Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 15
April 5, 2015
Pep Talk: "Into The Batter's Box"
Spring has sprung. Renewal's in full bloom. Easter, Passover and their calls for renewal and thanks. The boys of summer preparing for a baseball marathon. Hope springs eternal. Even for naive Colorado Rockies fans like your scribe. "Aaahaaachoooo!" Oh yea, sneezing like crazy too. Anybody else get that tickling feeling inside the nose this time of year? Wow, I move from the normal three-sneeze staccato to chortling convulsions of a half dozen or more. The rebirth of trees and flowers swells eyes, triggers sneezes and has darling wife suggest, "Take some medicine!" A new season, when many take inventory. What to give up? What to cherish and be grateful for its presence? A person, place or thing? Transformation. Defined as "To make a great change in appearance or character." For whatever reason, the cranium of this simple dude from Missouri wanders to a story read recently about a man in Boston who had a vision. The time was 1902, and the New York native had tried his hand at law and newspaper publishing but found each unfulfilling. Through studies at Boston University's Theological School, the aspiring minister was assigned work in a struggling mission on the city's South End. He was struck by the appalling conditions facing immigrants who found themselves in a new country with no jobs and often desperate for food, clothing and shelter. Considering today's immigration issues, it could be suggested a century later, "The more things change the more they stay the same." Edgar James Helms challenged the status quo. Using burlap bags, he went door-to-door in Boston's wealthiest districts asking for donations of clothing and household goods. What's the old saying? One man's trash is another's treasure? Goodwill Industries was born. It differed from many charities of the day, emphasizing that donated goods could be sold for profit with the proceeds used to pay the workers who helped refurbish those goods. Clothing and household goods of the fortunate recycled, and lives of the poor transformed through learning how to repair and sell the discarded stuff. More than 110 years have passed. Helms' vision has expanded into a four-billion-dollar nonprofit organization that continues to sell gently used goods and hires people of limited employability. Awesome. It started with a dude having a vision. A thinking shift. Let's allow it to be a wonderful lesson for us. Where in our lives is it time for a similar shift? Spring has sprung with a call for spiritual renewal and giving thanks. The exodus from a season of winter, certainly environmentally and, why not, personally? The sacred sports hymn of "Take me out to the ball game" resonates nationwide. This week earnestly step into the batter's box of life. Regardless of what pitch comes our way, let's take a big swing at never growing weary of good will toward others. We won't always make contact or get a hit. But with Helms' as our shining example, the effort might result in a home run.
March 29, 2015
"Life Mixologist: Courage and Creativity Required"
“Last day of Zone 5 Master Class! Thanks Mark McIntosh for stopping by with your always inspirational messages! We're gonna turn lemons into margaritas!!”
This simple dude from Missouri cherishes each moment when opportunity presents itself to deliver an encouraging Pep Talk about this game we call life. Recently, such an opportunity arose in Denver and drew the referenced testimonial, posted to Facebook, from one of the leaders of the staffing company.
Lemons into Margaritas. It was the title of my third book of inspirational short stories. The title came from an interview co-host Denise Plante and I did several years ago during time together hosting “Colorado & Company.” It’s a show Denise still hosts - my job was eliminated - on Denver’s NBC affiliate, Gannett-owned KUSA-TV. It’s a weekday morning show geared toward women and businesses that want viewers to purchase their products/services.
Anyway, one day two brothers appeared to promote their book, “Honeymoon With My Brother.” It’s the story of a man who had dated a women for ten years. For him, it was love at first sight. But for the female, the decade-long relationship had been a roller coaster. A successful businesswoman, career oriented and somewhat relationship phobic, had broken off the union more than once. Finally, after ten tumultuous calendar turns, the couple decided to marry.
Family and friends flew in from all over the world to California’s wine country. “They’re finally getting married!” was the rallying cry from those who gathered from near and far. Bliss was present everywhere. For a brief spell.
The night before the wedding, the bride-to-be’s feet turned cold. She called it off. Groom is devastated. Brother and best-man-to-be says, “The heck with her. We’ve got all these loved ones gathered, the party must go on!” Later, in an admitted inebriated state, jilted groom invites brother to visit Costa Rica for what was supposed to be a honeymoon getaway. It turned into a brother bonding journey triggering each to quit job and travel the world together for two years.
Boom! A book is born and dynamic duo hit the speaking/book-selling circuit. Through a good publicist, Franz and Kurt Wisner land on the set of “CoCo” to entertain Denise and your scribe with hilarious stories of their exploits.
For the guys, one particular moment stood out and spawned the title of this knucklehead’s third attempt to encourage others with stories of hope. At a book signing, an elderly woman, after receiving her copy, bores into Franz, the once-devastated man, this gem: “Sonny, you didn’t turn lemons into lemonade, you turned lemons into margaritas!”
Have your plans been waylaid? Home? Work? Elsewhere? It happens.A staffing company heard the story as a reminder. It was too early in the day to raise anything but coffee, juice or water to toast this sober truth: Life hands us lemons, becomes shaken and stirred. Too often with rocks and salt. It requires courage and creativity as a mixologist.
Good luck this week!
This simple dude from Missouri cherishes each moment when opportunity presents itself to deliver an encouraging Pep Talk about this game we call life. Recently, such an opportunity arose in Denver and drew the referenced testimonial, posted to Facebook, from one of the leaders of the staffing company.
Lemons into Margaritas. It was the title of my third book of inspirational short stories. The title came from an interview co-host Denise Plante and I did several years ago during time together hosting “Colorado & Company.” It’s a show Denise still hosts - my job was eliminated - on Denver’s NBC affiliate, Gannett-owned KUSA-TV. It’s a weekday morning show geared toward women and businesses that want viewers to purchase their products/services.
Anyway, one day two brothers appeared to promote their book, “Honeymoon With My Brother.” It’s the story of a man who had dated a women for ten years. For him, it was love at first sight. But for the female, the decade-long relationship had been a roller coaster. A successful businesswoman, career oriented and somewhat relationship phobic, had broken off the union more than once. Finally, after ten tumultuous calendar turns, the couple decided to marry.
Family and friends flew in from all over the world to California’s wine country. “They’re finally getting married!” was the rallying cry from those who gathered from near and far. Bliss was present everywhere. For a brief spell.
The night before the wedding, the bride-to-be’s feet turned cold. She called it off. Groom is devastated. Brother and best-man-to-be says, “The heck with her. We’ve got all these loved ones gathered, the party must go on!” Later, in an admitted inebriated state, jilted groom invites brother to visit Costa Rica for what was supposed to be a honeymoon getaway. It turned into a brother bonding journey triggering each to quit job and travel the world together for two years.
Boom! A book is born and dynamic duo hit the speaking/book-selling circuit. Through a good publicist, Franz and Kurt Wisner land on the set of “CoCo” to entertain Denise and your scribe with hilarious stories of their exploits.
For the guys, one particular moment stood out and spawned the title of this knucklehead’s third attempt to encourage others with stories of hope. At a book signing, an elderly woman, after receiving her copy, bores into Franz, the once-devastated man, this gem: “Sonny, you didn’t turn lemons into lemonade, you turned lemons into margaritas!”
Have your plans been waylaid? Home? Work? Elsewhere? It happens.A staffing company heard the story as a reminder. It was too early in the day to raise anything but coffee, juice or water to toast this sober truth: Life hands us lemons, becomes shaken and stirred. Too often with rocks and salt. It requires courage and creativity as a mixologist.
Good luck this week!
March 22, 2015
Pep Talk: "Stimulate and Develop"
What’s your favorite word? Ya know, when you mutter it, or you hear someone else recite it, warm and fuzzy feelings begin to permeate?
Encourage. That’s the one for this aging knucklehead. Defined as “To give hope and confidence to.” Can you imagine? What would this world look like if everybody was walking around with hope and confidence? Would it be any different than the scene we witness today - home, work and community?
Here’s an example.
The other day your scribe was wrapping up lunch at the Denver Rescue Mission’s “Crossing” facility. It’s a place where many of the men and women involved with Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project currently work or live. It’s a frequent stop on the daily rounds, especially during lunch time. The food is good. Also, it’s a good time to discuss projects designed to encourage ASC participants to become more fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who seek a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities. Our latest? A rugby team. Stand by.
Anyway, back to the story. This lucky dad to two wonderful kiddos was wrapping things up, moving from table to table talking with New Life Program members, employees and anybody else who desires to connect, when a dude comes rushing from the kitchen.
He’s a friendly-looking chap with a neatly trimmed beard and pleasant demeanor. What he said next, knocked my socks off. “Mark, you probably don’t remember this but about five years ago I was imprisoned in Sterling, Colorado when you came to speak to us. I will never forget it.”
With tears welling in his eyes, the man brought tears to mine when he muttered, “You got right into my face and told me how much you believed in me. That, despite my past, I could still bring great value to this world. I chose to believe you. Thanks for encouraging me.”
We hugged immediately. This man is now in culinary school and learning in the Rescue Mission kitchen. Someone had given this man hope and confidence his life still had value, to himself, others and community.
Never underestimate the power we can have to encourage others and offer hope and confidence.
Folks, we live in challenging times. As a nation, we need fresh ideas infusing America with hope and confidence to overcome what ails us. For example, relations between police departments and the communities they serve and educational practices that prepare future generations for leadership - to name two of the myriad of issues.
I was taught long ago, while earning a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Missouri, “Don’t state the obvious.” However, fellow Americans, we have many fires burning that continue to divide us.
What to do? It can seem overwhelming. Let’s keep it simple. Whenever you can, pour hope and confidence into someone else that they can overcome obstacles.
What’s your favorite word? Why not, encourage? The verb is also defined as “To stimulate and develop.” For someone else, do it this week!
Encourage. That’s the one for this aging knucklehead. Defined as “To give hope and confidence to.” Can you imagine? What would this world look like if everybody was walking around with hope and confidence? Would it be any different than the scene we witness today - home, work and community?
Here’s an example.
The other day your scribe was wrapping up lunch at the Denver Rescue Mission’s “Crossing” facility. It’s a place where many of the men and women involved with Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project currently work or live. It’s a frequent stop on the daily rounds, especially during lunch time. The food is good. Also, it’s a good time to discuss projects designed to encourage ASC participants to become more fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who seek a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities. Our latest? A rugby team. Stand by.
Anyway, back to the story. This lucky dad to two wonderful kiddos was wrapping things up, moving from table to table talking with New Life Program members, employees and anybody else who desires to connect, when a dude comes rushing from the kitchen.
He’s a friendly-looking chap with a neatly trimmed beard and pleasant demeanor. What he said next, knocked my socks off. “Mark, you probably don’t remember this but about five years ago I was imprisoned in Sterling, Colorado when you came to speak to us. I will never forget it.”
With tears welling in his eyes, the man brought tears to mine when he muttered, “You got right into my face and told me how much you believed in me. That, despite my past, I could still bring great value to this world. I chose to believe you. Thanks for encouraging me.”
We hugged immediately. This man is now in culinary school and learning in the Rescue Mission kitchen. Someone had given this man hope and confidence his life still had value, to himself, others and community.
Never underestimate the power we can have to encourage others and offer hope and confidence.
Folks, we live in challenging times. As a nation, we need fresh ideas infusing America with hope and confidence to overcome what ails us. For example, relations between police departments and the communities they serve and educational practices that prepare future generations for leadership - to name two of the myriad of issues.
I was taught long ago, while earning a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Missouri, “Don’t state the obvious.” However, fellow Americans, we have many fires burning that continue to divide us.
What to do? It can seem overwhelming. Let’s keep it simple. Whenever you can, pour hope and confidence into someone else that they can overcome obstacles.
What’s your favorite word? Why not, encourage? The verb is also defined as “To stimulate and develop.” For someone else, do it this week!
March 15, 2015
Pep Talk: "Dreams Of New Frontiers"
It was the usual gathering of suspects for a Friday morning of cajoling one another to grow stronger in spirit, when something unusual happened. I cried.
Not that crying is forbidden for this aging knucklehead. It happens often. For instance, when beautiful and college-bound 18-year-old daughter recently posted a Facebook picture of her, long ago, in my lap? While a then younger father read a story to her pre-school class? Tears flowed and thoughts wandered to, “Where has time gone?”
But to be hanging with a bunch of dudes and begin to weep? Weird and unexpected. This statement opened the spigot: “A friend’s son suffered a knee injury that has threatened his promising hockey career. He’s struggling, the family is struggling and they could use our prayers.”
I thought of my mom. Now almost 80 years old, she still struggles to speak of the night our family was thrown into a similar world. Back in 1976, just a few days after signing a letter of intent to play football and baseball at the University of Missouri, and a few months before expecting to be an early-round selection in the baseball amateur draft, an accidental poke in the eye started a chain reaction of events that forever changed my dreams.
It happened on a basketball court in suburban Kansas City. Back in the mid 1970s, there was a movement away from wood floors to something akin to rubber over concrete. Against my noggin, quite easily, that rock-hard surface won the battle.
The poke led to a rapid drop in blood pressure, which led to fainting and crashing to the floor. I don’t remember, but have been told that I was lying there with blood oozing from my left ear, in seizure and awaiting an ambulance to rush me to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The laundry list of injuries: fractured skull, major concussion, shattering of cochlear bones of the inner ear that play a role in equilibrium and depth perception, tearing of rotator cuff muscles in the left (throwing) shoulder and loss of hearing in the left ear.
A promising athletic career over, from a freak poke in the eye. To this day, your scribe cringes when someone competing in sports gets poked in the eye. If present and needed, I rush to help the person sit down before something crazy happens.
Life. It will poke us in the eye, right? We just never know when those “What the heck is going on around here?” moments appear and we crash. Physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially from illness, injury, divorce or job loss, to name just a few.
A standout player in junior hockey, one step from the National Hockey League, had dreams. No doubt his family shared them. Now, the future uncertain. It makes an old man cry. Lost dreams. We all have them.
This week, comfort those wondering what’s next. Pray it’s dreams of new frontiers, not nightmares for those untraveled.
Not that crying is forbidden for this aging knucklehead. It happens often. For instance, when beautiful and college-bound 18-year-old daughter recently posted a Facebook picture of her, long ago, in my lap? While a then younger father read a story to her pre-school class? Tears flowed and thoughts wandered to, “Where has time gone?”
But to be hanging with a bunch of dudes and begin to weep? Weird and unexpected. This statement opened the spigot: “A friend’s son suffered a knee injury that has threatened his promising hockey career. He’s struggling, the family is struggling and they could use our prayers.”
I thought of my mom. Now almost 80 years old, she still struggles to speak of the night our family was thrown into a similar world. Back in 1976, just a few days after signing a letter of intent to play football and baseball at the University of Missouri, and a few months before expecting to be an early-round selection in the baseball amateur draft, an accidental poke in the eye started a chain reaction of events that forever changed my dreams.
It happened on a basketball court in suburban Kansas City. Back in the mid 1970s, there was a movement away from wood floors to something akin to rubber over concrete. Against my noggin, quite easily, that rock-hard surface won the battle.
The poke led to a rapid drop in blood pressure, which led to fainting and crashing to the floor. I don’t remember, but have been told that I was lying there with blood oozing from my left ear, in seizure and awaiting an ambulance to rush me to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The laundry list of injuries: fractured skull, major concussion, shattering of cochlear bones of the inner ear that play a role in equilibrium and depth perception, tearing of rotator cuff muscles in the left (throwing) shoulder and loss of hearing in the left ear.
A promising athletic career over, from a freak poke in the eye. To this day, your scribe cringes when someone competing in sports gets poked in the eye. If present and needed, I rush to help the person sit down before something crazy happens.
Life. It will poke us in the eye, right? We just never know when those “What the heck is going on around here?” moments appear and we crash. Physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially from illness, injury, divorce or job loss, to name just a few.
A standout player in junior hockey, one step from the National Hockey League, had dreams. No doubt his family shared them. Now, the future uncertain. It makes an old man cry. Lost dreams. We all have them.
This week, comfort those wondering what’s next. Pray it’s dreams of new frontiers, not nightmares for those untraveled.
March 8, 2015
Pep Talk: "Not An Easy Chore"
An interesting byproduct of a project designed to unite isolated individuals with fitness-minded, dependable and productive Americans to sweat, bond and grow in a group workout? The audience it draws.
Unless just recently returned to America from a galactic getaway, most understand the challenges before our country. There are many, including a terrible trio Victory’s A Stronger Cord project is designed to address: isolation, obesity and stress. Folks, it’s time to sit down and tie our shoes. We’re tripping. ASC’s Knuckleheads try and accomplish that with their sweat, bond and grow philosophy. It starts with the workout but is much more. We’d love to warm up, work out and hang out with you.
Anyway, back to the story. Bringing this idea to the marketplace has led to some interesting conversations with leaders of government, non profit, business, faith-based and others. All laboring to crack the code and reduce our nation’s overabundance of isolated, unfit and stressed folks. We are everywhere. From missions to mansions and Main streets. All colors.
Many folks are employed to try and figure this out. We need to. Quickly. A lot of money is spent desperately seeking winning game plans to address our growing societal challenge. The battle has drawn many. Recently, one offered their philosophy to life.
It blew me away for its simplicity and brilliance.
“I have always tried to tackle this thing called life in this sequence,” suggested the philanthropic-minded public policy wonk. “Listen to others, think about the discussion and then act on what idea materializes.” Listen. Think. Act.
Just me, but makes a lot of sense. I must admit to being guilty many times of not following that wise counsel. This aging jock, too often, places “Act” before “Think.” I’ll listen to something, form an idea and go flying off the gang plank before really thinking it through. I like to joke with folks, “There’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity.” I’ve crossed it often in almost 57 years of wandering this planet. It’s great to have the guts to go for it but sometimes, upon reflection, we ponder this question, “What the heck was I thinking?”
However, a challenge to “think” coming before “act” is, “How long do we think about whatever we’re thinking about before we decide to act?” Are we going to analyze something to death before having the guts to throw caution to the wind and jump into the great unknown of possibilities or pratfalls? Chase a dream?
We could debate that topic till the cows come home but this much is irrefutable. This “Listen, think and act” philosophy has served the man, who delivered it, quite well in a successful career, at various levels and areas, in public service.
It’s always good to listen. It’s how we learn. The main competition seems to be for second place, between think and act. In harmony, how to unleash the strengths of each.
Not an easy chore. Good luck this week!
Unless just recently returned to America from a galactic getaway, most understand the challenges before our country. There are many, including a terrible trio Victory’s A Stronger Cord project is designed to address: isolation, obesity and stress. Folks, it’s time to sit down and tie our shoes. We’re tripping. ASC’s Knuckleheads try and accomplish that with their sweat, bond and grow philosophy. It starts with the workout but is much more. We’d love to warm up, work out and hang out with you.
Anyway, back to the story. Bringing this idea to the marketplace has led to some interesting conversations with leaders of government, non profit, business, faith-based and others. All laboring to crack the code and reduce our nation’s overabundance of isolated, unfit and stressed folks. We are everywhere. From missions to mansions and Main streets. All colors.
Many folks are employed to try and figure this out. We need to. Quickly. A lot of money is spent desperately seeking winning game plans to address our growing societal challenge. The battle has drawn many. Recently, one offered their philosophy to life.
It blew me away for its simplicity and brilliance.
“I have always tried to tackle this thing called life in this sequence,” suggested the philanthropic-minded public policy wonk. “Listen to others, think about the discussion and then act on what idea materializes.” Listen. Think. Act.
Just me, but makes a lot of sense. I must admit to being guilty many times of not following that wise counsel. This aging jock, too often, places “Act” before “Think.” I’ll listen to something, form an idea and go flying off the gang plank before really thinking it through. I like to joke with folks, “There’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity.” I’ve crossed it often in almost 57 years of wandering this planet. It’s great to have the guts to go for it but sometimes, upon reflection, we ponder this question, “What the heck was I thinking?”
However, a challenge to “think” coming before “act” is, “How long do we think about whatever we’re thinking about before we decide to act?” Are we going to analyze something to death before having the guts to throw caution to the wind and jump into the great unknown of possibilities or pratfalls? Chase a dream?
We could debate that topic till the cows come home but this much is irrefutable. This “Listen, think and act” philosophy has served the man, who delivered it, quite well in a successful career, at various levels and areas, in public service.
It’s always good to listen. It’s how we learn. The main competition seems to be for second place, between think and act. In harmony, how to unleash the strengths of each.
Not an easy chore. Good luck this week!
March 1, 2015
"Folks Who Inspire: Angie!"
It’s a bitterly cold final day of February in the Mile High City. Billy Joel’s on in the background while this knucklehead is communicating with others via email. Hunkered down.
One of the emails was to an incredible woman involved with A Stronger Cord. She is the leader of its attempt to coax women in the Denver Rescue Mission’s STAR program to give our workouts a shot. Ya know, that call to “Cast fear aside and allow wonderment to win” moments in life.
The email being sent was in thanks this spiritual warrior for creating a flyer to hand out to folks wanting to learn more about this movement. ASC’s mission is to unite isolated folks with fitness-minded, dependable and productive Americans to sweat, bond and grow in a group workout. The testimonials emerging have been incredible. We thank everybody for your moral and financial support!
Anyway, back to the story. It’s a Saturday noontime, darling wife has scooted off to the grocery and I’m trying to mind my own business in the basement. I’m feelin’ kinda warm and fuzzy about things. I love send emails saying “Thanks!” Just me. Giving credit where credit is due to another human for their wonderful contribution to ASC’s mission. Feels good.
The Knuckleheads of ASC are trying to encourage Americans to sample a movement to become more fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who seek a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities. Anybody got a better idea?
The email’s text concluded with, “admiring the spirit and appreciating the talents” of the recipient. I paused before clicking to send. Began to marinate a bit on “admire spirit” and “appreciate talents.”
Can you imagine? If we all, when others are asked of us, would have someone respond, “I admire that person’s spirit and respect their talents.” Wow. Holy smokes. Just me, but it seems there’s too many of us in a world removed from “admiring another’s spirit and appreciating another’s talents.” Perhaps we’re too divided?
In addition, it seems for us to get to the level on “admiring another’s spirit and appreciating another’s talents” it would be wise to spend a little more time together. Ya know, bond. I was on an elevator the other day when a dude entered while yakking on the phone. He never even looked over. I was ready to grin at him but never got the chance.
Too admire others’ spirit and appreciate their talents takes an investment in time and energy. America, are we ready to at least try? We’d love to see you at an ASC workout soon. Workout schedule is on ASC website, www.astrongercord.org. This much is guaranteed. You’ll get in better shape, build new relationships and participate in community service.
And meet incredible folks like Angie, who inspire me, and let’s hope you, to live a life where tombstone talk of us centers on admiring our spirit and appreciating our talents.
One of the emails was to an incredible woman involved with A Stronger Cord. She is the leader of its attempt to coax women in the Denver Rescue Mission’s STAR program to give our workouts a shot. Ya know, that call to “Cast fear aside and allow wonderment to win” moments in life.
The email being sent was in thanks this spiritual warrior for creating a flyer to hand out to folks wanting to learn more about this movement. ASC’s mission is to unite isolated folks with fitness-minded, dependable and productive Americans to sweat, bond and grow in a group workout. The testimonials emerging have been incredible. We thank everybody for your moral and financial support!
Anyway, back to the story. It’s a Saturday noontime, darling wife has scooted off to the grocery and I’m trying to mind my own business in the basement. I’m feelin’ kinda warm and fuzzy about things. I love send emails saying “Thanks!” Just me. Giving credit where credit is due to another human for their wonderful contribution to ASC’s mission. Feels good.
The Knuckleheads of ASC are trying to encourage Americans to sample a movement to become more fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who seek a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities. Anybody got a better idea?
The email’s text concluded with, “admiring the spirit and appreciating the talents” of the recipient. I paused before clicking to send. Began to marinate a bit on “admire spirit” and “appreciate talents.”
Can you imagine? If we all, when others are asked of us, would have someone respond, “I admire that person’s spirit and respect their talents.” Wow. Holy smokes. Just me, but it seems there’s too many of us in a world removed from “admiring another’s spirit and appreciating another’s talents.” Perhaps we’re too divided?
In addition, it seems for us to get to the level on “admiring another’s spirit and appreciating another’s talents” it would be wise to spend a little more time together. Ya know, bond. I was on an elevator the other day when a dude entered while yakking on the phone. He never even looked over. I was ready to grin at him but never got the chance.
Too admire others’ spirit and appreciate their talents takes an investment in time and energy. America, are we ready to at least try? We’d love to see you at an ASC workout soon. Workout schedule is on ASC website, www.astrongercord.org. This much is guaranteed. You’ll get in better shape, build new relationships and participate in community service.
And meet incredible folks like Angie, who inspire me, and let’s hope you, to live a life where tombstone talk of us centers on admiring our spirit and appreciating our talents.
February 22, 2015
Pep Talk: "We're The Remnant"
“Your brother’s in the middle of the fire right now,” barfed from this simple dude’s cranium during a recent three-way phone conversation with the dude, me and his sister. That thought ended with, “The question becomes, is he going to be refined or incinerated?”
Divorce. It sucks.
Been there and done that twice. Painful in so many ways. The above-mentioned buddy is in the middle of an inferno raging through his emotional, spiritual and financial house and almost 30-year marriage. This friend is getting singed. The damage is widespread. Wallet, pride and self esteem? Cleanup crews sifting through the ashes find only fragments of their existence.
Life throws us some curveballs doesn’t it? Those, “What the heck is going on around here?” kinda moments that try and pierce our resolve. It’s one of the core foundational pillars to Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project.
We all have our stories. Nobody’s life, well, maybe a few, has gone exactly the way we planned. Stuff happens. Like this buddy’s challenge, when the stuff hits the fan we need to realize we’re not alone. Everybody reading this probably knows of someone going through a similar situation. Life seems so damn unfair and it’s real easy to, taking a boxing jab, throw in the white towel of surrender.
What if we could somehow encourage these folks to rally around each other? We’d be along for the ride too? We all have our stuff, all need encouragement and benefit from exercise. So, let’s take in an ASC workout? Work out. Hang out. Help out. Fitness. Relationships. Communities. We get some exercise, meet some good folks and then, united, help out in the community. At the very least, we’ll get in better shape. I’ll quit begging and get back to the point.
Life often throws each of us in the fire. Job are lost. Marriages unravel. Illness arrives. The calamities call from every corner of life. We know that. The big question always becomes, “How will we react?” We will become a student of experience or victim or circumstance?
To repeat what blurted from my mouth to buddy and sister on the phone, “Will we be refined or incinerated?” The answer to that lies squarely within those in the fire. We’ve all been there.
Don’t try it alone! It’s too hard. There are plenty of folks out there in the fire too. It’s widespread, especially in America today. We’ve become a nation too isolated, unfit and stressed. We’re everywhere. From missions to mansions to Main streets. Brown. Black. White.
Folks, I don’t know if anybody’s noticing, but America’s in the fire. We have much room for improvement in many critical areas concerning families, jobs and communities. Whether we’re talking societal issues, humans, a youth soccer team, small business, non profit agency or whatever, in all likelihood, none will be spared fire’s potentially damaging flame.
What will investigators find at the scene? We’re the remnant. The story line is, refined or incinerated?
Divorce. It sucks.
Been there and done that twice. Painful in so many ways. The above-mentioned buddy is in the middle of an inferno raging through his emotional, spiritual and financial house and almost 30-year marriage. This friend is getting singed. The damage is widespread. Wallet, pride and self esteem? Cleanup crews sifting through the ashes find only fragments of their existence.
Life throws us some curveballs doesn’t it? Those, “What the heck is going on around here?” kinda moments that try and pierce our resolve. It’s one of the core foundational pillars to Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project.
We all have our stories. Nobody’s life, well, maybe a few, has gone exactly the way we planned. Stuff happens. Like this buddy’s challenge, when the stuff hits the fan we need to realize we’re not alone. Everybody reading this probably knows of someone going through a similar situation. Life seems so damn unfair and it’s real easy to, taking a boxing jab, throw in the white towel of surrender.
What if we could somehow encourage these folks to rally around each other? We’d be along for the ride too? We all have our stuff, all need encouragement and benefit from exercise. So, let’s take in an ASC workout? Work out. Hang out. Help out. Fitness. Relationships. Communities. We get some exercise, meet some good folks and then, united, help out in the community. At the very least, we’ll get in better shape. I’ll quit begging and get back to the point.
Life often throws each of us in the fire. Job are lost. Marriages unravel. Illness arrives. The calamities call from every corner of life. We know that. The big question always becomes, “How will we react?” We will become a student of experience or victim or circumstance?
To repeat what blurted from my mouth to buddy and sister on the phone, “Will we be refined or incinerated?” The answer to that lies squarely within those in the fire. We’ve all been there.
Don’t try it alone! It’s too hard. There are plenty of folks out there in the fire too. It’s widespread, especially in America today. We’ve become a nation too isolated, unfit and stressed. We’re everywhere. From missions to mansions to Main streets. Brown. Black. White.
Folks, I don’t know if anybody’s noticing, but America’s in the fire. We have much room for improvement in many critical areas concerning families, jobs and communities. Whether we’re talking societal issues, humans, a youth soccer team, small business, non profit agency or whatever, in all likelihood, none will be spared fire’s potentially damaging flame.
What will investigators find at the scene? We’re the remnant. The story line is, refined or incinerated?
February 15, 2015
Pep Talk: "Show 'Em!"
Since this aging jock from Missouri can remember, inside of thy soul has always been a fascination with words and their meaning. In reflection, it seems that love affair was manifested early. As a youth, Scrabble games in Baldwin, Kansas at Aunt Ruth and Grandpa Perry’s were always a blast. Anybody else dig Scrabble? Love that game!
Ruth Perry is still with us. The former school teacher is going strong north of a century. Can’t see or hear real well but her mind is razor sharp. Admirable.
Anyway, back to the story. I’ve always loved words. Perhaps, the reason for pursuing a career in journalism, writing books, blogs, speaking and all that jazz? I still cherish opening a tattered Oxford American Dictionary and finding the meaning behind a word considered for sharing.
Which, finally, brings me to the point of all this. It’s been interesting to see the reaction to Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project. It’s about bringing folks together and realizing that, “Hey, we all have our stories of good, bad and ugly. We’re all just a bunch of knuckleheads who believe that by coming together to warm up, work out and hang out, we can sweat, bond and grow. Body, mind and spirit. Exercise. The great stress reducer, connector and equalizer.
Each workout ends with the gathered, in unison, shouting “Knuckleheads!” There are some who are offended. Don’t like that name. For good reason. If you open up a dictionary, the definition makes you pause: “A stupid person.”
Well, this movement of ASC folks realize there are too many isolated, unfit and stressed folks - ourselves among them - in this country. Zip codes don’t matter. We live in missions, mansions and everything in between. The modern-day Knuckleheads are trying to change that grim reality. We sweat, bond and grow.
The men and women participating in ASC workouts have a different definition of the word. We are “fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who are one step from stupid, heed Solomon’s wise words, unite with others and seek a stronger cord to families, jobs (schools) and communities. That’s an ASC Knucklehead.
This might be way to obvious coming from a Missourian, but what we call ourselves matters little when compared to who were are. Actions speak louder than words, right?
Just my opinion, but it seems this country has lost its sense of humor. We get offended easily. Whether we live in a mission, mansion and somewhere else. It seems, we’ve become a tad thin-skinned. Don’t get me wrong, I’m talking about good-natured humor here, not hurtful and degrading words.
But for folks to get bent out of shape because a group of people are focusing on becoming more fitness-minded, dependable and productive with a passion for developing a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities? And they joke around and call themselves, “Knuckleheads?”
Really? Let’s don’t go there this week. Let’s make sure actions define us and determine how we define others.
Show ‘em!
Ruth Perry is still with us. The former school teacher is going strong north of a century. Can’t see or hear real well but her mind is razor sharp. Admirable.
Anyway, back to the story. I’ve always loved words. Perhaps, the reason for pursuing a career in journalism, writing books, blogs, speaking and all that jazz? I still cherish opening a tattered Oxford American Dictionary and finding the meaning behind a word considered for sharing.
Which, finally, brings me to the point of all this. It’s been interesting to see the reaction to Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project. It’s about bringing folks together and realizing that, “Hey, we all have our stories of good, bad and ugly. We’re all just a bunch of knuckleheads who believe that by coming together to warm up, work out and hang out, we can sweat, bond and grow. Body, mind and spirit. Exercise. The great stress reducer, connector and equalizer.
Each workout ends with the gathered, in unison, shouting “Knuckleheads!” There are some who are offended. Don’t like that name. For good reason. If you open up a dictionary, the definition makes you pause: “A stupid person.”
Well, this movement of ASC folks realize there are too many isolated, unfit and stressed folks - ourselves among them - in this country. Zip codes don’t matter. We live in missions, mansions and everything in between. The modern-day Knuckleheads are trying to change that grim reality. We sweat, bond and grow.
The men and women participating in ASC workouts have a different definition of the word. We are “fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who are one step from stupid, heed Solomon’s wise words, unite with others and seek a stronger cord to families, jobs (schools) and communities. That’s an ASC Knucklehead.
This might be way to obvious coming from a Missourian, but what we call ourselves matters little when compared to who were are. Actions speak louder than words, right?
Just my opinion, but it seems this country has lost its sense of humor. We get offended easily. Whether we live in a mission, mansion and somewhere else. It seems, we’ve become a tad thin-skinned. Don’t get me wrong, I’m talking about good-natured humor here, not hurtful and degrading words.
But for folks to get bent out of shape because a group of people are focusing on becoming more fitness-minded, dependable and productive with a passion for developing a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities? And they joke around and call themselves, “Knuckleheads?”
Really? Let’s don’t go there this week. Let’s make sure actions define us and determine how we define others.
Show ‘em!
February 8, 2015
Pep Talk: "Worth A Try Isn't It?"
Since leaping off the high dive and proclaiming that A Stronger Cord is a movement to get America moving in a better direction, much time has been spent in community gatherings. Usually these moments are manifested as community activism on high alert because of conflict.
At least in Denver, the latest? The much publicized shooting of a 17-year-old teenage girl. She and several friends had been partying from Sunday evening into the early-morning hours Monday, stole a car before being caught by the cops in a northeast Denver alley around sunrise. What happened next is in dispute. It resulted in an officer, allegedly in fear of being crushed between the car and a brick wall, firing several shots and killing the young woman who was driving.
It’s a flaky-snowfall Saturday afternoon, and concerned humans of all colors were gathered in a church. We were discussing the bad and ugly of the situation. It was productive. It will be interesting to see if any action comes from it. I sure hope so. Honestly, ASC would love to be involved as a mediator. Conflict resolution? How about this for a twist? Challenge the key stakeholders with, “Before we even THINK about discussing this, let’s jump into some workout clothes and get a sweat on.”
We know the research. Exercise is a great stress reducer. We’ve also discovered, quite by accident, that it’s a great equalizer. I love sharing videos of ASC workouts. Viewers are watching a bunch of folks executing group calisthenics and working up a lather. I query, “Pick out the folks who live in missions, mansions or somewhere in between?” Darn tough to do.
Anyway, back to the point. I’m sitting there listening to one impassioned person after another speak about important social issues that boil down to relationships and responsibilities. Many speakers had wonderful points about what police could do better: Same for lawmakers, the criminal justice system, parents and kids, too. In this case, it seems there’s plenty of room for improvement across the board.
But what hit this simple dude from Missouri up side the noggin with such force that I’m still trying to recover is this tragedy: The Colorado State Legislature allocates four times as much money to incarceration as it does to education.
A Stronger Cord shouts to the rooftops to anybody who will listen, “We have too many isolated, unfit and stressed dudes.” Everywhere. Missions, mansions and every place in between. After hearing that startling funding imbalance between educating our kids and correcting our offenders, is there little wonder we’re in this pickle?
We need new ideas. It starts with coming together and hanging out. ASC’s Knuckleheads would suggest, “It starts with the workout.”
Like everything in life, there’s no guarantees. This much is hard to dispute. In a country with an obesity problem, at least we’ll get in better shape. Who knows, we also might get lucky and build bridges between chasms that divide us.
Worth a try isn’t it?
At least in Denver, the latest? The much publicized shooting of a 17-year-old teenage girl. She and several friends had been partying from Sunday evening into the early-morning hours Monday, stole a car before being caught by the cops in a northeast Denver alley around sunrise. What happened next is in dispute. It resulted in an officer, allegedly in fear of being crushed between the car and a brick wall, firing several shots and killing the young woman who was driving.
It’s a flaky-snowfall Saturday afternoon, and concerned humans of all colors were gathered in a church. We were discussing the bad and ugly of the situation. It was productive. It will be interesting to see if any action comes from it. I sure hope so. Honestly, ASC would love to be involved as a mediator. Conflict resolution? How about this for a twist? Challenge the key stakeholders with, “Before we even THINK about discussing this, let’s jump into some workout clothes and get a sweat on.”
We know the research. Exercise is a great stress reducer. We’ve also discovered, quite by accident, that it’s a great equalizer. I love sharing videos of ASC workouts. Viewers are watching a bunch of folks executing group calisthenics and working up a lather. I query, “Pick out the folks who live in missions, mansions or somewhere in between?” Darn tough to do.
Anyway, back to the point. I’m sitting there listening to one impassioned person after another speak about important social issues that boil down to relationships and responsibilities. Many speakers had wonderful points about what police could do better: Same for lawmakers, the criminal justice system, parents and kids, too. In this case, it seems there’s plenty of room for improvement across the board.
But what hit this simple dude from Missouri up side the noggin with such force that I’m still trying to recover is this tragedy: The Colorado State Legislature allocates four times as much money to incarceration as it does to education.
A Stronger Cord shouts to the rooftops to anybody who will listen, “We have too many isolated, unfit and stressed dudes.” Everywhere. Missions, mansions and every place in between. After hearing that startling funding imbalance between educating our kids and correcting our offenders, is there little wonder we’re in this pickle?
We need new ideas. It starts with coming together and hanging out. ASC’s Knuckleheads would suggest, “It starts with the workout.”
Like everything in life, there’s no guarantees. This much is hard to dispute. In a country with an obesity problem, at least we’ll get in better shape. Who knows, we also might get lucky and build bridges between chasms that divide us.
Worth a try isn’t it?
February 1, 2015
Pep Talk: "Gotta Hunch?"
Super Bowls. We’re now one shy of half a hundred.
The first is still vividly fresh. It involved the beloved Chiefs of hometown Kansas City in 1967. As an eight-year-old boy, I cried after Green Bay handily beat my heroes. Three years later the Chiefs returned and beat the Minnesota Vikings. I cried again. Happy tears.
As a sportscaster for KCNC-TV in Denver, this knucklehead covered three Super Bowls. The Broncos against San Francisco, Green Bay and Atlanta respectively. The year against the Bret Favre-led Packers? I spent a week in Green Bay before the game. Northeastern Wisconsin in mid January? Cold, dark and boozy. The folks of Green Bay can drink. As a journalist it’s important to immerse in the story. Hey, just doing my job.
What stands out from Super Bowl memories as an impressionable youngster, embedded sportscaster or casual observer is a lesson learned in New Orleans. Super Bowl XXIV. Heavily-favored San Francisco against Denver. Back then, KCNC-TV was “Home of the Broncos.”
Our station hosted Broncos head coach Dan Reeves’ television show. We’re preparing for a live “Super Bowl Edition.”. It was the day of the show, I had taken a break from duties and was devouring delicious red beans and rice at a popular Bourbon Street restaurant. When what to wandering eyes would appear, sitting nearby? The legendary Mike Ditka, a good friend of Reeves.
For good reason ( the Joe Montana-led 49ers were powerful) Reeves had been tighter than a banjo string. An idea appeared: “Reeves is uptight, Ditka’s a good buddy, invite the personable Chicago icon onto the show to help loosen Reeves up a bit.” Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I sprang from my seat, marched over to Ditka’s table, introduced myself and offered, “Hey, wanna come on Dan’s show tonight?”
I had not checked with Reeves, our show producer or anybody else. Intuition, like a magnet, had pulled me to Ditka’s table. After a brief look of “Who in the heck is this guy?” the current ESPN commentator responded. “Sure.”
The story gets better. Later that evening, I’m waiting for Ditka to emerge from his hotel elevator. Surprise. He walks out with fellow former Chicago Bear Dick Butkus, at the time the star of those funny Miller Light commercials. The Hall of Fame linebacker was carrying a case of the beer. Two for the price of one!
It was a fabulous show. The two knuckleheads loosened up Reeves on the eve of a monumental shellacking. It has remained a powerful lesson to an important fact: Sometimes in life, you just gotta toss fear aside and allow wonderment to win.
A hunch during lunch produced a great coup. One of the best of a long and memorable sportscasting career. Here’s the question. Where, as Emerson proclaimed, is that “Iron string within” vibrating for you? Got a hunch? Act on it.
Who knows, it might spawn a personal victory more joyful than winning the Super Bowl!
