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