Rick's Blog

The 20th

2012-01-09T07:19:00.000-05:00

A few years back, I realized that when it's the 20th of any month, it might as well be the next month. Generally, there are two more week–ends after the 20th, so the number of work days is slim, maybe five. Maybe seven. But it seems like the 20th is practically the next month.

If someone says, "Let's meet next week," and it's the 20th, you are probably looking at the next month.

This year is a unique year for the 20th, considering that February has 29 days. There's only one week–end after the 20th is February, but we get a bonus day.

It's been a year …

2012-01-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Florida

It's been since last February that we went down to Florida and hit a few different places like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Tigertown. The first day was something else, like 16 hours in the airport, a few hours on the plane before coming back off the tarmac, etc. We arrived at the airport in Grand Rapids at 6 a.m. (yeah, we left at 4 a.m.) and didn't arrive into Orlando–Sanford until 12:30 a.m. the next day ... No, there was no layover anywhere!

Washington, D.C.

I can't believe it's been almost a year (end of March) since we went to Washington, D.C. It was a challenge to learn the Metro system the first couple days. There were so many places to see. The first night Lori and I were in town, we stayed at Dupont Circle — I didn't even know it was some a well–known place. We visited Georgetown and went on the St. Elmo's Fire tour, invented on the spot by me.

Las Vegas

In November, we were hungry for In–N–Out, so we flew out to Las Vegas for the week–end. The week–end corresponded with my 40th birthday, so we turned it into a celebration! Lori and I went out and Courtney and her boyfriend, Mike, also went out. Bru and Christie, long time friends, also made the trip and met us out there. Bru would be turning 40 in just a couple more weeks, so it was a great time. We also got to hang with Todd and Kati Simon.

Coke–o

Coke–o, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, joined the family in February. She grew up fast, loves chasing toy ducks in the lake or river, and can't get enough walks. She's a pretty cool dog. I read that if you don't want to totally share your life with your dog, don't get a Chessie, and that's very true. Coke's like no dog I've ever known …

What a year!!!

So much more happened, but I just went through my iPhone photos and grabbed some quick memories of a busy year. We also went camping up north with some great friends (Mark & Tina; Steve & Tonya; Ken & Malinda; John & Kendra; all their kids …) in July; spent some time in Detroit (Kid Rock in January and August, some Tigers games, etc. What a fun year. My dad and I drove out to D.C. in December to see Mom, Amy, and Amy's new son, Morgan. What a great year!

The Return of Ramon (and further speculation)

2011-11-30T15:54:00.001-05:00

I don't mind the signing of Ramon Santiago for two more years. Santiago has been a solid performer for the Tigers in a limited role the past few seasons. He's a lot like former Tiger Marcus Thames — everyone argued for Thames to be the everyday left fielder — a guy who is much better suited to a reserve role.

He can fill in regularly at a few different positions; plus, he's an exceptional bunter and provides "sneaky power" now and then. He doesn't hurt the team on defense, either.

I think Maicer Izturis or Martin Prado would be better everyday options at second base for the Detroiters. In fact, I think that Izturis would be similar to former Tiger Placido Palanco. I think he would hit well, play good defense, and provide some speed. I would see him hitting .275 with 25-30 doubles and a few homers for the Tigers. We will see how expensive he gets.

Holding out hope for the Tigers to go after Mark Buehrle, who I don't think will require a king's ransom from the Tigers. He knows the team, the city; the fact that the Tigers might be poised to win the Central Division for a few years could entice him. He would be a great addition to put right between Justin Verlander and Twisted Fister.

What's everyone think?

Could it happen?

2011-11-29T10:59:00.001-05:00

What I Would Do ...

2011-11-03T13:18:00.000-04:00

... in my perfect Detroit Tigers world, I would do the following:

1. Sign Mark Buehrle (then I'll learn to spell his name!) to a two– or three–year contract and make him our number two starter between JV and The Fist. What an addition he would be. First, he's familiar with the American League Central and second, he would no longer pitch against the Tigers.

2. Find a way to acquire Mets third baseman David Wright. He would bring power to the team — but he would also bring speed, believe it or not.

More to come ... have to board the plane.

Rambling

2011-11-02T18:15:00.001-04:00

Maybe it's reflection. Maybe it's rambling.

I'm a lifelong Tiger fan. At least I'm not a Cubs fan, I guess. Being a Cubs fan is a lot like being a Lions fan. And I guess I'm only a Lions fan because I live in Michigan. Right?

I still think "Hot Blooded" is one of the greatest rock 'n' roll songs. Foreigner got it right on the LP. I became interested in KISS because of the song "Hot Blooded," which I misunderstood as "Burning Up With Fever" by Gene Simmons of KISS — and ended up with Gene's solo album back in early '79. And an interest in KISS was born, in a first grader. Thanks, mom!

"My Life" by Billy Joel is probably my all time favorite song, though. Still think it's great after all these years. Another song that a first grader thought was great. Really, though, there was some good music made back then.

I liked the Pirates back then. Just because of the hat. And Dave Parker. He was cool.

This isn't a ramble on '79. At least I don't think so.

Let's jump around.

My first job was cool, working for my dad being more or less a gopher. He was the tile guy — still is — and I did whatever I was supposed to do. That was around the time I was 15. It was fun, despite being hard work. I think it was Dad's way of encouraging me to go to college.

First outside the family job was as a houseman at the Resort in Acme. I loved that job and still have great memories of it. It led to bar runner, bar tender, pool bar manager, etc. A great job and it provided a lifelong skill. That was from '88 until '94 when I finally graduated college.

Almost didn't make it that far, though, because six weeks into my freshman year, I called Mom and said, "I'm coming home to bartend. I hate college." Things got better and now I have three college degrees.

I could ramble on forever. But I have to go finish packing so I can get on a plane to Vegas to go celebrate turning 40 on Friday.

Ramble on ...

This is why I love the game

2011-10-01T15:58:00.001-04:00

I've been a Tigers fan for a long, long time.

I love the D. Let's get that out of the way right away. Oh, you already knew that?

But did you know the Tigers actually have two "D" logos. Now, that's cool.

At one point, probably because they won the first World Series I ever watched — and the fact that they had really cool hats — I was a Pirates fan. (Hey, those hats were cool!)

Then, because of Tug McGraw and his quirkiness, I became a Phillies fan in 1980. (Don't forget that team had Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, Steve Carlton, and a bunch of other guys. They were good.)

I thought Reggie Jackson was cool, so I was an Angels fan. (Reggie would hit 30 home runs in the new Yankee Stadium … and that cool cat is 65!)

Yeah, but I was always a Tigers fan. (Always was, always will be … even during the rough years).

I can really identify with this song, especially after 1987 and the terrible run through most of the '90s and early '00s. Jeff Daniels performs a great version of "The Life–long Tiger Fan Blues."

In 1984, I journeyed through the end of sixth grade and into the beginning of seventh grade and the Tigers never fell out of first place. It was quite a year, first place wire–to–wire, not to mention the World Series champs. I even went to the clinch game for the ALCS and the first Tiger game in Detroit (Thanks, Grandpa for making that happen!) It seemed that we would probably win a few more World Series in the '80s, as the team was young, hungry, and well–managed. It didn't happen, though. 1987 was great until it wasn't … and by '88, the team was on its way down, down, down … and the '89 teams: ARGH!

The Tigers did some funny stuff through the next several years and in '02, they decided that Alan Trammell would manage the team. So, in 2003, Trammell and a bunch of cool dudes from the '84 team took over the Tigers. And, it was one of the worst seasons in Major League history. The Tigers finished 43–119, barely avoiding the worst record ever. Believe it or not, there are players from that team who are still on the 2011 version of the Tigers. (sidenote: Trammell is the bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks who are in the National League playoffs after losing almost 100 games in '10 — they're managed by Kirk Gibson!)

I would love to see a D'backs/Tigers World Series, but have a funny feeling that the momentum the D'backs would feel during Gibby and Trammell's return to the D … the sheer intensity, all the media coverage, the stories dug up about Gibby and Rozema in the '80s … Oh it could be fun.

Photo Day in 2005, hanging out with Mr. Gibson. I once asked him, after the Tigers announced they were retiring Willie Horton's number, if he was going to get to keep #23. It was in Traverse City at a Tigers media stop. He stopped, glared a bit, and said that he would be wearing number twenty–two. I don't think he was happy.

Gibby is my hero. The Tigers are my team. Oh, this would be so fun!

Go, Tigers! Eat 'em up!

Roar, roar, roar, roar, roar, roar …

Wendy's Style Chili

2011-09-24T17:58:00.002-04:00

Wendy's Chili Recipe

Photo copyright of Corvair Owner, Joe Ross via Flickr.

This is an awesome chili that is easy to make and tastes delicious.

Ingredients

Two pounds ground beef
One 29-ounce can tomato sauce
One 29-ounce can kidney beans (with liquid)
One 29-ounce can pinto beans (with liquid)
One cup diced onion (1 medium onion)
Half cup diced green chili (2 chilies)
Quarter cup diced celery (1 stalk)
Three medium tomatoes, chopped
Two teaspoons cumin powder
Three tablespoons chili powder
One and a half teaspoons black pepper
Two teaspoons salt
Two cups water

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain off the fat.
Using a fork, crumble the cooked beef into pea-size pieces.
In a large pot, combine the beef plus all the remaining ingredients, and bring to a simmer over low heat.

Cook, stirring every 15 minutes, for two to three hours.Makes about 12 servings.

Tidbits: For spicier chili, add half teaspoon more black pepper. For much spicier chili, add half teaspoon black pepper and a tablespoon of cayenne pepper. And for a real stomach stinger, add five or six sliced jalapeno peppers to the pot. Leftovers can be frozen for several months.

Kirk Gibson, When he was the NL MVP

2011-09-24T13:35:00.000-04:00

In support of his team winning the National League West.

An Epic Match–up

2011-09-24T08:49:00.003-04:00

Eat 'em up, Tigers!!!

The Kreiner boys, with the Chicken Man in Detroit … last time.

Roar. Roar. Roar. Roar. Roar. Roar. (Roar X 6)

Everyone who knows — even acquaintances — knows that I am a die–hard Tiger fan. I've been a Tigers fan since Mark "The Bird" Fidrych's incredible season back in 1976. Now, it's true that as a youngster when my Grandpa would talk to me about "this kid Kirk Gibson" back in '79, I never expected him to become a super star.

Grandpa used to tell me about Kirk Gibson, this young Tiger.

Gibby's Mom was a longtime customer of Morgan's Service in Clarkston, Mich., where she taught at the high school. It was like we knew Gibby as he grew up in the Tigers organization. I would get autographs once in a while and pre–release photos before they became the Topps baseball card that year.

As he grew up, though, and became a star (yeah, I remember the incredible article "Whatever Happened to Kirk Gibson" from 1981 or 1982 in the Detroit News; I remember when he and his buddy Rozema ran into some trouble with a bottle of medicine in a Spring Training bar — I never really knew what that was about …) Gibby was my favorite player. I always have said he played the game right.

His goal was to win. I remember that he could strike out four times (don't know if he ever did for sure) but if his team (usually the Tigers) won, he was fine. Vice versa, if he was four for four and the Tigers lost … It was '81 in the second half, after the strike, that Gibby took off and started to rocket to stardom. In '83, he has a nice run in the second half as the Tigers chased the Orioles. But, in 1984, he took charge. And his epic homers in game five will be moments I'll never forget. Especially the one that made the score 8–4. I knew that the Tigers were about to be World Champions.

His Dodger homer in '88, the year he won the MVP, is more famous — but it didn't mean as much to me as that shot in '84.

Forward this to 2011.

I joked during the summer when the Tigers and D'backs were both mounting big winning streaks that the they could meet in the World Series. "Wow, I wouldn't know who to root for," I joked. But, the media coverage, the stories that would result, the stuff people would bring back up … Epic! Well, both teams are in the playoffs now, and anything can truly happen.

As much as I would like to see a Tigers v. D'backs World Series, Gibby's team scares me. They play hard. They play tough. They scratch and claw. And, as Gibby said after clinching the NL West, "We're pretty damn good, I hate to tell ya …"

Champs of the American League Central

2011-09-17T11:51:00.001-04:00

Champs of the American League Central, a photo by Rick Rock Radio on Flickr.

What an awesome season it's been so far. Go Tigers!!!

The 4:30 Wake–up Call

2011-09-09T06:46:00.005-04:00

Rain, rain, go away …

So, Mom and Dad headed out to Alexandria, Virginia, yesterday to see Amy.

Apparently, the weather report was not the best.

They checked in with us around 7ish in the evening and said they'd gone about six miles in an hour or something to that effect on I–495. Apparently, there was a lot of rain in the Washington, D.C. area yesterday and last night. We talked for a while and wished them luck.

Later, I was checking Twitter — yeah, I do that — and found out that I–495 (that's the interstate highway they were on) was closed in both directions in Fairfax County near Cameron Run. I spent about 10 or 15 minutes on the phone with Mom, trying to find Cameron Run, with little luck.

Google Maps was a tough sell, but I was relentless. Amy and I talked, and finally, I found out … Cameron Run was right by Alexandria. So, they hadn't avoided the closed interstate. They were driving right into it.

I talked to Dad: "The good news is, we have half a banana, a nearly full tank of gas, and neither of us has to go to the bathroom."

Well, a couple hours and mile later, they ended up off of the highway and stopped at a Best Western to "rest." When they got back to the car, it wouldn't start. The battery was dead.

They checked in to the Best Western. This was around 10:30 or so.

My phone rang at 4:30 a.m. It was Dad. I answered. He hung up.

"I guess he must have accidentally called," I muttered half–asleep to Lori.

It rang again. Twice.

I answered. I've watched CSI, Criminal Minds, and other shows enough to know that Dad was fixing the car when a couple thugs arrived and he was trying to let me know. He wasn't on the phone, though. But that was good thinking. I'll call Mom and let her know.

I called Mom's number. Dad answered. "What's up?" he said.

Duh? You're getting beaten by thugs, I though. "Well, I want to make sure everything's OK."

"Rick, we're still sleeping." (Um, so were we Dad, but that didn't stop you from calling ...)

"Well, you called me two or three times. I thought something was wrong."

"I never called. Oh (darn). My phone is soaking wet. I put it by the thing of ice we got and it melted. I don't know why it called you. I wonder who else it called …"

He said he was shutting it off.

It called again at almost 5 a.m. I decided that nothing was wrong. They're just in a room with a Poltergeist. They'll be fine …

Big Game Tonight for the Detroiters

2011-09-02T15:12:00.002-04:00

We might never see another season like this from a Tigers pitcher. Keep it rollin', JV.

Please Lock Door While In Use

2011-08-23T13:43:00.003-04:00

I haven't run across this on a door before. I guess it caught me off guard ...

Flashback … Oh What a Season!

2011-08-10T08:13:00.002-04:00

I expressed my frustration on April 30 — the day after the Tigers gave up the walk–off grand slam.

SANTANA … Carolos Santana, Tiger killer (Photo credit: SD DIRK via Flickr)

The Tigers have played well for much of the season and are still in first place. This series against the Indians is important. The Tigers have to take two of three and leave town still four games up.

I cannot argue with Mike Illitch's decision to tender new contracts to Mr. Dombrowski and Mr. Leyland. Since the guys have been together, the Tigers have been in first place for much of the time — though they've made the playoffs only once and never finished in first place. Dombrowski is a solid GM; however, Leyland doesn't seem to "have it" as a manager anymore.

I think the Tigers will hold on and win the division in 2011, then anything can happen in the playoffs.

With JV chucking … look out!!!

Harbor Days is Back

2011-08-03T09:15:00.003-04:00

Harbor Days

It's back again … the annual event in Elk Rapids, Michigan. Harbor Days.

We first checked out Harbor Days back in 1982 and ended up buying a house there that fall, fixing it up, and moving within a year.

The midway provides a great opportunity for awesome pictures every year. I look forward to setting up the tripod and shooting some motion … that stands still.

See you in ER!

2011-08-02T16:33:00.004-04:00

Justin Verlander

American League Cy Young Award Winner

* What happens every time the Tigers have a Cy Young Award winner?

The Internet in 1995 on MTV News

2011-07-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

To Hell and Back

2011-07-28T11:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was an eventful day. I did a couple of things I haven't done before and a couple which I have done. It keeps the adventure alive, right?

In the morning, we headed right to Barnes & Noble and bought a few school supplies and books. There's no place quite like BN for getting books. I realize that Borders is a Michigan company, but they don't compete with Barnes & Noble. After book shopping, we ate lunch at Chipotle — if you haven't eaten there, you must. It's incredible.

Sorry, Borders. Blaming Amazon.com for your business failure doesn't add up. Barnes & Nobles sign outside its Lansing store states its hours, then "BN.com is open 24 hours." Embrace the future.

First of all, I met with a group of folks from a law firm, construction firm, architectural firm, and treasury department. We are looking at a building project at Buckley Community Schools, so as the superintendent, I had to go "before treasury" to get permission to propose the project to our community. The meeting went well. The many groups who are working with Buckley on the project ensured that all the I's were dotted and T's were crossed — and things went smoothly. Thanks to Granger, AAI, and Thrun for making things go well. Coming soon … the "Yes! Committee."

Next, we stopped off in Webberville, Michigan, to see about buying a couple of new "Made in Detroit" shirts. We were having a great conversation with one of the employees, when he said, "I think they're bottling Bad Ass today. Do you want a tour?"

That started a great impromptu field trip. We were able to see the whole process of creating Bad Ass American Lager. As a longtime Kid Rock fan, it was cool. But, even if it weren't a celebrity beer, it was worth the time. We talked to the brewmaster, a man they call Junior. His Grandpa and Dad had previously worked there. He would help out in the backroom from time to time, then got offered a job. And moved up to brewmaster. He's a Webberville kid.

He said they're struggling to keep up with the demand for Bad Ass. It hasn't gone nationwide yet, but he said if it does … look out. They'll have to expand or possibly move because they're trying to keep up with Michigan's demand. You can't get cans anywhere, but if you're going to the NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway in August, you'll be able to; they're working on the cans right now.

Future beer.

Caps.

This is the final line for the bottles, before they're put into cases. Any that are not full, the employees get to take them home.

You will have a hard time finding cans. I know where you can find a couple, though.

After the tour of the beer plant, we finished out drive to Hell. A couple years back, we visited Hell and Lori bought some Bloody Mary mix that she absolutely loved. We went back to the general store there and picked some up. Then, we ran into Smitty, the guy who produces the mix. It was pretty cool talking to him about it. I was surprised, though, that he didn't even comment that we bought a case of the stuff …

We stopped in Lansing on our way back for a quick bite to eat and then headed back to Buckley. It was a long day in the truck, but we got a lot done! We really can say that we've been to Hell and back!

Funny, couldn't even really find a deal at the clearance sale.

The Brandon Inge Files

2011-07-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

It started like this, "How does it feel for the Tigers to be bringing in someone and paying him $10 million a year to be your back–up?"

Back in '04 when the Tigers were flirting with Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, we went to the Tigers' caravan in Mt. Pleasant. The players were accessible and talkative, but they had to be considering they were coming off of 119 losses in '03. We were able to meet the management team, a few players — rookie pitcher Jeremy Bonderman and future one–day MVP Chris Shelton. But a highlight that night was carrying on a conversation with Brandon Inge.

When I asked him about Rodriguez, Inge laughed and said, "I like the way you think."

We talked a bit. We visited him in Lakeland several times during Spring Training. He's been a longtime favorite, even though he's been frustrating at times, e.g. "They're pitching me like I'm Babe Ruth …"

Inge has informed the Tigers that he will accept an assignment to the Toledo Mudhens if — and when — he clears waivers. He's been cut from the Tigers. I fully expect the Tigers to keep him around in a coaching position. He'll probably start next year at West Michigan as —— gasp! —— hitting coach or something like that.

Brandon, thanks for sticking around for 11 seasons wearing the Old English D proudly!

2011-07-07T17:04:00.001-04:00

Both managers from '84 World Series have died in the last year. We are all getting older!

Charcoal Grilling ... a new adventure

2011-07-06T09:24:00.000-04:00

When we bought our Vestaburg house 11 years ago, tucked in the back shed in a corner was a Weber charcoal grill. We might have tried to use it one time in the 10 years we lived there. When we moved up north, we put the grill on the patio. (And still never used it ... )

Dinner.

The other day, Lori said, "Let's grill the steaks on the charcoal grill." And it sounded like a great idea.

Fire it up.

So, on July 3, we decided to give it a shot. I followed the directions, but the steaks took FOREVER to cook. The steak was good and all, with a great charcoal flavor, but it took a long time. The next day, with a few more steaks left, we did it again. Closer, but not perfect. Apparently, I have to start cooking as soon as the charcoal is ready and the grill is at its hottest point.

Yesterday, I bought a Weber Rapidfire Chimney to get the charcoal ready for the cooking. It's recommended in my Weber grilling book, as well as a couple of websites. I had never seen one before, but if you're looking for them, they're everywhere! I'm going to try that with chicken grilling this afternoon.

If anyone has advice, please let me know.

Uh Oh ... this year it's a first half fade

2011-04-30T08:16:00.000-04:00

Last night's loss to the Indians may be the low point of the entire season. Either way, I think the 2011 season is over for the Tigers. Sure, a few friends texted me and said something to the effect, "It's too early to give up on 'em." I disagree. This team is flawed, from the manager to the hitting coach all the way to the base coaches. I would consider calling them "retired Pirates," but they never retired, they were fired.

The Tiger hitters' approach at the plate is terrible, especially with men on base. I believe these guys are professionals and should be able to play the game -- but everyone needs a coach. Even the great Tiger Woods needs a golf coach. Coaches not only teach the game, they provide mental breaks, mentoring advice, etc. Jim Leyland has been known to say, "These guys are professionals, they know what to do." I'm wondering — seriously — if the game has passed him by.

This team is so flawed. Some blame has to go to the General Manager.

More to come ...

(The walk–off grand slam just leaves a pukey taste in my mouth ...)

Trying to tie up a few loose ends ...

2011-04-22T10:27:00.000-04:00

Fonzie's jacket at the Smithsonian was my favorite find back in '87. All these years later, I thought it was still cool! Ayy!

The Metro is a phenomenal system of public transportation in Washington, D.C. At first attempt, it's overwhelming, but once you figure it out (and maybe add the iPhone app) it gets easier.

Lori, Amy, and I visited Old Glory, a barbeque place in Georgetown. That's where we got a great idea ....

Lori, Amy, and I created the St. Elmo's Fire tour in Georgetown. This is our bartender, "Billy," who we learned a lot about. This was at The Tombs, which the movie St. Elmo's Fire figured prominently.

Amber's car accident in Mt. Pleasant caused our D.C. trip to be cut short. She was okay, but her car, "not so much." Amber was driving down Isabella Street near Broadway ...

Just before leaving on a jet plane in Washington, D.C., I was able to visit Capitol Hill as a part of MAS/FPS. We dropped off information to many of our legislators in Michigan.

When I got back into Michigan, we grabbed a Chipotle burrito in Grand Rapids before heading north to Buckley.

A couple of weeks later, I visited "the D" to take in the home opener.

Waiting for our tickets to arrive, we wandered around in the rain.

Our annual trip to Detroit for the home opener. That's Steve, me, John, and Ken.

"Leanin' against a post" in Lakeland

2011-03-12T08:26:00.001-05:00

"Leanin' against a post" in Lakeland a photo by Rick Rock Radio on Flickr.

The weather sure is nice down there in Lakeland!

Strawberry Shortcake at Parksdale Farms

2011-03-05T09:24:00.002-05:00

Strawberry Shortcake at a photo by Rick Rock Radio on Flickr.

If you're ever in the middle of Florida and looking for a delicious snack, consider heading to Plant City's Parksdale Farms. It's a great place to eat, and the choices are great.

You have eight choices and you better be ready to order once you get up to your point in line. How do I describe this? You walk into the building and snake through a never–ending line.

Finally, it's your turn to order.

Personally, I ordered a "2" by mistake. It was strawberries and ice cream.

I noticed that my Mom got strawberry shortcake with hers, and I thought that's why we came here.

So, I said, "Hey, I didn't get any cake."

The guy who runs the "shop," said, "You want cake. Two dollars."

I argued that it came with my Mom's order.

"Cake, three dollar."

I wasn't happy by this point. I just wanted the right order. I guess I meant to order a "3."

"Ah, come on. I just made a mistake."

So, he says, "NO FRUIT FOR YOU!"

* * * * *

Okay, so I made up the ordering part of the story. But, if you've ever seen the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld, I can imagine how Parksdale Farms could be the same kind of place. It has THE BEST strawberry shortcake.

THE SOUP NAZI

2011-03-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

Coke Is It

2011-03-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

Coke a photo by Rick Rock Radio on Flickr.

The Tigers have had some interesting players in the past. Some have been good for quotes, some just did some quirky things.

David "Boomer" Wells was an interesting teammate for the mid-90s Tigers. Phil Coke kind of reminds me of Boomer. Coke is interesting, but he plays the game to have fun.

Like Wells pitching a great game wearing Babe Ruth's hat, I could see Coke announcing that he wore Al Kaline's hat when he pitched the clinching game for the 2011 American League Championship — against the Yankees (the team that traded him to the Tigers).

He's been fun to talk to at Spring Training, and I've enjoyed the numerous articles about him. Tom Gage of the Detroit News has covered him well in both the News and on his blog.

Here's hoping that COKE IS IT in the D!

I pledge Allegiance ...

2011-03-05T09:07:00.002-05:00

"Ah, just sit back and relax." — Pilot

After a bit more time, I decided to call Wood TV 8 out of Grand Rapids. I had seen enough and read enough about plan debacles and folks being left on the tarmac (think Jet Blue here) that I thought the media might care about our plight. So, I called the “tip line.”

Talking with Casey from Wood TV. They sent the crew out after they realized the situation wasn't getting better.

I talked to Larry Figurski, and I don’t think he believed me at first. He asked some good questions, which I answered. I figured that was the end of things, until he called back about 10 minutes later. We had been on the plan for nearly three hours at this point, and that’s the “legal limit” for planes. I figured Allegiant Air had found a loop hole, though, because they were in no hurry to take us back in.

Lori just wanted to get in the air to Florida!!!

Larry called again. Was I aware of the three hour rule. I told him I thought that’s what it was, but the folks from Allegiant weren’t talking about it. He said he had researched it and that was the case.

We finally loaded the plane at 9:30 p.m. and sat on the tarmac for another hour.

Larry called a couple more times and we kept him informed. He told me my clip with the camera crew would run at 11 o'clock. I figured that we would be able to see it after we headed back in … but the pilot kept saying we were going to get out. We loaded at 9:30 — and many of us figured that we would be on the plane until 12:30, then deplane. (AGAIN!)

Around 10:30, the pilot said we were heading out. We doubted it.

Then, we were actually driving out and it seemed like we might be leaving, even in the lousy weather.

We got in the air, and the launch was not terrible.

The Allegiant Air plane landed in Sanford at 12:30 a.m.

It's a "small world," after all.

All of us walked off the plane and were greeted by the folks in Sanford who had been waiting since 9 a.m. to board our plane for the ride back to Michigan.

I said to one gentleman, "How long have you been waiting."

"All day," he said.

Then, several of them said, "Rick, we've been waiting for you."

Apparently, the news was so big, that the NBC affiliate in Orlando ran the interview, too.

We arrived at our hotel in Lakeland at 4 a.m. Then, eleven hours later, we arrived at Disney World.

The Haunted Mansion, the coolest place at Walt Disney World.

The Allegiance

2011-03-01T22:58:00.001-05:00

We were only two hours from America's fun park. What were we going to do, turn around and go home?

Our goal was to get to Disney World on Monday. Would we make it?

We were told we would be leaving soon. We didn’t believe it. We drove back 10 feet. Forward 10 feet. It was merciless. The flight crew couldn’t answer any questions, and didn’t try. They were frustrated. One told us, “Hey, we can’t time out. Only the pilots can.” The weather continued to get uglier and uglier by the minute. We could count 12 vehicles plowing snow at one point.

We didn’t even realize that our counterparts were waiting for us in Florida. They wanted to get out, too. To get home. We just wanted to go on vacation.

The weather was here. It wasn't beautiful.

An hour ticked by. Two hours. I tried to call Allegiant Air’s customer service a couple times. Finally, I got through. I explained that I needed a phone number so I could talk to someone who could make a decision about our flight. We didn’t really want to head out in the weather.

After telling me there was no number I could call, I convinced her that there actually were some numbers she could give up. I told her one of the flight attendants was going to give me the Operations Number if no one would help me. She gave me a number to try. Of course, the office was closed, but I left a message asking that someone call.

The sign says it all ... Delayed!

Community Appreciation Night

2011-03-01T12:08:00.000-05:00

We will have parent/teacher conferences next Thursday, March 10, from 1-3 in the afternoon and from 5-7 at night. We will also be holding our annual Community Appreciation Night that evening from 5-7. Dinner will be available, as well.

Dad and Mom at Charley's Steak House in Kissimmee for their 40th Anniversary dinner

2011-02-28T16:49:00.001-05:00

Dad and Mom at Charley's Steak House in Kissimmee for their 40th Anniversary dinner
Originally uploaded by Rick Rock Radio

Sure did enjoy this special dinner with Mom and Dad and Amy, Shawn, and Lori in Kissimmee at Charley's Steak House. Forty years ...

Allegiant Air Misses the Airplane in this Debacle

2011-02-28T16:02:00.001-05:00

We arrived early. Six o'clock in the morning. We were second in line for our flight. We were going to be having fun in the sun by 1:30 p.m. Vacation had arrived.

(This post will be continued throughout the week so please read ahead!)

The first time we boarded the plane, this was what we could see out of the window.

Today’s flight (February 27, 2011) from Grand Rapids is only 20 minutes late. We’re sitting here with many of the same people we came down to Florida with last Sunday, February 20. We spent a long day together, starting at 6 a.m., and finally ending at 12:30 a.m., when we finally arrived at Orlando Sanford Airport.

We were told upon arrival that we had a delay last Sunday, until around 2 p.m. I had already remarked to the folks in front of us, who were trying to get down to Florida to attend the Daytona 500, that “that 2:30 flight to Las Vegas will never get out.” The weather promised to roll in around noon.

We were offered some cups of pop or water and an $8 meal voucher. The voucher didn’t even cover the cost of a sub and beverage, but at least we were offered something.

Did I mention that our flight was scheduled to leave at 8:30 a.m. The only reason it was delayed was a lavatory problem which resulted in a landing in New York, which took too long to clean up and the pilots “timed out.” We were told that plane would be flown in as soon as possible and we would fly that one out, but probably around 2:30 or so.

Again, we had watched the weather. We were doubtful of getting out.

Just prior to heading out to board the plane for the first time, we could barely see this plane 50 yards out on the tarmac. The weather had set in.

At 1 p.m., you couldn’t even see the planes they were deicing only 50 yards out on the tarmac. Things weren’t looking good, literally. We were doubtful that we would ever get out, feeling that our first day in Florida was gone. Disney on Monday looked bleak.

At around 2 p.m., they decided they would board us on Flight 1048 to Florida. I think we were boarding that ill–fated Las Vegas flight’s plane; they would get our original plane when it arrived from New York. If this sounds confusing, imagine being at the airport.

Hannah was flying for the first time. It might be the last time. Courtney (right) tried to smile like this was a good time hanging out in the airport for 13 hours. Who wouldn't want to spend their break in the airport?

Detroit (Rock City)

2011-02-11T07:20:00.000-05:00

I've made no secret that I think Detroit is about to rise again. Eminem's new video, er ... the Chrysler commercial can only help that cause, I think. A couple years ago, Lori and I visited the abandoned Packard Plant, a place they haven't made cars since 1957. What an incredible place. It's filled with stuff, including graffiti. Amazing that it's still around all these years laters. Google "Packard Plant" and find out all kinds of incredible information and see many cool pictures.

Anyone recognize this flag?

2011-02-08T15:37:00.002-05:00

Oh say can you see ...

Again, the ad/video for the new Chrysler 200 is great. Have you seen it yet?

Just to show you what I've been writing these day ...

2011-02-04T15:59:00.002-05:00

The latest edition of THE BEAR FACTS ...

Bear Facts February 2011

Sometimes it's experience that matters

2011-01-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

Everyone likes to give advice. Especially when you ask them for it.

alexik photo available on Flickr

Sometimes you just have to experience something to be able to describe it.
I was talking to my dad about life, people, and the general state of things.
I told him, "You know people told me about that. But I never really understood what they meant. But, when you live it, it makes total sense."
Life really is about the experience. About being there.
Not everyone can down a classic triple, double the beef ... but those who have can certainly describe it. But we don't understand it until we do the same. Then it all makes sense.

SOTU BY POTUS

2011-01-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

A couple of interesting thoughts from tonight's State of the Union address.

The focus clearly was on "the future," including education.

Little thought on actual costs or anything really specific.

The airplane joke did not really work. Or analogy. Or whatever that really was.

Joe Biden looked like he was excited, smirky.

Really trying to make it seem like our politicians are going to work together ...

I am a huge advocate of early childhood education, but I don't like the idea of earlier education, and longer.

Detroit is poised ...

2011-01-24T07:39:00.000-05:00

The bad press is not good.

Dan and Chip Heath, authors of Switch, wonder, "What if you focused instead on creating a spark of desire? Imagine showing off a series of photos, starting with one of a huge, beautiful home with the caption: "Here's what $250,000 will buy you in Detroit. And here's the red-brick factory building you can buy for one-tenth of its cost in Boston. And here are the experienced workers whom you could hire for $12 an hour." Suddenly, the business owner starts to feel a little twinge of desire. Detroit is far from perfect -- but, man, think of what we could afford to do there!" (Taken from Fast Company)

The city is down, but it has potential.

That's more like it ...

2011-01-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

They never say, "You spent X amount today," they always say, "You saved X amount ..."

I've railed against the terrible customer service at Kohl's several times. Last night, after stops at Sam's Club and Walmart, we stopped at Kohl's to pick up a couple of things. We were greeted when we walked in by an employee saying, "Hi. Welcome to Kohl's." Never had that happen before at Kohl's .

I commented, "Wow, that's a new approach." Not to the employee, but to Lori.

We picked up a couple things and checked out.

The same employee said, "Do you get the email coupons?"

Lori said, "Yes, but I haven't checked email in a few days."

"Well, there's a 15% coupon out right now, so I'm going to give that to you."

Now, that's more like it.

First experience at Qdoba a few years back wasn't the best. We took our softball team to the Qdoba in Big Rapids. The food was dry, the service lousy, and the experience just plain bad. I may have eaten at the Mt. Pleasant store once, but it wasn't a memorable experience, I guess.

Last night, we went to the Traverse City store and the service was top notch, the food good, and the experience overall was solid.

Great job, Qdoba.

They dropped 'em this morning

2011-01-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

What a dilemma … they dropped some Kid Rock tickets for Saginaw this morning for tonight's show. To go or not to go? That is the question. Seats appear to be okay, though they're not floor seats. I'll keep watching throughout the day to see if it's worth going. It's cold out, snowy, icy … But it is a good show!

Flyin' High

2011-01-21T15:28:00.000-05:00

One of the best lines on Kid Rock's new album, Born Free, is, "Maybe it's because I stand out, but I've never had to take a handout." I absolutely think it's a great line. It's from the song "Flyin' High" featuring Zac Brown.

I would be willing to bet that the song will become "the" summer song in 2011, as "All Summer Long" was back in '08. It's a great tune, fun to listen to — maybe even a bit controversial!

His Detroit show was phenomenal. Tonight marks the second show on the tour, in Saginaw. Here's hoping that he rocks Saginasti just as he did the Motor City a week ago.

If you haven't heard the new album, check it out!

Write more ... write more ... write more ...

2011-01-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

I wish I spent more time on my blog than with my head buried in the sand!

Daily strategist

2011-01-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

Strategy. What does it mean?

Photo courtesy of SewPixie via Flickr.

A strategy is a plan. Really, strategy is the plan of attack.

Every day, you should begin with a strategy.

One thing I like to encourage people to do is to write a list of what you need to do on any particular day, then to set out to complete the list. This is similar to the old Franklin Planner technique where one would list activities and give them a priority letter, like A, B, C, or D, then begin to attack that list. Of course, you would attack the A–level items first because they were "high priority."

I try to write a list every day, then see how much of it can be accomplished. I keep a Google calendar (actually several) as well as a Moleskine weekly calendar. It's important to be organized, but it's important, also, to keep track of your schedule.

Plan. Do. Execute. Plan again.

Monday Morning

2011-01-03T07:17:00.000-05:00

Snowstorms and garbage ... what happens if neither get cleaned up?

It sounds like there might be some problems in New York City.

I suppose there would be a great amount of garbage to pick up.

Where does it go?

Sunday Chronicle

2011-01-02T21:58:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! This is the Rick's Writing Again Sunday Chronicle.

Eating better is a goal for 2011.

Well, the Detroit Lions ended the season on their highest "high" in more than 10 years. Everyone's hope is high for next season, and that should be the case. The Lions only were blown out twice, in consecutive games against the New England Patriots (whoa! great team) and the Dallas Cowboys (whoa! no longer America's team!). Overall, it could be considered a solid season for the Lions.

Word on the street, or at least the John Mellencamp email discussion list, is that Mr. and Mrs. Mellencamp are no more. He met Elaine back in the early '90s at a shoot for the video "Get a Leg Up." They married, had a couple kids, etc. Apparently, on the latest tour, during "Small Town," he no longer sang the line "my wife was 13 years old when I wrote this song." When things like that happen, avid fans notice.

I remember during the 1993 Billy Joel tour when he was suddenly playing "My Life" again — after years of saying he would never play it live. The words, the theme, made me think that maybe he and Christie Brinkley were calling it quits. The concert was November 19 — and the couple split during Thanksgiving.

Saw a Harley sticker on a Cadillac. We were on our way to Chicago, via South Bend, to watch Billy Joel back in 1993. It was a great concert at the then Rosemont Horizon, which had great acoustics.

It's "back to the grind" at our household. Tomorrow the alarm will sound at 6 a.m., so we'll be up and at 'em. I hope to lose some weight this year, work out more, ride my bike more, etc. It's a big year for me, so it's time to change a few things.

Eating better is number one on the list. Lori and I really worked on that during break, cooking at home most of the time. As a cereal addict, it will be hard to give up the cereal, but a better breakfast — based in protein — seems to be the best bet. I read The South Beach Diet a couple summers ago and am working on The Four Hour Body right now. Everything I read, including the Eat This, Not That series aims us toward protein.

Happy New Year!

The '89 Tigers

2010-12-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

I remember the '89 Detroit Tigers. They were awful.

It was only two years removed from the remarkable run to the American League East title. Heck, even 1988 wasn't a bad season: the Tigers finished a game behind the Boston Red Sox in the East. The '89 team was expected to be decent.

The Tigers hitting and pitching in '88 was middle of the pack, but good enough to compete. An aging Darryl Evans led the team with 22 homers, while Alan Trammell's .311 led the team in average. Trammell also led the team with 69 RBI. So, the offense was ... um, okay. And the pitching was decent. Heck, Walt Terrell had a 3.97 ERA and 16 losses. But four other pitchers won at least 13: Jack Morris, Frank Tanana, Doyle Alexander, and Jeff Robinson. Plus, the bullpen was good with Mike Henneman and Willie Hernandez closing games. Fred Lynn joined for the stretch run.

But 1989 saw things go terribly bad. Tanana led the team with 10 wins and Jack Morris was 6-14. Charles Hudson and several other guys no one remembers started games for the '89 team. Gary Ward, Ken Williams (yep, him), and Pat Sheridan logged a bunch of at bats. Rick Schu manned third base. And Keith Moreland DHed for the Detroit Nine. Lou Whitaker led in HR (28) and RBI (85). It was a rough year.

A few free agents, couple of trades, and a rookie helped to change things in 1990, but '89 was a stinker of a season. But, it was also the beginning of the worst period of Tiger baseball. Really ...

I Want a Cheeseburger

2010-12-28T22:46:00.000-05:00

Shooter Jennings Special Package ... For Free

2010-12-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

Missed The Boat: A Collection of Demos and Rarities

1. Wake Up! (Pig Flu Mix) (2010)

2. For All Debts, Public and Private (2008)

3. A Rejected Television Theme Song (2005)
4. Daddy's Farm, Demo (2003)
5. Blood From A Stone, Demo (2006)

6. Danger (1998)

7. Prayer to God (2003)

8. Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

9. This Ol' Wheel, Demo (2006)

10. Only You (1999)

11. Route 116, Demo (2006)

12. A Matter of Time, Demo (2006)

13. Manifesto No. 3 (Live from Carrboro, NC 11/10)

14. Everything Else is Illusion (Live from Carrboro, NC 11/10)
15. Black Ribbons (Live from Orlando, FL 9/10)

To download: Click

Morgan's Service — Clarkston, Michigan

2010-12-22T16:08:00.000-05:00

I suppose I first went to Morgan's Service in 1971, but I don't remember it.

My grandpa, Richard Morgan, opened Morgan's Service back in 1932.

I remember going to the gas station throughout my life. Whenever we would go visit the family in Clarkston, we would go to the station. Sometimes, I would hang out at the station. It just seemed like a fun place to go. Hanging out there was fun. People were in left and right and it was always busy. I don't ever remember it "slowing down."

I remember a fire that gutted the station. I don't even know if they shut down or just kept going. I remember some break ins. Grandpa witnessed a bank robbery across the street from the station some years back. Yeah, Morgan's Service was the place to be.

The coolest thing was that these "old guys," you know people in their 70s, would call Grandpa, Mr. Morgan. My Grandpa was respected by everyone. He was honest and a straight–shooter. If your car needed to be fixed, they would fix it. If it didn't, the guys at Morgan's would tell you.

Uncle John started working there in the early '70s, when he was 12. He retired this past April. I used to stop by Clarkston on the way to Detroit for Tigers games. It was always fun popping in to see everyone. When we lived in Vestaburg, it was an easy two hour drive to get some work done on a vehicle. Now, it's closer to a four–hour drive, but there are no relatives to go visit. It's still fun to see the guys who've been working there so long, though. But, it's strange not to walk in and see Grandpa or Uncle John!

Uncle John lives up north now, too. I've been emailing with him and my dad to determine what to do about the '99 Sierra. Apparently, the heater core has decided to die and I have to figure out a way to replace it. I had been adding anti–freeze lately and wondered why. I did a little investigating and discovered that the hose is broken, but part of the heater core is broken inside of the hose … Just my luck!

1989 Right Guard Sport Stick Commercial (with Kirk Gibson)

2010-12-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

Waylon's Boy

2010-12-11T12:15:00.000-05:00

Shooter Jennings at the Intersection

John Huckins

…we sat at a side table enjoying drinks as the masses started filling the lounge area which funneled everyone past the bar into the line for the event. We’d already walked the floor before a stub had been torn to get a feel for how the night was going to play out.

It was time to relax next to the glass window overlooking the street and just let it happen. I hadn’t seen Rick in some time so it was nice to joke and catch up. We talked a bit a politics, his new job and told each other stories that only we’d believe as if neither of us had been there but indeed we both had been.

Time stood still as it does on the special nights, before we knew it the hustle and bustle had died as nearly everyone had disappeared behind the black curtains to watch the show. I glanced outside as I took a drink and noticed that Bobby E. and John might be late to their own show, as they jogged by to access the side door to the building.

I thought out load, wondering where they might be coming from on that side of town….Rick reminded me of a purple neon building just a few blocks down. Just outside our window on the curb sat a Hummer from a local radio station which was wrapping up its promotions for the evening.

Werth It?

2010-12-06T07:11:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe the contract that Jayson Werth received from the Washington Nationals. $126 millions for seven years: the same contract awarded to Barry Zito and Vernon Wells. Maybe Werth can make that amount worth it, but it's the bad luck contract so far.

Official MLB photo

Of course, if Werth hits .285 with 25 HR and 85 RBI, then he's earned his yearly salary, right? I don't think his career highs are much better than that. He reminds me — statistically — of Kirk Gibson. Gibby never put up HUGE numbers, but he put up solid numbers and was a team leader. Maybe teams see leadership in Werth, but I don't know if it warrants that kind of money.

Werth got the contract, though, so good for him … I'm just glad the Detroit Baseball Club of the American League didn't dish it out!

It's beginning ...

2010-12-05T17:12:00.002-05:00

Double Play

2010-12-04T08:25:00.000-05:00

REFORM is on the front page EVERY DAY

© arquera 2006 via Flickr

Don't you think it's interesting that the same people who want instant discipline for students who do something they perceive as wrong are the same people who believe that "they" deserve special treatment when "they" do something wrong?

How about the folks who talk constantly during a PD session or staff meeting? They're the same ones who send kids out right away when they talk during a lecture ...

The one that gets me most is when a teacher sends out a kid for not having a pencil, then deducts 10 points from a quiz that the student scores 100% on ... but had to borrow something to write with ...

We say we want "authentic grades" but so much goes into a "grade" that authenticity is out the window ... Maybe grades should be out the window ... Assessment doesn't have to be A-B-C-D-and E ...

Friday was a great day for the Wolverines

2010-11-29T17:42:00.000-05:00

On Friday, the Sacred Heart Fighting Irish beat Saugatuck in the Division 8 State Football Finals and Ithaca beat Monroe St. Mary in the Division 6 finals. What is interesting is that both winning team featured a plethora of former Vestaburg Wolverine coaches.

In the late '80s, Rick Roberts was the head football coach for the Wolverines before heading to the "greener" pastures of Central Montcalm for a couple of years before ending up at Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart. In the early '90s, one of Roberts' biggest opponents each year was the Beal City Aggies, whom Ben Steele coached until winning a State title in 1994.

In '98, he joined the Wolverines as the head coach, and Roberts and Steele, er, the Irish and Wolverines had some classic battles on the grid iron. Steele retired from coaching after the '07 season. But last summer, he got the itch and told Roberts he was coming out of retirement. Roberts asked where he was going to coach and Steele said, "Sacred Heart." The rest is now D–8 history as the Irish crushed many opponents.

The coach who Steele replace in '98 was Brad Showers. Showers is now a coordinator with the Ithaca Yellow Jackets, and his former assistant at V–burg is Jim Thompson, the JV coach in Ithaca. Also, former Vestaburg High School principal Glen Stevenson helps out with the Ithaca program. His son–in–law is the head coach.

The original team that played on the new field, before the new field was "new."

All–in–all, not a bad day for the Wolverines!

The infamous "Flying V" from Vestaburg.

It's almost time for Black Friday

2010-11-22T07:17:00.000-05:00

I remember Black Friday way back in the day … way before it was ever called Black Friday.

Grandma Morgan and Mom would get up early and go to Flint for the annual "Day After Thanksgiving Shopping Experience." It would start on Thursday, Thanksgiving, when we would all look at the unusually large number of sales ads in the Oakland Press and Detroit News. It was as much a holiday tradition as the Lions playing later in the day.

Now, I see that retailers are upset because of Black Friday sites releasing their information and ads early. Many "shoppers" out there are making their lists and checking them twice … and Black Friday sites only help the cause. I subscribe to a blog, http://bfads.net/, and I always know that in the middle of October, the rollouts are going to begin.

But, instead of being upset of getting upstaged, how about if you release the information yourself and help get people planning for the Black Friday events? Would that solve the concern?

Kid Rock's Back With Born Free and Racing Father Time

2010-11-16T18:26:00.000-05:00

Today in Buckley, we had a busy day and tonight we have parent/teacher conferences as well as a board of education meeting. There was no way I could get to the store to buy a copy of Kid Rock's new album and extend play release. But, my dad was willing to make the trip to Meijer and pick 'em up and deliver them to Buckley. Then, when he showed up, I was stuck in a meeting and didn't get out in time to have lunch with him. He was halfway back to Traverse City by the time I called.

Thanks, Dad! Great music!

Sparky and his proteges

2010-11-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting thought.

Alan Trammell and Kirk Gibson are both disciples of the late Sparky Anderson.

Anderson's tenure in Detroit ended badly back in 1995. Apparently, the owner at the time did not appreciate Anderson's decision to NOT manage replacement players during the 1995 season. I read last night in John Lowe's excellent review of Anderson's career and life (http://goo.gl/d1TTK) that:

"The strike was still going when spring training was due to start in 1995. Teams hired replacement players, opened spring training and implicitly threatened to begin the regular season with the substitutes. Anderson wouldn’t go along with the idea. He refused to manage the replacement team in spring training, and thus he ruptured his relationship with Ilitch. The two apparently never repaired the rift, and many observers believe it is why the Tigers haven’t retired Anderson’s No. 11."

(Read more: Legendary Tigers manager Sparky Anderson dies at 76 | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101104/SPORTS02/101104060/1319/Tigers-legend-Sparky-Anderson-dies-at-76#ixzz14mwvG1Nn)

Anderson probably gave his approval for Trammell to manage the '03 Tigers with Gibson as his top lieutenant. I'm sure, looking back, it was with "warning." The whole charade did not end well for Tram or Gibby in Detroit.

I've often thought that Gibson would be a great replacement down the road for Jim Leyland, if he ever decides to leave. But, he probably won't return to the Motor City while Mr. Illitch owns the team. My reasoning is that, according to Lowe, Sparky felt wronged by the owner. Now, Tram and Gibby have both been "wronged" by the organization and owner for the charade that was running the club in 2003–2005.

So, as long as current ownership stays, Gibby and Tram won't appear in the Old English D anytime soon. And Sparky's #11 will never be retired. Though it should be …

Chicago, 1987

2010-11-05T16:24:00.000-04:00

Sparky Anderson joked with the crowd and talked to everybody as the Tigers exited Comiskey Park one summer afternoon. At the old southside ballpark, players had to walk right through the fans to get to the bus. Several players walked out, many signing autographs. I remember seeing Johnny Grubb, Kirk Gibson, Alan Trammell, and others up close. Many chatted and signed autographs.

Sparky, though, he was willing to chat away and have fun with the fans. He was personable. As a teenager at the time, I wasn't impressed with Sparky ... didn't really want his autograph – or to talk to him. I wanted to talk with Gibby or Matt Nokes or Frank Tanana.

I encountered Sparky several more times over the years. It was hard not to see him since he managed the Tigers for 17 seasons. The dude was a legend and none of us appreciated it until we had new management on board ...

Sparky Anderson

2010-11-04T16:10:00.003-04:00

Schedule options / course offerings / future of learning

2010-10-25T18:38:00.000-04:00

What's the best system for high school students to learn in?

I taught in the traditional six–hour day from 1995–2000. As an English teacher, I thought that the four–block schedule would be a great fit. After I left that school district, they eventually went to the block schedule, though without much quality professional development.

The next district has the four–block schedule in place when I arrived, but during my last full year there, the decision was made to switch to a six– or seven–hour schedule, which the high school did the following year. It was a unique transition for teachers going from the block day to the traditional day.

I have never necessarily been a fan of the trimester schedule, but in a school with only 130 high school students who have few electives available and even fewer options, something like a trimester may make great sense. We are going to evaluate what schedule options may be out there — and involve teachers in the discussion and research — to determine what makes sense for our school.

So, what schedule system really impacts students? And, what I mean by that is … what system allows teachers to embrace the idea that they are the leader of the classroom, the facilitator of learning? What schedule system truly allows the teacher to teach a guaranteed and viable curriculum in an effective manner using best practices and quality materials?

I need your help!

Buried … Alive?

2010-10-18T07:35:00.000-04:00

When Lori and I go for our walks, we walk past this building/basement in the field west of our house. We joke that the Dog Man probably lives there …

Then, suddenly one day, it's buried. We only hope that the Dog Man wasn't buried alive in there. Because he'll be one upset Dog Man when he finally gets out ...

Autumn's White Chicken Chili

2010-10-17T19:33:00.000-04:00

The secret to this incredible chile is to start with one of those rotisserie chickens from Sam's Club or Meijer (or whatever your favorite grocer may be).

Chop up the chicken into small bite–size chunks of chicken. Chop up some celery, carrots, and onions. Chop up as much as you think you will like. You know what you expect. We usually use about half of a stalk of celery. We also chop about a half–pound of carrots, about four or five. Then, we chopped a whole white onion because we like to cook with onions. Open your 28 oz. of Italian stewed tomatoes. Drain your beans, about 28 oz.

Melt a half-stick of unsalted butter in a pan, add the chopped up chicken and half of the chopped onions. After the chicken browns a bit, strain the tomato juice into the pan, then chop the tomatoes so they're less chunky. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and rest of the onions. Next, add equal parts chicken broth and cream, plus a can or so of water. Add the Italian stewed tomatoes (remember, they're chopped), and 28 oz. drained northern beans.

To keep it spicy: one tsp cayenne pepper and two tsp cumin. Add one tsp of ground oregano. Mix it often. Let it all boil for a bit and enjoy!

"Guess who's back?"

2010-10-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

"You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve."

Michigan rock 'n' roller Kid Rock has a new LP dropping on November 16. Born Free promises to be a top notch album, with many guests. The album is his first that doesn't include The Twisted Brown Trucker Band, who he has recorded with since his major label debut in 1998.

According to media sources, the album will not feature a "parent advisory" warning label.

The track listing:

1. Born Free (you can download it: Click Right Here)

2. Slow My Roll

3. Care (Feat. Martina McBride and T.I.)

4. Purple Sky

5. When It Rains

6. God Bless Saturday

7. Collide (Feat. Sheryl Crow & Bob Seger on piano)

8. Flyin’ High (Feat. Zac Brown)

9. Times Like These

10. Rock On

11. Rock Bottom Blues

12. For the First Time (In A Long Time)

You can order the album (Buy Born Free today) and get a free download of the first single, "Born Free" right now.

Are you on the "waiting ..." list?

2010-09-29T21:15:00.000-04:00

My intent is not to rant. So, please don't take this as a rant.

Photo © fengschwing via flickr™

I didn't watch much of the Waiting for Superman educational stuff on TV on Sunday. While I am sure there is some merit to the "documentary," it is a shame that teacher bashing is the only way that education can gain "focus" in the national spotlight. Education needs to change, there truly is no doubt about it. The reform focus always seems to be on the people, not the structure.

I will not going to argue for more money (where would it come from?). I'm not going to argue for more parental involvement because it is most likely not going to improve dramatically overnight. I won't even argue for reform because the reform models that are pushed do not put a focus on the things that really need attention. The way you "fix" education is to focus on the actual teaching and learning that goes on in our classrooms.

(1) We need a unified, guaranteed, and viable curriculum for our students. National common core standards are on the way and the word on the street is that Michigan's expectations already exceed the national standards. What will that mean for additional curriculum work? I would argue that a focus needs to be put on the GLCEs and HSCEs, and subsequently the development of power standards that work for our students. A solid curriculum with teachers teaching that curriculum using best practices makes a great deal of difference for student results. Furthermore, kids must read and write more frequently.

Mike Schmoker's Results Now is a top notch book about a way to reform teaching and learning.

(2) The system itself is designed to allow for three months off in the summer. Think of the amount of time we spend re-teaching in the fall ... or "reviewing" because the students have lost some of the enduring knowledge they learned the year before. We need a way to allow for summer learning, especially for at risk students. Of course, an argument could be made that many of our kids would be considered at risk, based only on our demographics. Even the school day doesn't fit for some situations and families. The kind of reform that would work would be reform that looks at real situations and allows for creative ways to educate all kids. If we do not consider a system where students attend "year round," we should look closely at summer school programs for our most at risk students.

Summer means fun, but it also should include learning. Kids lose too much knowledge in the summer.

(3) Teaching itself is a tough job, and an isolated one. We need to find a way to create time for teachers to work together to plan and discuss student work and effort. I know we've done work with Professional Learning Communities, but we need to find a way to make the work ongoing, continuous, and more frequent.

My daughter Amber who is going to be a teacher (sophomore in college) texted me while I was writing this post and said, "Let's go see Waiting for Superman."

It'll be a controversial movie and will give attention to education, and probably, ultimately, the teaching profession. Teachers will be in the spotlight. Are we doing all we can in our classrooms? Let's prove to the media that good teaching makes a big difference!!!

Gibby Boy has Miles on Him

2010-09-27T17:28:00.001-04:00

The old Gibson dog is 12 now. He's showing his age.

Halfway through the walk, Gib is spent.

We take Gibby and Higgy (father and son) for walks almost daily. We probably walk a mile or two through the woods and out to a field down by the Old Engine Show grounds. Gibby comes out ready to take on the world, walking fast, sometimes running. Not nearly as quick as he used to be, but moving none the less. By the time we're done walking, Gib is way behind and moving S L O W ... He usually gets into our yard about five to ten minutes after Lori, Higgy, and I get back. We tell ourselves that the exercise is good for the old boy — he weighs about 140 lbs.

Higgy, though, is 10. And he's still spry and agressive. He runs, jogs, and flies his way through the walk and is usually ready for more by the time we're done. He's always had a yard to run in and was never really crated, whereas Gibby spent a lot of his puppy time in a cage. He had to because Lori was in college and I was athletic director and working long hours — and the little pup Gib would get into everything and chew, chew, chew …

They're good dogs, but the difference in aggressiveness and excitement is interesting!

Higgy wouldn't get tired of walking unless we made him walk 100 miles. Then, he might not even complain. He enjoys his daily "W."

Sunday Breakfast

2010-09-27T07:45:00.002-04:00

"Got cakes on the griddle ..."

Sunday, we had a delicious breakfast of fresh orange juice, bacon, and pancakes. The pancake recipe is available at http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/simply-perfect-pancakes-recipe. I've listed the ingredients below, and they're so much better than the store–bought mixes. (That's not my opinion, that's Lori and Court's!)

2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
3 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar OR 1/4 cup malted milk powder

But on the other hand ... some places want to keep your business

2010-09-18T20:52:00.000-04:00

It used to be really cool to go to Fazoli's, especially in Mt. Pleasant, when the "bread stick guy" would come around to the tables and offer you fresh bread sticks.

Fazoli's photo by alachia

But, alas, budget constraints forced Fazoli's to eliminate the position, but keep the employee in another category. He was bummed, but he still had a smile for all the customers. We're "up north" now and went to Fazoli's in Traverse City the other night. We enjoyed dinner, relaxed, then hurried home.

On Friday afternoon, we were getting ready to leave to meet Mom & Dad for dinner at Seasons in the Turtle Creek Casino. Suddenly, Lori said, "I can't find my purse and I haven't seen it all day." Panic set in. What could have happened?

"I'm sure I had it after we left Walmart, but not after Fazoli's," she said. I looked in the Explorer and all around the room, even under the bed.

Lori called Fazoli's. Yadda, yadda, yadda, "… and I think I left my purse there," she said.

"Is this Lori?" asked the voice on the other end.

Unbelievably, someone had found the purse, locked it in the safe and had it waiting.

Why didn't they call, you ask. Well, Lori's checks still had her old cellphone number, which she no longer has. Furthermore, there were no other numbers in the purse except for all of her pin numbers …

She later discovered that the manager tried to contact her on Facebook, but she hadn't been on Facebook all day.

What a crazy deal. Thanks to the employees and management of Fazoli's for their honesty.

Now, it's really cool to go to Fazoli's … in Traverse City!

Come on Kohl's, you can keep your 30% off sticker

2010-09-18T20:22:00.000-04:00

Bad customer service never improves. It just creates worse customer service. "You get what you pay for."

I've bashed Kohl's here before, so I'll try to be nice this time.

We stopped in today because we changed our address in July when we moved up north.

We haven't received any mailers from Kohl's, which in itself is ironic: we hated all the mail they sent us, but we liked the savings (spendings!) we could get with the coupons.

So, we went in to the Traverse City Kohl's today and told the customer service woman this information.

Her reply: "There is actually nothing I can do. You have to call the number on the back of the card."

You have to be kidding me.

Great Danger Ahead

2010-09-16T07:29:00.000-04:00

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

— Michelangelo

Tom Peters, author of The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence

I have been looking for the above quote for several weeks. I ran across it sometime ago, and remembered it. For some reason, I thought it was a Churchill quote, but could find it nowhere.

I tweeted it, Facebooked it, asked about it. No one provided the quote.

The other day, I was discussing goals with our secretary and we happened to talk about the quote. She said she had used it with one of her volleyball teams at one point and that she would see if she could find it.

This morning, as I walked in, she said, "Hey, I found your quote."

It was in a packet of quotes the other secretary had been using to put a daily thought in the announcements. A list of quotes compiled by Tom Peters that I had given her upon her request right at the start of the school year. So, basically, I had the quote all along.

Have a great day!

Kid Rock - Born Free (MLB) New Song!!!

2010-09-15T15:52:00.000-04:00

KISS Live in Clarkston

2010-09-15T15:41:00.000-04:00

The came. They conquered. KISS, live in Clarkston.

Ever since they donned the gear once again in 1995, KISS has retired and re–toured many times. I first saw them in 1998 during the Psycho Circus tour. It was New Year's Eve. Lots of fun. That time was from the front row on tickets bought that day.

Last Saturday night, Losey provided the tickets via KISS's drummer, Eric Singer. Along with the tickets: All Access passes. Very cool. We could go anywhere we wanted, except on stage. We were able to go anywhere in the pavilion and watch the show — as long as no one was sitting there.

They played all the classics and three new ones. The classics were the best, each "oldie" reminding us that the '70s were further away than we care to admit. It's hard to believe that KISS arrived in '72 and had the great breakthrough LP Alive in 1976. It was recorded — where else — in Detroit Rock City: Cobo Arena.

We were able to briefly meet the band before the show and chat for a minute. Meeting legends is always cool. Even Losey, ever the easy going charmer, was fired up to have All Access passes and MEET the band. I venture to guess he was somewhat nervous.

We met up with Losey at the Clarkston Union Woodshop for a bite to eat, then we headed to DTE Energy Center (AKA Pine Knob) for a great time.

We were able to Rock 'n' Roll All Nite in Detroit Rock City.

Aldus Saved the Day

2010-09-08T07:35:00.000-04:00

The first journalism class. It had 11 or 12 students. They were used to creating everything and laying it piece by piece on the spreads. They didn't like the new guy coming in and changing things. It was one of the first times I said, "We're going to do this my way."

We found a couple of old Macintosh computers, neither of which even had a hard drive. We had to load the PageMaker software every day and hope for the best. I eventually commandeered a couple of Gateway Computers from teachers who weren't using them (this being 1995) and got rolling. I used a bootlegged copy of PageMaker 4 or something like that on the Gateway and taught some basic techniques. I was self–taught on PM, so I taught them and they taught me more.

Luckily, I had some good editors and artists back in the day. By 1999, my last year as adviser, we were actually submitting digital photos instead of printing them and sending them in. Today, much — if not all — of the yearbook is done completely digitally. It's a whole different system now. If I look back today at those old Vestaburg yearbooks, I'm proud of all the hard work by many different students.

Some of them even ended up working in marketing!

16 Years Ago

2010-09-07T05:52:00.000-04:00

He told me that he can't believe he has completed more than 15 years in this education gig. It seems like just yesterday he attended his first professional development session about the Collins Writing Institute training in Vestaburg, Michigan. An older teacher turned to him and said, "Good to meet ya. Been here 33-1/3 years."

That guy just retired after last year with nearly 50 years in the system. That's a long time.

The "kid" was scared. He was nervous. He actually wondered if he had decided on the right career: English and journalism. In a small, rural Class D district on M–46. Everyone had heard of it or been through, but could tell you nothing about it.

The young teacher learned a lot that year, and for the next few. He wondered regularly if this were the right career. Some days were good, some bad. A few were even great. He was frustrated, though, because he was given a key and told good luck. That was the extent of the welcome. Most of the staff was veteran and not interested in a kid with new ideas and a different approach.

He would go on to be a young athletic director, young curriculum director, young principal, young superintendent ... Knowing that someday, he would no longer be the "young" one in the room. Sixteen years is like the crossing point between loving the rest of your career or hating it. How many teachers seem to lose the fire halfway through? I'm still geeked about education, every day is fun! I'm looking forward to another challenging year.

I just can't believe I've been doing this for so long … (of course, "back then," we started school in August and went until nearly the middle of June)

Innovation and the invention of Phoenix High School

2010-09-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

We are now at a point where it's clearly time to do the right thing in schools.

I bought a copy of the book Horace's Compromise by Ted Sizer the other day. I paid 49¢ for it at Goodwill. I've been on the lookout for Sizer books for a few months, and finally found one. I haven't read the whole book yet, but the issues it confronts regarding reform are the same issues we still discuss in education today. Horace's Compromise was written in 1984.

Schools are much the same that they were several years ago. I don't think my high school experience was much different from the kids who graduated with the Class of 2010. I graduated with the Class of 1990. Maybe there are more computers available in schools and better technology, but what happens in the classroom is much the same.

Few teachers are innovative in enhancing their instruction with the media available to them. Some educators still consider technology a passing fad and believe they don't need to use it. But, the kids we're teaching will need it in just about any profession they pursue. In fact, we still haven't realized that it's the kids and their educations that count!

Now college, college has changed. Maybe colleges were challenged by Phoenix University, the online education you can earn and never have to step foot on a college campus. I cannot believe that we do not have a Phoenix High School yet. Perhaps we do, as several home schooled students may work from some online options.

My college experience in the 1990s is much different than my daughter Amber's experience today. Just a few areas of difference: more interaction with the professor via electronic means; research is much more simplified as students do not need to go to the physical library to research; more interaction with classmates via technology (simpler form of collaboration). The job at the college or university is to get students ready for a career.

Education is changing. It has to. If we don't embrace students' needs … somebody else will.

GO BEARS!!!

2010-09-01T08:04:00.001-04:00

Take a hot summer eve. Mix in some free t–shirts. Some hot dogs and hot soft pretzels. A little lemonade. Some iced tea. Cookies. And bring in a couple hundred eager kids and their families … and you have yourself a successful Open House.

Buckley Community Schools is one of a kind. We have all of our pK–12 students in one building. We had 34% of our 7–12 students at the Open House (with at least one parent/family representative) and 59% of our pK–6 students.

Our awesome PTO gave out Bear Pride shirts to all students and staff. They are very cool and will help us bring back the "Bear Pride." We have worked hard at making the building sparkle and the lawns look great. We're excited about what we have going on at Buckley Community Schools!

Our food service staff prepared an excellent dinner of hot dogs, soft pretzels, lemonade, iced tea, and a cookie for desert. I'm not sure who came up with the baseball–style dinner, but I know of another school downstate who had similar open house fare …

We are excited about the direction we're going. Families are moving into the district and we're bringing in students under our ISD's schools of choice policy. Our website (http://www.buckleyschools.com) gets updated and improves every single day.

Check us out!

As always, GO BEARS!!!

2020 Vision

2010-08-31T06:27:00.000-04:00

Do the right things the right way.

I talk a lot about being "first class." It's been something I've always considered important. If we're going to do things, why not do them the right way. In fact, let's always do the right thing … the right way. First Class. Always. That's become my mantra.

If you cut a corner to save a buck, it costs two bucks to repair the original job. If you do it right the first time, it's done. It's like measuring twice and cutting once. First Class. Always.

We're working on a new strategic plan at Buckley. It's different than what people perceive. We're going to determine a vision, mission, and core values … and then we're going to identify some areas to "improve or change" and put a plan into action. We're going to get away from creating a beautiful bound item that looks great on bookshelves. A real plan. That can get done.

The planning process is called 2020 Vision. It involves community members, board members, staff members, students, and whoever else wants to get involved. We're excited. We want to be the best education on the market. It's a big goal … We want to have a guaranteed and viable curriculum, teachers trained well to teach that curriculum using best practices and programs implemented with fidelity, and administrators who are able to monitor the instruction and implementation ... That will make all the difference between good teaching … and great teaching.

By the way, do you know why Wendy's burgers have square corners?

Summer's hot, but fall's almost here

2010-08-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

This might be the hottest summer I remember. Okay, it is the hottest summer I remember.

It also went really fast. I've said many times, summer was a blur.

Staff returned to school the other day for a "welcome back" breakfast and professional development training. It was my first opportunity to be the opening day speaker. And I felt like I had a good message.

I honored the retirees and welcomed the new staff members. Then I asked the staff to "think about something."

It is our job as educators to prepare children for WHATEVER they believe they want to do when they graduate.

If a student is going to go to college, it's our job to do everything we can to get them ready — to go above and beyond and ensure that he or she is ready to succeed in college.

If a student wants to be a farmer, then there's something we have to change early on.

"I'm just going to be a farmer, this class doesn't matter to me."

I hear that way too much, and have for years. Now, I have a chance to change the view on that.

We need farmers. We need tile setters. We need mechanics.

It matters what you're going to do. Every job matters.

But, if you're going to be "just a farmer," then we have some specialized work to do with and for you. We have to make sure you have the appropriate business math classes to ensure you're ready to handle the business side of your farm. You also need the right opportunities in English classes so you learn to write appropriate letters. It's important to get every child ready for whatever he/she is going to do.

Everyone matters. And every job is important.

Governor Jennifer Granholm has demanded that all kids be ready for college. I say, get them ready for what they're going to do in life. If they decide when they're 30 that college sounds like a good opportunity, then we can help them then. But, when they're getting ready to graduate, what's it take to make them successful at 18?

Summer has again given way to fall. School doors will open on the Tuesday after Labor Day. Summer's over. Welcome back!

I think Mom and Dad always said, "It's time to get back to the grind."

The Mystery of the Appearing Sign

2010-08-27T07:29:00.000-04:00

They named the old field Keats R. Wood Athletic Field back in '85. The new field will open 25 years later, on the corner of Deaner and Caris. The original word was that it would also be called Keats R. Wood Athletic Field. The old sign from the old field that was removed several years ago suddenly showed up in the bleachers this summer. I know because the field is built right across the street from our home in Vestaburg.

We watched the field grow from a few plowed down trees to some steel girders and finally bleachers. They're going to open the new field tonight against the Breckenridge Huskies. It's a long story, but the Huskies had agreed to join the Mid State Athletic Conference a few years ago, then went back on their word and joined a league east of them with their friends in St. Louis, Ithaca, and Shepherd.

In '95, I arrived at Vestaburg as a young, going to change the world teacher. I taught English and journalism for a few years before moving on to serving the district as an athletic director. I enjoyed the job, formed many relationships, and am still proud to say I used to be a Wolverine. I still route for the red and white — unless they were playing the green and white. I won't be rooting for the Wolverines when the host the Buckley Bears in a volleyball tournament in October, either ...

I left Vestaburg in 2002, when the idea of a new athletic complex was still a dream. Many of you will remember that I had the blueprint on the wall in my office and the person who replaced me as AD did as well.

Hopefully, someone will figure out where the Keats R. Wood sign came from. It's pretty cool that somebody had it out there when it seemingly went in the dumpster several years ago. Good luck to Coach John Huckins and Assistant Coach Steve Lott as the Wolverines christen the new field tonight.

It was a long time coming ...

Simplified

2010-08-23T08:10:00.001-04:00

It's so easy to say, "Teach to the test."

Then, it's easier to say, "I don't teach to the test."

I have believed for a long time — and seen it work — that if you put a guaranteed and viable curriculum into place and train teachers how to teach that curriculum effectively, your test scores will take care of themselves.

When Amber, now 19, was in 4th grade, I was getting ready to head to work. Back then, I was a curriculum director. I said, "I have a meeting at 7 o'clock tonight. We're meeting with parents about the MEAP." Amber threw her backpack down and said, "MEAP, MEAP, MEAP, I'm so tired of hearing about the MEAP."

Apparently, in early December (this was back when the MEAP was given in the spring) the curriculum changed to a test booklet called the MEAP Coach.

The MEAP Coach is not a guaranteed and viable curriculum that will improve student achievement. It is a supplement designed to "teach to the test" in a quick, ineffective manner that may or may not help students achieve on the test. But, really, don't you want students to have knowledge rather than "crammed memory"?

In the new educational economy, it's no longer about teachers lecturing to a class and the students remembering facts. It's about teachers facilitating learning for students — which is a totally different mindset. Our job in education is to prepare students for whatever they believe their next step will be. Our governor, Jennifer Granholm, wants all kids prepared for college. Not all kids will attend college and many know that before high school. It's not even that they can't do it, but they don't want to.

Our State's requirements for ALL students are quite HIGH — when they should be student focused. Our job is to prepare each student for whatever his/her next step will be in life. It may be work, trade school, college, etc. Daunting task ... you bet.

unwritten / rules

2010-08-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

What is an unwritten agreement?

What is an unwritten rule?

How about something written as an agreement on a napkin?

We are no longer the society where we can be taken at our word. Every day, we find out that people lie. Maybe they mislead. It could be just a little white lie. It could be your own misconception of "what you meant" to say.

If it's an unwritten agreement, then we have agreed "not" to do "something" or to "do something" but we have no written proof. So, in today's world, that would mean that there is no agreement to do nothing. Or something. At all.

If you and I agree that we both promise not to put out a "for sale" sign in either of our yards, but then I decide to, what's the outcome? Is it a problem, because it was an "unwritten agreement." It'll never stand up in anyone's court, especially yours. If you complain, it's sour grapes, right? Surely, somebody will figure out that your house is for sale eventually. Mine might just sell first. Maybe you decide to "one up" me and create a youtube video of your house and post it online. And that's not enough, so I decide to buy a billboard right in your neighbor's yard to advertise my house. Unwritten?

It's like an unwritten rule in baseball. Oh, I knew he'd go there, you're saying. What exactly would that mean? Does it mean anything anymore? What do you think?

Leyland to Illitch: "Fire Me."

2010-08-07T20:08:00.002-04:00

Scenes from Harbor Days in Elk Rapids

2010-08-07T16:14:00.000-04:00

Courtney had to work today, so she missed the annual parade. But, we've taken lots of pictures of her this week as we're putting together her Senior Pictures!!!

Lori and Amber take in the parade. It's about our 12th or 13th parade!!!

Dad and Mom at the sign in ER

Flowers from the flower garden just down Center Street from my parents' house

The famous Elk Rapids Dam

The US–31 Bridge

Waterfalls downtown ER

Harbor Days is always a blur ... and always signals the "end of summer."

Taking Pictures

2010-08-05T07:38:00.000-04:00

The midway has arrived at Harbor Days.

We are working on Courtney's senior pictures, and shot several in Elk Rapids yesterday. I enjoy taking night shots, but especially of the midway at the Harbor Days festival. Each year, I get a couple of good shots. I like this one.

Five Minutes to Ernie!

2010-08-04T07:59:00.000-04:00

Every year on my Richard Morgan's birthday, I write a post about him — or share an adventure we've had. Grandpa was a great man.

Celebrating Grandpa's 90th birthday in 2005. The picture is an autographed picture from Ernie Harwell, as well as a letter wishing him a happy birthday. Ernie also made a surprise phone call to Grandpa Morgan at 4:30 that day. It brightened his day, for sure.

With internet problems at home last night, I couldn't post. But, I was also struggling to determine what to talk about. Grandpa would have been 95 yesterday. I could have talked about one of the trips to Bar Harbor, Maine, or one of his trips to Lakeland. Maybe I could have discussed his friendship with Joe Falls, sportswriter for the Detroit News. So many stories to share.

But, I'll share this one.

After Grandpa died in 2005, one of the local business folks, Pam Morgan, had his work jacket placed into a giant frame. It was on the wall at Morgan's Service in Clarkston, Mich., for several years. But, when Uncle John and Aunt Connie decided it was time to retire and sell the station, the new owner, Scott McIntyre, decided he didn't want Grandpa's jacket on the wall.

As a self–proclaimed hoarder (recovering, now!) I was the logical person to ask if I would like the jacket. "Of course," I think I said. I've had it on our basement floor in Vestaburg (displayed nicely) for several months, but I wasn't sure where to put it here in Buckley. We actually asked the Clarkston Woodshop Union, a new restaurant, if they would like to put it on their wall. The owner or manager never called back. Hopefully, the on duty manager never gave them the message because otherwise they should have called just to say "No, thanks."

I decided it would look good in the garage — that's a natural place for Grandpa's jacket. So, on August 2, I decided to hang it up. I wasn't even thinking that the next day would be his birthday. As I walked in from the Beach Bums game last night, I said to Lori, "I know exactly what I'm going to write about now."

Grandpa's work jacket is hanging in our garage. Happy Birthday, Grandpa Morgan!

Save the Dam Beach

2010-08-03T08:01:00.003-04:00

Represent at Harbor Days Parade!

By Melissa West, From Facebook Post

As we all know the Dam Beach is not yet saved. The Harbor Days Parade is the perfect opportunity to show the residents, visitors, and the Elk Rapids Village Council that many of us support the preservation of the Dam Beach.

Our hope is that with our sea of green Dam Beach supporters, that the village council will recognize that there are in fact, too many of us to ignore. If you have anything interesting that you do (Juggle, skateboard, bike, scooter, dance, skip etc. ) please feel free to bring your talents.

We hope to have people from ages 1 to 101. So come and join the parade! We are asking that you wear a “Save the Dam Beach” t–shirt. If you don’t have one, we will bring extras with us to the parade line up. Please wear a green shirt just in case we run out of the t–shirts. Please come and Save the Dam beach at 10:45 a.m. Saturday August 7.

Save the Dam Beach

You can park at the First Presbyterian Church on First St. and be shuttled in. The parade lines up on S. Bayshore and the parade will begin at 12 noon.

Thanks for your support! Any questions call Melissa at 231-392-2389

Fire Jim Leyland

2010-07-31T20:01:00.000-04:00

You DO NOT put the winning run on base on purpose. EVER.

Jim Leyland ordered the Tigers to do it two days in a row. Today, it bit the Tigers.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

I believe Jim Leyland needs to be fired. His coaches are terrible. His managerial decisions are worse.

This team is on a nose dive, but like Steven D. Losey says, "Leyland gets a free pass this year because of the rookies." Not to mention the injuries.

Putting the winning run on base is unacceptable. Always.

It's going to be a long August and September ...

Improving Athletics

2010-07-31T09:50:00.000-04:00

A good athletic program is built on a secret ingredient.

The secret ingredient is high academic expectations for all students.

As a young athletic director about 15 years ago, one of my first assignments was to upgrade the athletic expectations. The process I used then was to survey students, parents, teachers, coaches, and others to find out what we believed our expectations should be.

The school used the MHSAA's guidelines for grades, meaning students could fail a class and have all Ds in other classes — and still participate. The expectations academically were low, but the expectations as far behavior were lower.

Before I was AD, one star athlete through a nickel in the hallway, hit the counselor, and his punishment was a "talking to." It seemed that there was an epidemic of apathy — among everyone. Athletes knew expectations were low, so they met them.

After our meetings, discussions, surveys, etc., we set out to re–write our athletic expectations. We created an Athletic Code Book, with a focus on athletic training rules, academic expectations, and a behavior rubric.

Student–athletes were students year round and bound by athletic training rules. Students were expected to maintain a 2.00 grade point average with no failing grades "at all times," and if a student–athlete broke a rule, he or she was held to a "higher" standard, than no standard at all.

The changes were rolled out to the Board of Education in November, and approved as a phase in for the second semester and the following school year. While the academic changes were tougher, we phased them in. If a student–athlete's grades were at the point that the student would be ineligible under the new standards, we counseled with them and explained that the standards would be higher "next year," and helped them focus on improving their academic performance.

The way you create a better athletic program is to raise the academic standards and behavioral expectations FIRST.

Quickly fading from relevance ...

2010-07-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Image of the Manager

2010-07-19T22:33:00.000-04:00

"Why do the Tigers destroy players? They totally wreck them." My dad and I were talking the other day. Actually, we've had this conversation a few times.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland has a team that plays in his image.

Photo credit to Kevin Ward -- http://goo.gl/JmMf -- via Flickr.

As a longtime Tigers fan, I always defend them. I only complain about the coaches on the Tigers, especially Lloyd McClendon, the hitting coach. It's my belief that he doesn't do much teaching to the players about situational hitting. Granted, by the time someone reaches the Major Leagues, they should have a concept, but it just doesn't seem to be happening in Detroit.

Another frustration is Rick Knapp, the pitching coach. I thought he was a great hire originally, but now, I have my doubts. I guess I thought he was good because he came from the Minnesota Twins organization. It's troubling, however, that two pitchers, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, have been optioned to the AAA team in Toledo and come back better than when they left. Again, I am doubtful about the teaching at the highest level.

Both the hitting and pitching suffered greatly last week–end in Cleveland. Absolutely, the Indians had no business sweeping the Tigers. It is embarrassing. The Indians are not a good team; therefore, the Tigers must be pretenders instead of contenders.

Lynn Henning says that we fans should not blame Jim Leyland because it's the players who play. I disagree. The Tigers play in the image of the skipper. It's ho-hum, no big deal all the time. Leyland's favorite quote is, "They're professionals. I don't have to tell them they screwed up."

Tell you what, after the Mistakes by the Lake, Leyland should have put the guys on a bus instead of a plane, made a pit stop in Toledo and explained that this is where the AAA players play. "Anybody want to stay here?" he could have asked.

Anybody want to stay here?

The Great Baseball Game

2010-07-15T07:32:00.001-04:00

It used to be really cool, but the All Star game has really lost its luster.

At one point, DY was the Tigers' only player who could qualify for the All Star game.

I remember how fun it used to be to watch them play ball — all of our heroes. I think rosters used to be 28, now they're at 34 or so. But one player can be designated as someone who can return to the game.

Plus, it "matters" now, but it seems to matter less.

This one counts ??? Is that why the game continues to draw record low ratings? It would be like letting marginal players into the Hall of Fame. The All Star game used to be about the most deserving players (with some fading future HOFs, as well) and now it's about (almost) everyone. Do 10% of the current players truly represent the "elite" in the game RIGHT NOW?

If the game REALLY counts, let's treat it like a real game: 25 man rosters, a serious attempt at winning, and no more "feel good, everyone must play (junk)." Either that, or schedule the game for November 10 in Hawaii …

Kenny Rogers started the 2005 All Star game in Detroit. A year later, he joined the team.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some Tiger baseball.

Writing

2010-07-14T07:47:00.000-04:00

Why do I write? It's just been a process for many years. I suppose that is why I call my blog "Rick's Writing Again."

I've liked to write since Foreigner was at the top of the charts with "Hot Blooded."

I always liked to write. I started a short story when I was 10 or so. It was about living in "the olden days." I must have watched too many western shows back then. I'm surprised it wasn't about hanging out with Batman or Ultraman ...

I've written a few short stories. Some compilations. I thought I was a song writer at one point, but I don't have any music. Some of my stuff was good. Some lousy. I used to write in a journal all the time. If I didn't listen to Guns 'N' Roses when I was angry, I wrote.

I've written a thesis paper for an Education Specialist. Several research papers, as well. Yes, I know that's an incomplete sentence, but I can do that because I know the rules -- therefore, I can break them. (Right Ms. Oomen and Mrs. Ketchum!)

Rick's still writing (again).

Reading

2010-07-12T18:49:00.000-04:00

It's all because of The Hardy Boys.

Yeah, I have to blame it on Frank and Joe. Or maybe on Dr. Seuss. It could simply be my Grandma Morgan's fault. I'm not sure, but I have always loved to read; I read for pleasure, work, research ... Knowledge ...

I've told you before that I used to enjoy standing in a book store, hoping to someday read. I remember going to Flint with Mom and Grandma Morgan and walking around, but really liking to be in the bookstore. I mean, Barnes & Noble are heroes to me.

I have so many books. I bet you I have the first book ever bought for me, the first book I ever bought, and many thousands of books in between. I broke down and sold some at our moving sale last week, but because I have about 15 boxes of books, we're going to continue to liquidate. I've read most of the books I own.

As a youngster, I read everything the Hardy Boys were in. I own many of the books, many of the casefiles, etc. It all started with the teen sleuths, but I have books about my favorite actors, singers, eras, etc. It's time to let some go. Why? Because, I haven't re-read them in a long time. You don't even want to know how many baseball books I own (not to mention baseball cards, magazines, programs, yearbooks, etc.)

I even own the two DVD sets of the Hardy Boys Adventures. And, I'm hoping they release season three ... Arghhh!!!

If it's true that we're formed when we're young, I never should have bought baseball cards in 1978. Sure, I was only six or seven, but it caused a habit. Not only do I have baseball cards dating way back, I have issues of The Sporting News from 1983. I have issues of Rolling Stone as far back as 1989. Do you know anyone or anyplace that would be interested in such magazines? I don't want to trash them or recycle them. But, it's time to get rid of them ...

The King James Version ...

2010-07-06T22:49:00.001-04:00

Does anyone else think this is way over the top?

LeBron James will reveal Thursday night the team he will sign with, according to a report.
ESPN's Chris Broussard says James will make the announcement during a one-hour special on the sports channel that begins at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Sources told Broussard that representatives for James requested that they be allowed to sell sponsorship for the one-hour show, with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

ESPN apparently agreed to the proposal but has not been told where James will play.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100706/SPORTS0102/7060432/1127/sports0102/Report--LeBron-James-to-announce-decision-Thursday-on-ESPN#ixzz0sxdzdpKl

Yard and Garage Sale ... Coming Up ...

2010-07-06T10:58:00.000-04:00

My friend Steve says I am a hoarder.

Just because I save almost everything does not mean I'm a hoarder. A lot of people I know have Sporting News magazines from 1983 in their parents' garage. Don't you? I mean, my Rolling Stones from 1988 are very cool. What if someday, I found out that some obscure person featured in an old edition of Rolling Stone is now famous? I mean, that magazine would then be worth, like 10¢ or something.

I have record albums — rare ones, too. I actually have two turntables, so I could theoretically play them. Lots of baseball cards. Cassettes? Hundreds. Books? Some days I wish I did not like to read. Because, unless I lend the book to someone when I finish, I save it. And I've saved thousands of books. (EDIT THEM OUT, RICK!) Anybody have a VCR? We're getting rid of many videos. I threw out about (A LOT!) that we had recorded over the years.

It's time to get rid of some stuff. We nearly filled a dumpster yesterday. And the rest of the stuff if going in a garage sale. It'll be Thursday–Saturday this week, from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. each day.

I have admitted I have a problem, and I'm dealing with it.

The new manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks ...

2010-07-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

Gibby has been rumored to be in the running before, but now, he's managing the D–backs.

Maybe Gibby will once again come home.

When the rumor popped on Twitter last night that A.J. Hinch had been fired by the Diamondbacks, I hoped that Kirk Gibson would be hired to replace him. Gibby, a former Detroit Tiger, was my favorite player when I was growing up. He played the game hard, played the game right. His goal was to win the game. He could go 0–4, and if the Tigers (or Dodgers, Royals, Pirates) won, that was all right. He could get four hits, but if the team lost, he was (upset).

Gibson, around 1985.

Kirk Harold Gibson arrived in Detroit in the late '70s. He was a Michigan State Spartan (that didn't mean much to me, I was seven) but he was the future of the franchise when I first started watching the Tigers.

My Grandpa, good friends with Joe Falls, surprised me after Spring Training 1980. I had asked for Pat Underwood's autograph (yeah, I know ...) and on the other side of the ball, a young player had signed, "Ricky, Hang in their Tiger. Kirk Gibson." That's one of the coolest surprises — not to mention a great story.

Thanks, Mr. Falls.

In truth, I've met Gibby several times. I've talked to him a bit. I have many autographs on many different items. I think his book, Bottom of the Ninth, is a classic. He's still a bit of a hero to me. I've watched him "grow up" as strange as that sounds. I hope that this gig works out well for him.

In Spring Training 2004, he was much more approachable and "nice," than I had seen him in the past.

Good luck, Gibby.

You're not a stalker, if it's photo day!

Joel Zumaya

2010-06-28T23:46:00.001-04:00

You can only hope that Joel Zumaya did not totally destroy his arm tonight. He's had ups and downs since his breakthrough 2006 rookie season. Z–gas has been injured more often than he's pitched. I'm sure that tomorrow we will know more about what happened to his arm tonight.

To read more about Zumaya (the modern Fidrych), click: http://goo.gl/axFu. The Daily Fungo also had a good take on it a couple years back: http://goo.gl/fvo8.

Good luck!

Perspectives, Discussions, and 21st Century Thinking (All in one)

2010-06-24T22:13:00.002-04:00

Just thinking out loud so I can get my mind elsewhere ...

School is what it's all about. This Flickr(tm) photo from AR Nature Gal.

If you focus on curriculum —

you would want alignment with standards, now national
you would allow for, and create, participation in a real school improvement planning process
you would expect and demand rigor – teachers must focus on student learning

You must focus on STUDENT LEARNING above ALL ELSE.

If you focus on technology —

you would focus on the future
you would discuss and pilot iPads
you would consider if there are real uses in the classroom or school for cell phones
you would expect to see teachers incorporate technology in their lessons, units, and assessments
you would want teachers to DEMAND additional technology for students' sakes

You must stress that 21st Century skills are OLD FASHIONED SKILLS, not computer–oriented and focused.

If you focus on consistency —

you would consider what is happening with the Responsible Thinking Center (RTC), Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), and what you are doing about attendance concerns
you would provide volunteers and aides with appropriate training
you would create and implement job descriptions for employees

You must do what you say you're going to do.

If you focus on fine arts —

you would consider whether you are offering the appropriate courses
you would determine if the instructors have a plan for their programs (** maybe you would do that with all academic areas **)
you would listen to what the customer, e.g. the kids, are telling you

You must allow the program(s) to grow and support themselves.

If you focus on communication —

you would ensure that the Bear Facts gets distributed and consider what people expect in each issue
you would ensure that people are trained in AlertNow
you would listen when people tell you to send home certain information
schedule meetings that fit the community's timelines
you would over communicate — because that's a complaint we can handle

You must remember to TELL THEM ABOUT IT. Because if you don't tell someone, someone else is going to make up a story.

If you focus on school image —

you make sure that all of the above happens, plus
you would provide opportunities for people to get into the school
you would focus on PRIDE and make that part of everyone's HEART
you would talk to the paper and inform the writers of upcoming events
you would talk the talk ... and walk the walk ...

You must remember that we all need a BOLD shift in THINKING about what we do.

Some things just aren't like they were a decade ago ...

2010-06-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

Back in '00 when Lori and I bought our first house, the biggest blip in the armor was when we were closing and the "closer" said, "Mr. Heitmeyer, you can't sign that 'r heitmeyer,' you must use your full signature, 'richard c heitmeyer.'" I said, "But, I've signed like this for years. This is my signature." It was voted unacceptable, I had to change, and then sign an affidavit that stated the forms I already had signed with the "real" signature were, in fact, a "real signature." [Hey, I couldn't have made that up if I tried!]

"But, I've signed like this for years. This is my signature."

Actually, an even bigger blip was when we were driving to Grand Rapids to the title office. You know where the Hot 'N' Now is on Alpine, right in front of the Menard's next to Sam's ... we were stopped at a stop light when I looked in the rearview mirror and tried to say, "Ha ..." hang on, but I couldn't get the words out fast enough when a car driving at least 45 MPH slammed into the back of my one year old '99 GMC Sierra pick–up. The car caught on fire, the police came, they were issued a ticket, etc. It added to my stress, though.

Now, back to the story. We're in the process of buying a house that's being built in Buckley. It's nearly done. Heck, for all practical purposes it is done. But, it's an FHA loan and — due to the housing and mortgage crisis created when an unnamed former President insisted that all Americans must own a house — there has been paper work upon paper work that has had to be adjusted, resubmitted, readjusted, etc. Then, the other day, the builder found out he had to get a lead test in the water that had already been tested once or twice. That's hopefully the final piece of the puzzle. Originally, we had hoped to close on June 25, but it'll be a few days after now.