Today's QOTD: October 28, 2010

"Those schoolgirl days of telling tales, and biting nails are gone. But in my mind I know they will still live on and on. But how do you thank someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume? It isn't easy, but I'll try.If you wanted the sky, I would write across the sky in letters, that would soar a thousand feet high, To Sir, With Love."; Lulu Kennedy-Cairns ("Lulu"b.1948); Movie of same name (1967) w/Sidney Poitier (b.1927)

I've taken a few days off from Blogging to get some things in order, but I've had the pleasure of listening to the "70's on 7" and the "60's on 6" on Sirius radio in my '07 Expedition.  I've come to the realization that Music really does transcend the soul.  For example, how can you not be moved by songs like "Proud to be American" by Lee Greenwood, "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen, "America" by Neil Diamond, and "Ballad of Green Beret" by SSgt Barry Sadler?  I have covered all 4 of those songs in previous blogs, as well as "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot, but it was the airing of "Wreck" yesterday morning that caught my attention and caught me to think.  We are defined by the music of our day, whether it be the 40's or the first decade of the 21st Century.  Being the youngest of 7, I grew up watching "America Bandstand" when it was on every afternoon, and when it changed to a Saturday Noon format (I didn't have a choice - being the youngest, I only had control of the TV on early Saturday mornings or if I was home when none of my 6 Brothers and 2 Sisters were present.  I even endured (and began to love) the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, as well as Tommy Dorsey and the sensation percussion of Gene Krupa.  To me, "Let's Dance" was one of the finest recordings ever played, as well as "Take the A Train" and "Moonlight Serenade" when Miller chose to substitute clarinets for coronets (the rest is history).

The Music I enjoyed in the 60's and 70's was incredible, but there are several musical renditions that really stood out to me as being ground-breaking:

• "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Gloria Gaynor - 1974) - regarded as the first true Disco Song (previously made famous by the Jackson 5 in 1971)
• "I Want You Back" (Jackson 5 - 1970) - their breakout hit
• "Ticket to Ride" (Carpenters - 1970) - their first single followed by the smash "Close to You"
• "Maggie May" (Rod Stewart - 1971) - his first chart topper
• "American Pie" (Don McLean - 1971 - the LONG version - 7 minutes)
• "Closer to Home" (Grand Funk Railroad - 1969)
• 'The Hustle" (Van McCoy - 1975)
• "Waterloo" (ABBA - 1974) - they learned the song in English (they didn't speak English YET!)  to win the Euro Competition in '74 and it became a world-wide hit!
• "Dancing Queen" (ABBA - 1976/77) - their biggest song ever
• "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (Gordon Lightfoot - 1976) - a TRUE story from November 1975
• "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen - 1976) - STILL nothing like it
• "What the World Needs Now" (Jackie DeShannon - 1969) - from the Movie "Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice) Written by Burt Bacharach
• "Where Did Our Love Go?" (The Supremes - 1964) - their first #1 song
• Anything by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones
• "Your Song" (Elton John - 1970) - Composed by John before his association with Bernie Taupin, and it was originally a "B" side to 'Take Me to Your Pilot," but the radio station DJ's liked "Your Song" better, and the rest was history!  Followed by "Levon," and the smash hit "Rocket Man."  This is similar to "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Steam, which was the "B" side of "It's the Magic of You Girl" by Steam, a ficticious group.  "Na Na" became the first number one single in Billboard History (December 1969) to be a "B" Single - considered a "throw away" recording on Mercury's label.  One Hit Wonder!

The list goes on, but it truly transcends us in every way.  These are the songs that made the difference to me growing up, as well as "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears (from the Movie "Real Genius" - 1985).

"Ticket to Ride" - Recorded by the Carpenters (Lennon/McCartney 1965) in 1970

I think I'm gonna be sad
I think it's today
Yeh
The boy that's driving me mad
is going away.
He's got a ticket to ride
He's got a ticket to ride
He's got a ticket to ride
and he don't care.
He said that living with me
was bringing him down
Yeh
He would never be free
when I was around.
He's got a ticket to ride
He's got a ticket to ride
He's got a ticket to ride
and he don't care.
Don't know why he's riding so high
He oughta do right
He oughta do right by me
Before he gets to saying goodbye
He oughta do right
He oughta do right by me
I think I'm gonna be sad
I think it's today
Yeh
The boy that's driving me mad
is going away.
He's got a ticket to ride
He's got a ticket to ride
He's got a ticket to ride
and he don't care
he don't care.

Think about it . . . a trip down memory lane!

Yogi: 10/28/2010 10:51CDT

Today's QOTD: October 24, 2010

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Where we would be today without imagination?  From the musings and daydreaming of children, to the complexity of computers and our National Power Grid; imagination played a part in each and every item we use today.  For example:

• Thomas Alva Edison: The Phonograph and the Incandescent Light - two of MANY of his inventions - all through imagination
• Alexander Graham Bell: The Telephone ("Watson!  Come here, I need you!")
• Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak: The Personal Computer - the original Apple I (1975-1977)
• Bill Gates: Microsoft (which was begun as a Basic Computer Language for the Radio Shack TRS-80 line of computers - developed in 1977 with the Model I)
• Sam Walton: Discount Stores where everybody could afford products (WalMart begun in 1962)
• Galileo Galilei: The Telescope (would the Hubbel Space Telescope be bringing us those incredible images today?)
• Dr. Christiaan Barnard: The first successful human heart transplant on December 3, 1967
• Dick Loehr: Pioneering the concept of saving money and making money (via a Passive Income stream) and enriching the lives of hundreds of thousands of people using a easily duplicatable system (known today as "Team National") in 1997

As you can imagine, the list is endless.  The world is a better place because of those who "dreamed" the big dream and followed their dreams.

"On October 24, 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph system was completed, making it possible to transmit messages rapidly (by mid-19th-century standards) from coast to coast. This technological advance, pioneered by inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, brought an end to the Pony Express, the horseback mail service which had previously provided the fastest communication between the East and the West." (Source: The Library of Congress: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct24.html)

Today of all days, I salute those who dreamed, and those who continue to dream to help advance our lives technologically, medically and economically!

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/24/2010 11:15AM

Today's QOTD: October 21-23, 2010

October 21:  ‎"My name? Maynard G. Krebs. Oh, by the way, man, the "G" stands for Walter. You dig?" Maynard G. Krebs (Bob Denver: 1935-2005) from "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" (1959-1963).

October 22:  ‎"No thank you, Mrs. Cleaver. I really must be getting home. We're having squab this evening." - Eddie Haskell (Ken Osmond - b.1943), "Leave It To Beaver" First Season - 1957

October 23:  ‎"Like we say in the sewer, time and tide wait for no man. I know just how you feel because I went through the same thing two or three years ago when they laid me off from the sewer. I felt just like a fish out of water." - Ed Norton (Art Carney 1918-2003), "The Honeymooners" First Season - 1955

In the "Golden Age" of Television, life was much simpler than it is today.  Besides Dobie Gillis, The Cleavers and "Norton and Kramden," we watched programs like "Howdy Doody" and "Captain Kangaroo."  Color TV sets were not available in the late 50's and early 60's, and when they were (RCA, Zenith and Magnovox), they were EXPENSIVE!

However, the "Cold War" was in full force, and we practiced the "Duck and Cover" drills often.  How funny that seems today, for covering your head and ducking would not have saved you from an Atomic warhead and the aftermath.  You remember the Public Service Announcement from the Civil Defense, don't you?  It went something like this:  "On a nice summer day, you walk with your friends to the park.  Suddenly, there's a flash of light!  Oh no, it's an Atomic Bomb!  Be safe, remember: Duck and Cover!  It'll save your life!"

However, that was it!  Most of us had Moms that stayed home and had dinner waiting when Dad came home from work, and there were three (yes, THREE) networks:  NBC, CBS and ABC!  PBS didn't come about until the 1960's, and Sesame Street wasn't around until November 10, 1969, AFTER the Eagle had landed on the Moon (Apollo 11) on July 20, 1969.

Don't you wish you could turn back time and watch "My Three Sons," "I Spy," "Julia," and "The Man From U.N.C.L.E?"  (David McCallum can now be seen as "Ducky" on NCIS!  Have we all aged THAT much?  I remember when he was quite dapper and young!)  Here's some more memories:

• "I Like Ike"
• "77 Sunset Strip"  ("Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb!" sung by Connie Stevens - b.1938)
• "Hawaii Five-O" (The ORIGINAL Series!  "Book-em, Dano!" The Ventures theme song - WOW!)
• "The Monkeys"  (The "Pre-Fab" Four)
• "Batman"  (That's . . . right, . . . .Robin!)
• "Star Trek" (The Original - "He's Dead, Jim!" or "I'm a Doctor, not a Mechanic!")
• "The Time Tunnel"
•  "Land of the Giants"
• "Lost in Space!"  (Danger, Will Robinson!)
• "My Mother, the Car!"
• "Get Smart"  ("Would you believe . . . ")
• "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea"
• "Bonanza!"
• "The High Chaparral"
• "Rowen and Martin's Laugh-In" (Sock it to ME!)

And many, many more.  Most importantly, we spent time as a family and we saved Saturday nights for the NBC "Saturday Night at the Movies" and Sunday Nights were "The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS (or "Toast of the Town" - depending on your age and when you first watched Ed Sullivan's Variety Show).

Wouldn't you like to turn back the clock just for one day?

Here's to a simpler life for all of us - hoping that it's just around the corner; may we find a way to work as a Nation and make it happen!

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/23/2010 4:37PM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 20, 2010

‎"I must study politics and war, that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain." - John Adams (1735-7/4/1826), 2nd President of the USA, Author of the Declaration of Independence (w/Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin)

The impetus of the "why" for this quote came in yesterday's Facebook post from longtime friend of 34 years, Yvonne Laning Oyler.  She caught my attention about voting in the Mid-Term elections on November 2nd, and she was "spot on."  Her main point was to become aware of the issues and not the smear campaigns, the vocal rants on the news outlets (both liberal and conservative), or the perceived comments from our elected officials (and how they always seem to be taken out of context by the opoosition party).

Here's what I know (from watching Politics since the days of the 1964 Election between Johnson and Goldwater):

1. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is entitled to his/her opinion as long as the First Amendment is still in the Constitution.  Our opinion doesn't make it factual in any sense of the word, and we all have different ways of communicating our opinions.  However, we should NOT belittle those we disagree with; rather, we should respect each others opinions, regardless of how right or left from center they seem to be (or we seem to be).
2. We have earned the privilege to vote, and WE SHOULD VOTE!  Voting is not always a right in a State, as some States prohibit convicted felons from ever voting again.  Most don't these days, but that is why it is considered a privilege and not a right, for in some states - you can lose that privilege based on your actions.  The States that prohibit convicted felons from voting (from incarcerated all the way to permanently losing the privilege) are;  Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.  The other 40 States and the District of Columbia have other varying degrees of privileges.  If you are able to Vote, then VOTE!
3. Be aware of the issues.  Don't count on the "Mainstream Media," the Cable News Channels (and yes, FOXNews pulls in the same audience size as CBSNews, but is still considered Cable News), the "so-called Political Pundits," or the talking voices on AM Radio (or Satellite Radio) to form your opinion.  Most of the Newspapers in this Country lean Left, while a few lean Right (Wall Street Journal and Washington Times are two examples of more Conservative newsprint outlets).  Politico and others are more centrist, and follow the news on both sides of the aisle.  CSPAN, although very boring at times, provides an insight in the Chamber unlike any other.  The most important preparation that anyone can do is follow the talking points and important issues of each candidate, and that info can be found on their websites.  The same thing is true with the State Amendments, Municipal Amendments, etc.  There's enough spin to go around by listening to the news.  The days of "The Huntley-Brinkley Report" and "The CBS Evening News with Walter Conkrite" are long-gone.  With the age of the 24-7 news cycle and the internet, you can find any musing or diatribe on any subject.  It used to be that we believed in things that we saw on TV; did we really believe that the Car on "My Mother The Car" actually could talk?  It was Ann Southern who provided the voice to Jerry Van Dyke's character on that short-lived series; same thing with Mr. Ed (voiced by Allen Lane: "Willlllberrrrr").  Now, those examples need to be applied to the internet.  You can't rely on Blogs and Articles on the 'net being 100% truthful and/or factual.  As an Educated and Trained Journalist, the principles I learned years ago no longer exists, and Edward R. Murrow and Ernie Pyle (both famed WW2 Journalists) are revolving in their graves.
4. Vote your conscience, whatever you believe in.  Even though you may not vote for the winning candidate or the winning issue, you have the satisifaction in knowing that you gave it your best shot to help that candidate or cause.  If you don't vote, it's hard to complain convincingly, for you had no say in the matter, and should have no one to blame.
5. Continue to support our Country, no matter the outcome.  If the Democrats continue to control both Houses, so be it.  Be a Patriot and support our Country.  If the Republicans gain control of one or both, we must live with those results as well.  So what can we do?  Get involved.  Write your Congressman or Senator and let him/her know where you stand.  Know who to talk with in their local office that is near your home, and communicate.  They have many advocates and specialists employed for every important issue.  So many people were upset with the Health Care overhaul, but how many really communicated with their elected officials?  That's a rhetorical question and one we will never know.  Now more than ever is the time for us to make a statement on what we believe should happen, for this Country is made up of "We the People."  But if "We the People" don't communicate to our elected officials in the correct manner (and I'm not talking the Town Hall format - for that alone has become a "shouting match" between ideologies), then we get what they believe we want.

How do we lose?  By not particiapting in the debate, not participating in freedom of speech, smearing and vehemently arguing with people that have a different point of view that yours, and by not reaching out to our elected officials.  If you do not get an answer from one, try another.  If Kit Bond will not respond (before January 2, 2011 - the last official day of his term and career as a Senator), then reach out to Claire McCaskill (both are current Missouri Senators).

This debate transcends ALL political parties.  As a Journalist that covered the 1978 Mid-Term Elections for KXCV-FM News (100,000 watt NPR Station at NWMSU) and the 1980 Presidential Election for KWON-AM Radio in Bartlesville, OK (and Mediating the debate between John Zink of Tulsa and Don Nickles of Ponca City for U.S. Senator for the State of Oklahoma in 1980 - Nickles won), I've seen (and covered) the tricks and shenanigans first-hand.

It's not the "Econony, Stupid" or the "War, Stupid," it's "The People."  We are Americans.  To an extent, I really wish the Political Party system would be completely revamped, but I don't know that we have the patience and trust in our Leaders to do it right.  BOTH major parties are flawed.

That's why THIS of ALL ELECTIONS is so important.

Please Vote on November 2, 2010, and May God Bless America!

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/20/2010 4:21PM CDT

Today's Very Special QOTD: October 19, 2010

‎"You are so beautiful, to me! You are so beautiful, to me, can't you see? You're everything I hoped for; you're everything that I need! You are so beautiful, to me!" - Joe Cocker (b.1944) "You are So Beautiful" - reached #5 on Billboard's Hot 100 Weekly Chart in 1975 and placed #65 on Billboard's Hot 100 for the Year of 1975; written by Billy Preston.

There's a reason why I used this song.  If you have followed all 40 of my previous posts, you will remember that I only fell in love twice in my life, and I'm not totally convinced that the first one was true love.  However, the 2nd and final time I fell in love was.  Let me explain . . .

Thirty-two years ago today, I was a Junior Broadcast Journalism Major at Northwest Missouri State University living at the Delta Sigma Phi House as their only Social Affiliate (perhaps ever), since I was an Active in Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Simpson College (NWMSU did not have an SAE Chapter, and still doesn't).  I was treated like an Active by my very special "Brothers," and later became an "Honorary Active" through DSP National with the blessing of SAE National.  I really didn't have time for relationships (thanks to my schedule at KXCV-KDLX on Campus and KNIM in Maryville), but I had dated my share of women at NW, and a couple of them are Facebook friends of mine.  However, since my experience with "love" at Simpson was an unpleasant experience and really shook my trust and faith in women, I'm afraid that once I thought I was getting too close to really falling in love at Maryville, I ended the relationship (and was somewhat of a heel in doing so).  Frankly, I was scared and didn't trust the opposite sex; again - thanks to my experience just two years prior.  I also had only nine dates in HS.

I was studying that night while we were having a Little Sister Rush Party downstairs, and I had a Broadcast Law Exam the next day with Attorney (and Dr.) Neu.  At 9:10PM, with the party beginning to liven up downstairs, I decided it was time to take a break as I began studying and re-studying my notes at 6PM that night (it was to be a fifteen minute break at most, although I was ready for the test).  I stopped by the pool table on the first floor to see what action was going on (I was a decent Eight-Ball player at the time and the IFC Runner-Up both in Spring 1978 and Fall 1978), but "Manny" Mancillas had the table under control, and I proceeded down to the basement.  I saw Rae Laflin, and he pointed to the bar where two girls were standing.  The clock above the bar read 9:12PM, and he told me he was going to ask one of them to dance.  At that time, the more petite of the two girls turned around and immediately caught my eye.  What beautiful blue eyes she had; she was absolutely gorgeous!  I said something like "Over my dead body" to Rae, and walked toward the Blue-Eyed Beauty that I just laid my eyes on.  She smiled as I was walking toward her, and I introduced myself.  She told me her name was Jill Mitchell, and that she was a Freshman from Bedford, Iowa.  I told her I was from Corning (only 22 miles apart and in the same Athletic Conference back then), and she knew the name, but we had never met.  I asked her to dance, and that began a full night of conversation.

The next day, I stopped by Franken Hall to see her, only to find out she was going home to work (her Father was the Hy-Vee Manager in Bedford).  I asked her for her address in Bedford (22 miles away) and asked her out for Saturday night.  She first said no, that I wouldn't show up, but my words were: "Just try me!"  She finally relented, and I told her that I would be at her house at 7PM.  That next night, I was there at 6:58PM, and met her Mom and Dad and her little Sister Melinda (then 7, now 39 - hard to believe!).  I got the usual 20 questions until the subject of Hy-Vee came up, and I told her Dad the list of relatives that were Hy-Vee Managers (19 of them, including my Dad from 1947-1952) past and present.  All of a sudden, I became his best friend!  Three days before Jill and I met, we buried my Grandfather Frank Ford Sr. in Indianola, Iowa (where Simpson is), and Jill's Dad was there, and so was I (I was a Pallbearer).  Her Dad also had delivered food to my Dad's store in the late '40's, so he knew Dad.  Jill and I didn't leave the house until 7:50PM, and she was not happy with her Father as we got off to a late start.

The night was spent in Clarinda at the Disco (after eating at A and G Pizza on the City Square), and we drove around.  I don't what it was about her, but something felt right - for I was already in love, and I told her so.  She thought I was crazy, but I told her it wasn't an act.  The next day, after she came back to Campus, I picked her up and we ate at Pagliai's Pizza in Maryville, and I told her again.  4 hours later, she told me as well.  There has never been anyone else since.

She stood beside me during our near-fatal accident on New Year's Day 1979 (the story is under the "info" tab on my Facebook Profile "http://www.facebook.com/YogiSAE,") and she never left my side.  I should have died in that crash (or be paralyzed from the neck down), but a fraction of an inch was on my side and God was telling me that it wasn't my time.  Even when I had post-traumatic syndrome several months after the accident (relating to the accident), she was there with me at every appointment I had with the Psychatrist at NW.   I had proposed to her directly after my mouth began healing and I was finally able to form AND speak words again (having to be re-taught - no nerve endings and the entire shape of my face changed from the nose to the chin - but I DID lose my lifelong lisp), and that was the first sentence (or question) that had come out of my mouth since right before the accident at 2:40PM on 1/1/79.  She accepted without hesitation.  We made it official on March 15, 1979 with a diamond ring (not a big one - it was all I could afford at the time), and we set a wedding date of May 24, 1980, only to change it about a month later to June 7, 1980 (May 24th happens to be Josh and Alisha's Anniversary - 5/24/2008).

Since I had been singing publicly since the age of 3, she asked me to sing to her during the Wedding.  The choice of song was to be mine.  I chose Billy Preston's "You Are So Beautiful" that had been made popular by Joe Cocker in 1975.  All during practice, I held my own without any issues.  Prior to the song (even though my Groomsmen painted "Help Me" on the bottom of my shoes - thank you Jim Peterson, Brad Dusenbery, Phil Kohrs and my Brother Joe, and to those who laughed out loud when we knelt at the altar after lighting the Unity Candle), I was calm - cooled and collected.  Not until I began singing, did I begin to cry.  Jill was crying, too - but I was able to get through it.  I understand that the majority of guests were in tears as well (so we were told).  I had sung at several weddings of friends prior to my own, so I guess I pulled it off (wasn't easy!).

Jill, this is dedicated to you - for 32 years ago - a VERY BEAUTIFUL BLUE-EYED GAL came into my life, and not only restored my faith in women, but also restored my faith in True Love; for I have only TRULY LOVED one woman, and you will be the only one I will ever TRULY LOVE.  Thank you for 32 great years, for being the Mother of our two wonderful sons, and the Grandmother of our darling Granddaughter - as well as the Mother-in-Law of our Lovely Daughter-in-Law!

I can't imagine life without you; may we have AT LEAST another 32 years together and many, many more!  I Love You more every day, and am proud to call you MY WIFE!  I love you, "My little Pixie!"

"You Are So Beautiful" - Recorded by Joe Cocker (1975)

You are so beautiful, to me
You are so beautiful, to me
Can't you see, you're everything I hoped for
You're everything that I need, you are so beautiful, to me

You are so beautiful, to me
You are so beautiful, to me
Can't you see, you're everything I hoped for
Everything that I need, you are so beautiful, to me



© Billy Preston and Bruce Carleton (1974)





Yogi: 10/19/2010 11:15AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 18, 2010

"The laughter and the tears - the shadows of misty yesteryears. The good times and the bad you've seen and all the others in between. Remember, do you remember the times of your life?" - Paul Anka (b.1941) "Times of Your Life" (1976 - Peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot 100 in February '76, and was first used in Kodak's Ad Campaign in 1975 which prompted the full recording and release)

By the time I write this Blog, the 5th Anniversary of my Brother Joe's death will have already passed (based on the hour of death:  4:30AM 10/18/2005).  This passage is dedicated to him and my memories of Joe (Jon, as we knew him within our immediate family).

Joseph Jonathan Cook III was born on June 28, 1945, as the War in the Pacific was about to end just a short two months later.  He was the 2nd child of my parents, Joseph Jonathan Cook II and Kathleen Elizabeth Ford Cook, and the first-born son.  Also there to greet his arrival was my oldest sister, Joan Kay Cook Peterson (b.1944).  Jon was a feisty and ornery kid, as the photos at my childhood home in Corning (where Mom STILL lives) indicate.  He was either shirtless or dirty or both; he never met a mud hole he didn't like!  As a BSA Leader for the past 21 years, I was proud to see photos of him in his Cub Scout Uniform saluting the photographer as Mom was the Den Mother (as she was for me years later).  Even though Jon never earned the rank of Eagle Scout, he was still an Eagle at heart, as I eulogized him at his Funeral on October 21, 2005.  He helped welcome Jane Ann Cook Okasaki on October 9, 1947, James Rae Cook on November 12, 1949 (passed away from Leukemia on April 24, 1975), and me on August 13, 1958.  My brothers and sisters were especially protective of me as Mom had a miscarriage in her 4th month of pregnancy in 1957, and she and Dad desperately wanted to have another chance and planned me "thoroughly."  When I was diagnosed with Crib Pneumonia in February 1960 (and should have died as this was a lethal disease that claimed many children in the Nation under the age of two), all 4 of by Brothers and Sisters kept the vigil along with my Dad (then in his last year of his 4-year term as Mayor of Corning) and Mom.  I pulled through after being in a coma for 11 days, but not without complications (severe Asthma until 21 and Allergies that I still have, and discolored teeth later in my childhood due to the sulfide meds that were given to me to save my life - I consider it a necessary risk as my teeth came in with 3 different shades from white to gray, but I'm now 52 and still kicking!).  In 1966, he helped us welcome Joseph Darwin Reeves Cook from the Christian Home in Council Bluffs (died in January 2005), and on March 15, 1968, he helped welcome Joseph Darwin's little brother, Jeffrey Dennis Reeves Cook "Jedd" to out family.  My parents adopted both boys that had come from a troubled family.

Jon was a tremendous athlete, and probably the best in the family.  A three-sport star, he made his mark in Football, Basketball (he was 6' 3 1/2" - as opposed to my 5' 7" attributed to the meds that I took in Feb. 1960 that stunted my growth) and Track, and was selected honorable mention All-State Football Player by the Des Moines Register as a Punter.  Recruited by the University of Iowa to be the First Team Punter his Sophomore Year, he was a Star player for the Freshman Team (Freshmen could not play Varsity back then - NCAA Rules), but he still lettered for U of I in fall 1963 (he graduated from HS in May 1963).  Unfortunately, he was not disciplined in his studies, and he was done after the first semester, never to return.

From then, a series of setbacks really hit Jon.  He married his first wife on August 15, 1965, and that was a tumultuous relationship from the get-go.  He did have two sons, Joseph Jonathan Cook IV in 1966 and Jason in 1971, but the marriage ended in a terrible divorce in 1972, and Jonnie's (JJC IV) name was legally changed when his ex-wife remarried.  After hitting rock bottom for a while, he met Mary Peterson, and their love blossomed.  They were married in December 1976 right after their first child was stillborn.  Determined to have children, James Rae Cook II (J.R. as we know him) was born on April 28, 1979, and the family began!  The family was blessed with two more children: Veronica Suzette in 1987 and Monique Danielle in 1990, and Jon couldn't have been happier.  He had his own Contracting Business, and was thriving.  He and Mary even bought a 110 year old house in Nodaway, IA, and completely restored the inside, making it an absolute showplace that would make anyone envious.  That took 3 years of work, but it was worth it (later, they added a 2000 sq foot addition on the north side of the house, that was finished by friends the weekend before he passed away).

Jon overcame obstacles that no one should have to.  In 1976, he battled Alcoholism (a family trait which is why I never took up drinking in the first place), and in 1999, he battled a Gambling Addiction.  He overcame both, but smoking was his weakness.  A 3 and a half pack-a-day smoker (like my Dad before him - both for 42 years, but Dad stopped in 1978 when Emphysema began settling in), he could never drop the habit.  In March 2005, after having a persistent cough for months, he finally decided to have it checked out.  Joe (he changed from "Jon" to "Joe" to all of us after Dad passed away on May 18, 2002), found out that there was a mass in his lower left lung, along with spots on his liver.  His first Doctor gave him a death sentence, but a second Doctor's opinion gave him hope, and on May 9, 2005, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his left lung, but chose to ignore the spots on the liver.  He was declared "Cancer-free" on June 30, 2005 (he could only endure one round of radiation and chemo, and lost his hair), and he proceeded to begin working again.  Within 6 weeks, the pain in his hips was a "20" out of a scale of 1 to 10, and even though he attributed that to wearing his tool belt again, he finally relented and went back to Jenny Edmondson Hospital in Council Bluffs.  On the Friday of Labor Day Weekend, he was declared "Terminal" with Stage 4 Cancer, as the cancer had spread to his Pelvic Bone, his liver was 17 times larger than normal (remember the spots on the liver that were not checked), and the cancerous tumor was wrapped around his spinal column - imagine the pain he endured.

Our last family get together (all 5 of us except for Jeffrey Dennis "Jedd", whom we didn't have contact info on back then) was on September 18, 2005.  By that time, he had lost over 100 pounds and was reduced to "skin and bone."  I try not to focus on the image burned in my mind from that day; rather I focus on the healthy Joe that we all knew before - the one with the incredible work ethic and a million jokes!  Exactly one month later, at 6AM on October 18th, I received the dreaded phone call from Jane (she had been by his and Mary's side for 3 weeks, as she was with Mom when Dad's illness progressed to the point of no return).  My life changed that day, and again, my Mom was faced with the grim reality of having to out-live another son.  No parent should ever have to outlive his or her children, and Mom had to experience this 3 times since 1975.  That's the exact reason why I chose to change my lifestyle on July 14th of this year and take better care of myself (71 pounds lost and healthier than I ever was in High School 35 years ago), because I made a solemn pledge to Mom that she WOULD NOT outlive me.  Jedd and I are all the boys she has left, and I worry about Jedd as Diabetes and Heart Disease runs in the Reeves bloodline, and he has both - and they're severe cases.

To J.R., Veronica, and Monique - you had the best Dad in the world.  Yes, he had his faults and weaknesses (don't we all), but within his chest cavity was a heart of gold; someone who would literally take the shirt of his back if it could help someone else in the process.  In my left pocket (the pocket closest to my heart), I carry two coins that he received and earned through the 12-step process of Alcoholic's Anonymous that he earned in 1975 and 1976, and this serves as a lasting memory of his battle and successful outcome.  My Dad was also a recovering Alcoholic, but sober since 1951.  Joe was sober since 1975.  Life wasn't easy for him, but you couldn't tell it by talking with him.  Only his family and closest friends knew the truth.  He gave me the strength and courage to persevere, and he is one of the main motivations behind my fitness and weight-loss regimen, for I do not wish to be buried before Mom passes.

Joe, I miss your smile, your laugh, your jokes, and your camaraderie.  We talked often on the phone, and I'll never forget the 5-hour conversation you and I had privately in your kitchen on March 26, 2005, when you broke the news of your Lung Cancer to me.  I'll also fondly remember the time when you, J.R., Veronica and Monique attended the Northwest Missouri State University playoff game against Indiana University of Pennsylvania in late November 1999 as the Bearcats were on their way to their 2nd consecutive D2 Championship (J.R. was a Junior at NWMSU and a member of Delta Sigma Phi - a legacy - in which I am an Honorary Member, having been a Social Affiliate from 1978-1980 after transferring from Simpson and granted Honorary Membership by DSP National in April 1980 - my FULL membership is with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Fraternity I support).  We were in the north end just pass the goal posts, and it was COLD - but well worth it.  If only we could do that together one more time . . .

I love you Bro' - and I miss you so much.  God Bless You, and please give my love to Dad and Brother Jim, as well as Grandpa and Grandma Ford and Grandpa and Grandma Cook.

"Times of Your Life" - Paul Anka ©1976

Good morning, yesterday
You wake up and time has slipped away
And suddenly it's hard to find
The memories you left behind
Remember, do you remember

The laughter and the tears
The shadows of misty yesteryears
The good times and the bad you've seen
And all the others in between
Remember, do you remember
The times of your life (do you remember)

Reach back for the joy and the sorrow
Put them away in your mind
The mem'ries are time that you borrow
To spend when you get to tomorrow

Here comes the saddest part (comes the saddest part)
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life

Gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life
Of your life
Of your life

Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your life
Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your life

I have thought about it . . .

Yogi: 10/18/2010 9:28AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 17, 2010

"I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A!" - Lee Greenwood (b.1942), Released in 1982 and Re-Released in October 2001, where it reached Number 16 on Billboard's Hot 100.

This is the final post for awhile having to do with Patriotism, Courage and Bravery.  When I was reading the various comments posted yesterday to SSgt. Barry Sadler's rendition of "The Ballad of the Green Berets," I was thinking about what I could write to bring this subject to a climatic end today, the day before the 5th Anniversary of my oldest Brother's death (Joseph Jonathan Cook (Jon) III).  While driving home from a day that held so many meetings and requirements for me to attend, I happened to channel surf Sirius Radio in my Expedition, and came across the recording of this song "Proud to be American."  Immediately, I began singing along with Mr. Greenwood, and knew that I found my final journal entry on this subject.

I am proud to be an American.  The current status of our Political Climate doesn't deter me in the least; in fact, it makes me more determined to stand on my own.  It wasn't America that turned it's back on me when I was downsized on 3/21/2008 after a very successful 28-Year run in Senior/Exec Management in Information Technology, but it was being an American that allowed me to REINVENT myself earlier this year when the realization that Executive (or any) IT Positions were no longer my future.  Where else in this chaotic world can you do this: restart your life with a career change where YOU become "The Man" instead of working for "The Man?"  (Actually, I work for "The Woman" as that "Woman" is my lovely wife who has been by my side for 32 years this coming Tuesday evening!)

War is not glamorous, nor is it pretty.  Hardly so; but it was necessary for us to gain our Freedom, and today of ALL DAYS is the 229th Anniversary of General Charles Cornwallis' Surrender in the Revolutionary War; the War that made all of this possible.  Courage and Bravery from the Revolutionary War and the subsequent Wars in our 234 years since the Declaration of Independence has allowed us to remain free.  Yes, Millions have died and sacrificed their lives for us, for War is not glamorous, nor should it ever be.  But, as long as the human race continues, so shall day-to-day conflict.  It's evident in the Bible, and it's evident today.  Brave and Courageous people die every day, and someday, it will be my turn.  Whether I am considered Brave and Courageous is not for me to decide, but I try to live my life standing up for those who have been wronged.  I have been vilified for doing so, but I am who I am (and as Popeye would say: "And that's all that I 'yam!").  As a 21-Year Veteran Leader of the Boy Scouts of America, I teach "my boys" nothing less.

In 16 days, we have the opportunity as a Free Nation to cast our vote in the Mid Term elections for our Representatives in Congress; all 435 Congressmen and one-third of our 100 Senators (6 year terms, one third every two years).  What other Nation has this distinction of being a REPUBLIC (not a Democracy, but a REPUBLIC)?  Defined as such as: a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them; a form of government whose head of state is not a monarch; "the head of state in a republic is usually a president" (www.wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn).  We do this because we are Free, and we choose to defend that Freedom, whether popular or not - Patriots alike come to the aid of our Nation.  This transcends political parties, for we are NOT Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Tea Party Members, Libertarians, or any other members of a political party; we are AMERICANS!  Vote on November 2nd, and celebrate the fact that we live in the greatest Country history has ever known!

Proud to be American (Music and Lyrics by Lee Greenwood, ©1982)

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/17/2010 11:04AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 16, 2010

"Put silver wings on my son's chest, make him one of America's best! He'll be a man they'll test one day; have him win the Green Beret" - Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler (1940-1989) "The Ballad of the Green Berets" (Recorded January 1966 and Number One for 5 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 (3/5/66 thru 4/1/66). Awarded Top Single for the Year of 1966 by Billboard)

The ultimate Courage and Bravery song in our lifetime, Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler (1940-1989) will be forever immortalized by this song of the Green Berets, which also prompted the making of a 1968 movie titled "The Green Berets," starring John Wayne, David Janssen, George Takai (Sulu on Star Trek), Jim Hutton and Aldo Ray.  This was nominally based on the 1965 Book of the same name by Robin Moore, but completely prompted by the popularity of SSgt Sadler's moving rendition of the Ballad a year later.

Think about what was happening in the mid 1960's at the time of the recording: anti-sentiment toward the Vietnam War was just beginning, as groups like the Beatles and others were beginning to spread the message of "Make Love, not War" across the radio dial.  Woodstock would not happen for another 4 years and 4 months at Yasgur's Farm (August 15-18, 1969, less than a month after Neil Armstrong placed the first footprint on the Moon), but this was still a Nation at unrest as indicated by the Los Angeles Riots (more commonly known as the "Watts Riots" - August 1965) just a few months after the release of this number one song.

Yet, through all of the adversity at home, the racial unrest and the political overtones that made the Vietnam War extremely unpopular with the youth of the '60's (Smothers' Brothers, anyone? "The Mama's and the Papa's" and Jimi Hendrix; need I say more?), we persevered through it all.  However, our Vietnam Vets came home to nothing; no "Hero's Welcome" or "Ticker-Tape Parades" like the men and women of WW2 experienced.  Instead, they came home being called "Baby Killers" thanks to an ever present Media that exposed the seedy side of War as opposed to the valor of the Men and Women that experienced life on "China Beach" (a very popular TV show from 1988 through 1991 - starring Dana Delany and featuring Billboard's number two song "Reflections" by Diana Ross and the Supremes (1967) as the music for the opening credits).  Only recently (the past two and a half Decades) have we turned around public sentiment and began treating Vietnam Veterans with the respect and admiration they deserve.  Every time I meet a Vietnam Vet for the first time, I thank them for their service to our Country, for they deserve no less than that - and much, much more.  I'm thankful that "The Wall" exists, having grown up in Corning, Iowa and having one (only one, mind you - but one is hard enough) of our native sons KIA in Vietnam in 1968.  This way, he is immortalized forever and never forgotten.  He graduated from HS with one of the members of my family.  PFC Ronald Bunting was born on August 1, 1945, graduated with my oldest brother, Joseph (Jon) Jonathan Cook III (June 28, 1945 - October 18, 2005) in May 1963, and was killed by hostile action in South Vietnam on February 10, 1968.


I knew Ron only briefly, as I was 4 when they graduated from HS, but I remember him coming back to Corning on leave in his Military Uniform, and the town opening up it's arms to greet him.  We were far removed from the hatred that we saw on the TV towards the War, and we loved our War Heroes.  Ron was one of those, and was placed in the Bandstand in Corning's Central Park on a Saturday night, side by side with those Veterans from the Korean War, WW2 and WW1 (as we had many in our town of 2,000 people that served in one, two or all three wars).  Mayor Lee Elliott declared that day as "Ron Bunting Day," and we never forgot that day in 1967.  Less than a year later, he was gone, and Presidential Candidate Eugene McCarthy was in our Independence Day Parade, decrying the Vietnam War as "wasteful and useless."  Not a good way to commemorate our War Heroes, and thankfully he was never a factor in the Democratic Primaries that year.  At that time, Corning was the National HQ of the National Farmer's Organization (NFO - founded by Oren Lee Staley of Rea, MO in 1955 - my Dad was instrumental in bringing the fledgling organization to Corning as he was beginning his run for Mayor and wanted to build Corning as a Center for Industry, a dream shared with him by Austin B. Turner III, my Dad's best friend and later the Chairman of the Iowa Department of Transportation - then the Iowa State Highway Commission -from 1984-1992), and we would often have Presidential Candidates in Corning every 4 years just before the Iowa Caucuses as they wanted the Farm vote; President Jimmy Carter came to Corning in January 1976 (then Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter) and addressed our Student Body that month, my Senior Year in High School.  We experienced politics and the National Spotlight more than most small towns in the Nation, having made the National Nightly News on CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN (after 1980 when they began Broadcasting) many times from 1956 through 1990, the year that NFO moved to Ames, IA.

This Journal is dedicated to the Vietnam Veterans and the Citizens of Corning, Iowa, both true Patriots in my book.  As Bill O'Reilly so eloquently put it in "Pinheads and Patriots: Where You Stand in the Age of Obama," our Vietnam Veterans epitomize TRUE PATRIOTISM!

Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret

Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men we'll test today
But only three win the Green Beret

Trained to live, off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand to hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage deep, from the Green Beret

Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men we'll test today
But only three win the Green Beret

Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her this last request

Put silver wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret

- SSgt Barry Sadler

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/16/2010 9:22AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 15, 2010

"The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee. The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead when the skies of November turn gloomy." - Gordon Lightfoot (b. 1938): "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Released August 1976, Peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart (11/20/76)

This November 10th marks the 35th Anniversary of the actual wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior on her way to Detroit, which was then supposed to dock for the Winter of 75-76 in Cleveland.  She never made it, and the crew of 29 all perished and were never recovered.  The song speaks of bravery, courage and sheer determination, in only a way that Gordon Lighfoot could achieve.  Theories abound that the bulk carrier was split in two (much like the Titanic), but that fact is still disputed today.  Lake Superior is extremely deep, and "it never gives up her dead."  How true.

Courage and Bravery are terms we like to bestow upon our men and women fighting for our freedom, but we also witness these traits with those facing life-threatening situations and debilitating diseases.  Only a few songs have immortalized those traits, the other famous song that comes to mind is Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler's rendition of "The Ballad of the Green Berets," reaching number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 for 5 weeks in 1966.  This was a time of great courage for all fighting in the War in Vietnam, as it was a very unpopular war here in the mainland.

Those traits of valor and raw courage could be used again in our mainland, and we should recognize it when we witness it, much like the 1 Billion estimated audience who witnessed the rescue of the miners in Chile two days ago.  This sums up the "Pinheads and Patriots" audio book that I have just finished, penned by Bill O'Reilly.  What a great way to finish up the blog work week about "P and P," as I believe that everyone involved in the Chile rescue are indeed Patriots, just as I feel that the 29 souls on the Edmund Fitzgerald did not die in vain.  It should be noted that Lightfoot changed one of the verses in March of 2010 when evidence came to light that the crew WAS NOT in error, so he corrected the by changing that verse.  Below are the actual lyrics produced in 1976 (one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time), with the change in parenthesis that was edited in 2010.  He found out about the new findings when the History Channel approached him for permission to use the soon in a March 31, 2010 special about the Edmund Fitzgerald.  Enjoy.

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
When the skies of November turn gloomy.

With a load of iron ore - 26,000 tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early

The ship was the pride of the American side
Coming back from some mill in Wisconsin
As the big freighters go it was bigger than most
With a crew and the Captain well seasoned.

Concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms
When they left fully loaded for Cleveland
And later that night when the ships bell rang
Could it be the North Wind they'd been feeling.

The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound
And a wave broke over the railing
And every man knew, as the Captain did, too,
T'was the witch of November come stealing.

The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait
When the gales of November came slashing
When afternoon came it was freezing rain
In the face of a hurricane West Wind

When supper time came the old cook came on deck
Saying fellows it's too rough to feed ya
At 7PM a main hatchway caved in (At 7PM, it grew dark, it was then he said) - changed 3/2010
He said fellas it's been good to know ya.

The Captain wired in he had water coming in
And the good ship and crew was in peril
And later that night when his lights went out of sight
Came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her.

They might have split up or they might have capsized
They may have broke deep and took water
And all that remains is the faces and the names
Of the wives and the sons and the daughters.

Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings
In the ruins of her ice water mansion
Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams,
The islands and bays are for sportsmen.

And farther below Lake Ontario
Takes in what Lake Erie can send her
And the iron boats go as the mariners all know
With the gales of November remembered.

In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed
In the Maritime Sailors' Cathedral
The church bell chimed, 'til it rang 29 times  (actually, it rang 30 times - 1 more for all who perished, a maritime tradition)
For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
Superior, they say, never gives up her dead
When the gales of November come early.

© 1976 Moose Music, Inc

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/15/2010 10:13AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 13, 2010

"Jobs that cannot be delivered must never be promised. It's unfair to raise people's hopes that way." - Bill O'Reilly, Host of the "O'Reilly Factor" (b. 1949)

Having been promised a position several times in the past 32 months, only to have it be cancelled because the position was eliminated, is very frustrating - to say the least.  I marvel at the statements made by our Politicians that the Stimulus has SAVED 3 million or so jobs.  If this is the case, then why does the Unemployment rate continue to stay above 9.5% - the longest consecutive "record" since The Great Depression?  And how many of us really believe that the 9.6% rate is the TRUE NUMBER?

I used Bill's quote today for one reason and one reason alone; he refuses to allow spin to be bloviated on his show on FNC.  Whether you like or respect Bill is the not the question here; it's whether you allow yourself to believe the political spin that is generated by both parties.

I grew up a Conservative from Conservative parents, being a card-carrying member of the Republican Party.  However, since 2008,  I have grown weary of the Campaign Strategies of the GOP, just as I have become tired of the Strategies of the Dems.  I am now an Independent.  We are in an age of "who can outdo the other," and the mud-slinging is worse this year than I have seen in my 52 years.  I became interested in Politics way back in the Johnson-Goldwater Campaign in 1964 (I was only 6 at the time), but my parents were fervent Goldwater supporters.  In 1968, in the midst of a very unpopular war (and right after the Tet Offensive on January 1, 1968), I became a supporter of Robert Kennedy, the only time I have really supported a Democrat for President.  Do I think that RFK would have been a great President and Leader?  If he was anything like his Brother, yes!  Unfortunately, we will never find out, so dwelling on it is counterproductive.  A part of my American Dream died when he died hours after being shot in LA on June 5, 1968, after an upset win in the California Primary.

From that point on, I supported Nixon, Ford, Reagan (both times), Bush, Perot, Dole, Bush (twice) and McCain.  I couldn't buy into the "Change" and "Hope" that President Obama was spreading across the Nation; perhaps it was my "show-me" mentality.  I'm still waiting for that "Hope and Change," but I respect and admire our President, although I am not a supporter of his policies.  His story is incredible, especially knowing what "Barry" came from.  If you have not read "Pinheads and Patriots" by O'Reilly yet, I suggest you do.  You will be very surprised of the admiration that Bill has for President Obama (see Chapters 2 and 3) with regards to how he got to where he is today, in view of all the speed bumps in the road.

However, this post is about jobs, and I believe that until Small Businesses are given true incentives to hire (we don't even know what our tax rates will be come January 1, 2011), the "True Unemployment Rate" will stay in the 18's or even inch higher.

Now more than ever, a reinvention of ourselves has to take place.  I have lost almost everything I had 3 years ago, and the bleeding is not over.  However, we placed belief in a company back in February that has "under promised and over delivered," and I believe that this will be the vehicle that will dig us out the one-mile hole we are mired in.  If you are still unemployed (and perhaps a member of the 99-er club: 99 weeks of Unemployment all used up), then take action for yourself and reinvent your career.  You can't mire yourself in self-pity (believe me, I did - and it was terrible).  Take control of your life now.  If you are interested in knowing what I did, email me at scouter@kc.rr.com, and I will gladly share with you what Jill and I did beginning February 24, 2010.  I wouldn't tell you about this if I didn't care or didn't believe in the opportunity and experienced success first-hand.  But - don't fall for the promises of jobs until the Small Businesses (they comprise over 80% of the economy and jobs growth of the USA) have incentives to grow.  Right now, we our fighting wars with the Chamber of Commerce.  No joke!!!  Who do the Small Businesses have to turn to if the C of C is now attacked?  All you have to do is watch Bob Shieffer's interview with David Axelrod (this past Sunday), and you will find out all you need to know.  It is smear tactics that hurt future job growth, and it's done in the worst way!  I am absolutely appalled by that interview.

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/13/2010 8:13AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 12, 2010

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." -  Adlai Stevenson, American Statesman (1900-1965)

Enough said.  Today, I started listening to the Audio Book of Bill O'Reilly's "Pinheads and Patriots, Where You Stand in the Age of Obama," and I heard this quote in the "Forward" section of the book as Bill's example of what a Patriot is, and I agree with his assessment. This is akin to John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, and the Founders of our Country (among many others).

In today's society, Patriotism must transcend politics and ideologies. We know we are in precarious times, but we are Americans, and AS LONG as we keep our minds clear, this too shall pass.

I could go on forever, but please answer this ONE QUESTION (regardless of your feelings about Mr. O'Reilly): In your view, what is the definition of a Patriot?

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/11/2010 8:10PM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 9, 2010

 ‎"Every year the Federal Government wastes billions of dollars as a result of overpayments of government agencies, misuse of government credit cards, abuse of the Federal entitlement programs, and the mismanagement of the Federal bureaucracy." - Chris Chocola, President of the Club for Growth (b. 1962)

Yesterday, I promised that today's post would be about Entitlements, and our "ever-so-evolving" movement to being a "nanny" state, which in History is one of the first MAJOR steps toward Socialism.  I also wrote that I am a member of the "99-plus" group; those who have had to be involved in (and the recipient of) ALL FOUR TIERS of the Unemployment compensation entitlement.  While I am not writing this to "bite the hand that fed me," I am ashamed that I had to join that group.  Yes, my employers through the years paid into the fund to pay me; yes, I qualified for the program; and yes, it did help "stave off the wolves known as creditors" (funny how they still want their money, even if you are unemployed - that is a "tongue in cheek" statement) until the Benefits ran out early this year.  For those of you who have never had to file for Unemployment Benefits, I applaud you and am happy that you never had to experience the stress involved.  For those of you in my category - just know that I share your frustrations, your stress, and for some of you, your guilt.

As grateful that I am that I received the Kansas Unemployment compensation (I worked in Kansas from 1998 through losing my career in 2008 - therefore I was paid by the Kansas Department of Labor as opposed to ther Missouri Dep't of Labor - the State in which I reside), the State of Kansas virtually went broke with the legislation passed by Congress.  Why do we continue to place these burdens on the States when the coffers are empty?  Sure, legislation was passed to offer "stimulus" to the States, but we know the stories about the various Stimulus bills, and once we read them, WE became outraged over the earmarks included in those Bills!  Now, Kansas is NOT California (thank God for that), and their State's budget is not out of whack because of the same reasons that California's is, but reality has to set in.  If we don't have the money to pay for Entitlements, then we can't pay them - period.  We have to abide by that rule, so why does the double standard exist?  Yes, it would have been much more stressful for us, and yes - we ARE responsible for our debts.  But what about the National Debt?  What about the States that can't even meet their budgets?  What is going to happen in the short term that is going to affect the long term?

Social Security was enacted as part of the New Deal in FDR's Administration, and most (if not all) of us have contributed to this fund.  I have been contributing since my first paid position in 1974 when I was hired as an Orderly (at the age of 15) at Rosary Hospital in Corning (now known as Alegent Health Mercy Hospital).  Like many of you, I was promised that I would be a recipient of this Fund once I retired at a specific age.  However, life expectancy in 1935 (when enacted) was 59.9 years for Men and 63.9 years for Women.  Now, with 2005 being the last found data, that has increased to 75.2 years for Men and 80.4 years for Women.  The fund will be gone by the time most of us reach the retirement age, which is why Congress has been toying with the idea of raising the minimum age (to receive retirement benefits - I'm not even including the death benefits, etc.) to 67 or higher - some members of Congress have even suggested the minimum age be raised to 70.  It makes no difference, as the Lobbyists will end up having their way.  We have been promised SSA funding, yet we will likely never see it when we reach that age (for those of us my age and younger).

Medicare is another example of an Entitlement gone haywire.  My Mother (soon to be 88 with full-blown Parkinson's Disease) has to rely on Medicare.  I'm sure you have a family member or two (or more) that's in the same boat.  This is in jeopardy as we go forward, even with Obamacare - as we see the Premiums rise 28% or higher for renewals for 2011, when we were told by Bureaucrats last year AND this year that it would not happen (thank you, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid; I will no longer believe a word you say in an interview, and Ms. Pelosi - your statement about each Food Stamp generating $1.79 in revenue to the Economy . . . come on!  All you are doing is moving the cheese from one pile to the other).

Something needs to be done, or if we don't watch out, we will become a Socialistic State.  We're dangerously close now with the Bailouts, and the Government's takeover of the majority of General Motors' shares (the Company that needed to be bailed out was Lehman Brothers - which is what finally led to the Disaster in September 2008).  All you have to look at is Columbia, Greece, and other Countries that are socialist.  Since when did Che' and Hugo Chavez become the heroes to so many?

Be careful what you ask for, for you may just have your wishes granted.  This is America, and we are Americans; not a member of a Political Party or defined by Political Parties.  The talking heads will continue to talk - but we must decide for ourselves.  If Congress won't read the Bills (Charlie Rangel:  "Read the Bill!  We don't have time to read the Bill!" and Nancy Pelosi: "We have to pass the Bill so we know what's in it!") then we need to and let our voices be heard.

Ok - I'm off my soapbox.

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/9/2010 11:40AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 8, 2010

‎"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits." - Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States (April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826)

I spent some time soul searching for proper thoughts on this subject, and I'm likely to alienate some people by what I am about to write.  Please remember this disclaimer when you begin to read this blog: we are protected by the First Amendment (for the time being, anyway), and although I may not agree with your views and sentiments, you are still my friend, no less and no more.  Please offer me the same consideration . . .

Freedom isn't free.  Simply put, our Country is at stake and at a crossroads right now.  I'm talking about the Democrats, the Republicans, the Libertarians and the members of the Tea Party:  we as AMERICANS are at the fork in the road.  This is no one's fault, and it's everyone's fault, for we get what we vote for.  Examples: 1).  Our National Debt is at a point that we will NEVER be able to repay it or pay it down (to China and to other foreign countries that have purchased our Debt); 2).  Our willingness to tax, tax, tax - and spend, spend, spend.  It's not sustainable (even President Obama has been on record stating that fact, agree or disagree); 3).  The stifling of small businesses to grow and create new jobs: Banks will simply not lend to them even though Major Banking Institutions received bailout after bailout; 4). "Pork projects" that seem to be attached to EACH BILL on BOTH sides of the political spectrum to satisfy Special Interest Needs (do we really need a "worm crossing" for $3M?); and 5). The double standard that's in place now, as our Congressmen and Political Leaders cannot seem to realize that there is a world out there beyond the Washington DC Beltway, and it is NOT a fantasy world like they experience.  Ever wonder why it is that MOST Politicians have never been Business Owners or Business Leaders who had someone else to answer to?  As unusual a candidate as Ross Perot was in 1992 (the one that is considered the "wild card" that ultimately sunk George Bush 41's re-election bid, since no candidate has over 50% of the vote), where would we be today if indeed we elected a successful Business Owner like Perot?

I have had the pleasure of working for the "Man" (and BEING the "Man") in my 28 Years in IT Senior/Executive Manager, and I have had a Board of Directors to answer to more than once.  If you are not profitable, you're replaced.  Plain and simple.  WE are the "Board of Directors" of the United States of America, yet we are not listened to (check the Real Clear Politics Average on ALL the issues and legislation over the past 19 months).  Why?  When did we become insignificant except for the period of 2-3 months leading up to an election, such as the coming Mid-Term Elections on November 2nd?

Ask those who lived in Poland prior to September 1, 1939, or in Austria before being annexed in 1938.  Ask those who lived in Thailand prior to January 1942.  Ask those who lived in Berlin after WW2, only to be split down the middle officially on August 13, 1961 (which happened to be my 3rd Birthday - useless trivia I'm sure).  In the USA,  the term "freedom" is thrown around so cheaply, that we don't realize what oppression is, because we haven't experienced it since the end of the Revolutionary War.  That's why the Constitution is SO important, and the Bill of Rights that is the CORNERSTONE of our Constitution.  I guarantee you that those who survived the oppression of WW2 will NEVER take freedom for granted ever again.

Tomorrow - the views of being a "nanny" state from someone who is a 99-er (collecting Unemployment Benefits - and ashamed that I had to - for 99 weeks).  I am thankful, yet disillusioned that it has come to that.  More tomorrow.

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/8/2010 5:50PM

Today's QOTD: October 7, 2010

"A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril." - Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain (1874-1965)

When I was young and attending Elementary School in Corning, Iowa, we were taught at a very young age two very important traditions as American Citizens:  the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America, and to place your right hand over your heart when doing so.  In the event that we were wearing a hat, we were to remove the hat from our head with our right hand and place the hat over our heart.  If the National Anthem was played, we were also instructed to stand at attention without shoulders slouching, place the hand (or hat) over our heart, and remain standing AND REMAIN SILENT through the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner (unless you felt the urge to sing along).

Now some 47 years later (47 years ago this fall, I learned the above in Kindergarten), it seems that we as a nation are no longer united in this simple but sincere show of respect.  I have had the pleasure of being in the stands at all types of Athletic contests from Pee-Wee to the NFL, and I am appalled by what I see and hear just in those standing in front of me.  The wearing of hats during the National Anthem, the failure to place the hand over the heart, and talking during OUR song of freedom and inspiration; WHEN did this change?  When on the field as a part of the press pool of photographers, I often will stand with the athletes on the sidelines, and unless I am standing alone (which I try to do), I witness the same show of (simply put) disrespect to our Stars and Stripes.

I grew up in the 60's and the 70's, and I was subjected to radical celebrities and other notables about their disdain for our Nation, and the despicable treatment of our Veterans as they returned from Vietnam.  I didn't share their sentiment then, and I don't share their sentiment now.  Since when do we have to APOLOGIZE for being Americans and loyalists?  I happen to love our Country; sure - I've had it all, lost it all, built it back up, and lost it all again.  I'll rebuild and we'll be ok, but it's NOT America's fault, nor is it a commentary on our way of life!  I STILL BELIEVE that we live in the greatest land ever conceived in Liberty, with the greatest principles there are.  I also believe in the Capitalist System, which is what built this great land of ours.

I see this now in Congress; the attacks on the Tea Party Movement, the attacks from both sides of the political aisle aimed at the OTHER side, and the attacks on and complete disregard for our Constitution.  It is NOT an ever-changing and ever-evolving document; it can be changed through the Amendment process, approved by Congress and then ratified by 38 of the 50 States within 10 years from the time it has been approved by Congress to be sent to the States.  I am not a Republican, a Democrat, or a member of any Political Party; I am an AMERICAN, and that's what I will die as.

I believe it is shameful that we have gone so far that we now take what we have for granted.  It's time we stood up as a Nation and showed our respect for our Country, our forefathers, and for those who fought to keep us free.  We were a mere couple of days from being defeated in WW2 before we even had a chance to fight back when Pearl Harbor was attacked.  Had the Aircraft Carriers been docked in the Harbor (as they were just a few days prior), Historians and Military Experts both agree that we would have been struck a fatal blow.  Through Divine Providence, we made it through that crisis, and ultimately won and established ourselves as the example in the World.  By not showing respect during the Pledge of Allegiance or during the playing and singing of our National Anthem, we dishonor those who fought in both World Wars (and the wars before and after those great conflicts) that helped preserve our way of life.

Enough is enough.  Remember what we were taught when we very young, and let's bring back this tradition, for as Churchill so eloquently put it: "A love for tradition has never weakened a nation . . ."

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/7/2010 10:17AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 6, 2010

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career.  I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot . . . and missed.  I've failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame Basketball Player (b. 1963)

It's hard to go wrong when you qoute "Air Jordan" about failure and success.  I have never been a good basketball player (5'7" tall  - 'Spud" Webb comes to mind when you thing great and small in basketball), which is why I took up wrestling in Kindergarten.  Eleven years later, I walked away from the sport for good in the middle of my Junior Year in HS, having lost the desire to lose 23 pounds in 9 days after the end of football season just to certify my weight in the State of Iowa.  I was a four-sport athlete in Junior High and High School, and played football, wrestled, was a two-miler in track (also in cross country the Saturday morning after Friday football games), a member of the golf team, and played baseball during the summer (Iowa has Summer HS Baseball).  I tasted my share of success and failure, and tried to learn from each experience.

The same was true in College, as I excelled in Vocal Music at Simpson, and Student Government at Northwest Missouri State University.  My failure to wear a seat belt on January 1, 1979 changed my life forever (extensive damage to my lower face, jaw, peridontal bones and nerve endings that no longer exists), but out of that came the success of learning how to form words correctly, therefore eliminating my life-long speech impediment.  I also knew that I had the woman of my dreams, as Jill stayed by my side throughout the entire ordeal.  That was the MOST SUCCESSFUL outcome of the events of of 1/1/79, and we will celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the night we met on October 19th.

Business has had it's success and failures as well, as I have been a Senior/Executive Manager most of my business life until 3/21/2008, when the economy forced our Company to cut back their top Executive Managers, including me - President of my Division with a 24.83% bottom line.  The failure of 15,000+ resumes to grab the attention of a CEO, HR Manager or Hiring Manger, was finally overshadowed by the success of being introduced to Team National this past February, a company that will be our success story from here on in.  The road is still filled with potholes (extended unemployment will do that to you - creditors still want their money), but the light is bright at the "end of the tunnel."  Just as I have failed at weight loss in the past, finally learning to combine it with extensive exercise has made the difference: 68 pounds since July 14th with 321 miles walked in 59 walking days.  Out of failure has come success, and with the weight loss, it has provided a better means in which I can deal with stress (because the stress will still be there for a few more months).  This is the lesson that I am teaching Jordan right now, as our lives are probably going to change dramatically in the next few months before everything works out successfully.  What may seem like a failure to some is only the darkness before the dawn.  You must believe in yourself, and be willing to reinvent yourself at the same time.  Failure to do both of those steps will result in failure.  Set a goal, and make it "trackable."  Never lose sight of the goal, and place your thoughts in the mindset that you have already achieved that goal.  Once we see it and believe it, it will become yours.

His "Airness" was tremendous to watch all those years, from the North Carolina Tarheels to the Chicago Bulls.  Just remember this: Babe Ruth led MLB in Career Home Runs until Hank Aaron broke the record in April of 1974, but few remember (or knew) that he also led the MLB in Career strikeouts.  For every failure ACHIEVED and LEARNED, a success story is born.  Every failure is an opportunity to succeed!

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/6/2010 11:42AM

Today's QOTD: October 5, 2010

"I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster." - Ansel Adams, Photographer (1902-1984)

Being a photographer for 37 years (a "Professional" one ever since I accepted compensation for my work in my first year - 1973), I have always enjoyed the work of Ansel Adams, the one who has captured many of our National Parks and National Monuments in a manner that only he could have done.  The above quote is one that I often think of when on "assignment," whether it be a Family Outdoor Session, or an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  Yogi Photography (our name since 2007) has now been in existence since September 1973 when I first took photos for the Corning High School Annual at CHS (Corning, Iowa), under the tutelage of one of the greatest Teachers of all-time: Mr. John Lenz.

I have been blessed with the companionship of my youngest son, who at the age of 7 (while battling a very debilitating "ailment" that he will live with the rest of his life) tagged along with me on every photo shoot I had scheduled.  That year, I bought him his first digital camera, and the "one with the camera" concept was established immediately.  That love of photography grew in his heart, and at the age of 9, I began teaching him the concepts of the finer art of Photography; the mindset of the image, how to frame the shot, the different concepts that can be used, and the thought processes of exposure vs. camera angle and when to use both (or using one or the other).  He took to it just like a "fish out of water."

That concept continues today, as he is in his 2nd year as the Sports Photo Editor of the Award-Winning Cambia Yearbook of Oak Park High School in Kansas City.  He has been recognized by the State of Missouri and the Kansas City Metro Area Journalism Teachers Association (25 Counties in the KC Area) for his photography prowess, as he placed in the top 3 in Football Action Photography (Runner-Up in Missouri, and 3rd Place in Kansas City Metro Journalism Teachers) in both competitions (out of over 900 entries).  This year, he has taken it upon himself to photograph every OPHS Football Game, Home AND Away, and chronicle the season as the Northmen begin to inch closer to that final game against Staley High School on Thursday, October 28th (had Staley not opened in fall 2008, all of the students would be attending Oak Park and the enrollment would be 2,800 - approximately what it was the year before Staley opened).

Sometimes photography is all about being at the right place at the right time.  Jordan's most memorable photo was taken on October 25, 2008, while we were attending the Simpson College Storm Homecoming football game.  We were in the south bleachers (about 120 feet from the action - not a very good vantage point), and Jordan has been taking photo after photo (as was I), when he took a photo of a running play featuring Simpson's star Senior running back, Adam Reutzel.  After the play, the PA Announcer informed those in attendance that Adam had broken the All-Time Career Rushing Record with that run, a record that had stood for 40 years.  We checked, and it turned out that Jordan had shot that photo in full focus from our disadvantanged photo angle in the south bleachers.  We made note of the index number of the photo, continued to shoot the game, and forwarded it via email to the Head Coach the next day.  Within 24 hours, Jordan became an instant celebrity at Simpson; of all the photographers on the field and in the stands, Jordan was the only one to capture that play.  From that point on, when we shoot Simpson Storm games (both football and basketball), we are on the sidelines or on the court behind the baseline.  Jordan has now had extensive experience shooting NCAA contests (with a legitimate Press Pass for each event)!  How cool is that?

Photography has a way of "releasing the soul" in a person, opening up their creativity and allowing them to speak through their art.  Jordan has found one of his two callings (the other is Vocal Music), and life for him will happily never be the same, thanks to a Canon EOS 1D Camera and his unique perspective of being able to focus on the beauty of human "poetry in motion!"  I am very proud of him, and Jill and I are so blessed to have him as our youngest son (as we are with having Josh as our eldest).  Jordan, may your 18th year of life leading up to your 18th birthday next September 30th be the best ever thus far!  I love you, son . . .

So mote it be.

Think about it . . .

Yogi: 10/5/2010 7:50AM CDT

Today's QOTD: October 2, 2010

"Mozart has the classic purity of light and the blue ocean; Beethoven the romantic grandeur which belongs to the storms of air and sea, and while the soul of Mozart seems to dwell on the ethereal peaks of Olympus, that of Beethoven climbs shuddering the storm-beaten sides of a Sinai. Blessed be they both! Each represents a moment of the ideal life, each does us good. Our love is due to both." - Henri Frederic Amiel (1821-1881)

Music has been a part of our family's lives since before I was born, and this morning was no exception.  Jordan auditioned for the Kansas City Metro All-District Choir at Park Hill South High School, and his audition was at 8:42AM.  I remember the nervousness that I went through for All-State Choir Auditions in the falls of 1973, '74 and '75 (our Auditions were as quartets, and Missouri's are as soloists), and the butterflies came back for me as well as I watched him nervously pace up and down the floor of a deserted hallway, while practicing his tonal qualities and the German lyrics of his musical selection.

None of us will know how he did until Monday (he had a sight reading test directly after his solo, which is the other half of his audition), but the experience was a valuable one for him.  Whether he is chosen or not is not the concern here; the mere fact that he competed and did his best is what really matters.  Today was another lesson in life, and I hope that it is one he never forgets.  I know I remember all three of my auditions for the elite All-State Iowa Choir, having finally made it in my Senior Year in fall '75 (in fact, our entire quartet made it: Priscilla Hogan, Deb King, Eric Sickler and me).  I hope that Jordan is able to achieve his dream before his High School years are over, as he'll have another opportunity next year.  To be able to audition for the All-State Choir, you must be chosen for the All-District Choir first, then audition again in mid-November.  It's a completely different process than it is in Iowa, and truthfully - about 6 times as difficult to make because of the 3 large Metro Areas that our State has within our borders (St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City - not to mention St. Joseph, Joplin and Jefferson City).  Both Chris Droegemueller (Greenfield, Iowa HS Class of '91, Jordan's Vocal Music Director and a fellow Alumni member of the Iowa All-State Choir - as a Senior in fall '90) and I agree.  Neither one of us have seen a process such as this.

Jordan, either way - I am very proud of you, and regardless of the outcome, you have a gorgeous Bass voice.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise; I do believe I know what I'm talking about!

BTW:  Happy Birthday to my big brother Jeffrey Dennis (Jedd - b. 1955), my sister-in-law Melinda Mitchell Gearhart (b. 1971), and lifelong friends (since Elementary School in Corning, Iowa) Bill Boswell and Randy Gillet (both born in 1957)!  You four deserve a great day; I love the 4 of you very much (Jedd and Melinda: family members, and Bill and Randy: two of my very best friends growing up)!

Think about it . . . 

Yogi: 10/2/2010 7:52PM CDT