "goose bumps". (Last night's rating-7)
--Anwar Robinson--Very good voice, technically excellent. Struggles with being warm to the camera. Last night's crooning was not bad...but took a Dionne Warwick song to places it didn't need to go. (Last night's rating-6)
--Vonzell Solomon--Cute as can be. Not the best voice in the world...but she's gotten more out of it than I expected earlier in the competition. Very good performer. "Let's Hear It For The Boy" was a perfect choice for her bubbly personality. (Last night's rating-8)
--Anthony Fedorov--He shouldn't even still be in the competition. But, the guy came back to show he's got some ability. "Every Time You Go Away" by Paul Young was a good choice for him. The teeny-bopper voting block will likely keep him alive for another week.
(Last night's rating-7)
--Scott Savol--"She's Gone" by Hall and Oates may be the most vocally challenging song anyone has ever sung on the show. He tackled it...but didn't nail it. Once his voice got into the higher register he was OK. I think his rap sheet and his little snippy comeback to Simon Cowell's critique won't help him with the voters. (Last night's rating--6)
--Carrie Underwood--Carrie had the look of someone who knows that there's no way she's getting voted off the show until the last 2 or 3 contestants, and she's probably right. She's got movie star looks...a very good, if not great, voice...and has the entire country music crowd on her side. Why she would pick Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield" for last night's performance I can only guess. Her agent...(I'm sure most of these kids have one already)...probably told her it was time to use national TV to get some sexiness out there, a la Brittney Spears. So, she accomplished that.
(Last night's rating--7)
--Constantine Maroulis--This guy is easily the best performer in the bunch. I said performer, not singer. He knows theatre, he knows lighting, he knows working the camera, and he knows how to play his steamy sexiness to the teen-girl crowd. Simon called last night's performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody" astonishing. I don't think he necessarily meant that in a totally positive way. But Constantine can sing well...and he comes off as a professional.
(Last night's rating--9)

Prediction--The bottom three will be Scott Savol, Nadia Turner and Anwar Robinson. Bye-bye to Nadia.

A Program Worth Catching

I watched a special on ESPN last night about a man I knew little about until seeing it. His name was Shirley Povich. He is the father of Maury, and one of the more famous sportswriters of the 20th century. He wrote for the Washington Post. The program made it clear that he was an icon of the sports journalism fraternity. He obviously was highly regarded even before his passing in 1998. I'm happy that I stumbled upon this documentary which featured comments from his family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances and included excerpts of some of Povich's flowery columns through the years.

Had Povich written the above paragraph himself it likely would have appeared more like this:

Thrust into my consciousness by way of a certain mystical transmission from one of our time's all-sports channels is the memorable life of Washington Post sports columnist Shirley Povich. This giant among those who chronicle sports is also recognized as the father of Maury Povich, a television host, husband of Connie Chung, and certainly the more recognizable branch of the family tree. Let it be known however, that Shirley Povich will, without reasonable challenge, be eternally remembered for his many powerful and poetic contributions to a journalistic style fast fading from our impatient world. Povich's musings and profundities will, no doubt, ensure a legacy and provide a definitive benchmark for generations of sports scribes yet unborn. His toilings for The Post have forever ensconced Povich as a literary giant knowing few equals among brethren of print. A pedestal amidst the gods of his chosen profession was certainly secure prior to his passing at age 92 in the 20th century's second-to-the-last year. This reporter will be forever grateful for having accidentally encountered such a precious television gem. Count his fortunate family circle, colleagues and acquaintances as powerful contributors to this poignant and well-crafted tribute to a heretofore anonymous Michelangelo of the press box.

--Back to normal now...Check your local listings. Its one of ESPN's original programs...Shirley Povich. Its a great documentary even if you don't care much for sports.

Monday Points to Ponder

--Would you trade places with Tiger Woods? If not, who would you trade places with? He plays golf for a living(not a bad deal even if you didn't make buh-jillions of dollars doing it)... has a wife that is about as good looking as is possible...makes miracles happen on a regular basis...pretty much does what he wants...when he wants. Yep...I think I might trade. (But he can keep his wife...I'll keep mine)

--Are we to believe that the Cardinals players are upset about having to travel to Oklahoma City and Springfield, MO for exhibition games before the regular season started in Houston last Tuesday? That is apparently the word from unofficial player spokesman Jim Edmonds. The trip supposedly tired them out...and left them no energy to play effectively this weekend in the home opening series. WAA--WAA-WAA. Aren't you just sick of these guys...who just don't have any connection to the reality that most of us deal with? Spend a week in some real shoes boys.

--They say gas prices have gone as high as they will go...at least for now...and will begin to recede soon. Yeah, right. Don't you feel helpless when you put gas in your car? You can't just not pay. You have to put fuel in the car. You have to pay whatever someone, somewhere says the price is. When is fixing this situation going to become a priority for someone in Washington?

--Another earthquake in Sumatra. 6.8 this time...no tsunami. Kind of makes you wonder if the Christmas tsunami was the big one....or if they haven't had it yet.

--All but three of the cardinals who will vote on the next pope were appointed by the late John Paul II. One would think his policies, politics and positions are safe with whomever his successor turns out to be.

--An Arena Football League player died during a game yesterday. Ironically...at least to me...he was injured making a tackle on an ordinary play out in the middle of the field. I was waiting for the first guy to die in arena football by being smashed headfirst into the dasher boards that are used to contain the field, as in hockey.

--Where do the birds go during a storm?

Katie's Boo-Boo

I happened to hear Katie Couric mention this morning during the coverage of Pope John Paul 2's funeral that he was "the first non-Italian" pope. I don't know where her information comes from on this one. The Italians have had a stranglehold on the papacy for a long time and probably the next pope will be another Italian because of their clout with the conclave of cardinals. But, according to a program that I viewed on the History Channel last night, there have been many non-Italian popes through the years. I had also believed that John Paul 2 was unique in being a native of Poland, but if you go back far enough you will find popes that hailed from many countries other than Italy.

The History Channel special indicated there have been popes from France, Africa and quite a few other European and middle-eastern countries. In fact, the Pope's headquarters was moved to France for many years several centuries ago.

The special was quite fascinating and shed light on the corruption, chaos, and politics that dominated the papacy in the early days of the Catholic church. Popes were murdered. Popes died mysteriously. (One died when a ceiling collapsed on him) Popes openly led troops into battle. One pope had his predecessor's body exhumed, propped up in a throne, put on trial, and after getting the verdict he wanted, thrown into a nearby river. Popes used to be not such nice guys. And at one time there were three men claiming to be the pope all at the same time.

The original pope was St. Peter. What country was he from?

I was also enlightened to learn that the Vatican is a rather recent creation. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini made a deal with the pope in the 1920's to recognize the Vatican as a separate country if The Church would no longer claim parts of Italy as its own land. The Vatican takes up about 130 acres of land in the middle of Rome.

So, if the History Channel special had its facts right, Katie has misspoken.

Questions of the Day

--Was Nikko Smith voted off American Idol because most of "Cardinal Nation" was not watching "AI" on Tuesday...and instead zeroed in on the Cardinals opener at Houston?

--Who will prevail on West Wing? Alan Alda or Jimmy Smits?

--Is it a conicidence, or part of a conspiracy, that now that gasoline is at an all-time high, we see fewer ads on TV for SUV's, and more for little putt-putt cars.

--When will FOX 2 start competing with 4 and 5 so we can get a decent 10 o'clock newscast in St. Louis?

--Did Bill Clinton ask Condi Rice out for a drink after they paid their respects to the late Pope?

--A TV report last night said that the Vatican predicts Pope John Paul II's funeral will be the biggest for anybody, anywhere at any time. What's the definition of biggest?

--Did you hear President Bush (number one) refer to the Pope as "Pope John Paul number 2" in his post-death comments for TV the other night?

--How many people are buried in Arlington National Cemetery? (answer below)

--Back to Idol...Who the hell is voting for Anthony Fedorov? (There must be a huge contingent of tone-deaf, 12-year-old girls with cell phones).

--Has Bruce Weber found someone yet to teach him how to speak without destroying what vocal chords he has left?

--Will there be protestors again this year at the Masters?

--Will Rick Ankiel ever make it back to the majors now that he's an everyday, minor-league outfielder?

--Where are Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden and O. J. Simpson right now?

--What exactly is Paris Hilton famous for?

--Should the guy holding the SLOW sign on the highway be paid more than a teacher?

(Answer to Arlington question above--"All of them")

Cautiously Excited

Hooray for the Cardinals! They started the season with a bang last night. St. Louis 7, Houston 3.

It looks like it will be another fun year to be a Cardinals fan. We are spoiled in St. Louis. We have an organization that is committed to winning, and smart about doing so. There aren't many cities that have teams with ownership and management as consistently correct with their on-field, and off-field, activities.

The part about being a Cardinals fan that's disappointing is not what our team does, but the circumstances and conditions with which they have to deal. The rest of the professional baseball structure and climate is totally chaotic, absurd and laughable. Put aside all the steroid stuff. The economic system of baseball is as screwed up as it can be.

Imagine being a fan in Tampa, Kansas City, or a number of other smaller markets. How could you possibly be excited at the start of the season knowing that the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves, Cubs and a few other teams are maybe 100 times more likely to be in the post-season than yours. It's just the economic reality of the situation. The big market, big spending teams have the clout, the players and the big money. And your team...no matter how smart the management may be...has somewhere around 1/10th of the resources to try to get to the World Series.

In St. Louis, because of the loyal and fanatical following, our team has a chance to field a good, to great, club consistently. So we tend to overlook the odds. But in the small markets that only occasionally taste success, the fans are smacked in the face with the desperation of their team's situation constantly. Winning anything is a secondary, and distant, part of being a baseball fan. Just seeing a game, having a hot dog and a beer, and trying to be content with that, becomes their hum-drum way of life.

The owners in the smaller markets are only mildly motivated to buck the system because they make money. The overall value of their investment continues to climb. And, they are a part of something that's....(referring to the bottom line) economically healthy...but competitively a train wreck. They can be content with making a couple of million here and there...while their franchise sales tag continues to climb by double digits every season. Why challenge the commissioner to level the competitive landscape when things are "not so bad"?

As one guy who is sick of the constant bombardment of Yankees and Red Sox stuff, I say bring on the salary cap in baseball too. Maybe the Oaklands, Minnesotas and Pittsburghs will have a chance to win something in a couple of years. Meanwhile, Go Cards!

Championship Observations

Random thoughts on the "unexpected" (at least by me) North Carolina win over Illinois.

--While I underestimated the impact that N.C. center Sean May would have on the game, I also underestimated the level of protection he would be given by the game officials. Maybe you can call it sour grapes, but it sure looked to me like this guy came in with a reputation that the officials...for some reason...were of a mind to preserve. What I mean by that is it seemed that May was able to move around at will knowing it was unlikely that an offensive foul would be called on him. Meanwhile, it seemed that every time an Illini defender got close to this outstanding player he would be whistled for a foul. Was I seeing the game with orange-colored glasses?

--I was most disappointed in two Illini players. James Augustine and Dee Brown.

Augustine will say today that he was whistled for some very questionable fouls on his way to fouling out of the game. And he may be right. But, in a national championship game you can not get yourself into a situation where a "ticky-tack" foul call will take you out of the game and put your team in such a weakened position. Not a smart game by a guy who was dominant in the Big Ten tournament just a few weeks ago.

Brown was not the "dynamic force" defensively, or offensively, that we're used to seeing. Many Illini games this season featured Brown making steals followed by driving layups. Brown also could be counted on for long-range jumpshots at key times. Brown was barely visible, particularly at crunch time, in last night's game.

Some would say Luther Head cost the Illini the game with a turnover and a couple of missed shots in the last :90 seconds. I would disagree. He, at least, was obviously doing all he could to get a win. He obviously wanted the ball and was trying to make things happen.

--Finally, I hope that the national television audience noticed the difference in the comments made by the respective coaches after the game.

Illini coach Bruce Weber...when finally asked to make his post-game observations on national TV...was gracious toward his players, the Illini fans and the experience in St. Louis. He also went out of his way to compliment North Carolina, and Sean May in particular, as being the better team last night. Weber has displayed nothing but grace and class from the beginning of the tournament, to it's end last night. Now he needs to get a voice coach.

Meanwhile, Roy Williams, the North Carolina coach, had absolutely nothing to say about Illinois. It was all me, and us, and ours, and we. "I'm happy for myself, my family, the N.C. fans, and my team". Never did he give credit to Illinois for even being on the court. While Williams is a likeable guy most of the time, I thought at least he could have given a bit of credit to his vanquished opponent. I don't think it was a show of disrespect, but I think it was a display of the lack of class that Williams has been accused of at times.

I would hope the parents of kids who may be in the process of choosing what university their student-athlete will attend noticed the same difference in the two coaches that I observed.

What's Missing?

Tonight will be one of the greatest nights in St. Louis sports history. The NCAA basketball championship will be decided in our fine city. And by all accounts the Gateway to the West has put on an incredible show for the national audience and the fans who have come to watch at the Edward Jones Dome. Jim Nantz, on the CBS telecast Saturday night, said he thought St. Louis had proven to be a "spectacular" host, and worthy of another Final Four very soon. The entire region is absorbed in this great sports event, and the nation will be watching as Illinois plays North Carolina for the title.

So, what's missing?

At this time every normal sports year we would also be a few days away from the end of hockey's regular season. The thrilling, early-April days of Blues' playoff positioning...or the push to make the playoffs...should also be a major factor on our sports pages and in our sports consciousness. The people here for the NCAA tournament should have had the chance to see a big game or two during their visit. We would have "extra-impressed" the masses with the atmosphere provided by the Savvis Center and the excitement of an important Blues game. It would have added greatly to the overall entertainment value of our town as it tried to convince the NCAA that it should bring back the Final Four in 2012.

But the visionless, disorganized generals and the spoiled, overpaid foot soldiers of professional hockey have deprived us of all this...and so very much more. Sadly, those of us who usually work in the industry, and count on it for income, are about the only ones noticing that hockey is missing from the local sports landscape.

The Time Has Finally Come

A long-awaited first is a few days away.

Louisville has won twice. Michigan State has won twice. North Carolina has won thrice.

Illinois has NEVER won the NCAA men's basketball championship.

Monday night in St. Louis the long-suffering fans of the Fighting Illini program will taste the sweet flavor of being number one for the first time since they began playing this tournament in 1939 when Oregon beat Ohio State. The highest previous finish in the tournament for a University of Illinois team--3rd Place, in 1951 and 1952. The "Flying Illini" tied for third in 1989 with Duke...because they stopped playing a third place game a few years earlier.

I believe the karma is right. They have the personnel. They have the "every man", highly likeable coach. They have not been a victim of serious injury. They have the game behind them (The Arizona Miracle) that most championship teams need to survive on their way to a title. Most of all, they will practically be playing home games on Saturday and Monday night. The Illini faithful will pack the Edward Jones Dome and give them the 6th man they undoubtedly will need to win.

The time has finally come. That was my prediction before the tournament started....and I'm sticking with it.

Can St. Louis Withstand the Scrutiny?

I'm as happy as the next guy that the NCAA Final Four is being staged in St. Louis this weekend. We are given to believe that this will not only be a fantastic event and bring much needed attention to the Gateway City as a convention site, but it will also be an audition for the NCAA reps who will decide whether we get the 2012 Final Four.

I have no doubt that our sports facilities are top shelf. There is no problem there. The people who will run the show here are certainly as good as anybody else. What I wonder about is how the muckety-mucks who will make the decision to come back in a few years will view the overall appeal of the downtown area. Fun, Clean, Attractive, Safe??

The city has come a long way toward re-establishing itself as a destination. There are more restaurants, nightclubs, quality apartments, and fun places to be (i.e. casinos) than there were just five years ago. But, and I think it's a big but, there are still a lot of eyesore and vacant buildings around that will not cast the downtown area in a favorable light. Intelligent out-of-towners will see past all the camouflage. And let's be honest, the dome is very close in proximity to a part of the city that is seething with violent crime. We can't go through a week without a handful of North St. Louis murders making the news. One wrong turn in the rental car by some visitor unfamiliar with the lay of the land and he, or she, could be staring into a pistol. If, heaven forbid, there was a violent crime committed against some out-of-town fan this weekend, we can kiss that 2012 return visit good bye.

St. Louis, and it's downtown area in particular, are on the upswing. But, during an audition you have to be able to present your "A game". I'm just not sure we measure up to the Chicagos and New Orleans' of the world yet. I hope I'm wrong.

Suddenly Underdogs

All of a sudden the University of Illinois basketball team...number one in just about everybody's mind all year...is the second choice of the Las Vegas oddsmakers. Many a pundit in the media has also now jumped on the North Carolina bandwagon.

The miraculous comeback to beat Arizona was apparently accomplished by a team that suddenly is incapable of living up to its expectations. Were fatal weaknesses exposed that hadn't been there before? Did Deron Williams suffer a season-ending injury? Did Bruce Weber's screachy voicebox stop working altogether? Did Billy Murray's presence at the game in Chicago cast them as "Caddyshack" loveable losers? Did North Carolina pick up Shaquille O'Neal for the rest of the tournament? You know the answer.

So, what's different? I guess the Illini came too close to losing Saturday night for the betting crowd. Being down 15 with 4 minutes left certainly shows a capacity to come out on the losing end of a score. But, at the same time, they didn't come back to beat the St. Mary's 7th grade girls team. They did it against Ari-freakin-zona!! If North Carolina had pulled a similar comeback against Wisconsin would the shoe be on the other foot? The Tar Heels haven't exactly been blowing out the opposition in this tournament either.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the whys and hows of Vegas investing. Many are moving their money to what they consider a more secure place. I don't bet on such things. So I'm certainly more comfortable with my heart in the Illini corner. For the sake of Bruce Weber, and other nice-guy coaches everywhere, I hope the Fighting Illini are cutting the nets down at the Jones Dome Monday night.

NCAA Acting Tournament

I don't have the time to pursue it...or the money...so I'm throwing out this idea for anyone who wants to run with it. A combination of the NCAA tournament and American Idol...but with a twist. The competition won't be for singers...it will be a tournament featuring the best theatre/drama departments at the NCAA schools...and will follow the same format as the basketball tournament.

This idea occurred to me the other day when I was watching the fantastic excitement provided by this weekend's games. I thought about my son Stewart....an acting major at the Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. I thought...Gee, wouldn't it be great if other kids in college could experience the same type of national attention, and the thrill of competition, that the sports kids do.

So, here's what needs to happen. We get the NCAA to put together and sanction a tournament in which member schools would be invited to present a 10-minute play featuring their best actors, directors, playwrights, set-designers, and all the other behind-the-scenes people necessary to produce a top-notch show. I would suggest that it be a "sit-com" competition. Meaning...no heavy dramas, no Shakespeare...after all, we're trying to get everyone to watch "the game" on TV. And, we're trying to give these kids a vehicle they can ride to future employment.

There would be regional competitions just like in the basketball tournament. You get a panel of acting/entertainment experts, similar to Randy, Paula and Simon on "Idol" to judge the whole thing. Maybe you could get some of the "unemployed" cast of Friends to judge. (David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow don't seem to be too busy these days). You tape the regional auditions...make shows out of them just like "Idol". (Play up the good...Play up the bad...have some fun with it).

The best from the regionals are then invited to Hollywood...where else?...to compete live on TV for the title of NCAA National Theatrical champions. Each week the playwrights, actors and crew from the schools would have to come up with an entirely new and fresh production. Once the competition gets down to the Elite Eight, the national TV audience would vote for their favorites, again just like on "Idol". On the final night of competition, the remaining schools would each produce and perform a 23-minute show...just like a real sit-com.

The winners...and losers...would get some great exposure for their schools, theatre/drama programs, and everybody involved could make some money. The kids would get exposed to the world as the talented individuals that they are. I think there's a chance for this because we're talking about "entertainment". After all, how could you do a tournament that was interesting and fun to watch while trying to pick the national chemistry champs...or the best paleontology school?

Just send me 2% of the profit when the idea gets picked up by one of the networks.

March Madness...And How!!

Occasionally I wonder why I'm such a total sports fanatic. Then comes along a weekend like the one we just had and I understand all over again.

Could anyone...other than fans of Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky and Wisconsin...believe that this wasn't the best weekend of sports entertainment in many, many years? Even the followers of those programs have to admit that this weekend's NCAA games were awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping spectacles that will be hard to top at The Dome in St. Louis this coming weekend.

I actually thought Louisville had a chance to come back to beat West Virginia like they did because they never seemed to be out of time. But, if anyone reading this says they didn't give up on Illinois when they were 15 points down with 4 minutes left on Saturday night, they are being less than truthful. I even went back to work on my "honey do" project about then, feeling embarassed for Bruce Weber and his team that they would bow out so uncharacteristically. But then I began interrupting my project to take an occasional peak at the game. The peaks turned into stares...and the stares turned into a long, heart-pounding, living-room jumping, shout-out-loud, sports thrill that I will never forget.

Let's be honest, that thrilling finish in Chicago could only happen in college basketball. High school kids don't have the overall skill to make something like that happen. Pro players are too skilled, used to the pressure, and blaze' to allow it to happen. That's the big reason the college game, especially in the NCAA tournament, is so much more fun and entertaining than the NBA. The NBA guys are showing up for a paycheck. The college kids are playing for their schools, their teammates, their coaches, their families, their hometowns, and all of the things for which athletes should care.

Can Illinois go ahead and win the whole thing? Sure, they could. But, at the very least, their season has now been validated by making it to the Final Four. It looks to me like the Arizona team gave them the toughest match-up problems they will encounter in the whole tournament. But, they still have to play Louisville...and if they win that one...either Michigan State or North Carolina. The biggest irony would be if they played a team from their own conference (Michigan State), a league they dominated all year, in the championship game... and lost. Oooh.. that would be another NCAA power-drama that would be hard to forget. I'm not predicting it....but I'm half-way expecting them to meet in the title game.

No matter what happens, this NCAA tournament, with it's finals scheduled for here in St. Louis, has to be one of the most unforgettable and enjoyable sports experiences this nation has put itself through in decades. And the NCAA tourney might have finally put itself right up on the same shelf with the World Series and Super Bowl in the ranks of our country's most important sports events. I know it has with me.

I guess some people were playing bingo...or watching a Kevin Bacon movie on some other channel...but look what they missed.

Fickle Coverage

Funny, how when they're just another team, the Illinois-based university basketball and football programs barely get any mention on St. Louis TV sportscasts. The strategy normally seems to be--"only those central and southern Illinois hayseeds would be interested...so why bother". Give us more Mizzou. Give us more SLU. Give us more of anything in Missouri.

But, now that they're the number one basketball team in the nation, all of a sudden the Fighting Illini are "our boys" in St. Louis. They dominate the sportscasts. All the local stations have someone doing a live stand-up in front of the buildings where they play to make sure everyone knows the station is claiming ownership of U of I sports coverage in St. Louis.

I understand that it's a battle for ratings...and the the Illini are the hottest thing going...and that the Final Four is going to be in St. Louis...but how two-faced and transparent can they possibly get? I just don't understand how these station people can look at their marketing area and the pattern of their broadcast signal and regularly be convinced that the one-third of the population on the Illinois side of the river doesn't merit routine coverage.

The only thing more hypocritical than the current level of "Illini" home-cookin'...is the disgusting pandering to Saluki sports fans when SIU-C made their run in the NCAA tourney. Suddenly it was "The Dawgs" and "our boys from C-town". It was enough to gag a maggot. The SIU football and basketball programs have been dominant in the last 5 years or so...certainly much more successful than Mizzou. But I guarantee you won't see or hear another mention of SIU sports until something else enormous happens. If Gary Pinkel or Quin Snyder get a sore throat though, you can bet you'll get a full medical report from the Surgeon General.

Carbondale is a lot closer to St. Louis than Champaign...and about exactly the same distance from The Arch as Columbia, Mo. And there's a good contingent of SIU and U of I grads in the St. Louis area work force. Wake up you people in St. Louis TV. The schools in Illinois merit some regular coverage too. Don't just show up when the rest of the world does.

Observations on the Hagin/Helton Firestorm

I haven't met Cardinals broadcaster Wayne Hagin. I haven't met Rockies player Todd Helton. So my comments about the current steroid and media maelstrom involving these two come from afar. But often it seems the farther away one is from a situation, the more clearly one is able to see it. My attempt at a vision of the forest, and the trees, follows.

Observation 1: I can't believe Wayne Hagin could be so "un-cerebral" as to even come close to accusing a ballplayer, especially in the current climate, of being a steroid user. Whether he meant to say steroids or not...(which is still being debated)...Hagin shouldn't have even gotten close to the subject....particularly when talking about a specific individual.

Even Wayne, who seems like a very likeable and well-educated fellow, now admits that he "screwed up" in broaching the subject. With his extensive broadcasting experience, he should have known better than to allow himself to be "misunderstood" in an on-the-air, and on-the-record, situation that dealt with such a sensitive, and potentially flammable, matter. If he thought that because he was talking on a St. Louis radio station that the story wouldn't "go national", or get back to the people in Denver, he was not thinking clearly about that either.

Many times when you're the subject of questions in an interview situation, you feel the urge to be more than just a good guest. I've been there a few times. You're tempted to answer specific questions as honestly and forthrightly as you can. You want to provide "a nugget" that will make the listener "take notice". I suspect Wayne gave in to such a temptation to provide "some meat" in an otherwise ordinary interview situation.

OK...lesson learned. I'm sure his employers at the Cardinals have him on "double-secret probation" after an unexpected and unseemly PR problem. Would Hagin's predecessor have ever gotten himself into such a mess? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Observation 2: If Todd Helton didn't do anything wrong, why is he throwing such a big fit at an accusation that supposely doesn't hold water? He said...when told of the comments by Hagin...that he would never forgive him. Never forgive him? Excuse me, but a simple "The guy is wrong" would have been sufficient.

Let it go Todd. If you would have had a calm and confident reaction to the media, the whole thing probably would have gone away by now. But, because the media smelled smoke...they continue to look for the fire. You could have let Hagin explain himself to you personally and then put out the fire with a simple..."I understand what the man was trying to say...and I accept his explanation". But No...o..o.ooo. You won't take his phone call. You certainly won't admit that he is someone who used to cover your games on a daily basis and might have a clue about the situation. Your childish reaction to the whole mess...puts even more of a spotlight on you than apparently is comfortable. Will you hold up under the scrutiny you are now bringing on yourself with your thumb-sucking, elementary-school behavior?

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks"....William Shakespeare..Hamlet

I Got One Right..Let's Try Another

In a previous post, I predicted that Congressman Lacy Clay would try to "un-name" the Mark McGwire highway that runs through his district in north St. Louis. I can't say why I thought this would happen, other than it seemed like he made a point of bringing up the fact that McGwire was so honored during his questioning of the reluctant witness at last week's "Steroid Spectacular" in Washington.

Since the hearing, Clay has indeed suggested that the highway should revert to simply Interstate 70. Apparently people at the state level must sign off on such a change and at this point are unwilling and unlikely to do so.

McGwire seems to be in a position now where he will have to try some kind of public relations maneuver to re-claim his reputation. Even though he didn't admit anything at the hearings, his reluctance to claim innocence...in any form...labeled him forever. Unless he makes an effort now to do some "damage control"...he likely won't be a first-ballot entrant into the Hall of Fame. He most certainly would have been before Thursday.

I will venture another prediction. (Let's see if this one pans out).

McGwire...through his attorneys, or agents...will in a few months let it be known that he's available for interviews. He will accept invitations to appear on talk shows...(Leno, Letterman, Today, all the usual places)...where he will answer THE QUESTION. He will say that he never used steroids and that his silence at the hearings was an effort to protect others which backfired.

He will say that his attorneys told him that in order to not name names of past acquaintances who used 'roids, he would have to avoid saying anything about his own past...and he took it to an unflattering and self-damning extreme.

In these talk show settings...(where his shy, self-effacing personality will come through better...and he's not under oath)...he will be able to re-claim some of his lost face. People will see him state his case with some ease. They will also see him shed tears once again when he talks about the work he does...and has always done... for underpriveleged and abused kids. They will also find that he is the same "big kid" that they fell in love with in 1998. For his own sake...and the sake of any legacy he may yet leave behind....I expect he will do this. If his attorneys....or some of his close friends like Tony LaRussa (who is an attorney)...haven't suggested this to him yet...they are doing him a disservice.

The only thing potentially wrong with this prediction---He IS so shy and seemingly uncaring about his public personna, that he may just go into seclusion for the rest of his life and stay there. He could be trying to buy a tropical island with a 9-hole golf course right now.

Big Mac Pulls a Big Choke!

I don't know who Mark McGwire's legal advisors are, but he should seriously consider not paying them. They didn't do him any good at the steroid hearings in Washington.

If it was their idea that he not say anything about his past, they screwed up. If it was McGwire's idea that he not say anything about his past, they still screwed up. They should have told him to say one thing about his past...and one thing only. Just like Rafael Palmeiro...he should have looked straight at somebody and said...

"I HAVE NEVER USED STEROIDS.....PERIOD".

Whether it was the truth, or not, for the sake of any legacy he has left, he should have said it. By not saying it...and not saying it...and not saying it again...I think in most people's minds he came off as an admitted 'roid user anyway. Was he that concerned about perjuring himself before Congress?? I doubt it. If somebody comes along later and wants to try to prove such a statement to be false, so be it. Someone likely will be trying to do that anyway. But his millions of fans...particularly the Cardinal fans who were thrilled by, and paid dearly to see, the homers in the late '90's... were yearning for him to claim some form of innocence.

Congressman Clay...of St. Louis...gave him the perfect opportunity. Clay's question to Mac didn't even directly ask about steroids. If I heard it correctly, he asked..."Can you say that you are honest, and your records were honestly achieved??" He was specifically asking about honesty. We know what he was referring to. But he didn't ask specifically about steroids! McGwire could honestly say he was an honest person...without admitting anything else. For instance, he could have done a Bill Clinton and asked..."What is your definition of honesty"? And then he could have said..."I believe I am an honest person". But we didn't even get that. Where were his attorneys when he had the chance to seize that opportunity? The old.."I'm here to talk about the future...not the past. I'm a retired player. Anything to help the kids" routine got old, evasive and disingenous after the first five minutes.

I know one thing. I will never have the same reverence for Big Mac and his achievements that I once did. I'll wager I'm not alone there. I'm also betting that Congressman Clay introduces a bill soon to "un-name" the Mark McGwire highway on Interstate 70.

This Should Be Interesting

I see where the NHL and the players union are getting together this week to continue bargaining talks. Or maybe better put....to re-start bargaining talks. Since the two sides are meeting at an undisclosed location, there may not be a lot of information available about how things are going. But, you can bet there will be a lot of tension in that room. Oh...to be a fly on the wall.

I'm guessing the owners...having just cancelled an entire season...will be playing hard ball. I would also expect the players to "hold the line" against any sort of salary cap since that's been their "sticking point" all along. There's no real time pressure for the players. The only time pressure is for the owners to get a deal done....if possible...with the "real players" in time to mount some kind of marketing campaign prior to the fall when they say they will play one way or the other.

I would think if there ever was any danger of an all out "bar fight" between these two sides, it would be at this week's meeting. Maybe not a bar fight....but a "bench clearing brawl". Maybe that's what these guys need, to take the gloves off, have Bettman and Goodenow duke it out along with all of the other "lawyer types" who have screwed this thing up. Maybe the air would clear a little and they could get down to real business.

Too Close to Home

It's funny. We see murder and mayhem on the news all the time. But, when a crime comes a little too close to your own life, suddenly a different part of your brain kicks in. Wednesday's triple murder in Belleville is such an event for me.

While I wasn't close to any of the victims, I still have to wonder..."If this could happen to these people....in that location...how safe am I? Where do you have to live to be protected from someone who would do this sort of thing?" The answer...the Moon.

Any of us could walk into a crime like this...just as any of us could be killed by a drunk on the highway...or have a tree fall on us. Murder...particularly in this relatively safe area of Belleville...is a rare and unexpected event. There is no way to prepare for it. We can only be comforted by the fact that there are very professional...and very caring...law enforcement personnel doing everything to make sure it doesn't happen to us.

Belleville's police force is second to none. The so-called human being that did this crime will not be free very long.

Bring Back Hockey...But Fix It First

I was just listening to a segment on a local radio station about the anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice"...the US victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics at Lake Placid. Wow!! Can it possibly be 25 years ago?

Look what has happened to hockey in that 25 years. Back in '80 it was a sport that had marginal to moderate interest in the United States and fanatical interest in Canada. It was played at the professional level in 16 or so cities in Canada and the midwest to northerneastern United States. It was a sport in which it was difficult to make a comfortable living if you were a player. Foreign players were almost non-existent in North American pro hockey. Fights in the game were not encouraged...but not really discouraged either-- (It put butts in the seats). The NHL was hardly on the radar screen of the majority of U.S. sports fans. Pro hockey fans were a loyal, hearty, fun-loving, fight-loving, and generally working-class bunch. The situation was OK as far as most people in the industry were concerned. Teams made money, players made some money, fans didn't pack arenas...but is that really the measure of the success of a sport?

By some ten years later, in 1990, the big contracts had become commonplace. Hockey player salaries rivaled those of their brethren in baseball and football. The NHL had moved into markets in the southern tier of the US...Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa..etc. Foreign players were beginning to populate...if not dominate...most rosters. Ticket prices had taken many of the sport's former fans out of the arena...and to a sports bar to watch the game. Superstar mentality began to reign with many rosters having one or two "marketable" players. Fan support was strong...but for how long?.

Now in 2005...there is no NHL...at least for the last 8 months. Player salaries are a higher percentage of operating costs of owners than in any other sport. There are 30 NHL teams. Most sports fans couldn't tell you that fact. Or where many of those teams are located. Canadian and US players have a hard time finding spots on NHL rosters. Hockey has disappeared from TV, radio and newpapers...with the exception of labor related news. The sport has been mostly cleansed of fighting. Who are the real hockey fans? Probably those who can't afford to buy a ticket. You could once again say that hockey is back to being a dim blip on the radar screen of most American sports fans. Canadians may soon be able to say the same.

Why? Ticket prices...ridiculous. Interest level...what interest level? Players...rich, aloof, too big for the ice surface, without personality, and worst of all..totally believing that they are entitled to the over-inflated salaries they make. League and Ownership...incapable of agreement, marketing...what marketing?, unable to fix the obvious problems with the game,
and unable to remember the kind of entertainment that got them to where they are now. The Game...plodding, boring, defense-dominated, bad on TV, need I say more?

The circle of life in hockey is beginning to become evident. Something must die...to become food for continuing life. What form will hockey's new life take? Could it be something like we had 25 years ago? One can only hope.