tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67904135002507397202024-02-08T06:41:50.746-08:00RamblingsJeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-11850596426599374052016-03-03T15:08:00.002-08:002016-03-03T15:08:25.774-08:00An open letter to Sen. Grassley
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The following is an open letter to
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley:</div>
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Dear Sen. Grasssley:</div>
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Over the past several years, I have
had the honor of interviewing you a few times. You had a special
relationship with my former boss and you visited Belle Plaine several
times. On several other occasions, your staff called our office to
set up phone interviews with you from your Washington office.
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So it is with these memories in mind
that I must regretfully say I am disappointed in you. For many years,
you have represented this state admirably. In fact, on at least one
occasion I was able to tell you that even though I am a registered
Democrat, I always voted for you when I had the chance. You always
represented your constituents well, often going against the wishes of
your party. Your service has been a no-nonsense style as you often
were not afraid to cut through the red tape that Washington seems so
fond of to get results for us.
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But now, as chairman of the Senate
Judiciary Committee, you have apparently fallen in line with your
party's leadership, drank the Kool-Aid of obstructionism and decided
you will not allow any discussion of a nomination for a judge to fill
the vacancy on the Supreme Court.</div>
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What happened to you? Surely with your
experience, you have the opportunity to show the way to other members
of the Senate and allow the government to function even in an
election year. Of course, President Obama is not from your party. But
he has shown that he won't make any radical nominations. In fact, one
of the rumored candidates is a woman from our state who you
wholeheartedly supported for another judgeship. She went on to gain
unanimous approval from the Senate.
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Don't you think there is a good chance
that our president, who has 12 years experience as a constitutional
professor, realizes the gravity and importance of this nomination?
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You have said that you think that the
new justice should be appointed by the next president. Are you saying
that President Obama should refrain from doing his job for his last
year? If you employed a worker for your farm and signed him to a
multi-year contract, surely you would not want to pay him for the
final year of that contract if he failed to do the work. Perhaps more
importantly, would you trust a President Trump (God forbid) to
nominate the next justice?
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I can only guess that you think that
if you join your Republican colleagues in blocking this nomination
you can somehow save a dying political party. But you risk doing this
at the expense of what has been a truly noble legacy of your service.
Do you want to be remembered as someone who allowed partisan politics
to govern his final months in office? You are running for
re-election, but this move might be just the thing that pushes the
voting majority to the other candidate.
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You still can change your mind. Take
the high road. Please reconsider.
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Currently a disappointed constituent,</div>
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Jeff Orvis</div>
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Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-89660579746202044522016-02-25T13:35:00.006-08:002016-02-25T13:35:55.797-08:00What's this Trump candidacy all about?
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By Jeff Orvis</div>
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At first it seemed like just another
publicity stunt. It had been a few minutes since Donald Trump had
been the center of attention on a TV show, voting people off with a
robust “You're fired!” But when he announced he would be a
candidate for president, I doubt few took him very seriously.</div>
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From the outset, the Trump candidacy
was anything but normal. As the richest person vying for the nation's
top office, he vowed that he would not need to solicit campaign
funds, that he was his own man and would fully fund his own campaign.
On the plus side, he would not have to answer to any big campaign
contributor. On the down side, he would apparently not have to answer
on any of the voting public.
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Many of us thought this must be a
joke, that we would wake up one morning and he would say, “April
fool!” There would be plenty of time to turn our attention to more
traditional candidates to decide who would be the leader of the free
world. So far, we haven't heard those words and as the weeks and
months continue to dwindle before the November election, Trump
continues to jet around the country on his own plane, telling it like
it is, at least how he thinks it is. He continues to draw media
attention with more and more outrageous statements each day.
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Many of us are far from happy with the
way we elect our president and other public officials. The little guy
seems less and less important and thanks to Supreme Court rulings and
the failure of Congress to pass any meaningful election spending
reform, money means more than votes when it comes to winning an
election.
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So after months of growing weary of
constant campaign commercials and appearances by dozens of
candidates, I suspect that some people are drawn to Trump as a sort
of anti-candidate, as some kind of a joke.</div>
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The thing is, there are a growing
number of voters who aren't laughing anymore. They are being won over
by his campaign style, his bluntness and unfortunately aren't
considering just what four years of a Trump presidency might be like.
And I'm beginning to wonder if even Trump himself has stopped to
realize what at least four years in the White House might really be
like.</div>
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Being the President is much more than
brokering a business deal, or building a Manhattan high rise or an
Atlantic City casino. It is not a monarchy. You have to know how to
compromise with 535 other men and women in Congress. And as much as
we might like, it's tough to fire them if you can't get them to act
as you think they should.
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Despite how we might not agree with
some of the decisions our Presidents have made, we have grown to
expect them to know how to rejoice in national accomplishments as
well as know how to lend a sympathetic ear to people grieving from
the loss of soldiers or innocent people in the line of fire during
domestic massacres.
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A former president said, “The buck
stops here.” We expect our president to know more than how to
invest that buck. In fact, one of the things Trump would have to do
if he was elected would be to surrender all of his financial dealings
to a blind trust until he left office. For someone who has spent
years playing with vast amounts of money, can we really expect him to
turn over the keys to someone else while he motorcades to Andrews Air
Force Base to meet a military transport with the bodies of dead
soldiers?
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I guess I'm not fully convinced Trump
will see this campaign through until November. As the Republican
party scrambles to find someone who can sideline him, he continues to
laugh all the way to the ballot box in one primary after another.
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It's clear that Trump is a guy who
likes to be in charge. When he suddenly realizes that even as
president, he can't fully be in charge, he might decide to end his
candidacy and throw his support behind someone else. Of course, he
has alienated virtually every other candidate of both parties. But
maybe that's what he wants. The next few months will be very
interesting.
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Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-71274525608734563582016-01-16T10:20:00.003-08:002016-01-16T10:20:31.032-08:00Looking for a holy endorsement?
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By Jeff Orvis</div>
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As we are thankfully entering the home
stretch in the presidential caucus race lunacy, have you noticed the
latest weapon in the arsenal of several candidates? God.
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Some of the folks who want to be our
next president have recognized that many of us who live in this state
are proud, God-fearing folks. I'm sure they would love to have a
verbal endorsement from the Big Guy, but short of that, their
campaign commercials assure us that they are true believers. Of
course then in their next commercial they claim they are the best bet
for keeping us safe by pledging to bomb our foes into oblivion. Then
they say the other candidates are no good for us and we are certain
to face disaster if the other guy is nominated and elected.</div>
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At least so far they have stopped
short of claiming that they are more religious than their opponents,
but stay tuned, there's still time for that.</div>
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Then there are the people who are
campaigning to let God in our schools and in our city halls and court
houses. I've probably written about this before, but as a reminder,
wasn't this country founded, at least in part, by people who were
attempting to escape the government-mandated religion of England?
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I understand where some of my
well-meaning friends are coming from. Many of us are taught from an
early age that belief in God is the only way to live and to eternal
life. We are also instructed to share our belief with everyone we
meet. But I have never heard, at least from the New Testament, any
decree that we must cram our beliefs down the throats of our
neighbors, my way or the highway.
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What makes this country great is the
fact that we are a wonderful melting pot of folks with all sorts of
beliefs. One of our basic beliefs is that we should not infringe on
the rights of others to believe what they want, as long as they do it
in a peaceful manner.
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Several years ago, my mom was facing
emergency surgery. She was a life-long Christian who took every
opportunity to profess her belief. As she was meeting with her
surgical team, she told them that she believed that there would be
someone else in that operating room guiding their every move. She
told them God would be there. Then her anesthesiologist had a perfect
two-word comment, “And Buddha.” Those words assured her that
while he was not necessarily a Christian, he believed in a superior
being that guided his every move as well.</div>
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And that's why I object to having one
organized religion as a part of our public school curriculum, why I
don't think a monument of the Ten Commandments has any place on
public property and why we should question any candidate for any
office that seems to indicate that a vote for him or her is
necessarily a vote for God.</div>
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The day we elect a president with only
a Christian-based agenda is the day we relegate our Jewish, Buddhist,
Muslim and other neighbors to second-class citizenship. I don't have
any problem with a candidate professing his or her faith and saying
he or she lives by the principles they believe in. But the inference
that if you aren't Christian, you should look for somewhere else to
live is just plain wrong. What do we say to that Buddhist
anesthesiologist or that Jewish lawyer or merchant or that Islamic
professor of ancient history?
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There would be great value in a public
school unit on the world's comparative religions. It could lead to
greater understanding an tolerance. But only if it was taught with
the help of representatives of other religions as well as
Christianity.
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Late on Christmas Eve, I watched a
tremendous special, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” It was
presented by a group called the United Religions Initiative.
According to the group's web site, “<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">URI
is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and
justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural
differences and work together for the good of their communities and
the world.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">While
it was billed as a “Christmas special,” it did not attempt to
promote one religion over another, but to recognize that billions of
people around the world viewed Christmas Eve as the ultimate holy
night and to celebrate those beliefs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In
an era where we are increasingly suspicious of some small factions of
certain “religions” for their professed violent beliefs, isn't
this the best time to check out what the URI is attempting to put
forth? Isn't tolerance and understanding and not only what this
country was founded on but a gift from God? </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Something
to think about.</span></span></div>
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Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-51383928023091444592015-12-25T10:22:00.000-08:002015-12-25T10:22:13.781-08:00Thoughts at holiday time that are good for every day
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Note: Christmas is often a good time for reflection. Please accept this entry as my gift to many of you. And I hope you know who you are!</div>
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By Jeff Orvis</div>
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Gratitude.</div>
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That may seem like a topic better
suited for Thanksgiving, but as we have a little time around the
Christmas and New Year holidays to reflect on what has happened to us
in the ending year, it's a good time to take stock in some happenings
and people that we all too often may take for granted.</div>
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When people sit down to write this
sort of blog, there's always a danger that the reader may wonder why,
if he or she is included, they are not higher in the order of
thoughts. So as a sort of disclaimer, if you are mentioned, the order
in which you appear has no bearing on how important you are to me.
And if you think you should have been mentioned but aren't, remember
the writer recently reached the official senior citizen status.
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Senior citizen. When we were in our
teens or twenties, we probably thought that designation was reserved
for our grandparents. Few of us ever thought we would reach that age.
We were too busy chasing grades, girls (or boys) and that first job.
But I can tell you, from my limited experience so far, being a senior
citizen ain't all bad. First of all, you've probably outlived all
your teachers who would claim you can't use the word “ain't.”
Then there's the ready-made excuse when you forget something that
those things happen when you have over 60 years of memories to sort
through!</div>
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So I can say I am grateful for being a
senior citizen in fairly good health. Sure, there are some issues
that I regularly visit with my medical professional about. But with
God's help, I hope to be around for quite a few more years.</div>
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Of course I am grateful for my family.
I have a police scanner playing all day here in the apartment and
believe me, after hearing some of the calls our local law enforcement
has to handle, having a family you love, am proud of and can count on
is a true gift. My sister Missy and her husband, Richard, have been
so supportive since Mom died and left me to be the executor of her
estate and the years following. They have spent many of their married
years living in bustling metropolises like Dallas, Shreveport and
Jacksonville. They are probably still wondering why I chose to live
in a town of just under 3,000 not once, but twice. But that's another
part of this whole gratitude thing that I'll get to in a moment.</div>
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Two of Missy and Richard's closest
friends are Lynn and Eric Johnson. I won't say I stole them as a
second sister and brother, but they are proud Iowans! Lynn calls a
few times each week just to check up on me. She is a big sports fan,
although I'm still trying to convince her that the Cubs will be the
next Chicago team in the World Series, not the White Sox. We had a
mutual long distance celebration last winter when the Blackhawks won
the Stanley Cup. Yes, she's turned me into a hockey fan!</div>
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Eric and their son, Aaron, spent a
Saturday a couple of years ago moving me here from Davenport, for
which I am super grateful. Their younger son, Ethan, is starting a
career as a teacher in the Davenport Schools. Sorry Ethan, I was
going to say an “exciting career,” and I realize it is for you.
But I never was a fan of math when I was in school.</div>
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Getting back to other relatives for a
moment, my niece and nephew are raising young families and that's
exciting. Laura has found the love of her life and she and Kevin are
raising her son, Warren, who has started school. Warren recently
relinquished some of the honors as most photographed grandchild in
the world when my nephew, Chris and his wife, Erin, welcomed Gavin
into the world. Laura, Kevin and Warren live in Jacksonville and
Chris, Erin and Gavin recently moved to the Dallas area. And yes, I
am scouting from afar, watching the physical development and sports
interests of both of my grandnephews to see if I should alert the
Hawkeye basketball or football offices of the possible future
recruits.
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I think I've mentioned this before,
but once again I am remembering to be grateful for the Belle Plaine
family. When people ask me why I moved back here, even though I was
entering the senior part of my life, part of it was economics. Part
of it was apartment availability, but more important was knowing that
many of my Facebook friends live here. It took less than an hour
after I arrived back in town to be recognized and welcomed on Main
Street.
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I am also grateful for modern
technology, specifically the internet and Facebook. I can sit here at
the desktop or in my recliner with my Kindle and instantly be
connected with friends and family from Florida to Texas, from
Colorado to Vegas, from Washington State to Maine.
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Through Facebook, I am grateful that I
still have friends who tolerate my opinion. Even those who don't
agree with me often present informed opinions of their own. I may not
agree with them all the time, but at least they take the time to
state their side.</div>
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As we prepare to dive head-first into
2016, there will be plenty of highs and lows for all of us. There
always are. It's a presidential election year and by the time we are
finished with our February caucuses in Iowa, we will be counting the
days until the general election is behind us.
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Maybe by the time we know who our next
president will be, I will have unpacked the last of the boxes my move
warriors moved for me. I may even clean out a bunch of stuff from my
storage unit. Or maybe that resolution may have to wait until 2017!</div>
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Let's all hope and pray that when we
stop to reflect on the events of 2016 this time next year, we will
all have many things to be grateful for!</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-15493076296737356552015-12-23T19:02:00.000-08:002015-12-23T19:02:08.310-08:00Moving no longer an easy task
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Note: The following was written in the
days immediately following my move. While awaiting the cable guy to
transfer my service, I had no access to the internet, but access to
the computer. This is the result of having a few days without
communication with the outside world.</div>
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By Jeff Orvis</div>
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How many times have I moved in my just
over 62 years on this earth? This is a question that I realize many
people think about. If you grew up in a family where either or both
parents were active military, you probably moved quite often. If you
were successful in business and advanced up the corporate ladder,
there were probably several moves in your life.</div>
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So what prompted this little trip down
memory lane for me? I am in the latter stages of relocating to
another address in this fair city. I say “latter stages” because
although I have all my worldly possessions across town from where I
was a scant six days ago, thanks to a small army of wonderful
helpers, which I will talk about a little later, I am still on a
treasure hunt for a few things hidden in poorly marked boxes and
plastic totes. Where is that nearly open package of flour tortillas?
I couldn't find my shampoo when I finally slowed down to try out my
new shower. And I haven't looked for my laundry detergent yet and
will probably need that in a few days.</div>
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What was moved and organized by a
hearty band of volunteers is nothing short of a miracle. I wouldn't
blame them if I asked them again for help in a move in the coming
years if they were suddenly out of town. But the miracle came when I
asked my aunt and uncle if they might drive over from western
Illinois to help. I remembered that Donna, my aunt that is younger
than I am, had been interested in seeing where I was living. Her
ever-patient husband, Danny, is still young and healthy enough to try
an adventure. Not only did he provide a lot of the muscle and
transportation, I'm sure he is on a first-name basis with the clerks
at Casey's, which supplied us with pizza for supper one night, as
well as a couple of adult beverages and breakfast the next morning.
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Knowing I would need some local help
to supplement my relatives – I wasn't going to be much help in
moving that living room and bedroom furniture, I got instant help
from Rev. Charles Johnson. But when he showed up with his wonderful
wife, Karen, I knew that she and my aunt, both recently retired
teachers, would have a lot in common and would make quick work of
packing and cleaning the kitchen in the old place. The last important
volunteer was Bruce Gapstur, who was uncertain if he would be in town
on Friday, but luckily he was. So I witnessed two work cyclones that
day – Donna and Karen in the kitchen and bathroom area and Danny,
Charles and Bruce in the rest of the apartment. I tried to help when
I could, but I quickly realized that age and a tricky hip made my
work more a person to answer the frequent question, “Where do you
want this?” I love my computer and the internet, but I am a
self-professed amateur when it comes to knowing how this thing works.
Thankfully, I remembered my pastor, Steve Huebbel, knows a lot more
about how this thing works than I do and he quickly figured out the
tangled mess of cables and wires so I would have something to type on
today.</div>
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When I had a moment to think back on
the initial question that I posed at the start of this piece, I
amazed myself. Trying to remember each place I had moved to from the
time I took my first full time job in Independence to this weekend
was like counting sheep when you try to sleep. I can remember what
each apartment and house looked like, just don't ask me to remember
the address of each place. Remember, I'm officially a senior citizen!
Starting in 1977, I lived in seven places in Independence and this is
the fourth residence in Belle Plaine. There were a couple of
necessary moves to the Quad-Cities during those years. On the plus
side of each of those moves, I've had great help from family and
friends and usually settled in places where I didn't have to move
appliances. But I do have a substantial record collection. The good
news for my most recent mover warriors, a majority of those records
remain in local storage, where they have been for several years!
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In each of those moves, I have had
wonderful and patient landlords and was never evicted. Most of the
moves were an attempt to upgrade my surroundings, along with a couple
of family considerations. My last apartment was really nice and I'm
glad it already has a new tenant. I gave up a second bedroom and a
garage for this move. But that apartment rent was based on fair
market value, while since I reached that magical 62 year old
birthday, I not only qualified for Social Security, but also senior
housing with a welcome rent reduction.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Before I forget, I should also mention
that my out-of-town helpers were very impressed with our local
overnight accommodations. Jerilyn DeRaad and Jeff Brown have a
wonderful downtown apartment they rent for overnight visitors. And
once Donna and Danny got used to the trains roaring past just feet
from their bed, they raved about their night stay.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What have I learned about this move so
far? Besides the most important factor that God had a hand in giving
me such wonderful helpers, I realize that I must be diligent in
paring down my possessions. Sorry, Danny, I haven't decided to part
with those VHS tapes I inherited from Mom and I promise one day I
will have a workable machine to play them on. I am also learning to
wean myself away from visual media, thankfully on a short-term basis.
The cable guy couldn't come until today, meaning I was without TV and
internet for nearly a week. WMT-radio is a poor substitution. I'm
sick of Fox radio news and right-wing commentators. But WMT is also
the local radio voice of the Chicago Bears. Fortunately, KDAT-FM is
playing non-stop Christmas music, so in the coming few days I should
be able to get in the proper spirit as I rest my tired muscles and
continue the unpacking and arranging. One of the first things we did
on Saturday was unpack, decorate and light my Christmas tree!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I read what I have written so far,
I realize most of it has been about me, along with some words of
thanks to my great helpers. I pledge that my next entry with focus on
other matters, perhaps the reason for the season!</div>
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<br /><br />
</div>
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<br />
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<br />
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-31611429744793565972015-10-22T13:08:00.003-07:002015-10-22T13:08:42.913-07:00From local notoriety to a teachable moment
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a few days, Belle Plaine was in
the news, both locally and nationally. After last night, because of
the action of the Belle Plaine Board of Education, our little town
faded back from the limelight, which is probably a good thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At issue was the decision by school
administrators to end the practice of firing off a 21-gun salute to
close the annual Veterans' Day observance. For many years, local
veterans groups have presented a school assembly, complete with a
flag ceremony, usually a guest speaker and the salute, followed by
the playing of “Taps.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But this year, it was decided not to
allow guns in the school, even if they were handled by veterans and
were loaded with blank ammunition. I haven't met our superintendent,
but I can only suppose that with the tragedies of mass killings in
schools and movie theaters in this country, along with the mounting
body count of children through gun violence, maybe it was thought a
change was needed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This decision set off a social media
firestorm. Fueled by the seemingly unending resources of the National
Rifle Association, an Iowa gun owners group promised a protest at
this week's school board meeting. More important to local residents,
this decision seemed like a slap in the face of our veterans, along
with several young people from here currently serving in the armed
forces.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another factor in this is how well
received this annual assembly has been. I can remember when I was in
school, some kids were less than attentive at some assemblies and
more than once the whole school was called on the carpet by our
principal. I attended most of the Veterans' Day assemblies when I was
at the newspaper and I was constantly surprised at how well behaved
the junior and senior high school students were for this program. I
suspect one of the main reasons for this behavior was the fact that
most of the students know someone who is currently in the military or
are the children of veterans.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While I don't yet know the school
superintendent, I am friends with several members of the board of
education. I am not surprised, based on reports I have seen, that the
board was not swayed by the sudden media interest, but did take the
time to hear statements from members of the capacity crowd at the
meeting. In the end, the board voted to allow the custom to continue
as in the past.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
School officials should not be
condemned for introducing this proposal. In this ever-growing gun
crazy culture, maybe this was a good time to consider whether a
change would be in order. But on the other hand, we are losing
dozens, if not hundreds, of veterans of our wars from World War Two
to the present, each day. Also, many American Legion and VFW chapters
are having problems staying afloat.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To be certain, I am no war hawk. I am
of an age where I could have been eligible for the Vietnam draft. I
did not agree with our involvement in that conflict, especially as it
was commanded by a corrupt federal government. Through educational
and physical deferments, I never served in the military. But I
recognize the need for our country to have a strong defense today.
Before we became involved in what has been called America's longest
war, a career in the military was also a good alternative for many
young people.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We should honor those who have fought
for us. The 21-gun salute is a fitting way to remind all of us what
price so many paid for our freedom. Thanks to our school board
members for their decision. And thanks to our superintendent for
having the courage to start a dialogue on this topic. If nothing
else, it should serve as a teachable moment for classes where history
and current events are taught.
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-25590736063872444862015-10-07T10:43:00.000-07:002015-10-07T10:43:11.671-07:00A brave look at religion and politics
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By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They say the quickest way to start a
fight is to begin a discussion on religion or politics. So while I
often like to keep this blog light, if the discussion of either above
topic bothers you, perhaps you should wait for the next entry.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let me start by stating that I am a
professing Christian and very proud and grateful for that fact. God
has gotten me through a lot over my life and I recognize he is with
me every step of the way. But one of the gifts I think He has given
me is tolerance. And unfortunately, I see less and less tolerance in
this country each day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some people seem to think if we just
let God in our schools, everything will be okay. Others are shocked
when state and county governments won't allow the Ten Commandments to
be prominently displayed on the grounds of government buildings.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I believe in prayer. Lord knows,
forgive the weak pun, that I have called upon him numerous times
silently before taking a big test in school, as well as before
building up the nerve to ask a particular girl to a dance. I also
believe in the Ten Commandments and realize that as a sinner, I don't
keep them each day. But that doesn't mean I don't try.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our Sunday school teachers and clergy
have done a great job of teaching us that belief in Christ is the
only way to get to Heaven. My way or the highway and that highway is
a one-way to a very unpleasant, very warm place.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's been many years since I studied
American history. But from what I remember, it seems that our
ancestors, at least some of them, came to this country to escape a
European country where there was only one religion. I have no doubt
that the early settlers drew upon their faith to sustain them during
those tough first years. But they did it without a federal government
looking over their shoulders, telling them who and how to worship.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have recently become aware of a
term, Christian dominionism. My interpretation may be a bit off, but
it seems to be the belief that this country is a Christian nation and
the devout believers in this concept believe we will all be doomed if
we don't allow prayer back in our public schools and the Ten
Commandments in our courthouses and statehouses. Their belief is well
meaning. If more people followed the teachings of Christ, this would
be a more civilized and peaceful society.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But my question to these folks is, if
we are a free society, where one of our cherished freedoms is to
practice, or not practice, the religion of our choice, how is this a
Christian nation? What about our friends and neighbors that have
contributed so much to the growth of this country? Why isn't America
just as much a Jewish nation, or Hindu nation or, perish the thought,
an Islamic nation? Some of these religions have teachings I am
vehemently opposed to, especially not admitting that women are equal
and should not be treated with anything but respect.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like it or not, and many of us don't,
we have been catapulted into the 2016 presidential campaign. The
latest fad of many of the current candidates, especially the
Republicans, is to stand up in front of a group and say, “Vote for
me, I'm a Christian!” I'm waiting for one of them, probably Trump,
to slip and say that while speaking in a mosque or synagogue.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The point is, just as we have broken
the color barrier in the White House and may soon break the gender
barrier, there will come a time when we also break the bonds of
believing that our president must be a Bible-carrying Protestant
Christian. Other religions teach peace and compassion. The jury is
still out on whether we will see any of these other folks in Heaven,
but ultimately we don't have the final say in the matter.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The candidate that gets my vote will
be the one who will indicate that they lean on a Superior Being for
strength, but also one who freely admits that he, or she, wants to be
the president of all Americans, regardless of what they do on
Saturdays or Sundays.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-89610825041955506232015-08-20T13:49:00.002-07:002015-08-20T13:49:19.580-07:00The incredible continuing legacy of Jimmy Carter
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Former President Jimmy Carter held a
remarkable news conference earlier this morning. He had announced
that he had cancer that had spread from his liver to other parts of
his body. What was remarkable about this appearance was that he
didn't rely on a spokesman or a doctor to explain the extent of his
illness. He sat and answered questions from the local and national
press for more than 30 minutes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I sat and listened closely to this
incredible man. For a guy who served just one term in the White
House, he might be remembered as one of the most influential
individuals of the 20<sup>th</sup> and early 21<sup>st</sup> century.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When we hear about some of the
wonderful work his Carter Center has accomplished around the world,
it might be easy to regret that we didn't elect him to a second term.
After all, look what replaced him. But I think America may have done
him a favor by releasing him from the Washington fish bowl. Leaving
behind the world of spin doctors, image formers and hundreds, if not
thousands of government types who had their own ideas on how things
should be done, he returned to rural Georgia, where the next chapter
of his life has been anything but quiet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course, of immediate concern is his
health status. He calmly explained how the cancer had spread to four
areas of his brain and how he was to begin treatment later in the
day. He said he was actually at peace with the diagnosis, recognizing
what a wonderful life he'd had. Much of that peace has come from the
support of family and many friends around the world, but also from
his strong Christian faith. Many of us would naturally sit back and
wait to die. President Carter is tackling this challenge head-on,
despite living nearly 91 years.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Aside from the detailed description of
his condition, he reminded us of many other facts and figures of his
life that show why this man is a national and international treasure.
A graduate of the Naval Academy, he served on a nuclear submarine.
After his service, he returned home and farmed for 17 years. Later
on, he served as governor of Georgia, then hit the national political
spotlight which ultimately lead to the presidency.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today, I learned that he and his
wonderful wife, Rosalyn, have been married 69 years. They have 22
children and grandchildren. He was asked how this illness and his
treatment might affect his work with the Carter Center. He said he
still hopes he can make that trip back to Nepal to help Habitat for
Humanity build homes. It would mark the 33rd time he has been in that
country. Much of the work of the center also involves improving the
health of the populations of 80 countries. At one time, he said,
there were more than 3 million victims of polio. That number has
dropped to 11 and Carter was able to list which countries still had
victims.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
All of this incredible work takes
major funds. Carter indicated that the center has an endowment of
just over $600 million. While he and his wife have decided to scale
back their day to day work at the center, he said he would still be
contacting big donors and being a consultant of the work still being
done. And there's still that hope of a return to Nepal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With more than 20 men and women
seeking the presidency, it's easy to compare and contrast them, as
well as those who went before them. I have lived during the terms of
11 men. Some have done great things, others have been a
disappointment. We all have our opinion on who the good ones have
been. After watching the Carter news conference, I noticed on my
Facebook page that someone had called First Lady Michelle Obama a
disappointment. It has also been suggested that President Obama
should be in prison. Most of those suggestions come from folks who
can't even spell their claims correctly. Somehow, I would trust a
former Constitutional professor before most rural Iowans, myself
included.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Way back in 1981, on the day that
Carter left the presidency, our hostages were set free from more than
a year of imprisonment in Iran. I'm still wondering if the timing of
their release was not orchestrated by members of the incoming Reagan
Administration to try to dampen the legacy of President Carter.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
More than 30 years later, that legacy
is secure, despite the best efforts of those long-forgotten
naysayers. As we continue to listen to that growing list of
candidates, we should ask ourselves which ones have the ability to
display not only great judgment, but also compassion and the vision
to know that this is a great, big wonderful world and there are
billions of fellow residents who deserve the right to live happy and
healthy lives. That is what Jimmy Carter learned many years ago.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He will be a tough act to follow.</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-33629333134678610142015-08-01T12:40:00.005-07:002015-08-01T12:40:52.622-07:00Iowa sends some quality players to the NFL again
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Okay sports fans. Our long, dreary
wait is almost over! The scanning of the TV dial for coverage of the
combine, draft, reruns of last year, etc. is about to come to an end.
The NFL begins its ultimate trek to the 50<sup>th</sup> Super Bowl
with the first preseason game a week from now in Canton, OH.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Aside from my total allegiance to the
Chicago Bears, when I am watching a game with other teams involved, I
try to scan the team rosters to find players who played their college
ball in the state of Iowa. As the teams began opening their preseason
camps, they published their 90-man rosters, showing who would be
vying for spots on the regular season roster. The preseason rosters
include the player's position, years pro and the college he attended.
So for the past several years, I have poured over these rosters, in
an attempt to answer the age-old question, “What ever happened
to...?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each year, Iowa and Iowa State square
off on the football field and for the week leading into the big game,
there's a civil war waged in our fair state. I want to see all of our
state teams do well, but I freely admit that my main loyalties lie
with the Hawkeyes. I don't hate Iowa State, I just know which has
historically been the dominant college program in our state and I
like to go with a winner. How's that for firing the first volley
across the bow?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But if you are visiting your favorite
watering hole and a debate begins on which program is the better one,
consider this: There are 52 players on preseason pro rosters who
played college ball in our state. Thirty-nine are former Hawkeyes.
Eight are from Iowa State, four are from Norther Iowa and one is from
Coe. If you measure a program's success by the way the coaching staff
prepares young men for a possible pro career, Iowa wins, hands down.
Of course, if you want to see a team with the best potential for
national recognition in the postseason, check out the guys at UNI.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The 52 players with Iowa ties
attempting to earn a paycheck in the NFL this season are on 25 teams.
Baltimore and Atlanta lead the way with four players each. There are
16 rookies listed. The gray beards with Iowa ties are Atlanta's
Jonathan Babineaux, in his 11<sup>th</sup> season and Minnesota's
Chad Greenway, entering his tenth year. Both played at Iowa.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This state turns out a quality crop of
linemen each year. The list this year includes 15 offensive linemen,
seven tight ends and nine defensive linemen. There are also eight
linebackers, three running backs, one quarterback, one wide receiver,
six defensive backs and one kicker.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is the time of year when dreams
are made and dreams are shattered. If a team has 90 men in camp this
week, by the opening of the regular season in September, more than 35
of those players will be looking for another profession. Multiply
that by the number of teams in the league and you get some idea just
how tough it is to make a pro career.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Historically, this state has provided
some quality players who have had lengthy NFL careers. Heck, there
are probably enough former pros in the Aplington-Parkersburg area
alone to have an alumni group!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's hoping most of this year's
group will cash those nice pro checks for several years to come!</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-2925946917472465232015-06-28T14:56:00.001-07:002015-06-28T14:59:44.656-07:00The week that was<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What a week we just experienced! Who
would have thought when we began the week that by the end, our
Supreme Court would have the courage to affirm what many of us
already understood as the right thing to do, not once, but twice.
Then our president represented all of us, whether we like it or not,
in mourning the deaths of nine folks who were in a Bible study when
they were gunned down by a young segregationist.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Such important events. So much to
comment on. So many views and I already know that some of my friends
will not share my opinion, but that's what makes this country great.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't pretend to understand all of
the ramifications of the Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act.
But it would seem that it at least partly affirms what has been in
effect since the passage of what even the President now fondly calls
“Obamacare.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I believe that basic health care is a
right, not a privilege. If you want a plastic surgeon to try to take
a few years off your face, you should pay for it. If you are the
victim of a fire and that surgeon works to restore your appearance to
something similar to what you had before your accident, you should
get that care, whether you can afford it or not. If you get cancer
and you are facing drug costs of $100,000 a year to extend your life,
you should have it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most of the rest of the modern world
knows this. Why don't we? While this may be an over simplification,
don't you think if we didn't have all those commercials and print ads
touting every drug under the sun, prices would go down? If there were
reasonable limits to malpractice awards for those drug companies and
health care professionals, wouldn't there be less money needed in the
system? If training for those health care workers was free and
malpractice insurance was paid for, their salary structures could
come down to a more reasonable level.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And of course, if we were all issued a
health card by the government, the complicated, bloated health
insurance industry would just fade away.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've already written enough to make a
lot of folks mad and just maybe more than a few of you are nodding
your head in agreement. But time to move on to my next topic of the
week.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When the Court ruled in favor of gay
marriage, the reaction was immediate and loud. Some devout believers
mourned the ruling. Some candidates who unfortunately use religion as
a prop for their campaign were the most vocal, while they were
secretly smiling because they now had more ammunition to gain
campaign contributions and support.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I heard the news, when the shock
subsided, I was very happy. I should say here that I am a lifelong
heterosexual. Some of my best friends and were and are female. But I
also have some friends who choose a different lifestyle. Putting
aside the Biblical questions for a moment, I recognize that they find
most comfort with members of their own sex. Not for a moment do I
question their devotion to their partners.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Amid the hundreds of people who
instantly appeared on the steps of the Supreme Court to celebrate the
ruling, a couple of moments made me tear up a bit. One of the men who
sued the state of Ohio to allow his name to be placed on his
partner's death certificate as his immediate next of kin, held up a
picture of his departed partner and tried to explain what this ruling
met to him. The other emotional moment came when an all-male chorus
broke into a splendid spontaneous rendition of “The Star Spangled
Banner.” It was their way of saying they were still proud to be
Americans.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The ruling which seems to say we can
no longer discriminate against people based on their sexual
orientation brought to mind another time in our history. There was a
time when women were not allowed to vote. There was also a time when
people of different races were considered second class citizens in
parts of this country. The Court's ruling blasted another stumbling
block toward equality.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The other major event in this country
this past week was a gathering of more than 5,000 mourners in South
Carolina for the funeral of a young pastor. The funeral was attended
by the president and vice president and their wives, along with
several members of congress and other officials.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The President delivered a very moving
eulogy, capped by his singing of “Amazing Grace.” It was a
fitting tribute to the victim and his family and hopefully a comfort
to a stricken community, state and nation. It also delivered a
message to those misinformed folks who still maintain that our
president is a Muslim. How many Muslims do you know that can sing
that old spiritual with such emotion?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While President Obama may have been
the first president to sing while speaking at a funeral, he is not
our first Mourner in Chief. Unfortunately, wars and other tragedies
have forced our presidents of both parties to be our spokesmen. We
may not agree with their politics, those that I have observed over
the years have represented us well.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are in the last 18 months of this
administration. This week showed that President Obama has a chance at
a positive legacy. But that can only happen if the opposition will
abandon its smokescreens regarding gay marriage and affordable health
care and concentrate on dealing with the real problems we still face.
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-1392956481219236762015-06-15T14:49:00.003-07:002015-06-15T14:49:56.184-07:00Some thoughts on Facebook posts
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the gifts my parents left with
me is the ability to see both sides of most issues. Another is the
gift of optimism, what I like to call “The Glass is Half Full”
outlook. These gifts served me well when I was in the news game. They
have also helped when presidential election season comes around,
which, unfortunately, has become a full-time thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am fortunate to have many friends on
Facebook. Quite a few of them don't share my political beliefs, some
do. Sometimes I have been surprised at someone who finally comes
forward to unveil a political belief that I never imagined they would
have.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What has alarmed me recently is the
venomous tone some who post on Facebook use when commenting on
political figures. Sometimes they cite sources they are sure are
truthful, while it shouldn't take more than an elementary education
to realize its propaganda, not fact. Fox News comes to mind
immediately. My remote finger skips right past that channel on my TV,
because I truly believe that much of what they say is right wing
junk. To be fair, I also realize that the apparent goal of MSNBC is
to counter the Fox plague by going too far in the other direction. I
don't spend much time on that channel either.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Getting back to Facebook for a moment,
some of the posts look like they have been pulled off the front
covers of such stellar pillars of the printed word as the National
Enquirer and The Globe. One of the most recent posts indicate that
First Lady Michelle Obama is about to be charged with treason.
Another indicates that President Obama is the worst president we've
ever had. Other posts long for the days of the second Bush
administration, evidently posted by those with very short memories or
those who still believe we should be fighting in the Middle East.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One post says Laura Bush was a classy
first lady. I don't doubt that. She knew how to smile and stay in the
background, raising her family. She is a stark contrast to our
current first lady. Michelle Obama is not only very intelligent, a
woman of the 21<sup>st</sup> century, but she is serious about
serving her country in partnership with her husband.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remembering my mom's belief that
there's usually more than one side to most stories, I respect some of
those who don't agree with me. They are the ones who are undoubtedly
more intelligent than I am and state their beliefs well.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those opposed to my beliefs that make
me sad and can even scare me are those who don't even try to
contradict my beliefs with solid arguments. They're easy to spot.
They're the ones who quite often misspell some of their posts. I
suspect these folks went running for the nearest computer the night
President Obama was elected. Had we elected a white man with the last
name of Smith or Jones, you probably would not have heard from some
of these people.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remember what I said, I respect some
people who don't agree with my political leanings. They are the kind
of people I hope and pray are elected, if there is a changing of the
guard in 2016. But as you begin to listen to the dozens of candidates
over the next few months, please try to stay informed. Listen to the
ones who, if they don't think the country is going in the right
direction, will put forth ways to make things better, more prosperous
and peaceful for all of us.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe we will realize that President
Obama was not the greatest president ever. But while history is the
best judge, it's clear we've had worse. And don't expect to see his
wife led out of the White House in handcuffs any time soon, despite
what American News or Fox may tell you. <br /><br />
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-68905369085669930022015-05-04T22:01:00.004-07:002015-05-04T22:01:56.491-07:00Prescription drug companies, are you listening?
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the past, I've commented on how
corporations are cutting quantities of products, most notably in the
grocery stores, in an apparent sneaky attempt to boost profits at the
expense of consumers. When was the last time you were able to buy a
one-pound can of coffee, apart from those trendy natural food places?
Major brands have been cutting the number of ounces in their least
expensive sizes for a number of years now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There seems to be more water in a can
of vegetables, more liquid in soup cans and even air bubbles in
toothpaste tubes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I realize companies are in it to make
money. But what about integrity? Is this any way to reward customer
loyalty?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My near constant companion these days
is TV. It's the first thing I turn on when I walk in the door after
being gone. I may not pay constant attention to what's on, but I've
learned how to multitask with a baseball or hockey game on.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have become a bit amazed at the
number of ads for prescription drugs on shows at any time of the day
or night. We've all heard horror stories about the high price of some
prescription drugs. Big Pharma will try to tell you that those
increasing costs are due to the costs of research of new medications.
But I would bet we would all be amazed if suddenly these companies
were forced to open their financials to public inspection. What do
you think it costs to produce a thirty second TV ad on the nightly
network news? Then how much does it cost to buy the commercial time?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is especially appalling is how
you will see an ad for gastrointestinal distress, for example and
after spending 15 seconds extolling the qualities of the product,
complete with a happy couple frolicking in a meadow on a picnic, you
hear a voice telling you that certain people might die if they take
this stuff, or at the very least, you will quit breathing or your
nose will fall off. Of course, the companies were undoubtedly advised
to say these disclaimers in their ads to avoid nasty lawsuits in the
event that something goes horribly wrong.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What I've noticed is even as they are
running through the possible side effects of their product, you still
see the couples frolicking in the meadow, or paddling in a canoe or
moms baking cookies with their kids. That way, the visual effect will
make you want to use that drug and make you forget the warnings that
are playing in the background.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think somebody ought to make these
companies hire actors to simulate the possible side effects of their
drugs, while these warnings are being read. The first time a drug
company has to portray certain bodily functions or show a person's
nose turning black and falling off, the TV networks would have to
decline to sell them air time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the end of these ads, you are urged
to ask your doctor if this miracle drug is right for you. With the
dwindling number of general practice physicians, they often have
little time to explain what is wrong with you, let alone explain to
some woman why a product to improve erectile function is probably not
right for her. I've asked doctors if there is any good reason for
their patients to suggest a drug they have seen advertised. The
doctors usually shake their heads and roll their eyes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The point is we are not doctors. We
may know that we are not feeling well, but if you trust your doctor,
wouldn't it make more sense spending his or her valuable time briefly
explaining how you are feeling, then let the examination commence?
Drug companies are trying to put pressure on doctors, through their
patients, to sell drugs. If the TV and print ads suddenly disappeared
and the drug companies went back to giving doctors free pens, an
occasional meal or maybe even a vacation, I'll bet the cost of
prescription drugs would plummet. The companies could also use part
of their savings on some of that expensive research, giving their
investors a dividend and bribing a congressman or two.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-76755088114282089952015-04-23T19:50:00.000-07:002015-04-23T19:50:02.893-07:00A little bit about a lot of sports
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyone who has known me for any length
of time will not be surprised with my admission that sports has and
still does play a very important part of my life. As I begin my
retirement adventure and realize I will have to watch my budget, I
know that one of the last things I will be cutting is cable TV and
internet access. As long as I have a roof over my head, a warm place
to lay my head, batteries in my TV remote and my Kindle close by to
keep track of my friends, I'm content.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unlike some of the so-called “experts”
I see on ESPN and other sports networks, I was never a star athlete.
The extent of my participation included one season on the high school
tennis team and another season on the high school golf squad. But
even if I quickly realized I didn't want to spend Friday nights
knocking heads in the fall on the football field or if I also
realized I would never dunk a basketball (quit laughing, readers!), I
maintained a strong interest in sports via working as a manager for
the high school football, basketball and track teams.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I admire folks who spend years as
devoted fans of specific sports, sometimes at the expense of much
interest in other sports. As May approaches, we will once again
discover that some people live and breathe horse racing. We are
currently in the midst of college lacrosse season, drawing at least a
few thousand spectators to some of their games. Those are two sports
which interest me only slightly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I started thinking about what I
like or dislike about my favorite sports. For what it's worth, here
are my thoughts on some of them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Baseball –</b> If you think you could
ever become interested in major league baseball, I prescribe a trip
to Wrigley Field on a sunny, June day. Along with Fenway Park in
Boston, it might be the last of what I call a “baseball cathedral.”
Even with the many changes the park is undergoing, the ivy will soon
be green on the outfield walls and the grass is already in midseason
form. The players are young and hungry for a winning team.Third
baseman Kris Bryant, one of the newest members of the Cubs, is a joy
to watch as he plays the game with not only natural skill, but plenty
of enthusiasm, respect and awe.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Football –</b> In just a few days, the
NFL will be hosting the annual draft of collegiate talent.
Speculation on which team will draft which player has been running
rampant for months, which should please the owners and commissioner,
as the NFL is one of the biggest businesses going in this country. It
still amazes me that on any given Saturday in the fall, there are
undoubtedly millions of us in the stands at college games across the
country. Several of the stadiums of the major teams seat 100,000 and
are sold out far in advance. College game day is one of the best days
of the week in the fall, whether you are tailgating in a stadium
parking lot or making sure your refrigerator is well stocked for a
full day of viewing on television.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Basketball –</b> I really like watching
college basketball. It was easy to watch this past season, as all
three of the Iowa major universities had super seasons. In fact, two
of the three women's teams also had exciting seasons. A lot of people
like to watch the NBA. I haven't been very interested since Michael
Jordan and his teammates retired. The pros, who play in excess of 82
games a year, just don't show much enthusiasm as their younger
counterparts. Of course, they are paid to display what would be
considered spectacular plays on the college level and do it each
night.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Hockey –</b> I am still not a big fan,
although I am trying to be. It's hard for me to follow the fast
moving little figures gliding on the ice on TV. In fact, I believe
the best thing that has happened in recent years in making the sport
more popular is instant replay and HD TV. Some commentators can spend
hours each day discussing the play of certain players. The only thing
I know so far is if a goalie lets the puck get by him very often,
he's not having a good day. I really admire the abilities of good
hockey players. I never could ice skate (again, quit laughing,
readers!). The game moves fast and in recent years, there has been
more good skating and stick handling and fewer silly fights in the
game. And perhaps the best two singers of the National Anthem in
sports are Wayne Mesmer for the Cubs and the guy who sings at Chicago
Stadium.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Horse racing –</b> With the Triple Crown
about to begin with the running of the Kentucky Derby, my brief
interest in this sport is piqued again. Great race horses and their
jockeys are incredible athletes and I appreciate their abilities.
Perhaps one of the best sports songs I've heard was sung by the late
Dan Fogelberg. His “Run for the Roses” should be played all day
on the radio on Saturday race day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Auto racing –</b> I've started watching
NASCAR more often in recent years. I especially like to watch action
on the super speedways, while I'm not really a fan of 43 cars racing
500 times around an asphalt half-mile track. You can't follow who's
in the lead. Too many cars going too fast on a track more suitable
for half the number of cars on a dirt surface at a county fair on
Saturday night. The Indy car season will come into prominence later
next month with the Indianapolis 500. Those cars aren't much bigger
than some go-carts, but they go frighteningly fast. As with NASCAR,
drivers and their crews must know much more than how to turn left.
Many crews have engineers on their staff to make their cars go
faster.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Golf -</b> There was a time in my life
when I could play 18 holes in 85 degree heat, walking the course.
That was several decades ago. Then for several years, I attended the
Quad-City Open, which became the Ed McMahon QC Open, then the
Hardee's Open and most recently, the John Deere Classic. As a member
of the press in those early years, I got to interview Tom Watson when
he was a little known pro from Kansas City. I followed Fuzzy Zoeller
and Lee Trevino around the course during a practice round. I even
shook hands with the late, great Ed McMahon, as jolly in person as he
was for years on the Tonight Show. Fast forward several decades and
though the body will no longer allow me to tramp around the green
meadows, I still appreciate the game. Televised golf is a good thing
to watch while you are also doing a jigsaw puzzle on your Kindle or
reading the Sunday paper. Again, instant replay is a godsend.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Soccer – </b>It's supposedly the most
popular sport in the world, mainly because it is played in many other
countries besides the U.S. Any given weekend, you can tune into a
European match, where up to 100,000 folks are maintaining a roar
throughout the match. I'm convinced that enough beer and wine are
consumed at those matches to float a small yacht. Soccer is another
pasttime that is best watched while you are also doing something
else. Don't worry, the announcer will scream “GOAL!!!” when
something interesting happens. Trouble is, you might not hear that
scream more than once or twice in a two hour telecast.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course, these are just a few of the
sports in the world. Every four years, many of us become fans of snow
skiing, figure skating, speed skating, track and field and numerous
other sports at the Olympics. I think I'll save discussion on these
and other sports for another time. Right now, the Blackhawks and the
Predators are playing in a Stanley Cup playoff game out in the
livingroom. I think it's time to go see if the Hawks can keep going
on their bid for another Cup.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-14616912759104683252015-03-17T14:41:00.002-07:002015-03-17T14:41:27.761-07:00Fearless prediction time
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tradition is a great thing. There are
a lot of traditions in the world of sports, but maybe none so
anticipated as Selection Sunday leading up to the NCAA Men's
basketball championship. This past Sunday seemed like an eternity as
I waited for the announcement of the 68 teams that made the
tournament field. After church, there were a couple of conference
championship games, some NASCAR and even a little golf to fill the
time until 5 p.m.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In past years, fans of teams in Iowa
had to wait to see if their teams qualified for the tourney. This
year, it was a bit easier, since all teams had such special seasons,
we knew they would all be included. The only suspense came in trying
to guess where, when and who they would play in the first round.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Iowa State will kick off the action of
local interest when the Cyclones play the University of
Alabama-Birmingham on Thursday at 11:40 a.m. That game will be on
TruTV, one of four networks carrying the tournament. The Cyclones
play at Louisville, which should enable a lot of their incredible fan
base to make the road trip. I am first and foremost a Hawkeye fan,
but I have to admit that the best fans in the state, by far are the
Iowa State fans. When CBS was broadcasting the Big 12 Tourney finals
last week from Kansas City, Brent Musberger had one of the best lines
I've heard all season when he observed, “The City of Ames is on its
feet in Kansas City!” A friend who travels to Kansas City each year
for the tournament observed that Interstate 35 should have been
renamed Iowa State 35 on the day after the tournament.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our other two state teams will be
playing in Seattle. Northern Iowa, a darkhorse for a Final Four spot,
will face Wyoming on Friday at 12:40 p.m. The game will be on TNT.
Then at 6:20 p.m., Iowa faces Davidson, also on TNT. Winners from
Thursday games will play their second round games on Saturday and the
Friday winners play on Sunday.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a strange twist, if both Iowa and
Iowa State win their first two games, they will face each other next
week. Don't ask me to explain this. For some unknown reason, the
first round games in the South Region will be played in Charlotte,
Portland, Louisville and Seattle. First round games in the East
Region will be played in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Charlotte and Seattle.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Although it's fun to download brackets
and make guesses on who will be the eventual winner, it has been
several years since I've had the courage of entering any bracket
pools. When I lived in Independence, I would join a community pool,
conducted by the former city clerk. By the end of the first weekend,
he would stop by my office and thank me for “my donation,” his
not-so-subtle hint that I had made enough wrong choices to be well
out of the running for the contest.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So while I no longer make the mistake
of wagering, it's still fun to guess who might be playing in early
April in Indianapolis. Rather than risk making a wrong pick, or the
danger of an early upset, I've decided to predict only the first two
rounds of the tourney in this writing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The selection committee appears to
have made some safe choices for the top four seeds in the field, as
Kentucky, Wisconsin, Villanova and Duke should easily advance to the
second round. Iowa, Iowa State and UNI should also be around for
weekend play. But out of the first 32 games, there's usually at least
one surprise. Based on no scientific reasoning but simply instinct, I
am predicting Valparaiso over fourth seed Maryland and Texas over
sixth seed Butler.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If our three local teams make it into
the second round, I am hoping and predicting that all three will make
it into the Sweet 16. That would mean UNI would probably have to
upset Louisville and favored Iowa State would have to get by probable
SMU. Iowa's advancement would be the biggest news of the second
round, as they would no doubt have to beat second seed Gonzaga, which
is entering the tourney with a super 32-2 record.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Monday, the NCAA Women's
Championship bracket was announced, which will mean a busy Friday.
Iowa State will face Dayton at 11 a.m., followed by Iowa against
American at 1:30 p.m. Both games will be on ESPN 2. With the
aforementioned UNI and Iowa men's first round games, that means four
games with local importance on Friday.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is an exciting time of the year
for those of us who still believe there is some worth in collegiate
athletics. As you search the internet for brackets and schedules,
keep in mind that most of them list Eastern Time Zone starting times.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I leave you with one true confession:
I am glad I live by myself, because it might be a bit embarrassing to
see an almost senior citizen get teary-eyed after the final horn of
the championship game, as CBS plays “One Shining Moment” as the
network shows a collage of highlights of the tourney.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Enjoy the next three weeks. Then we
can quickly turn our attention to the Masters Golf Tourney and the
Cubs' bid for a World Series appearance.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-47174382914744270062015-03-06T15:03:00.003-08:002015-03-06T15:03:24.755-08:00Belle Plaine is state tourney bound!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a couple of days, the Belle Plaine
boys' basketball team will begin a journey never seen in this town
before. Being a relative newcomer to this city, I don't know how long
we've had a high school here. I'm sure someone will be able to tell
me. But in the several genrations there has been a high school in
this town, there has never been a state boys basketball qualifier.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I first heard this, I couldn't
believe it. Belle Plaine has a proud athletic tradition. Of course,
when folks think about sports and Belle Plaine, for many years it was
the wrestling program that took centerstage. Heck, they even started
penciling in a day off from school to coincide with the first round
of the state wrestling tourney because there were often so many local
qualifiers, there would have been a lot of empty classrooms if they
had held school that day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Other sports have had their moments of
state glory over the years, including track, volleyball, football,
golf, etc. But never a state tournament qualifier in basketball,
despite some great players and coaches of the past.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So that makes this year even more
special. The Plainsmen enter the tournament as the fourth seed, with
an awesome 24-1 record. When they clinched the tourney berth, their
reaction made the social media, for its understated celebration. It
would have been understandable if the kids had swarmed the court and
piled on each other in total jubilation. But while there were plenty
of back slaps and high-fives, the team soon trotted off the court to
the locker room. It was almost as, to a man, they were saying, “Okay,
what's next?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It would be totally understable if the
team walked onto the court at Wells Fargo in Des Moines Monday
afternoon, just happy to be there. But because of how they fought to
establish this super record, including several exciting
come-from-behind performances, it should surprise no one if they play
several games in Des Moines.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been to the state tournament to
cover teams in the past. I was telling someone that I remembered
covering the Independence team one year when they advanced to the
consolation game on Saturday. I also remembered covering the
Independence St. John's team another time. I remembered two years,
but in checking state records, I actually covered those teams a total
of five times, three for the Mustangs and twice for the Eagles. I
have an excuse for forgetting about those other three years. The last
tourney I covered was 25 years ago!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My high school, Pleasant Valley,
didn't qualify for state while I was there. But the Spartans have
been there three times prior to this season, first in 1988, when they
finished fourth, then in 2001 and in 2006, when they finished second.
PV is back in the tourney field again, facing Cedar Rapids Kennedy in
the first round. GO PV!!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This year's Class 1A field is a strong
one. The top seed, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, is 25-0. The second seed,
Danville, is also undefeated. In fact, in other years, Danville was
such a formidable opponent that it successfully petitioned the state
association to allow it to play up a class in the tournament.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Earlham is the first round opponent
for the Plainsmen. It enters the week with a 23-2 record and it is
also a first-time state tourney qualifier.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've had the privilege of seeing quite
a few state qualifiers over the years of standing at the end of the
court with a camera in hand. There's a different feel, a different
temperment of state-caliber teams. The feeling spills over to the fan
base, where the town buzz over a successful season erupts into a loud
roar once the fans descend on Des Moines.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's an exciting time for Belle
Plaine. All of us are proud of what you have accomplished and wish
the players, coaches, parents and fans a fun week ahead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
GO PLAINSMEN!!!
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-73937248540124713642015-02-19T15:03:00.001-08:002015-02-19T15:03:07.666-08:00My thoughts on our tax system
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ever had the thought that if you could
just stop time for an instant and fix things, life would be better?
If you had the power to stop killing, find a cure for deadly diseases
or perhaps go back in time and say some things to people who have
come and gone from your life, things would be better.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each year at this time, I think these
things whenever I hear an ad on the radio for income tax preparation
or see an interview with a tax consultant on what to do to ease a
person's tax burden.There are even some misguided individuals who
advocate the end of the Internal Revenue Service completely.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm a proud, card-carrying liberal.
Many of us have been typecast as being in favor of taxes, as long as
it's others who pay them. We are also supposed to be in favor of
attorneys and accompanying lawsuits, as long as they are working for
us. So I guess I don't exactly fit the mold of what others believe
liberals are all about.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am in favor of taxation and for more
than 35 years, I paid my share of state and federal taxes while in
the workforce. But even as I mailed off my tax returns and then
anxiously watched the return mail for the next couple of months for
that expected tax refund, I wondered what it would be like if I was
rich enough to hire lawyers and accountants to shield a lot of my
wealth from the government. Unfortunately, over the years, folks who
thought the way I did were elected to state and national office,
where it seems every year, they spend much of their time trying to
decide not only how to spend the tax money collected, but how to cut
taxes for some at the expense of others.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I wonder what would happen if for
just one moment, we could stop time and start all over with how we
pay for the necessary services our government must provide. Yes, I am
talking about a flat tax with no deductions. Anyone in the workforce
making a minimum amount of money would pay the same percentage for
taxes. There would be no deductions for medical expenses, mortgage
payments, business losses, etc. If you made $500 in a week, the
government would get the first cut. If you owned a store and you sold
widgets, whatever those are, whatever profit you earned on the sale
would be taxed the same as a factory worker, school teacher or
corporate president. Although many members of Congress would like to
dispute this, I'll bet if we suddenly had this system, we would all
be amazed at what percentage we would all pay.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many of us have had the dream of
winning a big prize in a lottery or other such contest, with the
thought that finally we might be able to help our less fortunate
friends or relatives. But as I understand the current tax system, you
are limited to how much you can give someone else before the
government will come collecting an additional tax. If you pay the
same percentage as if it was earned income when you first won the
prize, isn't requiring an additional payment when you make a gift to
someone double taxation?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Although I've made my case for equal
taxation, there are two groups that come to mind that I would exempt
from paying. Anyone on active duty in the armed forces should not
have to pay income taxes. And anyone in retirement should also be
exempt from income tax. Social Security payments should not be taxed.
And anyone who has invested some of their money they have earned
while working should not have any interest earnings taxed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I realize that strict simplification
of the tax system might cut into the profits of thousands of
attorneys and accountants. We still need those people. I have had a
couple of occasions to have contact with attorneys in the past few
years and have been served well. And if I ever won the lottery, I
would want to hire a good accountant to help me spend my winnings
wisely. But I would still know that my winnings would be taxed
fairly, without anyone trying to find ways to shield any of my
winnings from government.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am also not in favor of abolising
the IRS. The agency would be drastically cut if the tax code was
whittled down to a page or two. But there would still be need for a
strong enforcement branch to make this theory work.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I guess that's my “If I ruled the
world” thought for today. Sometime I will entertain you on thoughts
on what it would be like if I had the power to stop violence. But
those theories are still a work in progress.
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-8021378753377879202015-02-06T14:47:00.001-08:002015-02-06T14:47:17.406-08:00NFL Draft is big business
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's hard to believe that nearly a
week has gone by since the Super Bowl. What started way back in
August with the Hall of Fame preseason game ended on the first day of
February. It was an okay game that wasn't decided until the final
minute. While I was hoping Seattle would win, I wasn't totally
dismayed with the win by the Patriots.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So now it would seem that we are left
with six months before the start of the next football season. For
hardcore NFL fans, there will be some hope in early May when Chicago
hosts the NFL Draft. After those three days of determining well-paid
human bondage, fans will have plenty to talk about before training
camp.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanks to plenty of promotion by the
league and wall-to-wall coverage by both ESPN and the NFL Network,
the draft has turned into a real happening. City officials in Chicago
are learning a little more each day just how big this event is. And
amid reports of demands by the league on city officials, I hope they
aren't sorry they won the right to host it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Radio City Music Hall in New York has
been the home of the draft for the past several years. But the league
decided to give other cities a shot at hosting it and Chicago won
this time around. According to a report this week in the Chicago
Tribune, the draft isn't just a little TV show with a few hundred
spectators. It is an event that will tie up a portion of the downtown
for up to three weeks, complete with technical improvements to the
old theater that will house the event to the tune of
$100,000-$125,000, a pledge of police escorts for various league and
team officials and draft prospects and the assurance that hundreds of
hotel rooms will be available during the period.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The league is very protective of its
brand. You are perhaps aware that there are strict rules about the
use of the term “Super Bowl.” News accounts can refer to the
championship game in this way, but supermarkets selling party foods
for that day have to call it “the big game,” or something similar
unless they pay royalties to the league. The NFL is also dictating
what businesses can be open near the site of the draft and what
products can be sold in view of the TV cameras covering the event.
They had better be NFL-licensed products or the businesses can expect
a visit from lawyers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
City officials are hoping that the
exposure will be good for Chicago, that some youngster watching the
draft from Belle Plaine, Iowa will convince his parents that the
family needs to vacation in the Windy City. It is estimated the whole
event, which will also include some sort of fan fair, concerts, etc.,
could cost up to $4 million. While the league and a Chicago
organizing committee will pay part of the tab, the city could be
liable for a good chunk of it. So there better be a few hundred
thousand prospective vacationers impressed with what they see.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am a big football fan. I hope my
Bears can rebound and be a viable, championship-caliber team in a
couple of years. But the league is facing plenty of problems, from
poor behavior of some of its players, to the question of the long
term effects of concussions on former players, to the lack of a pro
team in Los Angeles and on and on. I just hope the league isn't using
the draft as a smokescreen to make fans forget about these problems,
for even a few days.
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-54459412393496364832014-12-25T21:33:00.003-08:002014-12-25T21:33:30.531-08:00Accountability and responsibility
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Christmas Day, 2014. A lot of words
are associated with this time of year: Peace, Prosperity, Charity and
probably several more. As I prepared to jot down a few thoughts this
time, considering recent events, a couple of words came to mind:
Accountability and Responsibility.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These two words are closely
associated, if not always synonymous. We are taught we are to be held
accountable for our actions. If we don't, there are others, usually
those in authority wearing a badge and carrying a weapon, will be
responsible for us. The young man who was shot by Ferguson, MO police
allegedly did not take proper responsibility when he robbed a
convenience store and, again allegedly, attack the officer. The young
man who recently was shot by a policeman a few miles down the road
from there again allegedly did not take proper responsibility when he
pulled a gun on the officer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes the accountability and
responsibility is shared by both the public and the police, as what
apparently happened on the streets of New York when a man allegedly
resisted arrest and was subsequently killed in an illegal choke hold
by a policeman while some of his fellow officers did little to stop
the incident.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While the friends and relatives of
those who lost their lives are still mourning their passing, don't
you think the officers involved are also suffering to some extent?
First there were the interviews by police internal affairs and the
district attorneys and the mountains of reports to be filed. If you
can safely assume that at least most of those officers entered that
line of work to help people, what internal turmoil they must still be
suffering, knowing that they took another life, regardless of the
circumstances.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While on the subject of our local
police, while we are enjoying our families and opening our presents
today, there are thousands of uniformed officers who are working
hard, keeping us safe. If I was a policeman, I would dread working
these holidays. People gather inside a home, liquor is consumed,
arguments might start as the day progresses and in extreme cases,
violence erupts. Police are called to stop the disturbance and often
become the enemy, as all sides turn on them.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course, then we have the subsequent
incidents in Missouri, where some misguided outlaws decided to
capitalize on a bad situation by shooting, rioting and looting,
destroying their own neighborhood. And just recently, a mentally
challenged individual executed two policemen in their squad car, in
retaliation for the death of the suspect on the New York street and
for the suspect in Missouri.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So the question is, when will we all
stop and accept responsibility for actions that sometimes lead to
tragedy like this? In the wake of the massacre at the elementary
school a couple of years ago, some apparently well-meaning
politicians suggested that maybe it was “time for a conversation”
on how to combat gun violence. I doubt that was much comfort to the
parents of those kids and teachers who were murdered. The
“conversation” won't bring them back.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's another area of accountability
and responsibility that has been troubling me recently. We see the
commercials for the Humane Society, reminding us we should contribute
to help homeless animals. We see commercials for various
international aid groups seeking contributions to help the less
fortunate here and abroad. Then we are seeing more and more
commercials for a few organizations who are supposedly helping
“wounded warriors.” Send $19 a month to one group and you will
receive a blanket. Meanwhile, your contribution is supposed to help
these returning warriors recover from their physical and emotional
wounds.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am mature enough to believe that our
armed forces perform noble duties and keep us safe. They don't debate
whether what they are doing in far off lands will have a lasting
impact on our world. But many of them who are deployed to war zones
do see at least a short term impact on the local population and their
reward is knowing that they made a difference.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently, CNN has done an
investigation into what percentage of donations to returning wounded
veterans organizations actually go toward the veteran and how much is
absorbed in fund raising costs and administrative overhead. The
report indicated that some of the groups are spending far less than
50 percent of what they receive to help the returning veterans.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Aside from that, is it really the
place of ordinary Americans to donate to ensure that those wounded in
action receive prompt care and rehabilitation? If you believe that
those who fight for us are true heroes, why won't our government
treat them as such? Why so much red tape and delay at VA hospitals?
Why isn't the government spending the money on the soldiers instead
of donating some big, heavy armored vehicle to a small town police
department that can barely afford gas for its two or three patrol car
fleet?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you enlist in the armed forces and
serve one or more tours of duty in a combat zone, and come home minus
a leg, arm, eye or nightmares that make you wake up nights screaming,
your government should show its appreciation with superior and
immediate medical care and a pension befitting a returning hero.
Leave the pleas for donations from the public for abandoned dogs and
cats. Our troops deserve much better treatment than that.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We need to ask some tough questions of
our members of Congress. Hold them accountable. Demand that they take
responsibility. After all, that's what we are paying them for.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-17193344999100350882014-12-14T14:47:00.007-08:002014-12-14T14:47:52.299-08:00Police situations, another opinion
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Perhaps like never before has the
issue of law enforcement been cussed and discussed. An unarmed
shoplifting suspect is shot and killed in the street near St. Louis
and soon the neighborhood is a powder keg of riots, looting and
building burning. A big, unarmed man is approached by law officers in
New York. He resists efforts by nearly a half-dozen cops to take him
into custody and soon he lays dead on the sidewalk, the victim of an
illegal choke hold.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Before the ink is even dry on the
t-shirts, hundreds of athletes and others are wearing “hands up,
don't shoot” or “I can't breathe” shirts. It's the latest
fashion statement. Unfortunately, the statement comes from tragedy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Social media is soon flooded with
accounts of other violence involving law officers. Some of it
allegedly stems from what police have done, but a lot of it is
informing us of what is done to officers in the line of duty.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Through my former line of work, as
well as other personal encounters, I have become acquainted with
several local, county, state and federal law enforcement personnel.
Having some understanding of what they experience every day, I have a
hard time justifying jumping on the t-shirt bandwagon. Because of the
availability of cell phones, it's hard to argue with those who feel
the man in the New York case was a victim, regardless of what a
grand jury might say. The situation in St. Louis is, and will be for
some time, up for debate, as “witnesses” suddenly crawled out of
the woodwork claiming the suspect was gunned down for no reason. That
grand jury believed the officer, who said he felt his life was in
danger because the suspect tried to grab his gun.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We expect a lot of our law officers.
We send them off to classes, then slap a gun on their hip and expect
them to protect us, all for as little as $35,000 a year to start.
They are expected to make life and death decisions in a split second
sometimes, often after hours of boring little action. They come to
our aid seven days a week, every day of the year, in all kinds of
weather, often missing or delaying holiday or birthday family
celebrations of their own. They represent their city, county, state
or nation, so they often have to act as public relations experts,
keeping their own emotions in check, regardless of who they
encounter.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I remember one time, when we were in
church on a Sunday morning and a part-time police officer, since
retired, was on duty. There was an ambulance call to our church for
someone who had fainted. He came with the ambulance crew, then
apologized for wearing a gun in the sanctuary. We quickly were sure
to thank him for being there and accepted the fact he had every right
to wear his firearm while on duty, even in church.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are coming into the holiday season,
when folks will gather together to celebrate, often with intoxicants.
Emotions sometimes run high, resulting in disagreements. Domestic
disputes can be some of the most dangerous for officers, who are
often expected to keep the peace, even when it soon results in both
sides turning on the police officer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
More than once, I've heard mothers of
young kids warn them that they had better behave or that policeman
over there will arrest them. I'd much rather hear the mother point to
the officer and tell her child that he or she is there to protect
them if they ever encounter a stranger or get hurt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
More than 99 percent of the time,
police officers perform their duties admirably. Some people wonder
why so much news has been devoted to the ongoing situations in St.
Louis and New York. It's because what happened and what has happened
since is news. We have a saying in the news business that while dog
bites man may not be news, man bites dog is. It's something that
thankfully doesn't happen every day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I find it a bit amazing that many
officers I have known firmly believe in the Second Amendment and the
public's right to own guns. You would think their job might be safer
if they didn't expect everyone they encounter would be packing heat.
We have read of several recent situations where a seemingly routine
traffic stop has resulted in a shooting of a police officer. Seems
like those of us who are still unarmed are becoming the minority.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Regarding the situation in St. Louis,
I have to comment on the morons who decided it would be a good idea
to celebrate the grand jury's decision by torching several businesses
in their neighborhood, stealing whatever they could carry. Don't they
know this is like spitting on the grave of the man they thought was
unjustly killed? Don't they realize they are destroying some of the
places they shopped, some of them owned by their neighbors? All this
did was intensify and prolong the tragedy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I guess the moral of this rambling
piece is the next time you are rolling down the highway and you
encounter a policeman on the side of the road, don't mutter some
oath. Take your foot off the gas a little. The next time you are
stuck in a snowbank on the side of the road or are involved in a
traffic accident and a state patrolman or county deputy comes to your
aid, say a little prayer of thanks that he or she was there to help.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-49210435366196725012014-12-07T19:48:00.002-08:002014-12-07T19:48:14.571-08:00Hawks are going bowling again. Some first thoughts
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some immediate thoughts in the wake of
the news that Iowa will play Tennessee in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Jan.
2, 2015:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many fans were disappointed with the
Hawks' 7-5 record this season. Coach Kirk Ferentz and the man before
him, Hayden Fry, set the bar pretty high over the past 20+ years.
This year's team had plenty of promise, with experienced players at
many positions and a premed major at quarterback, along with a former
Air Force Academy student as the main running back.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My parents instilled in me the gift of
optimism. Sometimes it is a hindrance, when you always see the glass
as half-full until you are proved wrong. With that in mind, consider
the fact that the Hawks had a legitimate chance at winning every game
they played, except for that laugher at Minnesota. They were eight
total points away from a 10-2 season and 15 points away from an 11-1
campaign. They lost two games by three points each, another by two
and a third by a touchdown.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With that in mind, along with the way
Hawk fans love to follow their team to bowl games, they were rewarded
with a Jan. 2 bowl in Florida against an opponent with a rich
tradition.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Before the bowl invitation was
received, Athletic Director Gary Barta indicated that he still has
full confidence in Ferentz. He is evidently not alone, as the bowl
scouts seem to agree. When an AD makes such a statement, some coaches
may start packing their bags, as sometimes this is a prelude to a
firing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While I don't think that is the case
here, Barta is a man of character. But several factors could still
lead to a new coaching staff before next season. If the Hawks don't
perform well in the bowl game, there could be trouble. If the fans
don't follow their team to Florida with the customary enthusiasm, the
handwriting could be on the wall. Or if the frustration displayed by
some fans was reflected in a drop in financial support for the
program, we all know that money talks in big time athletics. This
year's single game ticket prices of $60-$70 spoke a specific language
to me: “Not in this lifetime.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A more remote possibility could be
that Ferentz may decide this would be a good time to explore other
opportunities. He's said his family likes living in Iowa City. But he
and his wife have just one child still in school, Steven, who is
completing his third year in the Iowa program. The coach has prior
experience as an NFL assistant coach and depending on his level of
enthusiasm for the college game, he might entertain offers to move up
to the next level as a head coach. Looks like San Francisco could be
a real possibility, for instance.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A lot of the talking heads on national
TV have said that the Big Ten isn't a premiere football conference
this year. But it's interesting that 10 teams from the league are
going bowling this year. Not too bad for a weak conference.
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-88630227916215651722014-11-12T15:27:00.000-08:002014-11-12T15:27:02.875-08:00Random thoughts of Facebook, great voices and Chicago sports
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Random thoughts time. That means I
probably don't have enough to stick to one subject, but since it's
been a few weeks since I last posted, I have collected a few thoughts
on a variety of topics and I hope you find something interesting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>When I was growing up </b>and we
would visit my grandparents in rural western Illinois, I was
introduced to the party line telephone concept. For those of you
under the age of 50, let me explain. Folks were connected to the
phone system via one line that would serve several homes. You knew a
call was for you via a predetermined series of rings. Otherwise, the
call might be for your neighbor. But since there was no such thing as
a privacy switch on the telephone, if you were having a particularly
lonely day, you could pick up the phone and listen in on another
conversation not meant for you and suddenly you knew all the news and
gossip in the neighborhood.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fast forward to the 21<sup>st</sup>
century and we have the new version of the party line. It's called
Facebook. Communication is achieved not by phone, but via the
computer keyboard. The nice thing about this is your thoughts can be
posted for all the world to read, but there are also privacy settings
built in which will allow you to determine who reads what you write.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every morning, I get out of bed, make
the coffee, open the drapes in the living room, turn on the Today
show and hop onto Facebook on my Kindle. Instantly, for just the cost
of the monthly internet connection charge, I can be in contact with
200+ friends across the country and around the world. For example, my
first post this morning reported that I awoke to 21 degrees and light
snow. Before long, two friends responded. One said it was 70+ degrees
where he and his wife were vacationing in Hawaii. The other said it
was just over 50 degrees in Ireland, where he had been sent for a
working visit by his employer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This weekend, my niece is getting
married to a fine man in Florida. Although I will be watching the
snow fly while they recite their vows a thousand or more miles away,
I expect a full report from several sources later that day, thanks to
Facebook.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Laura and Kevin, while I won't be
there to personally experience your wonderful day, rest assured that
I will be there in spirit and wish you all the happiness you deserve
as you continue your grand life adventure.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>As I may have mentioned before in
this space</b>, in my younger years I played around with college
radio. I had weekly shows first at Central College in Pella and later
at St. Ambrose in Davenport. But I soon came to the realization that
I would never have a voice like James Earl Jones. Besides, radio
folks have to work on weekends and holidays, at least for a few
years. And until you make it in the major markets, you usually don't
make much more money than full time reporters on weekly newspapers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I have always marveled at men who
have voices that make you sit up and take notice when you hear them
on the radio. The aforementioned Jones immediately comes to mind. I
remember one time when I was in Salt Lake City for a friend's
wedding. We were in Temple Square on Sunday and were fortunate to sit
in on a network radio broadcast. I can still feel the chills run up
my spine when the announcer, using that commanding voice, said, “For
the 39<sup>th</sup> consecutive year, the CBS Radio Network proudly
presents...”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My bedside radio is set to WMT in
Cedar Rapids, despite the fact it is a Fox News affiliate and
presents way more conservative programming than necessary. It's still
the best place to get news, weather and sports each morning before my
feet hit the floor. And it is the flagship station for Hawkeye
sports.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Saturday night, they air a show
from an individual named Joe Pags. I guess he's famous. When I first
heard him, I thought, “When I grow up, I want a voice like his.”
Then I heard what he had to say, how he didn't even want to breathe
the same air as President Obama and I immediately thought, “I'd
take his voice, but he can keep what's left of his brain.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unfortunately, the other individual
that comes to mind when I think of really neat speaking voices is
that Republican obstructionist in the senate, Mitch
McConnell. God gave him a wonderful speaking voice. But in my
opinion, he quit before he gave him much compassion or common sense.
So I listen to him for a few minutes before I literally feel my brain
turning to mush and my temperature spiking and I switch over to that
left-leaning, liberal media, such as CNN or NBC or CBS.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>My final thought for today</b> has
to do with the coaching changes happening or needing to happen in
Chicago pro sports. The Cubs recently hired Joe Maddon to lead them
to the World Series promised land. Many of my Facebook friends who
are Cub fans feel this guy is the second coming of Walter Alston and
are already clearing their calendars in late October for the Fall
Classic.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meanwhile, the Bears are in a
tailspin, having dropped their last two games where their opponents
each scored more than 50 points. By Monday morning, Chicago media was
all over this one, demanding the team fire Coach Marc Trestman. He's
a nice guy who has had success elsewhere, but he's just not Bear
tough. At least that's what some of the commentators were saying.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So after a couple of days of careful
contemplation, I have come up with the solution. Send Trestman away
and hire Joe Maddon to coach the Bears. He's already looking for a
home in Chicago and has a couple of free months before baseball
spring training begins. I don't know if he knows anything about
football, but he certainly already has the Chicago attitude. At his
press conference when he was introduced to local media, he ended it
by buying a shot and a beer for everybody in the room.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If he is to be the savior of the Cubs,
give him a chance with the Bears. Who knows?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-57044473297330374682014-10-28T10:00:00.006-07:002014-10-28T10:00:39.605-07:00Seven days and it will be over, for now
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One week away. Seven long days. While
I'm at an age when I marvel how fast time flies, I suspect this next
seven days will creep by like that lava flow in Hawaii before we can
put the 2014 election campaign in our rear view mirror.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many of our daily newspapers in this
state have endorsed various candidates. I've often read these
endorsements in the past, considering the points the editorial
writers make favoring or opposing a particular candidate. But I have
never based my vote solely on what these endorsements say.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An informed voter is one who gathers
as much factual information he or she can find, while filtering out
all the noise we have been hit with via ads for it seems like
forever.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some of my friends have drifted toward
the right over the years. But for a variety of reasons, I have become
even more liberal than I was in younger years. So it might be
surprising to learn that I don't plan on voting a straight Democratic
ticket next week. I've nearly made up my mind on who I will vote for
in each office, but these are just my opinions and you should make up
your own mind. I will admit that in times of total exasperation with
these sometimes awful TV ads, I've considered watching TV until I'm
ready to leave for the polls. Then when I hear an ad calling a
candidate a liar, I would vote for the “liar” as a personal
protest. But this election is too important to use a vote as a
protest.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The two positions in Iowa receiving
the most national attention are for U.S. Senator and governor. The
senate seat is up for grabs following the announced retirement of Tom
Harkin, a longtime tireless advocate for the underprivileged,
especially the handicapped. Republican Joni Ernst is facing Democrat
Bruce Braley. If the Republicans win this seat, they may seize
control of the Senate. This would all but ensure a national deadlock
for the next two years, where nothing gets done and the president
wears out his veto pen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Braley has several years of experience
in the U.S. House. He's been roasted by the other side as a trial
lawyer. And as much as I would like to see lawyers in the minority in
our government to help simplify things, he knows the ropes in
Washington.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ernst scares me. She is backed by a
couple of ultra conservative rich brothers, the Koch brothers. She
has experience in the military and I would hope that she would be a
strong advocate for support of our veterans. But I fear her support
would wane when actual dollars were needed. The Koch brothers have
not only spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for political
advertising, they have also bought some ads in this market attempting
to indicate what great guys they are and how their business interests
extend to this area. That's good news for local TV stations, but is
it a reason to elect a person?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Braley is a known quantity. I sense he
would be a bit more moderate than Harkin has been. Besides, he's from
just down the road in Brooklyn.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the great things about living
in a state the size of Iowa, especially if you have worked in the
small town news business, is the opportunity to get up close and
personal with a number of candidates and elected officials. I first
interviewed Terry Branstad when he was running for lieutenant
governor and I was an editor in Independence. I had a couple more
informal meetings with him in later years when he was in town for a
5K run and for another appearance. For a career politician, he's very
approachable. In my opinion, he's affiliated with the wrong political
party, but he seems to have the ability to downplay party
affiliations for the good of the state. I certainly don't agree with
every position he's taken, but there's little doubt that he has been
good for this state's economic development.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unfortunately, I don't believe Jack
Hatch, Branstad's opponent, has been well served by his campaign
staff. The only thing that I remember about Hatch is that he shaved
off his mustache and he thinks Branstad has been in office too long.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chris Branstad apparently likes living
in Terrace Hill and as long as her husband's health holds on, this
state would be in good hands if he had another term.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This might be the first time I've been
able to say I'm on a first name basis with candidates vying for the
same position. In Iowa House District 75, Republican incumbent Dawn
Pettengill is opposed by Democrat Steve Beck. Both are Facebook
friends and I have respect for both of them. For that reason, I'm
going to take the easy way out and not say who I will vote for. So I
will offer a heartfelt “good luck” to both and thank them for
agreeing to run.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It would be so easy to get so fed up
with all the negative ads and the empty promises that you decide to
stay home and not vote. This decision would appear to favor the
Republicans. The Democratic party is known for voter campaigns. So
send a message to those who would attempt to buy an election through
the checkbook and get out and vote. And take a look at each race
before you mark your ballot. Straight ticket voting may not be the
best way to go this time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And finally, regardless of who wins on
Tuesday, plan on spending Wednesday celebrating the end of the
election commercials – at least for a few days before they start up
again for 2016.
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-3760534268329667912014-10-06T14:20:00.002-07:002014-10-06T14:20:20.193-07:00Some words, background and opinion on the Redskins
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just when it seems like folks in this
country are ready to overdose on a specific national crisis, somebody
comes along to create a diversion which soon becomes the latest
national crisis. We are still engaged in a terrible war on terror and
all the accompanying things that go with it, from the cost of our
longest war in the Middle East, to the continuing cost in dollars and
suffering of our returning veterans. Recently, we have become focused
on a real possibility that we could be infected with a terrible
disease which has already killed thousands in Africa.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then along comes a diversion sweeping
the country. Actually, this diversion happened before the disease
scare, but well after the start of our recent war. It's Daniel Snyder
and his Washington football team and the NFL.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As near as I can figure, after decades
of living with the Washington Redskins, somebody woke up one morning
and decided that the name was demeaning to our brothers and sisters
that were here before our ancestors set foot on the eastern seashore.
As is often the case, when somebody needs a cause to believe in, a
cause was born. Before long, it swept the country. NFL broadcasters
vowed not to use the team's nickname when they covered their games.
Phone lines lit up all over the country as listeners called into the
sports shows to voice their opinion.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snyder swore he would never change his
team's name. The NFL hasn't made a final decision. But the league is
nothing if it isn't about profit. Concerned parties will surely
display public righteous indignation and will eventually change it.
After all, just think of the millions of pieces of licensed
merchandise with the Redskin logo which would be exchanged for the
new team's logo.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The internet is a great place to do
research on just about any topic. A quick check indicates that 69
high schools in this country share the “Redskin” nickname.
Another site claims that more than 500 high schools have nicknames
related to Native Americans, including Chiefs, Indians and even a few
Injuns.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is interesting that another
internet check indicates that there are no Native Americans on any
NFL roster at this time. If the league wanted to be politically
correct, maybe Washington should change its name to the Washington
African Americans. In fact, every team probably should, since the NFL
says that more than 60 percent of the players are that race.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If that idea fails, at least
Washington might consider a change to a name more fitting for a team
representing the nation's capitol. There are currently eight pro
sports teams that claim that city as their own. Besides the football
team, we have the Nationals (baseball), Wizards (NBA), Mystics
(WNBA), DC United (soccer), Freedom (women's soccer), Kastles
(tennis) and DC Brawlers (grid, a sport I've never heard of).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's interesting that the Wizards were
known as the “Bullets” for a lot of years. Then when Washington
became the murder capital of the country a few years back, the team
owners decided a name change would be appropriate.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So what could we name the Redskins? We
should have something that reflects the style of the area. So how
about the Stalematers? Maybe the Lobbyists, or Debaters or if you
want a singular name, how about the Filibuster?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Incidentally, our Plainsmen here in
Belle Plaine share their nickname with just seven other high schools
in this country: Enid, OK, Vancouver, WA Evergreen, Grant, NE,
Laramie, WY, Lubbock Monterey, TX, Oakley, KS and Shenendehowa in
Clifton Park, NY. That's quite amazing when you consider the
thousands of high schools in this country. Still, not quite as unique
as the Fightin' Planets of Mars Area, PA or the Rosco, TX Plowboys.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, should the Redskins be forced to
change their name? Again I wonder how many people are truly offended
with that name and if there is a huge outpouring calling for a
change, where were these people decades ago? But if it turns out that
this is a secret conspiracy cooked up by club officials and the NFL
for monetary gain in a change, maybe the changes should really be
made in ownership and in the NFL corporate offices, as if they don't
have enough problems already!
</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-4158154735526818482014-09-17T13:00:00.002-07:002014-09-17T13:00:25.838-07:00I'm glad I didn't grow up to be a pro football star
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By Jeff Orvis</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm glad I didn't grow up to be a star
professional football player.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When many youngsters, especially boys,
reach a certain age, they begin dreaming about what they want to be
when they grow up. Quite often, their first wish is to be a fireman.
That wish often fades when they learn they have to be strong enough
to carry a heavy hose up a ladder, breathe in smoke and withstand
tremendous heat from fires and from the clothes they have to wear,
even when it's 100 degrees outside.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When youngsters begin school and start
studying American history, sometimes their next dream is to one day
become president. After all, you get to live in that big house in
Washington and whenever you decide to go somewhere, traffic stops for
you. That dream may last until you find out that at any given day,
half of the country loves you and half of the country hates you. You
learn that you have to decide when to send your armed forces into
battle and when to console the survivors when some of those soldiers
and sailors don't come home alive. You have to have all the answers,
from financial to ethical. You learn that the big house you live in
becomes a prison. Since you are the most recognizable person in the
world, your ability to simply walk down to the corner for a sandwich
is gone forever. Remember that half of the population that hates you?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From your first steps, even before
dreams of firemen or presidents, somebody might toss a Nerf football
to you. Then on any given Sunday in the fall, when you pass by the TV
at home, you notice that some really big guys are playing with a ball
that looks a little like that little foam ball you are carrying. And
that's when the dream of becoming a pro football star is born.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few years later, you develop
friendships in your neighborhood. As the weather cools and the leaves
begin to fall, you put away that baseball glove and bat and look for
at least three other friends for a game of touch football. If you're
lucky, a couple of years later, you have a chance to don pads and
helmet to play in a junior tackle football league. Then it's on to
junior high and high school, where fall Friday nights are truly
special.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By the time you get to high school,
you realize that life begins the first part of August when you report
for preseason drills. Once classes start, you slog through your
studies with one eye on the clock, wishing it was time for practice
or time to get on the bus to head for the Friday night game.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a select few, the dream doesn't
end with your last game as a high school senior. In fact, if you have
piled up impressive statistics, you are already being showered with
letters and visits from college coaches. You think you are the
football king of the world, unless you have paid enough attention in
math class to figure out that junior colleges, small schools and
major universities are all attempting to fill their big rosters.
Coaches use the same speech in your living room about how great you
are and how much they want you as they will tomorrow night in another
senior's living room.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So if you decide on a college and pass
the stringent academic screening process of your chosen school and
the NCAA, you have four or five years to mature much more,
emotionally, physically and mentally.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Four or five years later, you may find
yourself backstage during the NFL Draft, hoping and praying that
those years of preparation will pay off and your name will be called
by the commissioner sooner rather than later. The sooner it's called,
the better chance you have at making the team and the accompanying
riches.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So you hear your name called, you pose
for pictures, attend a press conference and head for training camp. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The team likes you and soon you are one of the major factors in your
team's success. The money starts rolling in. Women who are more
beautiful than any you left back in your hometown begin to notice
you. It's easy to feel like you have the world by the tail and you
are invincible.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then one night, you and the lady
you've chosen walk into an elevator on a night out in a casino. You
soon walk out of the elevator and drag your unconscious lady behind
you.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or maybe you have weekend custody of
your toddler from a relationship with a woman that went sour. The
woman is bitter about the breakup and when her son is returned to her
and she notices that his legs are covered with cuts, she calls
police.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or maybe you decide that on an off
night you want a little fun. So you call up some of your friends,
stick the pistol in your belt for protection and head to a nightclub.
A few hours later, there's a shooting and even though you claim you
had nothing to do with it, that you were just in the wrong place at
the wrong time, the police notice your unlicensed pistol and as you
are being led out of the club in handcuffs, suddenly dozens of press
photographers appear and your image takes a real hit.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It only takes one momentary lapse in
good judgment and all those years of dreams and preparation melt
away. What has taken you 10-15 years to achieve is gone. You are the
topic of sports talk shows for a few weeks and then you are all but
forgotten. If you haven't had a good money manager, your wealth might
soon be gone and you are suddenly on the outside looking in on the
work world.</div>
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The NFL is tremendous entertainment.
As you watch your favorite team play on Thursday, Sunday or Monday,
don't think about those few individuals we've heard about recently
that apparently made the wrong choices. Be grateful for the hundreds
of players who put on their uniforms each week and can still play the
sport they love, that they've prepared for ever since somebody tossed
them their first football just after they learned to walk.</div>
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I'm glad I didn't become a pro
football star. I love the game. But the only ingredient I had that
would have qualified me for such a career was a stable home life,
with a loving mother and father, growing up. They never told me I
couldn't be a football star or fireman or the president. But they
furnished me with the education and good sense to realize that there
were other career paths that were more attainable.
</div>
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I never was able to sign a big sports
contract and buy Mom a new house or Dad a new car, but somehow we all
survived. I also don't have a history of concussions...or a police
record.</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6790413500250739720.post-11473326227199622052014-09-15T14:22:00.003-07:002014-09-15T14:22:26.000-07:00Remembering a local treasure and a word on military life
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By Jeff Orvis</div>
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I've got a couple of subjects on my
mind today and in a way, they are related. One deals with the life of
a remarkable man who called Belle Plaine “home” for a few short
years. The other is some disturbing news about this country's
military that, if true, should bother all of us.</div>
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I first met Fred Fredericks back in
1997, when we came to Belle Plaine. He had recently purchased a nice
ranch style house in town, planning to retire here from his native
Chicago. But he had some loose ends to tie up there and it would be a
year before he and his wife, Peg, would be ready to move. So we
leased this fine home for a year and with the lease came an
acquaintance with a really unique character. In fact, that could be
said of his wife as well.</div>
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My first impression of Fred,
especially once I learned a little bit about his background, was that
this person was too real to be real. He seemed like a character from
Central Casting. That short stature, gray mustache and hair to match,
slightly gruff manner of speech and that ever-present twinkle in his
eye had “Chicago firefighter” written all over him. Of course, we
learned that he was much more than a 30-year veteran of the fire
department. He was also a plasterer and trade union member and
inventor with four patents.
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We had a unique arrangement. We had a
comfortable, modern place to live. Meanwhile, Fred was making
periodic trips from Chicago to Belle Plaine, bringing loads of
things, especially tools, etc, which he stored neatly in the two-car
garage. It seemed that he liked to stock up on such things and though
we had an understanding that we would not disturb what he brought, I
will now admit that I sneaked a peak once in awhile.</div>
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Once he and Peg moved here, many of us
in town quickly learned that they would not be content with living a
quiet life in their new home. They soon learned the secret to small
town living which I have also learned. If you take the time to go out
and meet people, you will see them often and they will, for the most
part, return your friendly overtures.</div>
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Fred loved a good parade. He
especially looked forward to the Fourth of July and spent time
decorating his Jeep Wagoner and proudly drove as an entry in the
parade.
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He also was proud of so many of us
here in town and let the world know it by the wonderful letters to
the editor he would write. When I worked at the newspaper, I was
usually the one to computer typeset the letters we got. Some of them
were rambling opinions that I didn't share. When those letters hit my
desk, I had a “here we go again” attitude and got through them as
quickly as possible. But when we got a letter from Fred, you knew he
was writing about something he observed in town. They were usually
very uplifting and when you got finished reading them, you felt
better about living here.</div>
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Fred passed away late last week,
nearly five years after the death of his wife of 63 years. Quite
often when someone passes on, you may say that the world was a better
place because he lived. Fred touched so many lives in a positive way,
we were all better off for having known him.</div>
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Thank you Fred.</div>
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Fred Fredericks was a proud Army
veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater. He was
also later a member of the local American Legion and attended many of
its functions. And that's where the connection between the two items
I am writing about comes in.
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I never served in the military, but I
was always led to believe that when you enlisted, whether it was in
the regular military or even the National Guard, Uncle Sam made sure
you were clothed and fed for the time you were on duty. But I spoke
to a mother of a recruit who says this may not be the case. She said
her child has been in basic training and advanced training out east.
Her child was surprised to find more than $500 deducted from an
initial paycheck. It was explained to this soldier that recruits were
charged for their meals while in training. What's more, they would
also be deducting additional money for the price of uniforms. Besides
that, when this recruit got the uniform, the boots were grossly
undersized!</div>
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This mother confirmed this in speaking
with her child's superiors. In fact, the head honcho at the base
seemed unaware of the unhealthy conditions in some of the barracks
and promised to correct the problems. But he also hinted that the
soldier might have some restricted privileges for being a whistle
blower. This prompted a vow from this mother that if this occurred,
her next call would be to the White House!</div>
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Like I said, I never served in the
military. But I have been a taxpayer for decades. So in a very small
way, I helped hire these soldiers and sailors. I was confident that
part of that enlistment would surely include government-paid uniforms
and meals and safe places to sleep. I realize that many of these men
and women would eventually encounter tough living conditions in
Afghanistan and Iraq, some more than once. But wouldn't it stand to
reason that they should have clean living conditions and food and
uniforms without having to pay for them out of their meager pay?
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I realize that there might be another
side to this story. I hope this might be an isolated incident. But if
this is the norm, then I encourage any young person contemplating a
military career to carefully read the contract, especially the fine
print, before signing.
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I have long been a proponent of taking
care of our military. If we are going to commit to fighting wars, we
need an equal commitment to returning members of the military so that
they receive any and all physical and mental care they may need.
Although we can't expect to pay them on equal footing with a union
auto worker, we should also pay them enough that their families
aren't forced to seek other government aid during deployment.
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Make sure you are financially able to
fight a war before committing to it!</div>
Jeff Orvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08912570860029396238noreply@blogger.com0