What’s happened this week in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Columbus is shameful, and heart-breaking. And worse, there won’t be enough in number, or in volume of voice, to speak out in the defense of those left to protect. That, too, is important to consider.

If you’re worn out from politics and the dark choice coming in November, brighten your day with the memory and sound of Al Hirt…and the greatest trumpet solo hit, EVER!

While others frittered away their Sunday watching football, I did the ant and the grasshopper thing, testing an old family recipe and practice to prepare for tougher, and better days, this winter.

The governing body for Ohio high school sports issued a statement Wednesday on adult behavior at sporting events.  If it was meant to rehabilitate, it came far short.  We’re way past the point of begging people to be better.

Let’s not make excuses. There’s no difference in what happened in last week’s Dunbar football game and what could happen in any other local football game, except for one thing.

Struggling to make a move in the NL Central standings, and struggling to make believers out those who want to believe so badly.  But the Reds biggest struggle continues to be consistency, and that starts at the top.

If you wonder why there’s so many arguments, fights, and bean-ball incidents in major league baseball, look no further than a juiced-up baseball and the fools who run the game – ones that never played the game, and one in particular who’s turned his back on ‘the code’.

Some thoughts on the day and observations about current events…then you can go out and mow the yard and prepare the grill, or however you choose to ‘smoke’ on Memorial Day.

They’re yelling about the the New York Giants drafting Duke’s quarterback, Daniel Jones, sixth in the first round of the NFL draft.  I ask the question, who’s to question – Mel Kiper, Todd McShay included – before he ever plays, and why should we believe them?

His winning a fifth Master’s was gratifying to the hopes that each of us have for ourselves.  But will it make Tiger Woods what Jack and Arnie were, aside from golf?

There’s no more Chief Wahoo in Cleveland, or at least on the Indians’ uniforms, which tells me that major league baseball is willing to sell out to the highest bidder…and call it ‘diversity’.

After Thursday’s demonstration of who’s boss at Michigan State, I have one thing to say (again) to those who say that there’s no place for coaches with personalities like Tom Izzo.  All those (participation) trophies you have in your basement?  They don’t mean a thing.

We’re rapidly coming to a point where if we don’t want incidents to happen at basketball games that cannot be justified, or that overshadow the game itself, it’s time to face the reality that bad behavior deserves consequences.

No politics, no money, no harping about a wall. College baseball starts this weekend and all everyone wants is sun and the sound of ball meeting bat. All other issues are set aside for a boys game and hope that springs eternal.

Birthdays are a reminder as you get older…of what you have lost when parents pass on, and how much of what they taught you still rules your life.

There’s a fundamental reason why people hate winter, summer, hot, cold…and even an official’s call. It’s called control, and it has to be ‘fair’. After 65 years I’m not so sure.

When most people die too soon they leave a lot to be determined about how they’ll be remembered. Like everything else he did, Kevin Finfrock beat that rap. Everyone who really knew him remembers not only what he was, but what he grew to be.

More questions, and more conversation about officiating in the NFC and AFC Championship games. The state of Louisiana is threatening to sue. And how to make it better, if you even can. I say….I doubt it.

If you’re interested in those reality singing shows on TV (The Voice, etc.), or if you question whether American children work hard enough to showcase their skills – please take the time to watch three minutes of pianist Alexandra Dovgan.

I’m so tired of professionals who embarrass themselves, their team, and their family…I’m convinced that the Colts spent more time preparing to act badly Saturday than they did to play good football.