Good Tuesday

IN THE RELIGION of Basketball, last night's barn-burner of a championship was akin to Moses' parting of the Red Sea or Jesus' feeding the multitudes with five loaves and three fish; proof positive to those who would see, that there is a power greater than our own, and with grit, hard fought determination, some class leadership by both coaches, and just enough "zebra wisdom" to let the boys play, that power produced one of the truly great and enjoyable basketball games in recent memory.

The CBS broadcast wasn't about Coach K and the Duke legacy, nor did it focus on the scandal d'jour or some overdone, heart-tugging insert with numerous camera shots at a nail-biting, single parent. This night was, from beginning to end, about the boys and the game being played on the hardcourt in front of us, and it was truly inspiring.

When I was growing up in high school, I worshipped in my own Church of Basketball. The "roundball godhead" of the day consisted of my own version of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; John Wooden, Bob Knight and Skip Mohatt, respectively. Most everyday, I would head down to the school blacktop that served as my chapel in my "church clothes" (ratty t-shirt, faded gym shorts and sweat-stained, white Chuck Taylor's) and do "the Lord's work"; working on off-ball movement, blocking out for rebounds, and good defensive positioning.

So many of those "team fundamentals" were evident last night in what was close to being, for the observer, the perfect basketbal contest. Throughout the night, I thought about the lessons I had been taught; at Wooden's camp, from Knight's videos, and during those endless, glorious hours on the hardwood, soaking up Skip's genius, offered with the deep, relentless tones of a loving taskmaster.

I am certain all three were, in one way or another, watching last night's contest. Coach Wooden was most likely disappointed with the lack of discipline in shot selection exhibited by the Butler Boys, but applauded their heart and team effort and most surely would have told them aftewards they played like champions.

Coach Knight was probably cheering on his former protege-turned-accomplished master, while hopping up out of his recliner everytime a Duke screen left a man open underneath and wasn't taken advantage of. I hope he didn't strain anything trying to toss his Lazy-boy across the room.

But mostly I thought of Coack Mohatt, looking down from Heaven. Through the raucous crowd, I could almost hear him barking at Butler forward Gordon Hayward to slide over and help out with Duke center Brian Zoubek, or for guard Shelvin Mack to pop that ball down into the post instead of forcing a drive into the paint. And I could see the short white towel fly back into the thrid row everytime the overzealous play of the Bulldog's center Matt Howard landed him another senseless foul.

But most clearly, I saw my beloved high school coach when the game was over. He was, I am sure, smiling. Not because of an exciting game, which it was, or for the hard fought battle waged by both teams, which they did. But rather for the same reason that both Coach K and Butler coach Brad Stevens were smiling as they shook hands after the game, and for the same reason that true lovers of this game were smiling, regardless of who they had in their pool or which team they supported...

because they had just witnessed, in an era of sports, that at all levels is influenced, and many believe tarnished, by PED's and ignoramous management and posse-laden players and all of the other unrelated distractions, a game played, perhaps as purely as any before it. No players arguing with referees, no coaches tantrums, no fights. A good, clean, well-played and intense battle, played the way it was supposed to be played. To the very last second.

The Duke Blue Devils last night were crowned the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Men's Collegiate Basketball Champions. At the end of the game, they had scored more points than their opponents and so it should have been. But think not for a moment there was only one team of championship caliber on that floor last night. I would have been every bit as proud to have been a Butler alum last night as a Dukie.

Maybe even a little more so.

iQuit

THE iPAD RELEASED this weekend and more than 300,000 lemmings were up until all hours Easter morning, loading more than 1 milliom apps onto their new toys. That following a Good Friday evening when thousands who did not pre-order the latest techno-marvel in the "i" series, stood in line outside Apple stores nationwide, hoping to be among the first to own pied piper Steve Jobs' the latest creation . The real marvel though is, at a $499 retial price with a 51 per cent gross margin mark-up, that slides approx 75mil in black ink into the hands of Apple shareholders, in one day. Trying to remember the last thing Microsoft did that was exciting or innovative, am thinking it may be time to call my buddy, stock wiz extrordinaire and former AVHS compadre Jeff Oster, and slide the MSFT into AAPL...

iBULLDOGS...Tonight's finale between #1 seed Duke (Boooo!) and underdog Butler (Yeah!) will either be a disappointing blowout or one of the great sport stories of the new millenium. This was an amazing Tournament with top seeds falling like Republicans who fought the Health Insurance Reform bill. The only thing I'd change about this year's Tourney (other than CAL's early exit) would be that the NCAA move the start-date back so the Tournament can end in March. Not a big deal, but it's like the Super Bowl being played in February or The World Series in November, it's just not right...

iDO...Yours truly got played BIG TIME on April Fool's Day, soon to be re-named MY DAY. First my neice (or is it second cousin - once removed, I can never remember that stuff) Ashley Davison suckered me in, posting ever so subtley on her FB page, that, and I quote, "Can't believe we're getting MARRIED!!! I didn't think I could forgive him until he asked me to marry him!!!!!!! =)", then about an hour later, changed her status from "In a relationship" to "engaged'. I bow in deference to your youthful wit and hereby surrender...

iDON'T...Not to be outdone, former Princess turned SLS, Renee LeVeira Flores, daughter of AVHS '78 grads and highschool sweethearts Rob and Michelle, merely changed her status from "Engaged" to "Single" and left it there, for noodniks like moi to flip a nutty over. Nee tells me that several of her other FB friends called or wrote with concern, two actually offering to pay for counseling services to help bring the two back together. The kicker here was the big wedding shower was held the day before, so it was fresh on the minds of those who know. Touche', Miss Thang! My only response to both of you is to beware. For as the old axiom goes...sometime, someplace, when you least expect it.....BANG! I always repay a debt, including interest...

iWISH...I had never been such an idiot. These are the words that will most likely be rambling around inside the head of PGA pro and philanderer-par-excellance (if there can be such a thing, and pardon the pun) Tiger Woods, who jumps back into real life this week at Augusta, where on Thursday he will play his first competitive round in 144 days. Wise call on Eldrick's part, getting back inside the ropes here. This Tournament is run with such a tight fist and tix are so hard to come by (perhaps the toughest ducat in all of sports) it's unlikely much of a fuss about the former World's #1 player's sex scandal will seen or heard. Here's hoping for a great Tournament...

iLL BELIEVE IT when I don't see it. In a hastily called press conference yesterday, the Rolling Stones announced they will be touring in 2010, perhaps the and their largest concert tour ever. Hard to believe following their last go around which took more than two years and shattered attendance and gross rev records that would have had Bill salivating (and still figuring out ways to do it better). Because the band annouced plans to play virtually nothing from 64-72 (through "Exile...") on this go around, and that the show will include tributes to each of their former band mates, including a one-off song per show with former bassist Bill Wyman joining them onstage, word is that this will be the last hurrah for the Glimmer Twins. If Vegas lays odds, I'll lay 100 smackers that says no way. I can not imagine Keith agreeing to hang it up ever and if this were the Grand Finale, you can bet your bottom dollar Mick would have built up a much more grand presentation, including at least a 6-9 month build up to increase interest (and revenue). Plus, can yo imagine them walking off a stage for the last time withOUT having played Satisfaction? Just wouldn't be cricket, wha?...

iAM GRATEFUL...Yesterday was Easter. And while many get lost in the buffett brunches and egg hunts and chocolate indulgances (guilty on that last bugger!) that surround the day, I AM grateful for what the true meaning of the day signifies. That Our Heavenly Father sent down His only begotten Son, so that our unwise choices and unlearned lessons might be forgiven; that we may repent from our sometimes foolish and hurtful actions, that we too might rise again and be returned to His presence. A greater gift we could not receive and though perhaps undeserved, one we shall continue to strive to be worthy of.

Spring Break Isn't

YES, MOST OF THE KIDS are gone and a week of quiet is always a nice respite. But unless you're a teacher, the much ballyhooed Spring Break isn't for most adults. In addition to trying to make a huge effort to finish mudding, taping and texturing CJ's room and repairing a dainty little chasm in the dining room wall (don't ask!), I have also decided to expand my blog empire.

Today I launched "Ahab's Revenge", a daily look into my seven-week "Targeted Excercise and Metabolism-Raising Menu Program, my effort to finally smote the great white whale I have become since I jumped behind the keyboard of a digital profession some 14 years ago. Tomorrow we will unveil "On Stage Tonight", a once-or twice weekly review of one of the 150 or more live concert recordings I picked up during my days in that industry and (gratefully and joyously) still find in my mailbox in my mailbox from time to time, compliments of friends I met along the way. This will, of course, necessitate a reduction in visits from The Three Dot, but hopefully not too much so. I do love my Lounge...

WHILE LAST FRIDAY marked the annual showing of "The Movie" for our EB 5th graders, the day before brought forth a celebration of another kind; the annual, District-wide, Fifth Grade Musical, "Let Freedom Ring" . Each year, fifth-grade students from all 12 Idaho Falls elementary schools plan, rehearse and prepare for a night of song, and commentary to celebrate the freedoms that being an American affords us all. These amazing young students, with the help of District Elementary Music Specialists Leo Eaton, Kathy Wells, Linda Jones, and Jennifer Korenke selected and performed 12 songs that provided a complete look at just how lucky we are to live in this great land. We'll get some video clips of a few of the highlights posted, hopefully tonight. Check back, because it really is inspiring to see that, all the party affiliation crap aside, our schools are still teaching our kids what is important...

BACKSTAGE PASS DEPT: Though there wasn't enough time to seep through the layers and procure passes for our pseudo groupies Patti and Pam, word is the two had a fab-o time from the sixteenth row at last week's John Mayer show at the HiP. The girls made it back safely to Patti's that night and plans are for a dozen-or-so AVHS Class of '78 grads, all women mind you (the guys never get invited to the good mini-reunions), are getting together tomorrow night at a top secret eatery in WC. Have fun gals, and drive safe...Next up on the Mini-Reunion schedule: '78 grads Rob and Michelle LaVeira-Flores' daughter Renee will be tying the nuptial knot in Lake Tahoe on June 19. Don't be surprised if an impromptu gathering of AVHS alums descend on the CHICAGO/DOOBIE BROTHERS show at the Harvey's Ampitheater that evening...

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR...Early comments are that Duke 's win on Sunday saved the Final Four from becoming a class in mass boredome and a ratings disaster. I can understand the latter, as the ratings for the last weekend of Madness in March is made up casual fans and office "bracket watchers". The Devils being the only #1 seed to survive, it's a sure bet that without them, the Neilsen Numbers would equal the number of Harry Reid supporters at a Tea Party rally. But boring? Not on your life. That only one top-seed is still on the floor for the final songs at the Big Dance makes this one of the best closing weekends ever. So here's the deal: I'm taking Butler, and let slip the (Bull)dogs of war!...

That's Just The Way It Is...

OK...yesterday saw the passage by the House of the HealthCare Reform Act, helping to provide affordable insurance to 32 mil who were without. And with that came the expected whining session from rapid, anti-Obama conservatives, from the airwaves to the blogosphere. The Lounge's final word on this topic is, this was not a perfect bill, but the access and retention to quality healthcare is now better for the poor, the working middle class, and small biz owners than it has ever been. Besides, the bill still has to pass the Senate, and you can be sure there are a lot of insurance-fed Repugs in the upper house who will do anything they can to obstruct passage. The Lounge has two final thoughts on this...First, we don't care one way or the toher how this turns out, can we just get it done, one way or the other and move on? And lastly, What ever happened to the mantra during the Bush admin of "Elections have consequences"?...

MORE MADNESS: What happened to the NCAA? When I woke Saturday, I had 22 wins in the 32 games played thus far, my son was getting married, the weather was gorgeous and all was right with the world. I return home from a spectacular day and my bracket looks like a prop left over from the last Chuckie movie! But then, that's what makes the Tournament the unique sporting gem it is. The worse you do in your bracket, the better Tournament you have. This year, there are eight teams seeded 5 or higher advancing to the Sweet 16, including three who began play as a double-digit seed. Last year, there was 1. Let the Madness continue...

BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Last week brought with it a sad goodbye to a wonderful woman whom I admired and will always be grateful to, whom I will forever only think of as "Mrs. Smith". She was the mother of a dear friend from my Stockton days, and back during the three weeks or so during junior high, while suffering from a severe case of "the crushes" on her daughter, Mrs. Smith was kind and thoughtfull to this terrified and timid puppy when she answered the phone. My most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Carl, her husband of 61 wonderful years, her daughters Darla and Connie, and her three treasured grandsons, Matt, Vaughn and Alex, as they mourn the loss of this warm and tender soul. Fare thee well, Alma. The streets of Heaven are a little more crowded with Angels tonight...

A POT OF POURRI: Patti and Pam, two friends from AVHS a "few" years ago are headed to HP Pavillion this week to check out the John Mayer show. Two of the best natured and good hearted women I know, but given the history of this sweet-talker with the ladies, I am giving second thoughts to trying to score them backstage passes for a Meet-n-Greet. You know how them "musicians" can be. Have fun, girls...Congrats to Josh Miller of Pleasanton for being invited to try out for the Under-15 NorCal Lacrosse Team that will represent at the National Tournament in Orlando, FLA later this summer. Note to proud dad/sports journalist/editor Dennis: When he gets to Johns Hopkins or Duke in a few years, I'll be expecting tix to the collegiate chmapionships...

WELL IT'S ABOUT TIME: The Golden State warriors announced yesterday that owner Chris Cohan has officially placed the team on the selling block. It is all but assured that Oracle owner and CEO Larry Ellison, whose company already has their name on the arena where the Warriors play their home games, will replace Cohan, who was only a slight improvement over previous, long-time owner Franklin Meulli. This, Lounge Lizards, is a very good thing...

THE I'VE SEEN IT ALL DEPT: It was announced today that 80 year old Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step foot on the moon 41 years ago this July, will be a contestant on the upcoming "Dancing With The Stars". Next Up: Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former President Bill Clinton, and number 1 PGA Professional golfer Tiger woods will be co-chairing a National Town Hall Meeting on Marital Fidelity.

AND FINALLY: The Lounge would like to ask everyone to "pass the word" to all your friends. Whether you post a "Share" on your FB or MySpace or email a link to those in your address book, we'd really like you to invite everyone to our daily little get-togethers. And hey, while we're at it....in that little box at the bottom....

What's on YOUR mind?

Taking Out The Trash

OUR SON COLE is getting married tomorrow, in the Idaho Falls Temple, to the lovely, talented, and bright as a penny, Miss Heather Ann Hazelett. A wonderful edition to the family and cause for much celebration. So, because of the usual last minute details, running around, etc., that comes with such a blessed event, today in The Lounge, you get a veritable fountain of (mostly) useless information and some relaxing, lighthearted tunes from Mr. James Bartholomew Buffett. Always good for stress relief. And yes, photos will follow...

THE TURNING TIDE: I haven't been a big fan of the Nothing-but Corrupt Athletic Association since the olden, golden days when Marcia's dad, Ced Dempsey, was running the family...er..maf...er...organization. They did, however, do one thing right, when the NCAA decided to feed their benefactors (the fans who wach the Tournament) by making every single Tournament game available online...for free (http://mmod.ncaa.com). How good was this decision? The first three games of yesterday's opening round: #11 Old Dominion upsets 6-seed Notre Dame, 10-seed Florida takes #5 BYU into double-overtime before finally succumbing, and #15-seed Robert Morris and #2 seed Villanova (who yours truly has slated for the Final Four) ran their game into overtime before the 'Cats finally squeaked it out. By the end of the first day of play, a 3 seed, a 4 seed, an 8 and a couple of 6's were one and done, we saw two buzzer beaters, three games go into O.T. and there were enough other close games to easily double the number of upsets. And only half of the Tournament teams have played their 1st round games! In the 40-plus years I've been following the Tournament, this was one of (if not the) biggest day of 1st round upsets and otherwise great basketball; yet another testament to the iconic reminder of ESPN anchor Chris Berman: "THAT'S why they play the games"...

GAME OVER: It looks as though this weekend, the House will finally vote on the Healthcare Reform Act, it will pass, and the beginning of next week, President Obama will sign it into law. Not being able (or interested) to understand the incoherent gobbledy-gook spewing from the mouths of our useless representatives and the idealogues of the Tea Party and MoveOn.org, here's my final-final: This is by far a perfect bill. Partly because Dem leaders Pelosi and Reid are too busy playing politics to govern well, and partly because leaders on the other side of the aisle have been doing exactly the same thing, in fighting every provision of the bill from the get go, instead of accepting the good and proposing better alternatives for the bad parts. It can and will need to be amended as times goes on, but for now, here's the deal...The American Taxpayer, you and I, are already paying for the healthcare of the 32,000,000 people who can't afford insurance. When they need a doctor, they go to the emergency and you and I end up footing that bill. When this bill is finally encated, we will still be paying their medical bills, we'll just be paying a whole lot less. In addition, there are some excellent provisions that will benefit everyone, such as the absence of pre-existing conditions clauses in everyone's insurance, such as lifetime caps for those of us who have to face chronic or catastrophic illnesses. It not great, but it is better than the nation has ever had, and it is going to pass. So let's just move on, ok? Next up, bouncing the leaders of both parties' congressional delegations out on their ear in Nov...

FOUND (Fountain Of Useless Nowledge Dept): I learned today that actor Dick VanPatten (daddy dearest on the 70's tv show Eight is Enough) is the founder of Nature Balance Pet Foods...In 1995 the Republican House, led by supposed savior Newt "Sure I had Affairs, But Clinton Was Immoral" Gingrich, actually enacted the Houses much touted Contract With America using the same Pass and Deem procedure the Dems will use on Sunday to pass the Healthcare bill. "That which does not kill us surely come back to bite us in the a**"...That recent Nor'easter that knocked out power to thousands and killed at least six people in the metro NYC area, generated more calls to 911 than 9/11 did...General Mills does not sell Lucky Charms to the UK, but the majority of business done in a Baskin/Robbins ice cream parlour is for--vanilla ice cream...

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK: Did you know that the White House will send your newborn a birthday card? All you have to do is send the following information: Baby's name, address, and birth date to: White House Greetings Office, Room 39, Washington, DC 20500 Or Fax Your Request To:202-395-1232. Am wondering if this doesn't belong in the section directly above...

BLAST FROM THE PAST: the other day I was perusing my FB Wall and who do I find but Walla2's Sally Barker Shafer, a stalwart from the Woodstick days and perhaps the most talented female guitarist-vocalist without a record deal. No joke, folks; imagine a brunette Bonnie Raitt with just a taste of Tina Weymouth. This gal is a five-tool player: Vocals, guitar, writer, cute as a bug, and cool as the other side of the pillow. I am still amazed someone hasn't put this sweetheart on vinyl (yes, I am old), but one thing's for sure, she'd kick tush in any club West of the Mississippi. If she wasn't so cool, I'd suggest she go after the next "Idol". Game over on the first night. Great hearin' from ya Sal...

And so concludes our daily scribbling (and pardon the typos). Here's hoping you all have a magnificient weekend, that your bracket picks all show up, that the weather stays clear, dry and sunny, and that you will each take one moment to "Share" The Lounge with your FB Friends. We always believe the more, the merrier. And while we're at it...that little box below...

What's on YOUR mind?