April Non-Fool

April Fool's Day is a charming and I think completely American tradition! Happy
April Fool's Day to you!

Problems of the World

March 31, 2014 -- and all the problems of the world remain. Ukraine is near the brink -- of a Russian takeover, or perhaps a bloody war in defense of territory; the world climate report insists that we could be hurtling towards a cataclysmic cycle of destructive climate change; weather in the US remains stuck on a crazy "winter mix" cycle of low pressure cold systems moving from West to East across the Northern tier of states; our pre-election bandwagon is all GOP all of the time!

The Malaysian airliner that "went down" or "got lost" several weeks ago has not yet been found, or explained, or even speculated on correctly at least to public knowledge.  It's as if the "news" is in "stasis" -- staying where it is for a while before it gets considerably worse. Or better. But not likely.

Perhaps the biggest problem of the world is our inability to really affect or impact a change in the way things are. Why are we of a world in which we have so little say? 

On Grief, Sobriety, Peace

Grief too is an addiction.  It can take hold of a person's psyche and keep that person back, in chains, controlled by the past and one's own precocious guilt. Sobriety is the act and ultimately state of getting past an addiction, like alcohol -- drugs -- or even grief. Achieving calm and balance in one's life is the art of living while growing. Peace can be the result. 

One grows older, or more entrenched, or more open, or more like what a person aspired to rather than achieved. One hardens or softens as one matures. One loses touch or one digs in -- to those relationships one cherishes. Human beings all grow through their experiences differently.  Where am I now anyway?  

Astrology, Religion, Mythology, Fate

Some people follow their "horoscopes" or their palm readings obsessively. Others go to church 4-6 times per week in their desire to cement their beliefs within themselves, and in front of others. Some human beings insist that religion is a kind of myth -- to be followed perhaps, but not necessarily excluding the elements of life they really want to participate in. Other human beings accept "fate" or what will be without trying to change it with "prayer" or "meditation."

I for one believe in everyone's right to believe. I believe that some people have deep and abiding faith, even sometimes when science or basic contradictory facts of existence stand in front of them and look them directly in the face. I believe in making mistakes. I believe that most of us are sometimes foolish and make all kinds of faulty judgments. And I believe in God -- or at least the "need for a God" -- someone who is greater than me, and knows more than me, and with whom I am somehow connected. 

I am certainly not sure if this God is a "personally involved" kind of God -- the God that interferes with history and fact just because I ask Him/Her to. I don't know if God really exists -- I have the kind of faith that doubts, yet believes in spite of doubts. My meditations and prayers are stated thus: "Dear God, if you exist ... please help.....so and so."  I rarely if ever pray for myself -- even though I am sure I need the help. It seems too selfish. 

Coach at Marquette

Goodbye to Buzz Williams!!! Seeking the "new job" job at Virginia Tech -- obviously because of the better weather (ahem), the more prestigious conference (the ACC is ranked ahead of the newly declined Big East), the chance for national glory --- losing to both Duke and North Carolina in the same year!  Or was it because his coaching and personal style are so idiosyncratic and egoistic that no player really felt "safe" or "supported" in his system? Even when the playing talent level was higher for MU (one or two years ago)--the players seemed to tolerate Buzz Williams rather than truly respect him. Buzz is more of a "small time" sharper, than a "big time" winner.  He knows the right plays; plays the right defenses; but can't get the best out of his players.

The 2013-2014 season proved that--did Buzz get the best out of OJ Mayo? Or Jamil Wilson? Or Derrick Wilson? No, no, and no.  All three of these players faded as Buzz kept up an insane substitution round-robin which profited no one. Or no team.

Choose wisely for your new coach Marquette --- someone who may be eccentric (but not egomanical), someone who is upright (but not old or stiff). someone who is passionate about winning (but more passionate about the people). 

Acquiistive Age

Fundraisers break down a person's life stages into two: the acquisitive stage and the give-back stage. Usually a person spends the majority of their life acquiring things: money, property, toys, big toys, fancy vacations, collections, friends of a certain caliber, etc. These things are then put together -- perhaps enjoyed, and then slowly--slowly-slowly they melt back into the general pool of things.

The "giving back" portion of a person's life comes about when a person takes stock of what they have, realizes that he/she doesn't need that much, and begins to distribute back the excess into society someway.  This may be through charity, or spending, or simply giving things away. 

For some greedy people the acquisitive age never ends and they control all their stuff -- trying to defy the adage that "you can't take it with you."

Balance, as in all things, is the answer to this choice every individual has.  Giving back is not a weakness; holding onto some things is not sheer selfishness. A little of both or a lot of both is the required answer for a healthy life. 

The Swallows are Back....

There are several "charming" but consistent natural traditions associated with March 19th on the calendar.  Yes, the "swallows" (the birds not the act of swallowing) should be back in Capistrano on or about this date.  In addition the "buzzards" of Hinckley, Ohio should also be returning about this time.

The weather this year has been stranger than normal so both these momentous migratory events may be "off" by a day or more, but the tradition, in general, should still hold.