Dance, Monkey! Dance!

Did you ever get the feeling that you were nothing more than a pawn in a chess game? Better yet, has anyone ever felt like one of those performance monkeys in a circus side show?

I can certainly say that I feel that way with my college right now. I feel as if I am a pawn in their little game. The game is supposed to be "The Game of Life" but anymore it is starting to seem more and more like "Sorry" and "Monopoly" everyday from my perspective.

No matter what I do, I feel like one of those performances monkeys that continue to just keep dancing away. I try to stop and escape every once in a while but even when the escape seems possible, I forget that they are still holding onto the leash that I am attached to and I must dance some more.

In college, they teach us that the world is full of contradictions. What they do not teach us is that college itself is full of contradictions. One of those little things that they seem to leave out between the campus life and tuition sections of the brochure.

Even my educators are contradictory which adds to the confusion. In my education classes, we are taught to always remain flexible and be willing to compromise with forces on the outside when it comes to our students. The very next minute, we are confronted with a professor who bases half of the class upon participation or is unwilling to bend on anything.

Maybe I missed the memo while I was out working in my community. Maybe I missed the message while I was working on that ever important resume that places more emphasis on being involved in everything than the quality and accomplishments of just one thing.

Maybe I misplaced that memo in the miles and miles of red tape that composes a university anymore. I must have because it is certainly putting a stranglehold on me with its rules, regulations, and contradictions.

Of course, people will say that I am simply just ready to get out or that I have just had some bad experiences but right now I do not care. I am willing to bet that I am not the only student that has ever been "crapped" on and I highly doubt that I will be the last.

I guess, for now, I will just continue dancing until I get that little piece of paper. The little piece of paper that in reality is only a few sheets away from being toilet paper. That little piece of paper is what keeps me going even though the true measure of someone does not come down to a little piece paper but something much more substantial.

I pray for that day to come fast. For now, I will put my little monkey hat back on and continue to entertain the crowds. Someday, I will escape and I will be sure to not repeat the mistakes that I have seen these past few years from the circus that I have been held hostage in. At least, let's hope.

A Very Emotional Saturday

This Saturday was arguably the most emotional day for me since Election Day 2006 when Joe Donnelly won his Congressional seat. It was a day that I will never forget.

On Saturday, my basketball team traveled to Zionsville for it's "B Team" Invitational. It was a four team single elimination tournament and in the first round we drew a very good team that had beaten us by over 20 points one month earlier. However, I knew that we were a different team from the last time we played them. We had just come off of two very convincing wins plus our game psychology had been getting better with each passing day. As dad always says, "There is a difference between playing basketball and playing the game."

With that in mind, I shared with our team a week prior to the tournament that my goal was to win the invitational. They had worked so hard and come such a long way since November that I knew we were capable of being competitive. As usual, the night before the invitational was a very difficult one for me as I absolutely could not wait for the games to begin.

Saturday morning could not come quick enough as I spent most of my day and evening watching game film in hopes of finding just the right strategy for our first game. After watching the same game at least 10 times over the course of the night, I had completely lost track of time. It was 3 o'clock in the morning and I had to get up in two hours so I "quit early and called it half a day" as a former President once put it.

Before the game started, I reminded the players that it would be a physical game but that we could not allow intimidation to be a factor. In what became a recurring theme this day, the games would be decided by who wanted it more.

In the first half of our first game, our bench rose to the occasion. We had some early foul troubles with a couple of our players so we had to go to our bench so that our starters would not pick up their third and fourth fouls. Our defense also picked up in this game. For a good part of the season, I have been expressing the importance of talking on defense and they picked the best time to begin doing so. Not only does it help from a communication standpoint but it picks up the intensity of a defense like few things can.

It was a total team effort and I could not have been happier with them as we were only down two points at halftime. The team was also excited especially with the job they had done on defense. In fact, one of my player's said, "That was fun," when I asked them about how it felt to finally talk on defense. Before we left the locker room, I asked them, "Who wants it more?" In response, I heard "We do!"

The second half was much like the first half except that we were able to stay out of foul trouble. It ended in a 10-10 tie which set us up for our second overtime game of the year as we only allowed four points in the second half. It was a very low scoring game overall. It wasn't that our offense was playing terrible though. We had created an abundance of good shots but we just were not able to convert on them. It set up the two most memorable overtime periods I have ever seen as a coach.

The first overtime was a difficult pill to swallow as we could not convert on offense. Luckily, our defense was at its best as our opponents did not score as well. As the period ended, we were in uncharted territory as we headed toward the second overtime. All we needed to do was to keep playing the game our way by continuing to pressure them on defense while patiently waiting for our shots to fall. There was really only one thing to say, or in this case ask. "Who wants it more?" Again, I heard, "We do!"

The second overtime was beginning to shape up like the first one did as both teams struggled to put any points on the board but halfway through one of my players was sent to the free throw line for two shots. As she stepped to the line, I tried to rest my voice and began consuming my third bottle of water because I was so tense. My player, as cool as a cucumber, stepped up and ripped both free throws to give us a lead for the first time in the game.

We now had the daunting task of protecting it. Our good fortunes continued as the defense held firm while we were able to clear the ball out on the rebound instead of getting tied up in a jump ball. We patiently walked the ball up the court as we needed not be in a rush with our two point lead. All we had to do was work the ball around and wait for them to foul or put the ball in the basket if a good shot arose. We did exactly that as the same girl who hit the two free throws earlier drilled a jumper that would put the game out of reach as we won 14-10 in double overtime.

The locker room was electric as we had just played the best and most exciting game of the season. On the outside, I tried to remain calm as we still had one game to go and we needed to rest especially after such an emotional win. On the inside, I was ready to jump out of my skin as my team had finally played up to their potential and won a very close game against a very good team.

During the break, the team wanted to go get lunch somewhere so we headed to McDonald's as it was the nearest place possible. I am sure that health experts will shriek at the very idea of going to McDonald's but it turned out to be the best thing for us as it gave our team a chance to go over our plays with what has now become the famous "French Fry Diagrams." Forget basketball camps, just go to McDonald's and order some french fries and chicken McNuggets. It worked like a charm. Afterward, we headed back to the school to play in the Championship game.

We were all pretty emotionally and physically drained so I spent a good part of the first half subbing the girls in and out. I wanted to give them a chance to rest as they had just played six quarters of high intensity basketball just four and a half hours earlier. Even though our ball handling was a little sloppy, we held a five point lead at halftime. I can definitely say that I was a little calmer this time. All we needed to do was take care of the ball and we would be able to prevail.

After such an emotional win like the one we experienced, most coaches will expect a let down in the next game. That turned out not to be the case as our offense, which had been held in check all day, exploded in the second half for our best performance of the season. Every player contributed and it was a beauty to watch especially to see the smiles on their faces with each basket scored. On the other side of the ball, our "chatter box" defense was at its best which led to a couple of kids from the other school in the stands yelling at us to quiet it down. To them it might have been a nuisance but it was music to our ears.

The game ended with us way ahead. As they have done all year, they handled it with class as they wished the other team a good game and graciously accepted the trophy. I was beaming. As I said before and told them after the game before the pictures began, I was so very proud of them for the strides they had made and for their efforts. It was the perfect end to a very emotional Saturday that I will never forget.

Clinton, Obama campaigns spar over Fundraiser

THE STORY: The recent spat between Democratic Presidential front-runners Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has got the world of politics talking.

Recently, a former Clinton fundraiser David Geffen held an event for the junior Senator from Illinois that reportedly raised over a million dollars. Also, in a recent New York Times op-ed piece by Maureen Dowd, the fundraiser is quoted saying bad things about his former beneficiaries.

Geffen described both former President Bill Clinton and Mrs. Clinton as "liars" who do it with ease. Moreover, Geffen continued saying that "Obama is inspirational, and he’s not from the Bush royal family or the Clinton royal family."

In response, the Clinton campaigned fired at the Obama campaign by saying that the money should be returned and Geffen should be removed from the campaign.

Quickly responding back, the Obama campaign threw a jab at the Clinton campaign saying that the Clintons were not troubled when Geffen was raising "$18 million" for their campaign and staying in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House at their request.

When asked about the allegations in a recent interview shown on CNN, Senator Obama remarked that there were thousands of supports to his campaign that have differences with the other candidates. He also stated, "Why would I be apologizing for someone else's remarks?"

MY TAKE: Our nation is as strong as we are because of the freedoms of free speech guaranteed within the First Amendment of the Constitution. For millions of Americans, it stands as an important cornerstone for our identity even though we have not always been on the right side of the argument with the Alien & Sedition Acts of 1798 and the Espionage Act of 1917.

For Senator Clinton, the race to the White House will not simply be an easy as many people first predicted. Also, her base is starting to crumble which is a contrast from the "unbelievably strong" base that many believed her to have.

Also, as Mr. Geffen so eloquently put it, Senator Obama IS an inspirational figure as he has gone from Illinois State Senator to American Celebrity in under two years.

Unfortunately in our American society, politics has become extraordinarily about money which has claimed many victims by causing them not to run for our nation's highest office, most recently former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack.

Even thought the Clinton campaign may be upset with Geffen's "flip-flop" of support, there is relatively nothing that they can do to stop him from holding fundraisers and speaking in support of another candidate.

As more citizens should do, Mr. Geffen is simply expressing his views and the Bill of Rights gives him the right to express those views in question.

The problem for the Clinton campaign is that, unlike years past, Geffen's tone has changed and his comments are doing the opposite of what they had originally thought would be a quick and easy campaign.

Goodbye DJ

Dennis Johnson

9/18/54 - 2/22/07

As if things could not get any worse for the Boston Celtics this year, they have lost another one of their own.

The former point guard Dennis Johnson, better known to players and fans as "DJ", passed away today at the age of 52.

As a player, Dennis Johnson was well respected throughout the league during his 13 year career which included five NBA All-Star selections, nine NBA All-Defensive Team selections, and most notably three NBA World Championships (Seattle '79 & Boston '84, '86).

But what DJ will most be remembered for was his tireless effort both on and off the court. He was a great friend to his teammates as well as a true role model for every kid who is not blessed with natural athletic ability.

He will be missed. Thanks for the memories DJ!

Support our Troops - The Right Way

As I was driving to class this morning, I saw another one of those yellow "Support our Troops" magnetic car ribbons on the bumper of the vehicle I was behind.

In our society, the men and women serving in our nation's military are among the most respected and revered of any in our country. But there are times when I worry about the kind of message that we are sending them.

In the upcoming national budget, our nation's veterans are getting the shaft. Over the next two years, it is planned to have their benefits cut yet again despite the numerous amount of soldiers coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan with severe battle wounds.

Moreover, not only are they getting the shaft on benefits but sometimes many of our wounded soldiers are treated in harsh and extremely bad conditions. A recent expose by Dana Priest of the Washington Post even went as far as saying that our vets have to deal with mice and deteriorating facilities while they undergo treatment.

It sickens me to hear this because our troops deserve so much better. We are the richest nation in the world and it is an absolute shame that our nation's finest are treated like this. If we truly support the troops then we need to do it in the right way.

In a recent interview, Chris Matthews asked a soldier about the recent political debate about the Iraq War in Congress and the effect it had on him as an American soldier. He stated that the ability and the privilege to have debate was exactly what the military was fighting for and said that debate should be occurring.

These men and women serve our country so that many of us do not have to but that in no way relieves us of our duties as Americans to think. Instead of overdone "Support our Troops" speeches from the Congress and White House, lets give them the proper funding and benefits that they have so rightfully earned.

Even though I will never see the person with the magnetic car ribbon ever again, I truly hope that they are with me on this. I hope that they have not put our troops in the back of their mind like they have the magnet on their car.

Fun Ride

As secondary schools, government offices, and banks close today, I have found myself sitting in the back of a college classroom on this nationally recognized holiday listening to a debate about taxing "junk" food.

The only problem with this is that I can barely hear the speakers up in the front of the classroom because many of them speak very softly with very low voice volume.

From what I can tell, I think the true debate should be more about self-control and less about taxing "junk" food. It made me remember a statement that one of my professors made once, "We live in a quick fix society in which we want quick solutions to fix our difficult problems."

Whether he was correct or not is open to interpretation but he definitely got me thinking. Good job Professor!

Oh well, if I have learned anything from working political campaigns it is that you cannot win every battle. However, you can become better at what you do and, as much as I hate to say this phrase, bolster your resume win or lose.

Even though I absolutely detest doing things just to improve your resume (one should do things because they enjoy it), it has become a necessary evil in our society to have a good one. At least, an organized one.

As I look at mine, I become very tired from all the work and very proud of the activities that I have participated in over the years. Even though it has been strenuous at times, I would not change a thing. From the small university club to the halls of Congress, it has been a fun ride.

Good Morning Dr. Bob

As I expected, only about 60% of my colleagues were able to make it into class today. I guess the roads in the neighboring counties are still pretty bad.

They certainly were for me as they turned my normal five minute cruise into school into a fifteen minute crusade over ice and snow. Luckily, I slid only once and for a short distance.

This morning's class is starting to become one of my favorites. For quite sometime, I have hated my psychology classes but I am starting to get into them now.

My favorite teacher, Dr. Bob as we call him, is excellent at showing his personality in his teaching. Every so often, he will play a short funny video before class begins to get us relaxed for the lecture. Sometimes for worse but most of the time for the better.

I must say that his selection for today's lecture, which I have placed below, was an excellent choice.

Mid-Week Vacation

Well, it looks as if my mid-week vacation is coming to an end. School will be starting up again tomorrow after cancelling two days of classes.

I find it highly unlikely that they would cancel for a third day. It does, however, make me wonder how everyone is going to make it into Kokomo with all of the snow emergencies in the surrounding counties.

This little break has been much appreciated. I really needed just a few days of nothing to collect my thoughts. Basketball has been going very well but after an emotional win in our invitational this weekend my brain needed a couple personal days.

We played better than I have ever seen us play this weekend. At times, I forgot that I was supposed to be coaching instead of just watching us because it was an amazing site to see.

It's pretty bad when one of your players comes to the bench saying, "Coach this is fun," and you retort, "I get to watch this. It's awesome!" Not really my finest authoritative moment but a lasting memory nonetheless.

Also, it is another year and another campaign has started. I am looking forward to this one most of all as it has been creating a buzz in my hometown since the Spring of 2006.

Hopefully, this election will be met with the same results of the last one. Once you win a campaign, you want to win another one and as soon as possible.

Good night and good luck shoveling the snow off your cars.

Barack Obama already Drawing Criticism

Normally I would wait until an election to decide who to vote for but I am confident in my choice for the 2008 Presidential race. I plan to support Barack Obama.

Between now and election 2008, my reasons for this choice will become more apparent but I did find it interesting that the "skinny kid with a silly name" is already making waves overseas with the announcement of his candidacy.

After only two days since his announcement to seek the Presidency of the United States, Barack Obama is already under criticism, but from an unlikely source.

The Prime Minister of Australia John Howard is the man who has turned his daggers on the junior Senator from Illinois by ripping him for his opposition to the Iraq War.

In typical fashion, Senator Obama welcomed the harsh words from the Prime Minister by taking it as a compliment especially since he just joined the enormous field of contenders for the White House in 2008.

Both Democrats and Republicans have made statements in response to the Australian PM's criticism practically telling him to "stay out of American politics."

Interestingly enough, the PM could not even understand why he was getting so much attention for his comments.

As reported by CNN, Prime Minister Howard retorted that he could not comprehend how it was okay for the country's Labor Party to criticize President Bush's strategies in Iraq and not okay for him to oppose the policy of someone who not only is not the President but not even his own party's candidate for President.

Mr. Prime Minister, to be quite frank, I think that is why people are taking issue with your statement. As much respect that I have for Mr. Obama, he is not the commander-in-chief; Mr. Bush is.

Even though this serves as a small distraction for the Obama campaign, it can be taken in a good way by looking at the fact that their candidate's views are being considered and taken very seriously by not just Americans but also around the world.

Of course, Barack Obama is a man who has had flowers thrown at his feet in many countries so I am pretty sure that they new it already. So in conclusion, remember to Barack the vote in 2008 by voting Obama for President!

Middle School Dances

As I open up iTunes and put on some John Mayer, I am reminded this morning how great things are that I do not have to work today. Just being by myself with some music and ESPN is a wonderful thing.

It's Friday which means early morning practice for me. I think I lucked out because Tipton had a two-hour delay which meant that instead of starting at 6 o'clock we would start at 8 o'clock. I enjoyed the extra hours of sleep.

Practice went well I thought. There is a big dance at the middle school this evening so the good news is that everyone had a little more energy than usual. The bad news was that just about everyone had their nails done so there were a few less steals than normal.

It reminded me of the big winter dance that took place when I was in 7th grade. It would be foolish to believe that I was not as psyched up about it as my players were about their dance this evening.

The only difference is that I did not take as much consideration into how my nails looked. I was more worried about how my basketball tie looked.

To be honest, I think we played defense a lot better than normal so maybe we should make nail appointments mandatory. It's something to think about.

Well, I must return to my Internet surfing with my new blanket. My Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl Champion blanket arrived last evening and it is SO comfortable. Have a great Friday!

No Energy to Change the Channel

I always hate the evening before a morning class. It seems as if the minutes and seconds go by quicker every time. I really doubt I would feel this way if it was a different subject.

I feel very much like the junior high kid who dreads going to school because he hates his math class. That pretty much sums up my attitude about my psychology classes. I am grateful, however, that I will not have to write a report in those classes.

Writing a report in a class that I do not like is like asking Robin Williams not to be funny. It just is not possible.

I am just glad that the basketball season has been so enjoyable. It has truly been an escape from the reality of being in college. But when your team is undefeated with a 10-0 record, I guess it is supposed to feel that way.

Right now, I feel as if I have my bags packed and my plane ticket ready but the plane has been delayed for a couple hours. I know what I want to do but for some reason Father Time is not cooperating with me.

I don't want to wish my life away but is there some way where I could possibly speed up the next few years without anyone getting older or anything changing? If you know of anything or anyone that could help, please let me know.

Well, I have finally gotten the energy to change the channel on the television. No channel changer here. Either I like living in the 1950's without the clicker or I am very irresponsible with my channel changers. I'll take the former for now.

Go Colts!

The Indianapolis Colts are the World Champions!

How sweet it is! I honestly believe that it could not have happened to a classier organization or a better guy than Peyton Manning.

As I saw him hoist that trophy up into the air tonight I started to remember the first time I ever saw him play. It was his first game as a Colt in 1998. I was fourteen years old and I am ashamed to say that I was one of the few people in the crowd not yelling for him.

I was wearing my Dan Marino jersey and rooting for the Miami Dolphins. Shame on me! Marino has since retired and as I have said numerous times to many of my out-of-state friends, "It is impossible to live in the state of Indiana and not be a fan of the Colts and Peyton Manning."

Even now, I am still having trouble coming down to earth. I highly doubt that I will sleep tonight. I also do not think that much work will get done in Indiana for the next few weeks.

Words cannot even describe how great it is to see our Colts win the big game although I think my bill from the NFL Shop certainly will cause me to use some choice adjectives in the coming days.

Congratulations go out to the boys in blue. Go Colts!