From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

I'll do whatever it takes...

July 26, 2017



A coach asked a former player to be on his staff to recruit players for the college team. He said, "What kind of player are you looking for?"

The coach said, "Well, there's the guy that gets knocked down and he stays down."

"We don't want him do we?"

"No, but there's the guy you knock down and he gets up and he gets knocked down and stays down," the coach said.

"We don't want him do we?"

"No, but there's a guy that gets knocked down, he gets up, gets knocked down, and gets up again," said the coach.

"That's the guy we want, isn't it coach?"

"No, we don't want him either. I want you to find the guy that's knocking everybody down. That's the guy I want!" the coach excitedly said.

Whether it is athletics or in the classroom, giving one's best is mandatory to experience success in life.

As the school year begins in just a few weeks -- students from Friendswood and Pearland are going to enter the classroom and also have the opportunity to participate in many extracurricular activities.

Whether it is football, volleyball, cross country track, tennis, band, cheerleading, drill team, debate team, or whatever may be the choice of a student -- giving it your all is important.

I recall having the opportunity of speaking to the athletes at Texas A&M University several years ago. Prior to my time with those athletes, one of the players took me into their dressing room at the football practice facility. He wanted to show me a sign on the wall that I have never forgotten. It read:

There are Three Levels of Performance
1. Those who say I'll try.
2. Those who say I'll do their best.
3. Those who say I'll do whatever it takes.

It is generally those who are willing to do whatever it takes who experience great success in life.

As the school year approaches -- those who are in the arena as spectators can have a lot to do with helping our future leaders of America realize their dreams.

While it is easier to criticize and find fault when observing the mistakes of others -- the better way is to cheer these young people for their efforts - win or lose.

In the upcoming weeks, young men and women will be in the hot sun. They will don the uniforms of various school organizations as school begins -- and do so with pride.

I hope that each community will make an effort to fully support the various athletic teams, band members, cheerleaders, drill teams, and other organizations that make this time of the year so exciting in Texas. Your presence makes a positive statement to these student-athletes. Many of which will be competing in their final year of high school.

Your support will be remembered for a lifetime. Applaud their efforts. Speak words of encouragement. Wear the school colors with pride. Whether they win or lose -- when giving whatever it takes -- makes them all winners.

Old friend Robert said, "When I was 14 years old, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Patience sometimes pays off...

July 11, 2017



There were two women in a grocery store approaching the cashier at the same time. One had just a few items and the other -- a truck load of groceries.

Since the store was in a very small town, they didn't have separate checkout lines for 20 items or less.

So, the issue that immediately faced both ladies was, who was going to go first?

The lady with the groceries getting ready to fall off her cart forged ahead of the other lady while glaring her down as she moved to the cashier.

The young lady with the few items didn't say a word, kept her composure, and managed a smile throughout the whole ordeal.

After the rude woman was checked out, bagged out, and carted out -- the other lady set her few items on the counter and waited to find out how much she owed.

The cashier looked at the young woman and said, "I am amazed at how many rude people there are in the world. But I am even more impressed with the way you handled her rudeness. You kept your sweet smile and waited patiently without a fuss."

Once the few items were placed in a bag, the cashier said, "Thank you very much."

The young lady said, "How much do I owe you?"

"Not a thing," was the reply.

"But I know groceries aren't free," said the young lady.

"You are right, they aren't," said the veteran cashier, who had seen many rude people in her years at the store. "But I watched you very closely. You had such a sweet smile, never said a word, and waited patiently. Besides, the lady was in such a big hurry, I just added your few items to her ticket and let her pay for them."

See -- patience does pay off!

And then, there are times when it is just satisfying to know when you've exercised patience for your own self-preservation and peace of mind.

Recently, I made my weekly trip to Wal-Mart. I really do like Wal-Mart. After traveling for more than 30 years, I always seemed to find one no matter where I found myself on the speaking circuit.

I had a basket full of great stuff -- peanut butter, powdered donuts, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, Goldfish, Vienna sausages, Ore-Ida tater tots (no other will do), chips, dip, weiners, chili -- well, you get the idea. I was going to stock up on diet coke, but didn't want to waste the money.

I pulled in behind a woman to check out -- she too had a huge load.

That's when I experienced a first at Wal-Mart.

As the cashier was ringing up her items, she looked back and saw her son behind, looked at me and said, "He is with me, hope you don't mind."

Her son was 6-6, 280 so I shook my head and said, "Well, no, I don't mind -- go ahead."

A second truck load moved in front and I just looked in amazement.

But that's not all.

While the cashier continued to ring up another record load -- big mama saw a second son standing in another line -- yelled out, "Honey, over here!"

It was obvious he was the smaller of the two boys, 6-4, 265. And of course, a third load moved in front of mine with the whole family gathered at the bag rack loading up the groceries while the rest of us just stood there gazing at what had just happened.

No -- the cashier didn't add my items to her ticket -- I had too many and there wasn't enough time, so I had to pay for mine.

But, I will tell you there are times when we are tested in life.

For example, if I had a lemon, cut in half, and squeezed it -- what would come out of it? Juice? Seeds? Rhine? The truth is -- everything that is in it.

So when you are put in the squeeze of life -- what comes out of you? Everything that is in you!

If you are filled with patience, love, joy, happiness, and encouragement, then those are the things that are most likely to come out of you.

If bitterness, jealousy, hatred, and anger fill your life, then that is what will usually surface first.

I love to go to Wal-Mart -- and the train of groceries by Goliath's brothers didn't discourage me, nor did I get mad at the innocent cashier. Actually, it was a first for both of us -- we chatted and laughed while she was ringing up my health food, and we vowed that we would never forget this rare sight of rudeness and insensitivity. I also made up my mind that I would be a little more sensitive the next time I get around fellow shoppers. It really doesn't stunt your character if you allow someone else to go first. Try it! It might make you feel good.

Old friend Robert said, "Replacing rudeness and impatience with the Golden Rule may not change the world, but it will change your world and your relationships."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Health Warnings all around us

July 3, 2017



It seems that the older I have gotten, the more health warnings that have been given to us. For instance - kids today are being deprived of soft drinks and they have gone to great lengths to make sure that they aren't available at school.

I recently saw where we should avoid eating hot dogs. Are you kidding me? That is almost un-American!

Can you imagine going to a baseball game and the guy walking up and down the aisle yelling, "Broccoli, Cauliflower, Grapenuts!" instead of "Hotdogs, Peanuts, Cracker Jacks!"

I remember when growing up my dad would be going to the Dairy Queen on Saturday before the start of the Oklahoma football game on television. He would be going to get a hamburger, but he would ask me if I wanted something.

This will show my age, but you could get five footlong hotdogs for one dollar that would include cheese, mustard, chili, and onions. So, that's what I would ask him to get me. Once he returned, I would eat all five in a row while cheering on the Sooners.

But times have changed haven't they?

We hear almost weekly about new health warnings. The time of the warning isn't always good. This past week I read the first few words of a warning, but quickly turned the page. Come on - forecasting doom for those who eat hotdogs?

What is a July 4th picnic without a hot dog, or two, or maybe three? No - I'm not interested in what is in the wiener! As long as the package says, "all beef" that is good enough for me. Though I don't mind the weeny that is made out of chicken, turkey, and pork.

You can also forget telling me about the calories and grams of fat. Remember it is a holiday picnic - not a weight watchers weigh-in meeting.

With that said, before I start getting E-mails lecturing me about not being a responsible eater, I can assure you that I have done some weight evaluation over the past two years as I have lost 20 pounds.

It seems that as we get older, we exercise less and eat more. For most of my life, I was in proper weight range, but the last four years have seen what I said at the start of this paragraph.

So I am on a mission to get back to a more healthy weight though I don't believe that my push for hot dogs on July 4th should be an indictment to my desire to eat healthier for the other 364 days.

More importantly, I hope you took time on July 4th to be thankful to the men and women who serve in the military. And to certainly remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in death so we might have the freedom of life in this blessed nation

Hope you had a great 4th of July celebration, stayed safe, and had a hot dog on me!

Old friend Robert said, "With great respect in our hearts, let's give our thanks to all the great soldiers who make our land free. Happy Birthday America!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Dear Coach Heath

June 27, 2017



It seems strange that this will be my final Dear Coach Heath column after 20 years. We have been in the valley and on the mountain top together.

Little did I realize at our first lunch together with my oldest daughter, LeJoy, at Mely's Mexican Restaurant on a hot August day in 1997 did I imagine that we would go on a life-changing journey.

When you really think about it -- we have actually come full-circle. Administrators, coaches, and players have come and gone, but as you have announced your retirement -- it ends with just you and me.

I have written another piece describing your career though there is still a lot more I could add in describing one of the greatest turnarounds in Texas football history.

But I wanted to take a few moments with some personal thoughts that will always mean more to me than you will ever imagine. I thank you for just letting me hang on to your shirttail and experience the great ride of a lifetime.

I want to thank you for caring about me and my family. LeJoy thought you and Rhonda hung the moon and enjoyed every moment when she got to take care of Connor and Kendal as babies.

I want to thank you for the influence and impact you had on Landon and giving him an opportunity to play for you and become an All-District tight end. The life-lessons he learned from you will be passed on to his one-year-old son, Graham.

Guess that makes you a grandpa with me, huh?

I also thank you for giving my oldest son, Lincoln, a chance to utilize his pressure-washing business at your home.

As for myself, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of your life and the team.

I know for 20 years I tried to get you to run one play that I had designed. I spent 20 years trying to convince you that as a high school and college quarterback -- I did have some skills for designing offensive plays.

Of course, I just got a pat on the back and "we'll see." However, don't correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you once slipped to let me know you used my one and only play late in the game that beat Brazoswood in 2010 to keep us perfect on the season.

Along the way you gave me the opportunity to be the president of the Pearland Touchdown Club for three years. You always made sure I got to attend the Touchdown Club of Houston and their annual award dinner when you and our players were honored.

How many times were you nominated for "Coach of the Year" before you finally got the award? I believe it was eight times. But it did give me a chance to take the annual Christmas photo for you and Rhonda, right?

Though you dreaded going to the dinner -- there were at least three earlier years you should have won the award -- though 2010 was a fitting time.

My mind has been racing since you called me to let me know of your decision to end your coaching career. So many things to write and so little space.

To zero on a couple of things I would have to say that the first was something you gave me a few years ago that I proudly display in my home. You presented me with a framed No. 1 jersey indicating that I was the No. 1 fan. And through the years -- no player ever wore jersey No. 1. That meant a lot and still does.

The second thing is when you and the team climbed up to the mountain top to win a state championship -- I was there on the field after the game celebrating.

But you went a step further and you told me, "We have been in this from the start, and I will make sure you get a state championship ring."

You did and I have worn it proudly -- not that I deserved it -- but we had still been on the same journey each year.

To be honest -- my eyes filled up with tears when you called. I want to thank you for walking with integrity, honesty, character, and consistency. I have admired you as one of the most humble men that I have ever known and you have taught others the same characteristics that you have displayed publically and privately.

I'm a better man for having had the joy of being around you, working with you, laughing with you, and just watching God bless you, your family, your teams, your coaching staff, and all those you have come in contact with over these 20 years.

I will be the first, though you don't want to hear this, but I will be one who will campaign for post-coaching honors. You, of all people, belong in the Texas Coaches Hall of Honor and I hope I am around when that day comes.

Well, my space is up and I'm glad you will still reside here in Pearland and a lunch offer is always open. I know you will be successful at the next challenge, but I just wanted to let you know how much you have meant to me and my family. Will praying God's best on all you do!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

The teenage virus

June 15, 2017



One of the ongoing things about having a computer is always being sure that it is equipped to battle any virus that might attack. Each time that Microsoft comes out with a new program, it doesn't take long to receive warnings about someone across the globe trying to infect our computers.

I find it interesting that the evil is usually hidden in a love note. It seems that people are so anxious to receive love that they quickly open the message, only to find themselves infected with something awful.

Teenage virus can be just as dangerous as the computer kind. While my children are now grown...I know that there will still be challenges when my grandchildren get close to those teenage years. With two grand-twins at 10-years-old -- it won't be long till my oldest daughter, LeJoy, and her husband, Larry, will face some teenage challenges as parents.

When LeJoy turned 16 -- she was ecstatic that I fulfilled her birthday wish of having her own phone installed in her room. A private line with her own phone number.

Text Messaging Virus - twenty years later - she now has twins who both have cell phones and are very active in sending text messages.

We are raising teenagers in America that will have carpal tunnel before they turn 21. Carpal tunnel syndrome strikes men and women of all ages, and is often found in workers whose tasks require repeating the same motion in the fingers and hand for long periods of time. Thus - text messaging can be included in that medical diagnosis.

Teenage Hard Drive Virus - At the present time - you can feel safe because my grand-twins don't even have a driver's permit yet. When they do - I will forewarn you in another column and give you the hours and what location they will be allowed to practice driving as they pursue their crash, oops, driver's license. You should be safe though since they live in La Porte.

One dad recently told me his daughter totaled her car when she ran into a ditch. She wasn't hurt, fortunately. She said, "Dad, I was texting one of my friends!" Not good!

Teenage Mall Virus - This virus usually occurs in large cities which causes your teenager to leave her or his domicile and look for a large building containing other infected teenagers. They know when and where to find each other as they have already sent one another over a dozen text messages on the way. After they meet one another, they wander aimlessly, trying to make contact with other similar groups. When this virus strikes, your teen will whine about "needing to get out of the house."

Teenage Softwear Virus - This virus targets mostly females. Whatever they buy today will be obsolete tomorrow. This virus causes great desire to look like --- other teenagers. I remember when my youngest daughter bought jeans with holes in them. These are the same jeans that I would have been embarrassed to wear when I was her age. Only the "poor" kids in my school wore jeans with holes. Cost? $60. And no -- I didn't buy them -- she did with her own money. She is now 26 and still wearing jeans with holes.

Now you can go to Old Navy, JC Penney, Dillard's, etc. and find jeans that have been bleached out or appear that someone left an iron on them too long. I remember putting bleach in a laundry load when I was in college and I had some blue jeans in the load. Bleached spots all over -- ended up being cutoffs. If only I had bleached hundreds and sold them back then to start a new fad...which we were open to back then. Just ask those who wore bell-bottoms.

Of course, there are many other virus' that I will save for later. I need to use the phone. No - I'm not going to text message anyone nor am I going to take a picture and send to a friend. I am actually going to talk on it the old fashioned way.

Old friend Robert said, "Each time that I have felt like I might finally be figuring some things out, life has decided to change the rules and I've had to start all over again."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

2017 Football media guide ads now being accepted

June 15, 2017



The 2017 high school football season is just around the corner for Friendswood, Pearland, and Dawson High Schools.

It is also time for area businesses to plan on placing an ad in the football publications. Since I produce the media guides for Dawson, Friendswood, and Pearland, there is still space available in these full-color publications for the 2017 football season.

All three media guides from last year were named as one of the top three media guides in the nation by the High School Sports Publication Awards contest. You can view the actual programs at: www.reporternewssports.com -- just click on a cover and turn the pages.

Each school manages 100 percent of the money and they can account for every dime spent in these ventures. Plus - each school has a first-class media guide to present to their fans and visiting teams.

If you are interested in placing an ad in one, two, or all three media guides, please give me a call and I will give you the details of what you need to do.

Both communities need to realize that they can support their individual teams while knowing that all of the money stays at home. Every check is made out to the right organizations of each school and they control all finances without any funny business.

I can be reached at 713.449.7474 or E-mail me at drdaviddavis@yahoo.com to let me know of your interest.

Here are the following E-mails to let us know of your interest in placing a business ad.

Also -- if you are a parent and want to place a personal ad for your son or daughter in any of the three football media guides -- you can use the same E-mail addresses to contact us for the information sheet for each submission. Make plans now as space is limited. Don't wait until the final deadlines in August.

Old friend Robert said, "There're two times of the year for me: Football season and waiting for football season."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

It is that time again

June 10, 2017



Most high school reunions take place 10 years later after graduation. That is when we are in our late 20's, seeking to appear successful, going on those last ditch diets, making sure we drive up in the newest automobile, and hoping that people still recognize us.

However, when the reunions start to add up (meaning we are getting older), the trend is to not worry so much about outward appearance and financial success, but to realize that life is precious - especially when information is shared regarding classmates who have died.

My mother used to periodically send me the hometown paper with an obituary of a former classmate and over the past two decades, the number has increased.

At my last reunion five years ago, that was one of the main topics of conversation. Realizing that we are older and that the death rate is mounting. We no longer put much stock in our appearance. The 30-second Ab workout commercial isn't that appealing since most of my guy friends aren't showing a six-pack (Abs), but a keg -- and they are proud of it. Of course, some of them got the keg by drinking beer I guess. For most -- just eating finds its way around the middle. And hair, that used to be an issue, isn't a concern for most who have experienced the four stages of hair: Hair, fuzz, is and was.

Our senior class has utilized communicating through E-mail and when someone is sick, has a grandchild and now a great-grandchild that needs our prayers -- the E-mails are sent and the prayers are launched heaven-ward.

Of course -- there is always the dreaded E-mail letting us know that another classmate has died.

Such was the case this past week when I received word that two more of my classmates had died within the last two weeks of our upcoming reunion.

This year's reunion will mark half a century since I was in high school. Sounds better if you say two quarter centuries. Either way -- trying to avoid the death list has been a worthy goal.

I have a feeling there will be some who attend that end up saying, "Some of my classmates changed so much they didn't even recognize me."

One thing that I'm sure will be the topic of conversation will be our ailments, pills we now have to take, latest visits to the doctor, etc. We may be saying it appears someone invited a lot of old people to this reunion.

I know that some of the girls will realize that they have added a few minutes to that hour-glass figure they once had.

I recall at the last reunion asking the photographer if he had a wide-angle lens when he was taking a picture of the six cheerleaders we had my senior year.

I'm afraid one of my grandchildren might say, "Gee Pops, there won't be anyone at your class reunion except a bunch of old people."

Of course you know you are getting old when they schedule the reunion from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night.

Nothing makes you feel younger than being with those who knew you when you were actually younger.

Getting older certainly beats the alternative. There are additional ways you know you are getting older which are:

  • You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
  • Your back goes out more than you do.
  • You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
  • You are proud of your lawn mower.
  • Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
  • You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
  • People call at 9 p.m. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
  • (My daughter Lexis' favorite) You wear black socks with sandals.
  • You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
  • You got cable for the weather channel.

Old friend Robert said, "The best advice is to Keep Breathing -- If you don't - you're a real goner."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Man's best friend

May 30, 2017



He was born on March 25, 1997 and was put to rest on May 25, 2009. On the surface -- it appears that he only lived a little over 12 years -- but in dog years -- he was 84. While some dogs live longer than that -- his life expectancy as a St. Bernard exceeded his time.

Sammy was on my mind this past Memorial Day even though it has been eight years since we had to put him down. It was a moment I shall never forget as Sammy is ever etched in my heart.

His parents, on his AKC papers, were Bartholomew Sebastian Little and Beatrice Suzanna Little -- but when he was adopted five weeks after his birth -- his name became Samson Sebastian Davis...or lovingly called Sammy.

I have never been a strong cat lover as they are usually very temperamental and only express their love to you when they want something. That could be ranged from food to wanting to be scratched. But when they get what they want -- they usually dart away until they need you again.

Now - I know there is an exception to that theory. My son, Landon, adopted a cat that we inherited after he got married. I believe that Layla is a cat/dog. She is very lovable - follows you around the house - begs for food at the table - and will jump up in your lap to sleep.

Memorial Day was a day of remembrance for the Davis clan as we had to make a decision to put Sammy to sleep. He had developed a severe case of arthritis in his back legs. My brother-in-law, who is a Veterinarian, suggested some medication that would help him -- but warned that it was only a matter of time before he would not be able to walk. And then it would be the dreaded time to make that decision when his life would come to an end to put him out of his painful misery.

No longer able to walk -- we placed him on a blanket and put him in the back of the pickup for his final ride.

Sammy was born in Talladega, Alabama and was given to me from the Little family when I was speaking in that area. Five weeks later, Mr. Little drove Samson to me when I was in Atlanta, Georgia speaking. He looked just like the dogs in the movie - Beethoven.

We flew home together and when they loaded him up in the belly of that Delta flight -- everyone could hear him yelping. I'm sure he was a little frightened about his surroundings then -- and I'm sure he was a little frightened when they were taking him from the pickup to a strange place.

With dark sunglasses on -- and tears flowing -- it was time to stroke his big, soft ears, look into his big brown eyes, and say a final goodbye as he gave a faint yelp through the door.

I know many of you reading this have your own story. Many years ago - there appeared the following in a Dear Abby column when she answered a little girl who had lost her pet. If you haven't read it -- perhaps it will speak to your heart.

Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.

Just this side of Rainbow Bridge is a land of meadows, hills and valleys filled with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to this place. There plentiful food, water and warm spring weather abound.

Old and frail animals become young again. Those maimed are made whole. Together they play all day.

Only one thing is missing. They are not with their special person who loved them so on earth.

Each day is filled with running and playing until the time comes when one suddenly stops and looks up.

The nose twitches! Ears perk up! Eyes stare excitedly! This special one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen. Meeting, you take him or her in your arms once more.

Your face is lovingly kissed over and over and over.

Looking into the eyes of your trusted friend, you cross Rainbow Bridge together never to be separated again.

Old friend Robert said, "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. But remember, every dog has his day, unless he loses his tail, then he has a weak-end."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Music is the same - just different title

May 2, 2017



I have found it interesting that when you go to high school baseball or softball games -- the music they play between innings is the music I grew up with (aaahhhump) many years ago.

In fact -- I was teasing my youngest son the other day about the rap music being played by young people today. Cars drive down the road and it sounds like they have a miniature Radio Shack hooked up in the car.

Fortunately -- none of my kids got hooked on rap music. I asked Landon, "Do you think that 35 years from now -- they will have a golden oldie rap station?"

I don't think so...but they still play the same music today that I listened to when I was in high school. And some of the golden oldies that they still feature on the radio are still enjoyed by this present generation because they sing about the same things we were interested in when we were growing up.

I like all kinds of music with new age jazz being one of my favorites. I have a very difficult time listening to music that is filled full of four letter words of profanity and filth. The rappers better make sure they save their money because one of these days -- this present generation is going to grow up and decide they don't appreciate someone who, first of all, doesn't really sing, and, secondly, doesn't have the IQ of a gnat when it comes to music appreciation.

It is the same way when you listen to comedians who believe that the only way they can be funny is to rip off four letter profanities in every sentence.

Jeff Foxworthy has made millions of dollars with Red Neck jokes that aren't nasty....but they sure are funny.

As we get older -- things certainly change. I think I am on the downward slide of change. I try to be tolerant and not say to my kids, "I remember when I was in school." I've done that and they just roll their eyes.

But I was reminded this week of some of the popular songs when I was growing up. But now the words have changed to fit my generation. Perhaps a few will bring a smile to your face.

  1. Herman's Hermits--- Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker
  2. The Bee Gees--- How Can You Mend a Broken Hip
  3. Bobby Darin--- Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash
  4. Ringo Starr--- I Get By With a Little Help From Depends
  5. Roberta Flack--- The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face
  6. Johnny Nash--- I Can't See Clearly Now
  7. Paul Simon--- Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
  8. The Commodores--- Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.
  9. Marvin Gaye--- I Heard It Through the Grape Nuts
  10. Procol Harem--- A Whiter Shade of Hair
  11. Leo Sayer--- You Make Me Feel Like Napping
  12. The Temptations--- Papa's Got a Kidney Stone
  13. Abba--- Denture Queen
  14. Tony Orlando--- Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall
  15. Helen Reddy--- I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore
  16. Willie Nelson--- On the Commode Again
  17. Leslie Gore--- It's My Procedure and I'll Cry If I Want To

Old friend Robert said, "Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife. Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Did you ever stop to think about UP?

May 2, 2017



Several years ago -- there was a commercial where a guy would walk in a bar and say, "Whazz Upppp?" Before long, everyone was trying to copy him. I'm sure there were people watching that tried to imitate the guy in their living room. And, there was a certain technique involved. To do it right, you had to stick your tongue out when saying "Upppp?"

Which leads me to ask you to consider the following:

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meaning than any other two-letter word, and that is "UP."

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awake in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends, we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.

And this is confusing:

A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP.

To be knowledgeable of the proper uses of UP, look UP the word in the dictionary. In a desk size dictionary, UP takes UP almost one-fourth the page and definitions add UP to about thirty.

When we were in school, we were taught to hold UP our hand if we wanted to speak. One of my chores as a youngster was pulling UP weeds. I was also urged to not stay UP too late. The sun would come UP in the morning and the moon came UP at night.

We also work our way UP in the business world. We seal UP the package, a lost item turns UP, or we bring a matter UP in a conversation. We put UP the groceries, put UP the boat for winter, or give UP when we are tired. You tear UP paper, blow UP a bridge, stir UP a fire, or button UP your coat. We catch UP or keep UP with the news. We pull UP at the curb or drive UP to the store. We stand UP or stay UP.

The team was UP for the game. Time is UP, the prices are UP, or we just need to find what is UP. A politician is UP for re-election, or a criminal is UP for trial. What are they UP too? Or it is UP to me?

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so I'll shut UP....

Old friend Robert said, "The best way to cheer yourself UP is to try to cheer somebody else UP."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

The second mile in life

April 24, 2017



As a parent - we are always seeking to teach our children the right way of doing things. It is only natural, particularly for teenagers, to do the minimum.

My youngest daughter, who recently got married, is a social butterfly. She is very thoughtful and caring, but she also has a mind of her own. If she wants to do something - she will go to whatever lengths to get her way.

When she was living at home, one of the few chores (a term used by old people from childhood) is to do the dishes. That means once a day...not when she felt like it or when both sinks were piled full and we were having to look for paper plates.

There were times she was walking out the door and I reminded her she isn't leaving until the dishes were done -- which means I got to hear the purse slam on the floor and a few huffs and puffs. But at the least the dishes got done.

The phase “going the second mile” has found its way into our modern jargon. It has its roots in first-century Palestine. The Romans had conquered much of the known world. One of the marvels of their conquest was a vast system of super highways which they had built to and from their conquered territories. There were over 50,000 miles of these Roman roads throughout the empire. At each mile was a stone marker.

The New Oxford English Dictionary calls them “guide stones.” These guide stones pointed direction, determined distance, warned of dangers and each one of them had the miles to Rome etched upon them. Hence the phrase, “all roads lead to Rome.”

By Roman law, a Roman citizen could compel a subject from one of the conquered lands to carry his backpack, or load, for him for one mile, but one mile only.

  • Guide Stone #1 - The mandated mile – motivated by law

    The first mile is always the hardest. Ask the distance runner for example. But if it were not for the first mile, there would be no possibility of the second mile. We live in a world where many do not even make it to the first mile marker. That is, they do not even do what is required of them at the office, at home, at church, at school, or wherever. The first mile is vitally important. It is what makes us function. It is that which is required of us.

  • Guide Stone #2 – the miracle mile – motivated by love

    This mile is motivated by love and respect. What is it that separates some from others in the world of athletics? The second mile, doing what is required and then some. What separates some from others in the arts or in education or wherever? It is this principal of the second mile. You may be required to carry someone's load the first mile. You have the right to stop. But the true act of love for others is going the extra mile when you don't have to. Why not try it? The one you help will be grateful and you will have joy in your heart that the world can't give.

Old friend Robert said, "One kind word can change someone's entire day. You don't need a reason to help people. Go the extra mile -- it's never crowded."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Is it just me?

April 18, 2017



I had some reflective moments this past week. What started it was when I was scanning the internet and saw something I hadn't thought about in over 50 years.

I clicked on an old show on YouTube - "This Is Your Life" with Ralph Edwards as the host. I'm not sure what the year of the show was, but I know it was around mid-1955.

The show actually honored two lives - Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. That's right! The comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy who brought laughter into my home as a young child on a black and white TV.

I later saw that Hardy died of a stroke in 1957 and Laurel died in 1965. Both were born in 1890. If you never saw them, then you missed some great humor which made me realize some things in the past.

I’m a Baby Boomer. I’ve lived through the birth of rock-and-roll, the Jesus Movement, hippie culture, the invention of color television, the birth of FM radio, records, cassettes, CDs, MP3s, and satellite radio. I was around before the Internet and cell phones. My grandparents had a party line, and growing up all our phones had cords.

I learned to drive with a stick shift, we didn’t have seat belts, and the dashboard was metal. We didn’t use car seats, and we didn’t lock our doors at night. The streets were fairly safe for kids to play in, and we knew our neighbors. Most of us went to the same kind of church our parents and grandparents attended.

The Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the birth of the drug culture, teenage rebellion, and the catastrophic change in attitudes in our land about social, moral, and ethical issues. I’ve lived through 13 presidents.

All that being said, I think I’ve learned a few things. I’ve been around the block a few times and learned from my experiences, my mistakes, and my mentors. I’m now in my eighth decade, and I’m still learning.

Most of what I’ve learned in life, I’ve learned from people older than me. Most of the books that have profoundly impacted my life have been written by people older than me. As I’ve gotten older, that fact has somewhat changed, but it still is prevalent. Most of the time in life, we learn from people who have been down the road farther than we have.

While my generation rebelled against our parents, many of us have come to realize that our parents weren’t as stupid as we thought they were. They had wisdom; we just had some form of limited knowledge. They fought for their freedoms; we took ours to excess. While a person can mature physically and have many birthdays, it doesn’t guarantee they are wise or worth listening to.

I've said all that to ask, "Is it just me -- or is our world still the same as it was 40, 50, or 60 years ago? Have we, as a nation and a society, not learned anything?

Quite frankly -- I don't watch the news much anymore because I get sick and tired of each time I turn the TV on -- all I hear is the news media trying to discredit our president with his every move - people who have taken advantage of social media to criticize and blast anyone and anything they want because they now have the social tools to do so.

Is there something wrong with this picture? The news is constantly filled with bitterness and hate that seemingly only reports about murders or injuries to innocent people.

Never in my wildest imagination did I ever dream that one day I would have a license to carry a gun out of the need to protect me or my family.

Is it just me?

Am I curious what others think? Am I the only one who has seen the decline in our moral behavior as a nation? We would rather chastise those who try to make a difference and criticize their message or method for doing good -- and yet -- those who seek to infiltrate and influence our society with negative and hurtful actions go unnoticed without anyone raising a voice to their demonic behavior.

Is it just me?

Laurel and Hardy came to American TV with an innocence that made people laugh. Quite frankly -- there isn't much to laugh at anymore. Or is it just me?

Old friend Robert said, "Real change requires you to change your behavior - not just your attitude. Behavior is the substance of religion. Belief is the substance of a Godly relationship."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Life's Closed Doors

April 11, 2017



What do you do when faced by a closed door in life? A young boy in Missouri named Harry had to answer that question. He gave brilliance on the piano, even as a child.

In addition to being gifted, Harry had such discipline that at the age of seven he was at the keyboard by five each morning. He practiced faithfully for hours each day. Under the tutelage of Mrs. E.C. White, he produced each day stronger hope that he would eventually reach greatness.

When Harry was fifteen, Mrs. White brought news to her star pupil. Ignacy Paderewski, the greatest pianist of the day from Poland, was coming to town. The young boy was thrilled as he listened to Paderewski play.

Mrs. White took he pupil backstage after the concert to meet Paderewski. With trembling voice, the young boy told the world-renowned pianist that he played his minuet.

"There is a part of it that I do not know how to execute," young Harry explained.

Paderewski walked back with the boy to the empty stage and to the piano. The boy sat at the same piano where Paderewski had played only a few minutes before. As the the student played, Paderewski gave a smile of approval to is teacher. A bright future seemed to loom before him.

The ensued the closed door. The next year Harry's father lost everything in the Kansas City grain market. Harry had to go to work, and his dreams of the concert stage were shattered.

Did the boy give up on life? Did he let this closed door stop him? Not at all, for this young gifted, promising pianist would become world famous before his life was over. Instead, he became President of the United States. His name was Harry S. Truman.

No -- you may not become President of the United States or achieve any public recognition, but the greatest commitment we can make is to be the very best we can possibly be in life.

Yes -- you may face closed doors in life, but you need to maintain a life of faith that Someone greater than yourself will guide you along the way.

Old friend Robert said, "When you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

When the door closes

April 4, 2017



The year was 1904. The event was the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in Saint Louis. The local folks called it the Saint Louis World's Fair. Hundreds of vendors were set up at the fair, among them was one selling waffles and another selling ice cream.

Then, the waffle vendor had a problem. He ran out of bowls, and none of the vendors would share their inventory of bowls with him. The door was closed. Failure seemed inevitable. Instead of staring at the closed door, the waffle vendor suddenly spotted an open door that he had not seen before.

The ice cream man offered to sell him some ice cream at a discount, providing the waffle man the opportunity to make a little money to cover his losses. That is when the open door was spotted.

The waffle man made a batch of a thousand waffles, pressed them thin with a flat iron. Then, while they were still hot, he rolled them into a circular cone with a point at the bottom. The next day, he sold the ice cream piled up in his twirled waffles, and the ice cream/waffle cone was born!

Like thousands before and since, this man achieved excellence because he refused to give up. Aren't you glad?

Deciding what you want in life is only the first step in achieving excellence. Many have started out chasing a dream only to give up when it got tough. It seems that we have that kind of mentality that has crept into our society.

People will let you down; circumstances won't always turn out like you expected; things don't always come together. This doesn't necessarily mean failure. It could merely be a delay of your dreams -- a challenge to find another way. If you conclude it's all all over -- then it is -- for you!

Someone else may walk the same path and triumph because they believed in succeeding more than failing. So why not remember these principles.

  • Your circumstances can be obstacles or opportunities: it's up to you!
  • The temptation to be less than your best has to be confronted continuously.
  • Trouble is an inevitable part of life for all of us.
  • The immediate evaluation of our circumstances is not always accurate.
  • Excellence comes to those who persist in the midst of adversity -- not to give up.
  • Prepare for temptation, so when it comes, you can decisively resist.
  • Flexibility is the key!

Old friend Robert said, "God's delays doesn't necessarily mean God's denial."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

"Anybody can answer that!"

March 28, 2017



Albert Einstein was one of the most brilliant men who ever lived. His name has become synonymous with genius. Einstein also had a sense of humor. Like the time he was on a tour of universities explaining his Theory of Relativity.

Since Einstein did not drive, he had to be chauffeured from place to place.

One day, on the way to another speaking engagement, the chauffer said to Einstein, "You know, I've heard this lecture so many times now that I could give it myself."

Einstein responded, "Let's see -- The people at the next university have never seen me before, so they don't know what I look like. Let me put on your uniform and cap, and you can put on my clothes and introduce me as your chauffer. Tell them you are Dr. Einstein, and then you can deliver the speech."

The plan unfolded perfectly. No one recognized Einstein incognito in the chauffer's clothes. The chauffer was introduced as Dr. Einstein and flawlessly delivered the lecture on the Theory of Relativity. Then came the unexpected.

The two conspirators had not thought about the possibility of questions from the audience. When the chauffer finished delivering Einstein's speech, a mathematics professor asked a complicated, technical question involving mathematical formulas and language the chauffer did not understand.

The chauffer was equal to the situation, however. After the question, the chauffer responded, "Sir, the solution to that problem is so simple. I am really surprised you would ask me to answer it. Anybody can answer it. In fact," he suggested, "I'm going to ask my chauffer to come up here and answer it."

Sometimes there are questions that come at us in life that no one else can answer except us. As someone once said, "Life is hard by the yard -- but a cinch by the inch."

As we prepare for the upcoming Easter celebration, may we turn to the One who can provide life's answers. Even the most difficult of questions can be answered by the One who made us and know us better than anyone. Perhaps you will find some answers to some questions that you have been longing to know. Your willingness to follow Him in complete obedience is the key!

Old friend Robert said, "Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Tough Days

March 21, 2017



Going from bad to worse. Out of the frying pan into the fire. Between a rock and a hard place.

Someone once said, "Cheer up! Things could be worse." So I cheered up -- and sure enough things got worse!

My mother told me there would be days like this, but they never said they would come in bunches. So go the familiar expressions of exasperation!

Tough days. We all have them. Some are worse than others.

Some days you honestly wonder why you ever got out of bed that morning. And later, if you will ever make it back to bed that night! Most of us have little difficulty with a couple or three problems during the day, but when they come in packs, back-to-back, with no relief, rhyme, or reason we jumpy. More often than not we also get grumpy. Invariably, there are those who love us and really want to help. But, try all they like, tough days are usually solo flights. Others only complicate matters.

Take the four guys who decided to go mountain climbing one weekend. In the middle of the climb, one fellow slipped over a cliff, dropped about 60 feet, and landed with a thud on a ledge down below. The other three, hoping to rescue him, yelled, "Joe, are you okay?"

"I'm alive...but I think I broke both my arms!"

"We'll toss a rope down to you and pull you up. Just lie still," said the three.

"Fine," answered Joe.

After a couple of minutes they started pulling and grunting together, working like mad to get him by their side. When they had him about three-fourths of the way up, they suddenly remembered he said he had broken both of his arms.

"Joe! If you broke both your arms, how in the world are you holding on?"

Joe responded, "With me, TEEEEEEEETH!"

No, people can't help much on tough days. They may be good companions, but they sure can't stop the pain. There are four suggestions that you might find helpful.

  1. Let us not lose heart. On tough days, you gotta have heart. Don't quit, whatever you do. Persevere. Stand firm!
  2. Let us do good.
  3. Let no one cause you trouble. Refuse to allow anyone or anything to gain the mastery over you.
  4. Let grace be with your spirit. Open the grace gate and let those things stampede freely. You can sit on the fence and relax.

It works! It really does. Even on sick leave.

Old friend Robert said, "In the storm’s of life, you can survive by grace, faith and hope. Don’t complain. Find the courage to be grateful for every circumstance."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Happy Birthday Mom!

March 14, 2017



This past weekend, I got to share in the 90th birthday of my mom in Duncan, Oklahoma. She was able to be with her children and grandchildren -- plus many other family and friends she has known.

We got to share in many years of memories that caused us to laugh and laugh. Of course - some of the things we remembered weren't laughing matters at the time. Funny how time seems to change the issues we thought were so earthshaking.

My mom and I went through a lot together when I was a little fella. Well, mostly it was her that went through a lot after my real dad left us when I was three-years old. I know that for a year-and-a-half -- it wasn't easy for her.

Then my step-dad (I always called him dad - and he was to me) married my mom and then adopted me and gave me his name.

But prior to that time, there were only two things I really remember as a three-year-old. I remember standing on the corner of the street crying while watching my mother walk to work near downtown Duncan (we didn't have a car) and I remember some people bringing us groceries to our house when we didn't have any food. But, somehow, we made it.

As the years progressed, I remember that I found comfort in talking to my mom about most everything. It was always my desire to make her proud of me. I know she tells me she is proud, but we never outgrow that desire - no matter how old we may get.

My mom went to nursing school following my high school graduation and she became a caring and compassionate nurse before her retirement.

She was known for her concern, cheerfulness, and Christ-likeness to those who were in need of special care.

About a year-and-a-half ago, she moved from her home of 64 years to an assisted living facility where she still has her good health, but my siblings and I know she is being taken care of on a daily basis.

It was fun this past weekend to share her birthday celebration. This time it was with her new friends that were in their 80's to three women who were 100 years old or older.

As the years pass, may we never take our parents for granted. My dad passed away in 2003 so I'm so grateful that I still have my mom to share life's blessings. If you haven't done so -- take the time to let your mom, dad, or both know that you love them.

Old friend Robert said, "I don't know what it is about food your mother makes for you, especially when it's something that anyone can make - fudge, banana pudding, chocolate cookies, or lemon pie - but it carries a certain taste of memory.”

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Nostalgia....

March 7, 2017



Nostalgia. That abnormal yearning within us to step into the time tunnel and recover the irrecoverable. That wistful dream, that sentimental journey taken within the mind -- always traveled alone and therefore seldom discussed.

It seems that this time of the year brings out the nostalgia as I reflect on March 4, 2006 when I was taken to St. Luke's by ambulance. I was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis and was given about a 20 percent chance to survive. I was thinking about all the things I would have missed in these past 11 years.

Funny how it is with kids. They hardly remember anything yesterday -- and yet, as adults -- we recall 20, 30, 40, or more years as if it were just yesterday.

Don't worry -- the kids may not remember what you teach them or show them today, but they will later on. We are all proof of that aren't we?

This time of year -- the crisp cool air, the clear nights with the stars twinkling at us as if they know we are looking exactly at them, and the early morning sunrise reminds us that we are wondrously made and live at a most blessed time.

Taking the time to remember is healthy and allows us to recall those special moments in life when the pressure of meeting deadlines, fulfilling the expectations of others, and facing the turmoil that life has to offer is constantly blaring from our televisions and radios.

Nostalgia.

Here's where it sometimes starts.

* A walk in the park.

* A quiet visit to the place where you were raised.

* Looking over old photos when you were growing up.

* Watching your now-grown "child" leave home.

* Standing silently beside the grave of a close, personal friend or relative.

* The smell and sounds of a warm fireplace.

* An old letter, bruised with age, signed by one who loved you.

* Getting alone - all alone -- and taking the time to remember.

* Saying good-bye.

Ah, yes -- you've been there. I can tell by that smile that you're trying to hide.

I get tickled when I hear some of the old timers say, "Those were the good 'ole days." Of course -- when you talk to those who went through the Great Depression - World World I and II - the Korean War -- and, in my case, the Vietnam Conflict -- those weren't the "good 'ole days." But - they were times when people appreciated what little they had and what they have now -- or at least they should.

I think it is healthy to get alone and think about things in the past -- especially those events or people that have touched our lives in an unforgettable way.

While, in most cases, we can't make the past into the present -- we can certainly be filled with thoughts that bring a little smile to our face and a peace that can't be purchased.

However, we should never make the mistake of just living in the past and ignoring the present opportunities that life affords us.

Those special events or people that invade our lives give us an opportunity to make new and lasting memories that can never be taken away from us.

So - take a drive and get alone sometime this week -- even if it's for only an hour. Give nostalgia the go-ahead signal. Let it run free -- release your grip and see where it takes you.

And if we meet on the back roads of our memory, I will be so pleased -- and I promise not to tell a soul. I'm good at keeping nostalgia secrets.

By the way -- I will be spending a little time remembering with my mom this coming Friday as she will celebrate her 90th birthday. Think about the memories she has stored in her mind.

Old friend Robert said, "I've always said, keep looking at the stars and if you get to missing me, just look up.”

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

The worth of a name

March 1, 2017



For a certain slice of the country, love of Tom Brady supersedes love for one’s own children, love for food, love for oxygen. And now, Brady and a memorabilia dealer are putting a price on that love.

TriStar Memorabilia is hosting a private signing for Brady, and as long as you’ve got the coins, you get the benefits. How many coins, you ask? Well, grab your wallets or credit cards and leave your coins at home.

For starters, if you want just a signed 8×10 photo of Brady -- you will need $849.

If you want a signed mini-helmet, add $50 more dollars at $899.

A signed football with regulation air will cost you $999. and a real helmet will set you back $1,099.

A signed jersey will cost you $1,199. Of course -- that isn't the one he wore in the game as someone else has that one and not even Brady knows where it is. The price tag on that one has been valued at $500,000.

Oh, but that’s not all!

Want to get Brady to write something special on your thousand-dollar football? He’ll do it! “5x Super Bowl Champ” will cost you $399. “4x Super Bowl MVP” is a relative bargain at $299. “16-0, 07,” for those Patriots fans still in denial, is also $299. (Only one inscription per item)

And if you want Brady to inscribe something personal, why, that’s $499, but twenty characters only!

Anyway, Brady won the Super Bowl, so he deserves the spoils I guess. We’re just happy good things are finally happening for the guy.

It is a shame that the millions and millions of dollars that he has and is making isn't enough to secure his future -- so the autograph sessions will make sure he isn't on food stamps when he retires.

Old friend Robert said, "Reputation is an invisible force that works for or against you based on the efforts you put to persevere building your character."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Court shows have taken over afternoon programming

January 10, 2017



I haven't taken the time to do a complete research of the court shows that are presently on TV - but I can say with certainty that there is over a dozen of them that come into our homes each afternoon.

Sparked by Judge Joseph Wapner, who is now 97 years old and the People's Court, we have every kind of personality sitting on the bench, raking in big bucks, while entertaining every obnoxious lawsuit to be found anywhere in the country. The People's Court first ran in syndication, with Wapner presiding as judge, lasted from 1981 to 1993, for 12 seasons and 2,484 episodes. While the show's second run has been presided over by multiple judges, Wapner was the sole judge to preside during the court show's first run.

Each year - the Stella Awards are presented for some of the most ridiculous lawsuits ever heard of in the American court system. However - they are true. The "Stella Awards" got its name from Stella Liebeck. In 1992, Stella, then 79, spilled a cup of McDonald's coffee onto her lap, burning herself. A New Mexico jury awarded her $2.9 million in damages.

Anyway - here a few of the true cases you might find entertaining.

#4 - FedEx, and every other delivery service, places packages on the doorways of homes. That’s what they do.

One Florida woman, however, allegedly fell over a package placed in her doorway by FedEx and is seeking money for “severe physical pain, mental anguish and humiliation”.

The lawsuit claims the deliveryman placed the package in the doorway of the home without properly notifying the woman of the delivery or “of its close proximity to the door.”

What do you think: Is this a legitimate claim, or should her lawsuit be “returned to sender”?

#3 - When you eat at legendary Missouri restaurant, Lambert’s Cafe, you know what to expect — flying rolls. That’s right, Lambert’s is well-known as the “Home of the Throwed Roll” because servers at the restaurant are known for tossing the rolls to customers.

But one woman apparently forgot to duck — and is suing Lambert's for $25,000 because she says she was injured when she was hit in the eye by a dinner roll.

Johnny Fugitt, of the local River Front Times, points out that “Home of the Trowed Rolls” is posted throughout the restaurant, “which could mean Lambert’s diners assume they are putting themselves at risk of being hit by a flying roll upon entering the establishment.”

#2 - Roy L. Pearson Jr. the 57-year-old Administrative Law Judge from Washington DC claims that a dry cleaner lost a pair of his pants, so he sued the mom-and-pop business for $65,462,500. That's right: more than $65 million for one pair of pants. Representing himself, Judge Pearson cried in court over the loss of his pants, whining that there certainly isn't a more compelling case in the District archives. But the Superior Court judge wasn't moved: he called the case "vexatious litigation", scolded Judge Pearson for his "bad faith", and awarded damages to the dry cleaners. But Pearson didn't take no for an answer: he's appealing the decision. And he has plenty of time on his hands, since he was dismissed from his job. Last we heard, Pearson's appeal is still pending.

#1 - Hugs — even those from family members — can be uncomfortable, and even unwanted. But can they be “negligent?”

That’s what one New York woman claimed in a recent bizarre and ridiculous lawsuit… against her own nephew.

Four years ago Jennifer Connell attended the 8th birthday party of her nephew, Sean Tarala. Apparently Tarala was so enthused at the presence of his “Auntie Jen” that he leapt into her arms. The jump caused Connell to fall to the ground, breaking her wrist.

The next present Connell gave Tarala to unwrap was a $127,000 lawsuit. Connell named the boy as the defendant in a lawsuit for the cost of her legal bills, claiming her injuries were caused by Tarala’s “negligence and carelessness,” arguing that the 8-year old birthday boy “should have known that a forceful greeting such as the one delivered by the defendant to the plaintiff could cause the harms and losses suffered by the plaintiff.”

Citing the difficulties she faced since the injury, Connell attested in her lawsuit that she “was at a party recently, and it was difficult to hold [her] hors d’oeuvre plate.”

After deliberating for only 20 minutes, the jury returned awarding Connell nothing. I'm not sure if the parties involved will try to settle this dispute another way, but I can be pretty sure they won’t try to hug it out.

Old friend Robert said, "The trouble with the laws these days is that criminals know their rights better than their wrongs."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111





From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Four reasons our resolutions don't work

December 26, 2016



The health clubs and the spas, do they love January! And beyond probably. Business skyrockets when December bulges turn to January workouts. The infamous New Year's resolution: A resolution according to the dictionary is "A firm decision to do or not to do something." Unfortunately, research shows that about 88% of our resolutions won't happen.

It's not that we aren't sincere; we want to improve. We want to be healthier. We want to spend more time with the family, get out of debt, do better in school, clean out the junk in our house, maybe in us. So why do our great intentions so often end up in failed commitments?

Number one, we're not specific. Goals have to be more than just general intentions. "I'm going to get in shape." "I want to make more of a difference." Those intentions probably won't succeed. We need to be more specific and measurable enough to give a person a decent shot at really changing.

Here's the second reason I think we fail. We're not accountable. A resolution between me, myself and I is just too easy to forget. But when you announce to several key people the commitment you've made, you've put yourself on the line to do it.

Here's a third reason that our resolutions fail. We give up too soon. You know, babies learn to walk by a process that I call "step ... boom!" They fall down, but they don't stay down. They get up! Next time it's "step, step, step ... boom!" Until one day they're rocketing across the room. My one-year-old grandson, Graham, has just gone through that process and you ought to see him go now!

Sadly, when we fall down in our effort to do better, don't we often just stay down? But one day's failure is just one day's failure. One day - keep it that way. Get up and keep walking!

And the final reason - maybe the most important of all - why we don't improve like we want to improve is we've got a power shortage. Especially when it comes to the changes that really matter, like breaking the cycle that's hurting the people you love, conquering that dark part that's brought you down again and again, moving beyond the pain of your past, attacking that fatal flaw that has cost you so much.

We may joke about various resolutions, but deep in our heart, we long to change or adjust some attitudes, actions, or habits that we don't like about ourselves.

I have decided that I am going to exercise. Certainly not the same way I did when I was playing college football -- but I am going to do more than lift a fork to my mouth.

In 2011 - my kids bought me a new bike. I haven't ridden it much -- so then they decided that I needed a stationary bike. That way I can't make excuses about the elements being too hot, too cold, too wet, etc.

I did ask them to get the kind where I can hang a bag of chips on the handle bars on one side and a bag of candy on the other....OK - I'm just kidding.

Over the past two years, I have lost over 20 pounds so I am on the right track. I would like to get rid of a little more so I hope that I will see that happen in 2017.

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

  1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
  2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
  3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
  4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
  5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
Old friend Robert says, "Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you." Here's to a most blessed New Year and watching Judge Judy while riding on my indoor bike!

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Christmas 365 days a year

December 20, 2016



It always seems that the Christmas season makes people nicer than at other times of the year. Somehow I wish that people could make Christmas last 365 days a year, but unfortunately, that doesn't happen does it?

You walk down the isle of the store and people smile. You stop at a stop sign and the other driver motions for you to go first. You get ready to enter a store and someone holds the door open a little longer. The store clerks seem a little friendlier and there is just a good feeling in the air no matter where you go.

Unfortunately, we somehow lose the Christmas spirit -- let's see??? Usually the day after when people go back to the stores to return certain presents that didn't fit or they didn't like...and then you know what happens. Or -- when the stores have those ridiculous after Christmas sales that cause people to fight and scratch for items on tables that are priced almost free.

I know that the older I get, the less important receiving gifts has become to me. Ever since I was a little boy, I always found it much more exciting to give. I still remember shopping for my parents and little brother for Christmas. I couldn't wait to see their faces when they opened my treasure -- keeping in mind that all three presents cost around $5.00 total. (See how old that makes me?)

One year, I bought my dad a package of handkerchiefs that had an embroidered letter on them. I asked the lady if they had some with the letter 'D' for Davis and she said they were out of them. I asked for the letter 'J' for John, but they didn't have that letter either. Finally, I settle for the letter 'F' and took them home to wrap and put under the tree.

On Christmas morning, I couldn't wait for my dad to open up my gift. When he did, he smiled and thanked me for the handkerchiefs. He couldn't resist asking, "David, what does the 'F' stand for?" Without blinking an eye I said, "Well, Father, of course."

My dad never did use those handkerchiefs. They always stayed on his dresser. I heard him share the story of my gift with others at church and as I grew older, I realized that the reason he never used them was they were a precious reminder of a simple gift from his son and he didn't want them to be tainted in any way. He told me that just a few months before he died.

Somehow, while he suffered with Alzheimer's, that simple little present found its way through the cobwebs of his mind to surface after over 40 years that brought a smile to his face as a reminder that his son loved him very much.

Some presents don't cost money, but they are perhaps more valuable than any gift that money can buy.

One such gift is forgiveness.

There was once a man and woman who had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. The little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about. For all these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick, and the doctor said she would not recover.

In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted doilies and a stack of money totaling $25,000. He asked her about the contents.

"When we were to be married," she said. "My grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doily."

The little old man was so moved he had to fight back his tears. Only two precious doilies were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years living and loving. He said, "But what about all of this money? How did you manage to save all this money?"

"Oh," she said. "That's the money I made from selling the doilies."

So what you going to do when you get angry or upset? You could forgive or make doilies. Both are beneficial.

Old friend Robert said, "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Poor is a matter of perspective

December 6, 2016



Sometimes when I am joking around, I tell people I had to wear hand-me-downs when I was growing up and all I had were three older sisters. Actually, I had one younger brother and a sister who was born two weeks before I graduated from high school. One of those surprises in life for my parents, but a blessing.

I grew up in your typical family in the 1950's and 60's. We weren't poor, nor did we have wealth. Growing up, I had food on the table and shelter over my head and friends to play with, and when you had those three things, you were never poor.

In fact, poor is just a matter of perspective.

I heard a story about a father of a very wealthy family who took his son on a trip to the rural countryside with the firm purpose of motivating his son to work hard by showing him how poor people can be. The father wanted to prepare his son to take over managing the vast family fortune and estate. They spent a couple of days and nights helping with the daily activities on the farm of a poor family. Sharing meals at night with the family, they learned a little about planting and life on the farm.

On the return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad!"

"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son replied, "I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, and they have many friends to protect them."

With this, the boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are."

At the end of this month, December 29 to be exact, we will celebrate the one-year birthday of my third grandchild, Graham the Cracker. And then on February 1, 2017, we will celebrate another birthday for my one-year old granddaughter, Abby, whom I affectionately call my little "sack of sugar."

I also have my 10-year-old grand twins, Cooper and Kayla. They will no doubt teach little Abby the ropes of manipulating the parents and grandparents.

As for Graham, he has recently learned that dragging his legs don't get him around nearly as fast as getting up and walking. Now that he has figured that out -- whoa Nellie -- there he goes across the room.

Abby is still a belly-scooter, but she will figure it out in a few more months.

I know Graham won't truly understand about his first birthday, but next year or the year after -- he will have a handle on the occasion and you can bet he will milk mom and dad and the grandparents for all its worth. And that is fine with us.

But there is one thing I [Pops] want to teach him when I have time with him. I want him to learn that he is rich too! Maybe not according to the world's standards -- but he came into this world surrounded with a lot of love and prayers. Hopefully he will learn about the power of prayer and will discover as he gets older how valuable that is in life.

Perhaps today you will be reminded how fortunate you are in life. There is so much tragedy in life that we must not fail to be grateful for those who are near and dear to our hearts.

I must confess that when I am with the grand critters -- just getting that special smile or hearing them laugh -- makes me even more grateful that I have a life that is blessed.

Old friend Robert said, "A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Life isn't a dress rehearsal

November 29, 2016



I love to listen to jazz music. Not the traditional New Orleans jazz, but the new age, contemporary smooth jazz that has a modern fusion of many kinds of sounds and instruments. Some traditional and some modern sounds that will uplift you during the day.

I recently bought three CD's by Mars Lasar and Paul Hardcastle and they present some amazing sounds of beauty and total ambiance for relaxation.

One of the songs that Hardcastle presents is entitled, "Life isn't a dress rehearsal."

He reminds us through his music that life is real and you can't afford to treat life lightly. Life is short and it is quickly passing us by.

I was recently thinking about my time in south India where I have been a dozen times. I have walked along the sand on the bank of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most beautiful spectacles you will ever see.

It was almost dark, and I was walking along the edge of the water, playing a little game of dodge-em with the waves. As I looked back, I noticed the long trail of footprints I'd left behind me.

I said, "Hey, I'm making a mark." Well, I had a distant jetty in my eyesight; that was going to be my goal. So, I walked that far, turned around and came back. I looked for that bold trail of footprints in the sand. Of course, there were no footprints. They were gone. I thought about that Hollywood theatre where celebrities put their hands and footprints in cement instead of sand. Maybe that's what I should try if I want my mark to last.

So many of our efforts are poured into, well, things that are like prints in the sand. A man or woman rises to a top position in their company, and everyone's looking to them, and they've got power, and they've got influence, and they've got importance. And then they retire or they're replaced. You know what - it's amazing how quickly that hole closes up. It takes about one day to change the name on the door. And the waves come in and wipe out all the years of footprints.

Or an athlete breaks a record, only to see someone else's wave to come in and wipe it out. Awards, titles, victories, great speeches, recognition, things we work so hard, sacrifice so much for. But those things come and they go. The marks that last are not your achievements, but the people you touch.

Your children - they're wet cement. Don't be so busy making your mark at work that you don't give them your full attention. The people you teach, the people you manage, they are wet cement. You're marking them with your influence.

Old friend Robert said, "Put your prints in cement, where they'll last, not in sand where they will disappear."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Black Friday is here again

November 22, 2016



Get up crazy early. Stand in a long line. Spend hours if it is cold. Avoid being trampled by a stampeding crowd.

Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it? Oh, what a way to spend the day after Thanksgiving! Or any day, for that matter. Yeah, guess what? More people than we can count - that's what they do. The news is filled with the countless stories of Americans doing just that. As you hit the stores, you try to scoop up the "door-busting" bargains offered in the wee hours of what they call "Black Friday." For some people it's more like black and blue Friday.

Now, Black Friday veterans have told me it's not just a crunch, it's also a rush. It's all about recognizing these short-lived opportunities and aggressively going after them before they're gone.

Perhaps the most famous, and one of the most tragic, stories of Black Friday violence involves the death of Jdimytai Damour, a temporary holiday worker at a Wal-Mart in Valley Stream, New York.

The New York Times reported that the crowd outside the store had been building since the wee hours of the morning; the cops were called in to do crowd control as early as 3:30. Just before 5, things turned ugly:

Suddenly, witnesses and the police said, the doors shattered, and the shrieking mob surged through in a blind rush for holiday bargains. One worker, Jdimytai Damour, 34, was thrown back onto the black linoleum tiles and trampled in the stampede that streamed over and around him.

Damour was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead within the hour. Four other individuals, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were also injured in the stampede.

Or how about?

Also in 2015, two men died in a shooting at a Toys R Us in Palm Desert, California.

The AP reported that the shooting occurred after two of the men’s female companions got into a fight and started punching each other. The men then drew their guns and shot at each other in the store.

Reportedly, the incident “wasn't related to a shopping frenzy” and the fight didn’t originate over a toy. Still, many in the store were clearly traumatized.

Hopefully, if you participate in Black Friday, you can do so in a respectful manner. Remember -- it is only things we are talking about.

Things might make you happy on a temporary basis, but sooner or later, they will wear out and lose their sparkle.

On behalf of Randy and Laura Emmons, owners of The Reporter News, and the rest of the staff, please have a safe Thanksgiving and know that we value the privilege of coming into your homes or office through this publication each week. Your readership is important to us and we value the trust you have in us to share the events and individual accomplishments of those we call our neighbors...and friends.

Old friend Robert said, "May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump; May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious, and your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs!"

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

This is a year of change

November 15, 2016



There will be a new new president and a new party in the White House beginning in 2017. Whether he is able to do the job is yet to be seen. Washington is already gearing up for a change.

But how much will really change. The wheels of government grind slowly. Every politician I can remember has promised change, but few have actually brought it. At the end of the day, most governors, senators, and presidents have failed to fulfill many of their promises to bring fresh air, a fresh face, and a fresh perspective to the situation. Normally we get the same old stuff with just the pictures changing on the walls.

The candidates before the election both proclaimed there would be change. I was recently scanning a 2008 Newsweek article. The author pointed out that every president in recent memory has promised change. Think about it.

  • Eisenhower promised to clean up the mess that Truman had left. Now we view Truman through different eyes. He is considered a better president today than he was when he left office.
  • When John Kennedy spoke at the Democratic Convention he said he would change Eisenhower’s Washington. “Dry rot, beginning in Washington, is seeping into every corner of America. It’s time for change.” Camelot brought failure with the Bay of Pigs, new furniture to the White House, and rumors of Kennedy’s adulterous romps. Little changed.
  • When Jimmy Carter ran for office he said he would sweep Washington clean after the Nixon/Ford era. Four years later, he was swept out of office.
  • When Ronald Reagan ran, he promised to fix what Carter had been unable to fix. He did change the paradigm from liberal to conservative and was able to cross party lines to win two terms. But at the same time, the Supreme Court voted to remove the 10 Commandments from schools.
  • Bill Clinton made promises when he ran…and so the wheels on the bus go round and round, but we don’t seem to get anywhere. The Clinton's tried to change healthcare before the boxes were even unpacked and almost got run out of town.
  • President Bush tried to change Social Security with little success. He ended up being hated for protecting us from terrorists. He is viewed more favorably today in light of the rise of terrorism and ISIS over the last eight years.
  • The last eight years have seen Washington, D.C., in total gridlock. The two parties cannot and will not cooperate for the good of the people. Pontificating and posturing has become petty politics on a schoolyard level.
  • Today, both candidates made promises that they would change things in Washington. In reality, politicians make promises that they can’t or won’t keep.

The writers of the Newsweek article noted, “…change rarely has much to do with campaign promises, and everything to do with unexpected events, from Pearl Harbor to 9/11.”

I have little hope of change coming through politics. I have friends who snorted and blew off hot air about their candidates on both sides of the aisle. The reality is that we’ve put our faith in the person who will sit in the White House more than we have the One who sits on the throne of glory. Give that some thought!

Old friend Robert said, "Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

It's all about the future leaders

November 1, 2016



When I was much younger, I noticed that there were some, not all, folks that were 65 and older who always seemed to be the most negative people I had ever known. No matter what was mentioned -- they were against it.

I vowed in my younger days that I was going to do my best to never be like that once I have reached the age bracket of the "elderly."

I recently ran into someone in my age bracket that told me they weren't sure they were going to vote for the School Bond Proposal.

I asked them why and they said, "I can't afford to have my taxes raised."

I was so happy to inform them that one simple call to Brazoria County Tax Office will allow them to have their taxes frozen if they were 65 and older.

They said, "Really?"

And I'm glad to report they made that call and were thrilled to say they were voting FOR the upcoming School Bond Proposal.

I had already made my call to the tax office. But I can assure you that I have paid my fair share of school taxes.

When you really think about it -- the Bond is for our young people. Pearland ISD has already proven they are one of the top school districts in the state.

Recently, the Texas Education Agency sent a letter to the district reporting the following as shared by PISD Superintendent Dr. John Kelly.

"Nineteen of 22 eligible Pearland ISD campuses received these lofty distinctions, designating them among the best of their peers in Texas. Few districts of our size or diversity in the greater Houston area can match our record," Dr. Kelly said.

TEA distinction designations vary based on campus grade levels and type. Junior high and high school campuses are eligible for the most -- up to seven distinctions:

  • Academic achievement in English language arts/reading
  • Academic achievement in math
  • Academic achievement in science
  • Academic achievement in social studies
  • Top 25 percent in student progress
  • Top 25 percent in closing performance gaps
  • Post-secondary readiness

Pearland ISD is one of the top districts in the state and have achieved some of the highest educational ratings.

In addition, PISD also received the following from the TEA that Pearland ISD leads the pack in Children at Risk rankings.

Dr. Kelly issued this statement in response to the TEA recognition, "While we focus on world-class academics, we also focus on world-class care. Our faculty and staff go far beyond the four classroom walls to meet needs, and we are strongly assisted by social agencies, churches, civic organizations and city government -- all united for kids. Why? We believe many students need help outside the classroom so they can be successful inside it."

Our school district is doing their part, we need the Pearland community to do their part in assuring our kids are going to continue to have the best education possible. Why do you think so many people are moving to Pearland?

Concerned about your taxes being raised? Did you know the most over a period of years that you will pay is between $10 and $11 a month? There are people everyday that commit $10 a month to support a dog or cat in a shelter and don't think a thing about it.

While I love animals (I have two dogs and a cat) -- I happen to love children more. My four kids all graduated from Pearland High School and attended all grades 1 thru 12.

I have put my money where my heart and mouth is totaling more than $65,000 in school taxes. If you don't pay school taxes, then you shouldn't voice a negative opinion.

By the way -- Dr. Kelly and his staff are going to form, what I call, a Watch Dog Committee to make sure the money is spent where it is intended. The committee of 12-15 people will be made up of Pearland parents and civic leaders to make sure all is accountable.

I hope you will join me in exercising your right to vote to support our future leaders of America.

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Is it just me?

October 10, 2016



I am of the age that I am considered elderly in some circles. My how that reference hurts as I'm convinced that age is just a number and you are as old as you choose to act. The feeling part is part of the age factor.

There are certain things you remember in your younger years. Especially during an election year.

I do remember when growing up that you would hear parents or teachers say, "He might just grow up to be President of the United States."

That used to have some meaning that reflected character and integrity.

To be honest, the political climate today is disgusting. It grieves me as I watched the last presidential debate. It makes me ashamed of the state of our nation. The slander and lies, the mean-spirited, vicious, angry attitudes of candidates on both sides is sinful. I'm ready to vote for "none of the above."

It seems we are clueless regarding what is needed in a leader.

Don't tell me who you are against; tell me what you are for. Don't tell me it's broken; show me how you are going to fix it. We expect that from our doctors, dentists, and mechanics, so why not national leaders?

The bigger picture is what are we teaching our children and grandchildren? It's not good, but harmful and damaging to the future of our land. The candidates on both sides are teaching our kids ungodly attributes.

Think about it!

Where are the American statesman? Statesmanship is no longer essential in politics. You just need money and a lot of mud.

Promise people the moon and when elected give them a moon pie.

Tell people there are no sacrifices in life. Someone else will pay for everything. This is why adult children live at home, don't pay their bills, and won't get a job. But who cares, it's a "free" country, right?

Don't live in a world of black and white, right and wrong. Make everything dingy grey. Forget foundation truths. Bend and break the rules.

I don't know about you, but this election is not going to cure America's problems and every broadcast shows the lines that have been drawn and how angry we are with one another.

America is in trouble and the current political leadership is not going to see healing come to our land. If our nation doesn't return to the foundation of love and prayer, we will only go deeper into the slime pit of hypocrisy.

Can you honestly say that America is going to be great again with the current candidates and the direction they are trying to lead our country?

Where is the moral compass that we once held high as a standard of character, integrity, and honesty?

The blame-game seems to be the topic of the day. Living in a fantasy world is the direction we are going.

The way to the top is via character assassination. Be a name-caller. Spend money on ads or do it freely on social media and sling as much mud as possible.

You can say whatever you want and lie and/or cheat your way to the top.

Bend the rules, work the system, and you'll be able to stand on the carcass of a once great nation.

If America falls -- it will be because we self-destructed from within -- not because an outside enemy invaded our borders.

Think about it!

Old friend Robert said, "Anyone in any walk of life who is content with mediocrity is untrue to himself and to American tradition."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Time to spread your wings

September 27, 2016



One of my all time favorite TV shows was the Andy Griffith Show. I'm pretty sure I have seen each one and when the show begins and Andy and Opie are walking along to the whistling of the theme song, stop to skip a rock across the lake, and then the show begins -- I can usually tell you what episode it is within 10 seconds tops.

The familiar draw of Andy when he talks, the high shrill voice of Barney, and the familiar characters of aunt Bee, Gomer, and Goober all make for a delightful time of fun and laughter.

Though I have seen each episode dozens of times, there are a few that cause a little tear to well up in one's eye. Just as I did upon learning about the death's of Andy and Barney in particular.

Recently, there was the episode when Opie got him a slingshot. He saw a bird in a tree and fired his rock hitting the mark and killing the bird. It was only after when Opie discovered there were three baby birds in a nest in the tree in front of his house.

Opie had to tell his paw what he had done and was immediately told that he was going to have to take care of those baby birds since the mother was dead.

It wasn't long til Opie put the birds in a cage after a scare that the neighborhood cat was on the prowl.

Day-after-day Opie gave them food and water. It wasn't long before they hopping around in the cage. Winkin, Blinkin, and Nod (the names given to them by Opie) were getting real close to being able to fly.

One day, Andy told Opie it was time. With great reluctance, the young lad reached in the cage and grabbed Winkin, told him to fly, and let him go. Sure enough, Winkin flew away to Opie's delight. Blinkin and Nod also successfully flapped their wings to live their lives.

On Saturday, October 1, my youngest daughter, Lexis, and her handsome fiance, Kenneth, will exchange wedding vows and officially begin their path together.

Though we, as parents, know the day is coming when our children will leave the nest, it never is really easy to realize how the years have so swiftly gone by.

For years, I have told parents to cherish every moment you have with your young children because one of these days -- they will be grown and gone.

I guess that is why God gives us grandchildren. Though we are getting too old to have to take on small children again -- we can now spoil our grandkids and then hand them back to our children with a devilish smile. That's what we do with Cooper, Kayla, Graham, and Abby.

We are glad to see the headlights a'comin and the tail lights a'goin.

As Andy told Opie -- it is time to let them go free -- though we (as parents) will always be there should they ever need us!

Old friend Robert said, "I wish you the wedding day that you have dreamed of since you were a little girl, and a future with your husband that is beyond your wildest imagination."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Choosing the important things in life

September 19, 2016



A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the class if the jar was full? They agreed that it was. So - the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook he jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The students laughed. The professor picked up a small container of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled everything else.

"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life. The rocks are important things - the pebbles are the other things that matter -- and the sand is everything else. The small stuff."

As I thought about that illustration...I began to think of how the order is reversed so many times as it pertains to life.

For instance -- if you fill up a mayonnaise jar with the sand, first, you wouldn't have any room for the rocks -- which are supposed to represent the important things in life. Many people spend much of their time concentrating on the small things in life instead of paying attention to the important things.

I'm still of the opinion that athletics should develop character and integrity. Whether a person is on the field of competition or sitting in the stands cheering -- when it is all said and done, the ultimate question should be asked, "Is the outcome of this contest really going to have a dramatic effect on the important things in life that really matter to me?"

A student from Colombine High School in Colorado issued the following:

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but fewer solutions; more medicine, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble getting along with our neighbors.

We've conquered outer space, but not inner peace; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom."

Perhaps that tragedy happened to allow many of those youngsters to send a message to the adults of our society who want to continue to act like children; fighting over the trivial things in life instead of looking at that mayonnaise jar and concentrating on the rocks (important things in life) instead of the sand (the small stuff) that seems to dominate the lives of so many people. Think about it!

Old friend Robert said, “We forget that life isn’t as bad as we’re making it out to be. We also forget that when we’re blowing things out of proportion, we are the ones doing the blowing.”

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Another birthday is approaching

September 12, 2016



It is hard to believe that I am fast approaching another birthday on Friday, September 16 -- but I really don't care to share my age.

Over the past several years -- I have tried to update my list on "How to know you are getting older."

So -- I have some more tidbits regarding getting older that you might find amusing. Just casual observations for those who hate getting old.

  1. I finally got my head together (though that's debatable) , now my body is falling apart.
  2. All reports are in. Life is officially unfair.
  3. I started with nothing and I still have most of it.
  4. If all is lost -- where is it?
  5. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
  6. If at first you do succeed - try not to look astonished.
  7. The first rule of holes: If you are in one - stop digging.
  8. I tried to get a life once, but they told me it was on back order.
  9. I went to school to become a wit, but I only got halfway.
  10. It was so different before everything changed.
  11. I wish the buck stopped here. I could use a few.
  12. It's not the pact of life that concerns me, it's the sudden stop at the end.
  13. It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
  14. If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.
  15. Never knock on death's door - ring the bell and run (he hates that!).
  16. Lead me not into temptation (I can find the way myself).
  17. When you are finally holding all the cards, why does everyone else decide to play chess?
  18. If you are living on the edge, make sure you're wearing your seat belt.
  19. There are two kinds of pedestrians. The quick and the dead.
  20. A closed mouth gathers no feet.

And finally...You know you're getting older when...

  • You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
  • Your back goes out more than you do.
  • You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
  • You are proud of your lawn mower.
  • Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
  • You sing along with the elevator music.
  • You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
  • You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
  • People call at 9 p.m. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
  • The end of your tie doesn't come anywhere near the top of your pants.
  • (My daughter Lexis' favorite) You wear black socks with sandals.
  • Your ears are hairier than your head.
  • You talk about "good grass" and you're referring to someone's lawn.
  • You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
  • You got cable for the weather channel.

Well - there you have it for another year...The best advice is to Keep Breathing -- If you don't - you're a real goner.

Old friend Robert said, "You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing. It is not how old you are, but how you are old.”

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Joy and happiness — It's your choice

August 30, 2016



I was visiting with a very dear friend of mine and we were discussing what makes some people the way they are in life.

There are some people that you meet who have joy and happiness and then there are others who find fault with everything in life.

I prefer to be around those who bring joy to a room and leave with a fresh aroma of positive energy.

Quite frankly, I prefer the negatives to go somewhere else.

I remember something that another friend gave me several years ago that describes what I am talking about. The story goes like this.

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that had been hung on her window.

"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old, having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. J! You haven't seen the room ... just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied.

"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away... just for this time in my life."

Old age is like a bank account: you withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the Bank account of memories.

I am thankful for my Memory bank . I am still depositing many wonderful things that can never be taken from me. Those special people who have touched my life in many ways. Those special moments in life that remain near and dear to my heart.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

  1. Free your heart from hatred.
  2. Free your mind from worries.
  3. Live simply.
  4. Give more.
  5. Expect less.

Old friend Robert said, "I've seen happier faces on an iodine bottle. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.”

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

What to say to a telemarketer

August 22, 2016



Not too long ago, I registered with the Do Not Call list for the umpteenth time, but it seems that the advancement of technology continues to override this service.

For awhile, most people left me alone with the exception of various charities and a few politicians who seem to break through seeking your vote.

One of the calls that seems to make through is the one that says the IRS is going to take you to court for past due taxes. It seems they prey on the elderly so if you are like me and older than dirt, make a note. The IRS will not ever call you. They only correspond with you by mail. Not phone calls, not E-mails, not by text. So don't let a call like that upset you.

Recently, one call told me I was approved for a loan of $250,000 regardless of credit. Or I won a trip to a gambling casino or a cruise.

One obnoxious call is trying to sell me an extended warranty on a car I no longer have and they are surprised when I tell them to take me off their list.

Next time you get an unwanted call, you might try a few of the following:

  • "Oh, I thought you were my ride. Can you call a taxi for me?"
  • "I'm busy right now, but if you will give me your home number, I'll call you around midnight."
  • "Hey, you called just in time. I'm auditioning for the new season of The Voice. Could you tell me what you think of the song I'm going to sing?"
  • "I am so glad you called. I just finished memorizing the Gettysburg Address. Would you care to listen?"
  • "I'm fundraising for Trump for President. Would you care to make a donation?"
  • "Can you belch the alphabet? Would you like to hear me do it?"
  • "What's your sign? Want to hear your horoscope for today?"
  • "I've created a new App for telemarketers. Care to sign up?"
  • "Congratulations!!! You are caller No. 100! Hold on for 30 minutes and I'll tell you the prize you won."
  • "I was just notified I won $10 million dollars. I need a bank account number to collect. If you give me yours we can split it."
If you have something you would say to a telemarketer -- let me hear from you. Old friend Robert said, "I've found the best way to deal with a telemarketer is say the three magic words. 'Please Hold On!' put down the phone and walk away. You will hear the beeps when they hang up."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Some things I just don't understand

August 15, 2016



My youngest daughter is engaged to a fine young man and they are getting married on October 1, 2016. His dad is a Pearland police officer who is head of the Pearland SWAT and he worked with JJ Watt to show him some tactical moves in hand-to-hand combat. As you know, Watt does engage in hand-to-hand combat on the football field.

But there is one thing that I find it difficult to deal with and that is the younger generation wanting to suffer pain. While my children, at least to my eye sight, don't have tattoos, I am literally dumbfounded why anyone who wants to take a perfectly good tongue or belly button (or any other part of the body) and poke a hole through it? I might understand if we still lived during the cave man years.

Perhaps after a hard day of chasing a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the natural thing would be poking a stick through your tongue as a pleasurable experience.

In the Stone Age, if you were having trouble with a tooth, the dentist would just whack you over the head with a club so he could take care of the bad tooth.

I am a typical man and I do all I can to avoid pain, especially at the hands of a dentist.

We live in a society where billions of dollars have been spent developing drugs to decrease or eliminate pain. Yet people of all ages are lining up to get their bodies tattooed and pierced.

I have to admit I don’t understand everything about tattoos. Why would you have an eagle tattooed on your chest when, in 30 years, it will look like a vulture perched over a pot belly?

I once asked a young man why he chose to push a bolt through his tongue. He explained the piercing this way: “Aye toght (click, click) it wood be koool” (click).

I asked, “Do people ever say you’re hard to understand?”

“Naught earry (click) one. Aww uf by frnds tak rike (click) dis."

As I approach my ?? birthday next month, I am now feeling what my folks felt when they were growing older.

I know we had some weird things when I was growing up in the 60's, but this generation of young men wearing their pants so their underwear can be seen doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

And then of course the technology of today simply blows my old mind.

Did you know that out of the 6 billion people on the planet, 4.8 billion have cell phones, compared to only 4.6 billion who have toothbrushes. More people want to talk on the phone than to keep their teeth white and clean.

And Facebook is even more mind boggling. If Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest in the world, behind only China and India. The average Facebook user communicates with 130 friends. Each week, 3.5 billion pieces of content are shared between these friends. In some parts of the world, those using Facebook account for one-half of all Internet use.

Or look at it another way. It took radio 38 years to reach 50 million people. It took television only 13 years to reach that same number, and the Internet hit the same number in just four years. It took Facebook less than a year to reach 200 million people. In less than nine months, Apple's iPod app had one billion downloads.

I may not fully understand all the changes around me, but I do appreciate being able to share life's experiences with others. One thing for sure -- don't take life for granted even if you don't have a tattoo or ring in your nose.

Old friend Robert said, "Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

The pebble in your shoes

August 9, 2016



When I was in college many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting someone who was very well known in America for something that he decided to do that was very unusual and unique. In fact -- during the latter years in the '60's -- he was on almost every television network while speaking to hundreds of churches and thousands of students on the college campus.

This man carried the cross around the world in every nation and is listed in the Guinness World Records for the world's longest walk over 39,227 miles, through 318 countries and major island groups for 42 years. He first began carrying the cross in 1968.

When he came to my college town, I had the opportunity to sit down with him for a meal as his journey had only been going on for a couple of years. While listening to him, a question came to my mind.

I asked Arthur Blessitt, "What the greatest obstacle was in his long hike across the country," and he gave a pretty surprising answer. He said, "The little pebbles I got in my shoes."

Has that ever happened to you? Put on your shoes or sandals and one of those little sand pebbles finds its way in your shoe and begins to cause a little pain. And it won't go away until you take your shoe off and shake out the little stone.

In 1982, Blessitt decided to carry the cross with his son, Joshua, through the war in Lebanon. He shares, "We walked through two blocks of land mines and into West Beirut we were carrying our big crosses. Guns were pointed toward us. We waved and smiled and put Jesus stickers on the PLO and Moslem forces guns. Our fearless love and openness melted the hearts by the power of Jesus and within half an hour Yasser Arafat came to see us!"

There are days that I reflect on the way that our lives touch others. I can assure you that I have never met anyone else that felt the call to carry a cross around the world like Arthur Blessitt. He was one of the most unique individuals I had ever met in my young college days.

But when I think of that little stone that gets in my shoe -- I think about the little things that affect our lives.

And we all experience the aggravation of those little pebbles; the car trouble, the sick child, an inconvenient illness, the appliance on the blink, the banking problems, the office politics, those little injustices, or the unexpected expense. Often these little stresses do more to rob us of our peace than the big crises.

We know we can't fight a giant by ourselves. So we lose, not to huge temptations or overwhelming problems, but to flat tires and the flu, to bills and bad traffic.

A favorite Bible verse says, "Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you." There is someone who cares for your little pebbles and big boulders in life. Don't forget that!

Old friend Robert said, "“The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else. Remember that children and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

How about 99.9%

August 1, 2016



So often when a player is giving an interview, the reference is made about giving 100% or even 110% effort.

If a business wants to experience success, each employee must give 100 percent. When working with the public, there is no time of day or month on the calendar when it is okay to let up. Expectations never go away. Competitive excellence requires 100%. If you doubt that, try maintaining excellence by setting your standards at 92%. Or even 95%.

I recently ate at a local McDonald's with my grandson Cooper. The service was terrible and the employees had no spunk in dealing with the patrons. Very few smiles and it seemed no one enjoyed working there. Just there for the paycheck and that's it! Probably won't go to that one again.

Excellence gets reduced to acceptable and before long, acceptable doesn't seem worth the sweat and before you know it, mediocrity is the norm.

If a coach doesn't care all that much about having an outstanding team, you can pretty much bet they will be a consistent loser.

I have worked with Pearland's Tony Heath, Dawson's Eric Wells, and Friendswood's Robert Koopmann for almost 20 years and mediocrity is not in their vocabulary. And their football teams are a reflection of their 110% expectations of their players.

Have you ever thought about the phrase "almost but not quite?" I recently read an article that contained the following information regarding 99.9%. That's just one-hundreth of a percent from 100% -- but what a difference that makes.

Consider this at 99.9%:

  • Two million documents would be lost by the IRS this year.
  • 22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong bank accounts in the next 60 minutes.
  • 12 babies will be given to the wrong parents each day.
  • 268,500 defective tires will be shipped this year.
  • 14,208 defective personal computers will be shipped this year.
  • 103,260 income tax returns will be processed incorrectly this year.
  • 2,488,200 books will be shipped in the next 12 months with the wrong cover.
  • 2 plane landings daily at O'Hare Airport in Chicago will be unsafe.
  • 3,056 copies of tomorrow's Wall Street Journal will be missing one of the three sections.
  • 18,322 pieces of mail will be mishandled in the next hour.
  • 291 pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly this year.
  • 880,000 credit cards in circulation will turn out to have incorrect magnetic strips.
  • 20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions will be written in the next 12 months.
  • 114,500 mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped this year.
  • $761,900 will be spent in the next 12 months on CDs that won't play.
  • 107 incorrect medical procedures will be performed by the end of the day today...and every day.
  • 315 entries in Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language will turn out to be misspelled.

And just in case you think the answer is in our being as accurate as space technology, think again. The Office of Technology Assessment recently published a report stating, "Of the more than 20,000 objects fired into orbit since 1957, fewer than 5% remain operational."

99.9% submission is not good enough. So make the sacrifices, do the work, take the risks, learn from failures and strive for excellence in everything you do. You might be amazed at how YOU might change the world."

Old friend Robert said, "Wake up with determination and go to bed with satisfaction. Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Calling for tech support

July 26, 2016



A few weeks ago -- I had a problem with AT&T and had to call one of those 800 numbers. We live in a day and time where we never talk to a real person -- at least initially. We have to go through the recorded voice list. You know -- press 1 or 2 or 3, etc. depending on your need.

Whoops! I forgot -- you had to say English to let the recorded voice know what language you wanted before you started punching numbers.

I think the term is called "outsourcing" which means "sourcing out." It's a trend that started years ago in manufacturing, which is a business term that means "making things." It has been many years -- but there was a time when Americans actually made things called "products" right here in America.

I remember, as a kid, some things were "Made in Japan" -- and we laughed at that and considered it a cheap product. Not any more!

After we stopped making things, America became a "service economy" which is a business term meaning "an economy where it is virtually impossible to get service." But now even our service industries are being outsourced. Take for example, "technical support" which is the department you call when you're having a technical problem and need to be placed on hold. Today, when you finally get through to a human, he or she is often in a different country.

Which brings me back to my call for "tech support" for AT&T.

There is good news and bad news.

The good news is: The foreign tech support people are smart, educated and eager to help, and they speak English. My call to AT&T was finally answered by someone in India.

The bad news is: The Indian spoke in such a way that you understand only every fifth word.

My call to AT&T was forwarded to someone in India who was sincere in their attempt to help me. The only word I consistently understood him saying was "David." I felt like the dog in the Far Side cartoon who's getting a stern lecture from his master, but the only thing the dog understands is his own name.

Tech Support Guy: David, wokm tolied stsport, David. Mgiym nabith semime?

Me: The serial number? You want the serial number?

Tech Support Guy: Simeym dolsith, David. Beimine laimkk, David?

Me: What?

Tech Support Guy: Sit, David! Lie down! Roll over! Speak David!

We might as well accept it folks! Outsourcing is here to stay. And it's happening EVERYWHERE, including industries that would surprise you.

When you order a hamburger from What-a-Burger, the person who's taking your order is located in the Philippines. Your hamburger is physically cooked by workers in Argentina, the beef capital of the world, then transmitted almost instantaneously to the U.S. via a high-speed Digitized Beef Patty Line (DBPL).

When you take a commercial airline flight, the plane is actually being controlled from India by a 10-year-old girl holding a remote-control stick in one hand and a lollipop in the other. The "pilot" in the front of your plane is a retired security guard whose sole responsibility is to notice when the plane starts shaking and make an announcement that you are experiencing turbulence.

I have decided to start outsourcing my column by foreign humor workers, who, rest assured, are highly trained. You will notice no drop off in quality as you continue to enjoy the wacky hmogrins of djlvllly iffht hvsmileupdsy not making this up rikgllt ailtods is a good name for a football team.

Old friend Robert said, "Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Simple logic from a simple man

July 18, 2016



I was born and reared in Duncan, Oklahoma -- a town of about 25,000 people. Duncan is the home of Halliburton Oil Company. Out of six grade schools -- I went to Will Rogers Elementary. We had other grade schools named after famous people -- Plato - Emerson - Horace Mann - Woodrow Wilson - and Mark Twain. The other schools featured scholars, politicians, and writers. But Will Rogers was a simple man who gave simple answers to life circumstances.

Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash with Wylie Post, was probably the greatest political sage this country ever has known. He was known for his cowboy movies and his dry humor. He had country logic that usually made good sense. His thought process wasn't the same as most people because he saw life from a different set of eyes.

While there were schools that were named after Will Rogers -- I always felt strange flying out or into Oklahoma City since the airport is named Will Rogers Airport. Never made too much sense to name an airport after a man who died in a plane crash.

However -- I thought you might enjoy the wit of Will Rogers.

  • Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
  • Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
  • There are two theories to arguing with a woman . . . Neither works.
  • Never miss a good chance to shut up.
  • Always drink upstream from the herd.
  • If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
  • The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back into your pocket.
  • There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them who have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
  • Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
  • If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
  • Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.
  • After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
Old friend Robert said, "Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Life is a series of lessons

July 11, 2016



When school is out and the summer months take over -- people think that coaches and teachers go into neutral and never give one thought about the previous year in the classroom or field of competition.

Actually -- dedicated teachers and coaches spend a lot of time reflecting. Why? Because we can all benefit from a look in the rear view mirror of life -- looking at where we've been as we contemplate where it is we are going.

I, too, have reflected on what I have learned so far this year. Some of it is pretty important stuff that you might identify with as well. So, in no particular order, here is a sampling from the stack that has been building on my cluttered desk.

  • I've learned that I should tell people how I feel about them now, not later.
  • I've learned that things that I'm not even aware of are being noticed and remembered.
  • I've learned that being real is a lot better than being legalistic and judgmental.
  • I've learned that you don't have to push, pull or drag someone if you are a true leader.
  • I've learned that days of maintenance far exceed days of magnificence.
  • I've learned that some people aren't going to change, no matter what.
  • I've learned that I seldom feel badly about things that I did not say.
  • I've learned that you can't bully people around in life.
  • I've learned that forgiveness is far better than bitterness.
  • I've learned to stop saying "never" or "always" when it comes to the future.
  • I've learned not to sweat the small stuff. (Actually, I'm still working on this one)
  • I've learned that you can't beat fun and laughter.
  • I've learned to give credit where credit is due.
  • I've learned that if you love others more than yourself, they will love you back.
  • I've learned that there are going to be some people who are bitter and you can't change them -- no matter what you attempt to do.
  • I've learned that there are some people who will never admit they are wrong.
  • I've learned that there are still more lessons for me to learn in life.

Perhaps you might pause and do a little reflecting yourself as we have passed the half way point of 2016. I believe that there are many more lessons to grab hold of that might make us a better person in order to bless others. Would you join me?

Old friend Roberts said, "Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Health Warnings all around us

June 27, 2016



It seems that the older I have gotten, the more health warnings that have been given to us. For instance - kids today are being deprived of soft drinks and they have gone to great lengths to make sure that they aren't available at school.

I recently saw where we should avoid eating hot dogs. Are you kidding me? That is almost un-American!

Can you imagine going to a baseball game and the guy walking up and down the aisle yelling, "Broccoli, Cauliflower, Grapenuts!" instead of "Hotdogs, Peanuts, Cracker Jacks!"

I remember when growing up my dad would be going to the Dairy Queen on Saturday before the start of the Oklahoma football game on television. He would be going to get a hamburger, but he would ask me if I wanted something.

This will show my age, but you could get five footlong hotdogs for one dollar that would include cheese, mustard, chili, and onions. So, that's what I would ask him to get me. Once he returned, I would eat all five in a row while cheering on the Sooners.

But times have changed haven't they?

We hear almost weekly about new health warnings. The time of the warning isn't always good. This past week I read the first few words of a warning, but quickly turned the page. Come on - forecasting doom for those who eat hotdogs?

What is a July 4th picnic without a hot dog, or two, or maybe three? No - I'm not interested in what is in the wiener! As long as the package says, "all beef" that is good enough for me. Though I don't mind the weeny that is made out of chicken, turkey, and pork.

You can also forget telling me about the calories and grams of fat. Remember it is a holiday picnic - not a weight watchers weigh-in meeting.

With that said, before I start getting E-mails lecturing me about not being a responsible eater, I can assure you that I am presently doing some weight evaluation.

It seems that as we get older, we exercise less and eat more. For most of my life, I was in proper weight range, but the last six years have seen what I said at the start of this paragraph.

Over this period of time, I referred to myself as a toad.

On July 21, 2014, I was taken to St. Luke's Emergency Room.They called it an acute stroke, but I didn't see anything cute about it. I am now a created Type II diabetic.

With that said, I am on a mission to get back to a more healthy weight though I don't believe that my push for hot dogs on July 4th should be an indictment to my desire to eat healthier for the other 364 days.

I have lost 20 pounds and no longer wear 2X shirts. My pant size also went back to what I considered normal for me. So the toad is gone and I am a slimmer old person. No more soft drinks and very limited sweets.

More importantly, we should pause on July 4th to be thankful to the men and women who serve in the military. And to certainly remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in death so we might have the freedom of life in this blessed nation.

Have a great 4th of July celebration, stay safe, and have a hot dog on me!

Old friend Robert said, "Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity. In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

The remote control society

June 20, 2016



"Where's the remote? Has anyone seen the remote?" Ever heard that question? Sure you have. We live in a society that can't function without a remote control.

Ever notice when the battery gets weak in the remote that instead of putting in new batteries -- we just mash the buttons harder and slap the remote around?

Sure - I am old enough that there was no such thing as a remote for the television set. That's right! We actually had to get up and walk to the television to change the channel to either NBC, CBS, or ABC.

In fact - we didn't have a color TV growing up. My dad fell for the plastic color screen that you taped over the TV screen. That's right - green at the top, red in the middle, blue at the bottom -- which meant people had green faces, red clothes, and blue feet. But someone made millions of dollars - probably Ron Popell - the Ronco guy! He went from that to selling you 999 knives for $39.95.

There was no FOX, ESPN, HBO, TV Land, Cartoon Network, MTV, and 140 other channels that are now available.

We settled in on one channel and watched the program. Back in the day it was almost a Saturday night ritual for most homes in America to watch Gunsmoke. Of course we were also attached to Bonanza and the Cartwrights on the Ponderosa. I was always fascinated when the map burned up on the screen at the start of the show.

On Monday night came the television series when David Jansen starred as Dr. Richard Kimble in the hit series The Fugitive (ABC, 1963-1967). That's right - they chased him for five years before the final episode to discover his innocence.

The remote control society has developed to say a lot about who we are as a society and as individuals.

We love to be in control, to push all the buttons, to mute others when needed, to turn others up or down. There is something about this modern television device that says a lot about us.

We live in a culture that is increasingly opposed to what we believe and one that is busy at work to re-educate young minds away from traditional moral values.

If you don't believe that - did you ever watch Maury Povich? Can you imagine getting up every day and going to the television studio to deal with women who have no idea who is the father of their children? You would think one or two programs and that is all the people they could find. Not true! Day after day Maury dealt with the same thing while revealing lie detector tests on men who say they haven't cheated.

What does this say about our society? Here are three truths that speak about our remote control society.

Principle #1 — don’t give in — be resistant
The tendency is to give in to the culture around us and to go its way.
Principle #2 — don’t give up — be consistent
The tendency is to be overcome, overrun by the culture and simply to give up on trying to uphold basic principles of living right. It is not enough to simply be resistant; we must also be consistent.
Principle #3 — don’t give out — be persistent

We need to engage our culture and make a difference in this world. Why is it that we so often give in, or give up, or give out? Could it be because of the remote control syndrome, that tendency we have to want to control everything?

Old friend Robert said: "AT&T is now offering a new service that allows you to pay your bills through your TV screen by using your remote control. So instead of saying, "The check's in the mail," people are going to say, "Hey, I wanted to pay, but I couldn't find the remote."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

2016 Football media guide ads now being accepted

June 13, 2016



The 2016 high school football season is just around the corner for Friendswood, Pearland, and Dawson High Schools.

It is also time for area businesses to plan on placing an ad in the football publications. Since I produce the media guides for Dawson, Friendswood, and Pearland, there is still space available in these full-color publications for the 2016 football season.

All three media guides from last year were named as one of the top three media guides in the nation by the High School Sports Publication Awards contest. You can view the actual programs at: www.reporternewssports.com -- just click on a cover and turn the pages.

Each school manages 100 percent of the money and they can account for every dime spent in these ventures. Plus - each school has a first-class media guide to present to their fans and visiting teams.

If you are interested in placing an ad in one, two, or all three media guides, please give me a call and I will give you the details of what you need to do.

Both communities need to realize that they can support their individual teams while knowing that all of the money stays at home. Every check is made out to the right organizations of each school and they control all finances without any funny business.

I can be reached at 713.449.7474 or E-mail me at drdaviddavis@yahoo.com to let me know of your interest.

Here are the following E-mails to let us know of your interest in placing a business ad.

Also -- if you are a parent and want to place a personal ad for your son or daughter in any of the three football media guides -- you can use the same E-mail addresses to contact us for the information sheet for each submission. Make plans now as space is limited. Don't wait until the final deadlines in August.

Old friend Robert said, "There's two times of the year for me: Football season and waiting for football season."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Graduation is quickly approaching

May 23, 2016



Most young people think they will never get out of school. And then, all of sudden, so it seems, it is here. That day that seemed so far in the future will soon become a distant past in life. And believe me, my mother was right when she said, "The older you get - the faster time goes by." I didn't believe her then, but I sure do now!

I was reading this week some thoughts regarding high school seniors. One thought expressed it this way, "It never occurs to a senior boy that he will some day be as dumb as his father."

Or -- how about?

It was graduation day, and a mother trying to take a picture of her son in his cap and gown posed with his father.

"Let's try to make this look natural," she said. "Billy, put your arm around your dad's shoulder."

The father answered, "If you want it to look natural, why not have him put his hand in my pocket?"

It is probably the most emotional and pivotal occasion in a person's life. A wedding? Sure, the tears flow. But often the couple keep the same address and the same jobs.

No, I mean a high school graduation. Here you get tears, fears, and joy, all wrapped up in one week-long celebration.

All over the country, young men and women, technically still high schoolers, are donning cap and gown, and by the time they take them off, they're young adults, heading on to summer or full-time jobs, checkbooks and loans, college and careers.

Their commencement speeches are filled with obvious glee that they survived the most emotional four years of their lives. They are also filled with words like "scared." They've grown mature enough to understand the next years of their lives are going to be mighty different. And in most cases, the graduates will be facing life without parents waking them if the alarm doesn't go off and without friends they've shared many or all of their grade school, middle school, junior high, and high school years.

If these graduates have their way, years from now they'll be the architects and artists, beauticians and businesspersons, carpenters and computer scientists, educators and engineers, interior designers and journalists, mathematicians and nurses, physicians and psychologists.

Some will be heading into the military to protect our freedoms. Another small group is "undecided."

That word "dream" comes up often during the graduation ceremony. It is a time to dream dreams -- step out toward your life goals -- see the world in a whole new way -- and chart your course on the sea of life.

No one asked me to address this year's graduates, but if I could, my message would be simple.

No matter the distance, hold tight to your parents, sisters and brothers, and all of your family. Remember who ran up to the school with the homework you forgot at home.

Keep in touch with your other greatest supporters -- your friends -- if even by E-mail. Hold to your ideals. And don't ever let anyone tell you it can't be done!

There are too many people who never ventured out in life to take that trip they never dreamed was possible. But when they did -- they were never the same when they returned home because a whole new world was opened to them.

Above all -- keep your faith in God and in others at the forefront of your life. Sure, people will disappoint you, but that is part of life. You will learn to discover those that you can really trust.

If you have a dream -- go for it! You will be glad you did.

Old friend Robert said, "That diploma you hold in your hands today is really just your learner’s permit for the rest of the drive through life. Remember, you don’t have to be smarter than the next person, all you have to do is be willing to work harder than the next person."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Something to remember

May 16, 2016



America said goodbye to Nancy Reagan recently, and we remember her as a great First Lady. It was no secret she was forever in love with her "Ronnie." That was one thing more people talked about at her funeral service than anything else.

Nancy stood by his side as a Hollywood star and leader of the Western World. But she was always there through his long, ten-year goodbye with Alzheimer's.

I certainly am familiar with this dreadful disease as my dad had it several years before he passed away 14 years ago. This past May 8, my dad would have been 100.

As Ronald Reagan's memory began to fade through the ravages of Alzheimer's, his Nancy wanted to make sure that he could still maintain the dignity of going to his office at Century City. And so several times a week he would get all dressed up and he would go to the office. Even though as time went by there wasn't a whole lot that he could do there.

But there is one thing that a lot of people didn't know.

It is reported how visitors would come to visit Mr. Reagan. And, of course, they would ask him about when he was governor of California, when he was a movie star, when he was President. But slowly, the conversations about the past became more and more frustrating, because Alzheimer's began to erase various memories. He finally reached a point where he didn't remember anything.

And finally, he could no longer remember even the great accomplishments as President of the United States. Amazingly, though, there was one memory that remained almost to the end.

The memory actually explained a picture on his wall. People would go, "Now, what's the picture of that river over there, Mr. Reagan?" groping for some conversation that could have some traction. And he'd smile and he would say, "Oh, wait! That's the Rock River in Illinois. That's where I was a lifeguard." Then came the recollection. He said, "That's where I saved 77 lives!"

Which caused me to think. Perhaps, when it is all said and done, maybe our greatest achievement in life ought to be how we helped others -- maybe even to save their life.

Old friend Robert said, "There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of others."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Bringing home vacation souvenirs

April 19, 2016



Since I have been to India 15 times -- I have returned home with plenty of things from that country. I recently saw this story which caught my eye.

An American woman was detained at the Oakland Airport when she attempted to return from an exotic Indian vacation without any souvenirs.

“I went to Jaipur on business,” protested the woman. “I checked into a hotel, had my meeting and left.”

I've returned from India with hand-carved elephants, leather goods, hand-painted brass, peacock feathers, etc.

Anyway - there are a couple of things that have always disturbed me regarding souvenirs.

As you are reading this - you are either a collector or you know someone who has collected these items.

One is a state silver spoon. You walk into someone's house and there they are - displayed on the wall in a wooden container.

Those silver spoons have no purpose. You will never use them to eat food. Even if you did -- you would only get a bird's helping.

One of the other souvenirs are the state plates that people buy. Same thing -- you will never use them -- they wouldn't hold enough food to feed a rat -- and they are simply worthless.

For my money -- buy a mug. It can show what state you visited - what amusement park you went to - what restaurant you ate at - what museum you toured. Doesn't that make more sense? You can use your mug at any time. It doesn't fade - it doesn't lose it's size -- and it will last a lifetime unless you break it.

As an example -- I made a brief tour in one of my kitchen cabinets and I found mugs from the Carlsbad Caverns, Roaring River Restaurant in Cassville, Missouri, a mug with the flag of India, an IHOP mug (No I didn't steal it), Blue Bell Ice Cream mug, a "Yeah Man!" cup from Jamaica, a cup that reads, "You're the bestest Daddy!" a cup from Kawai, Hawaii, a cup from The Alamo, a D.A.R.E. mug from Wisconsin, a mug from the Excalibur in Las Vegas, and a beautiful cup from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

These are just a few of over 150 mugs that I have collected over the years. Many are in boxes, but I can get them out at any time to serve a lot of people.

Spoons and plates -- naw! Give me a mug any day. You know - it just dawned on me -- I have been around the world and in 36 states -- but I don't have a Pearland mug. I need to do some hunting around to see if I can find one.

Old friend Robert said, "I wonder if Chinese tourists get angry when they buy a souvenir from America just to find out it was made in China?"

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

There is nothing to fear

April 11, 2016



There was a time in American history that the American people were living in fear. They weren't afraid of an enemy invading our country. The fact is, the invasion was from within. Fear of poverty. Fear of disease. Fear of death. Fear of failure. And what a variety of fears there are today. There have been some 500 various forms of phobias, that is, things that bring dread or terror into our lives identified. Some of the top fears are:

  • Glossophobia: the fear of pubic speaking.
  • Acrophobia: the fear of heights.
  • Aerophobia: the fear of flying.
  • Claustrophobia: the fear of confined spaces.
  • Agoraphobia: the fear of open spaces.
  • Brontophobia: the fear of thunder/lightening.
  • Necrophobia: the fear of death.
  • Howard Hughes was so afraid of germs that he used four boxes of tissue paper everyday, wiping off everything he touched.
  • Evil Knieval, the dare devil stuntman was afraid of airplanes.
  • Augustus Caesar was afraid to sit in the dark.

We all face the fear of failure. It is part of our nature. Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation with these words, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself."

I would suggest that we need to make a friend of our fear. Many books written on the subject of fear are nothing more than delightful little treaties on how to get rid of fear, or how to master or conquer our fear.

What most people haven't figured out is that fear is not our enemy, an evil and harmful emotion to be completely driven out.

Fear is an elemental emotion, a part of our native equipment, God-given; therefore, like any other normal emotion, it has a constructive, essential purpose. Our real problem is not how to get rid of it, but how to use it to our advantage.

The animals are aware of its purpose. There is no animal without fear. For some, like the deer and the rabbit, fear is the sole weapon of defense; it is not an enemy, but an ally. Startle a rabbit and what happens? The sense of impending danger starts a nervous reaction which, quicker than you can say, "rabbit," shoots a powerful stimulant from his glands into his running apparatus, and he is gone with the wind...gone with the speed he could never manage without the stimulus of fear. Same with a deer.

Or, as someone has said of the emotional reactions of certain people, "If you don't tell them enough they go fishing; if you tell them too much they go crazy."

Old friend Robert said, "Faith is believing a thing is so, even though it is not so, in order for it to be so."

In short, fear should be the stimulus to build your faith.

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

"Going the second mile"

April 5, 2016



The phase “going the second mile” has found its way into our modern jargon. It has its roots in first-century Palestine. The Romans had conquered much of the known world. One of the marvels of their conquest was a vast system of super highways which they had built to and from their conquered territories. There were over 50,000 miles of these Roman roads throughout the empire. At each mile was a stone marker.

The New Oxford English Dictionary calls them “guide stones.” These guide stones pointed direction, determined distance, warned of dangers and each one of them had the miles to Rome etched upon them. Hence the phrase, “all roads lead to Rome.”

By Roman law a Roman citizen could compel a subject from one of the conquered lands to carry his backpack, or load, for him for one mile, but one mile only.

  • Guide Stone #1 - The mandated mile – motivated by law

The first mile is always the hardest. Ask the distance runner for example. But if it were not for the first mile, there would be no possibility of the second mile. We live in a world where many do not even make it to the first mile marker. That is, they do not even do what is required of them at the office, at home, at church, at school, or wherever. The first mile is vitally important. It is what makes us function. It is that which is required of us.

  • Guide Stone #2 – the miracle mile – motivated by love

This mile is motivated by love and respect. What is it that separates some from others in the world of athletics? The second mile, doing what is required and then some. What separates some from others in the arts or in education or wherever? It is this principal of the second mile.

You may be required to carry someone's load the first mile. You have the right to stop. But the true act of love for others is going the extra mile when you don't have to. Why not try it? The one you help will be grateful and you will have joy in your heart that the world can't give.

My friend Ralph Parrish is in the hospital fighting for his health. Look through the paper his week and you will see you have the opportunity to go the second mile to help him and his family with unexpected medical costs. Would you allow love to motivate you to be a blessing to him in his time of need? He has been faithful to our young people for many years -- now it is our turn to be faithful to him as a friend. You can donate to www.gofundme.com in the name of Ralph Parrish. Or you can buy a plate of BBQ for you and your family for only $10 each on Friday, April 8 between 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on the Visitor's Side of The Rig.

Old friend Robert said, ""Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything"

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

A gift to share all year round

March 21, 2016



One of the "Happy Days" episodes that I will always remember was when the Fonz made a mistake and was faced with having to say he was sorry to Richie. Each time he would build up his courage to say he was "wrong" -- but as he got ready to say the word his mouth wouldn't allow him to formulate the word -- no matter how hard he tried.

The reason why was that the Fonz was never "wrong" - or so he thought. He did his best to say "wrooooooooogggggg" -- but it never would come out clearly.

The fact is - we all make mistakes and to those we have offended -- we need to seek their forgiveness. When I get myself straightened out - then maybe I will be qualified to help someone else.

I believe I have lived long enough to be qualified to say the following.

Because we all fail at times in life -- I believe it should be our posture in life to be willing to forgive before we condemn. I agree that those in the limelight have a little more responsibility as to their actions, but we all fail no matter the size of our audience.

As we just celebrated Easter, it seems that we live in a world where forgiveness is not a high priority in life.

Mark Twain once said, "Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."

I have found that 'forgiveness' is a word that applies to me in seeking and granting it. There are times that I have to seek the forgiveness of those I have offended. At other times, I must grant forgiveness to those who request it from me. Pity the person who does neither; who thinks they have wronged no one or are above righting a wrong they may have created.

As we celebrated Easter, shouldn't we be reminded of those eternal words spoken in love from the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Those words still echo across the heavenly skies and down to the valley of despair.

Old friend Robert said, "Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

The longer I live...the sweeter life grows

March 21, 2016



Ah, sunset! It must be one of the favorite times of the day for photographers and for couples going for a romantic walk. Actually, for just about all of us. I've had the privilege to see the sun sinking beautifully into the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, over many of America's majestic mountain ranges, those flaming desert sunsets, and even from many parts of this world. It just doesn't matter where you are on this planet, sunset is just plain beautiful.

Beautiful sunrises! But sooner than any of us can comprehend, life's sun has moved across the sky to the West, and it starts to set.

Sunsets should be beautiful, right? Sadly, for many people who are beginning to see the sun of their life move slowly but surely toward sunset, their sunset isn't very beautiful. In the years when you have so much to give, when every day should count more than ever, too many of us actually become uglier as we get older.

I am of the opinion that the older we get -- the sweeter we ought to become.

Oh, we've all seen it - the older person who is often complaining, self-pitying, demanding. Honestly, it's not very pretty. The older some of us get, the more we can - if we let ourselves - become people who are bitter, picky, mean-spirited. That's the word that describes some folks as their sun moves toward sunset. And self-absorption? That's ugly at any age!

Yes, our latter years can have their share of physical pain, disappointed dreams, financial strain, grievous losses, frustrating limitations, and even hurtful neglect. We can't choose our circumstances, but we can, whatever our age, choose our attitude. We can choose what kind of climate we're going to bring with us wherever we are: selfish or unselfish, gentle or harsh, praising or griping, critical or encouraging.

I recently read, "I have upheld you since you were conceived, and have carried you since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

I believe that the older you get -- the sweeter you ought to get.

That's why you can say no to the darkness of the sunset years. That's why your sunset can be what a sunset ought to be - unforgettably beautiful.

Old friend Robert said, "There is no outward circumstance that can affect my inward surrender to God."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Instant Replay...

March 14, 2016



It seems that Instant Replay has now become the norm instead of the exception. I remember when the discussion of using Instant Replay in the NFL was the main subject of conversation in 2002. Now, we have it for so many sports and the outcome of a play or game now rests with Instant Replay. Speaking of Instant Replay.

If you had a chance to change (replay) some things that you did in 2015 -- what would you change?

Perhaps you made some new year's resolutions. How is that going for you in March?

Here are a few resolutions that you might consider:

Be more patient.

It seems that we can all look back and see how we could have been a little more patient - whether it is regarding a person or various circumstances that we face. How easy it is to be impatient at the store, in traffic, or in our daily activities in life. I am always amazed at how people get flustered. Those who get ticked because the waiter/waitress doesn't immediately take their order when an eatery is busy. Those who huff and puff when the lines are too long at Wal-Mart, Kroger's, or Randall's or wherever you choose to shop. I included the "wherever" since some might get bent out of shape that I didn't mention your particular shopping venue.

Be more forgiving.

We know we should and we know it is right, but there are a lot of people carrying a heavy load of revenge around their neck. Bitterness and resentment is not healthy -- nor is it right. Yet -- it seems that so many live with an "I'll get even with you" kind of attitude. One thing I have come to realize is that when you forgive, you not only set someone free, but you yourself are set free. It is like paying off a debt. You no longer owe anything.

Be more giving.

When you forgive -- I believe that the natural response is to then give. In life - there are the "givers" and the "takers." I can tell you that giving is a lot more fun and it isn't limited to just Christmas. I have met the takers in life and they are no fun to be around. They have very few friends because once they have taken all that you have to give -- they move on to someone else to fleece them.

Recently, someone sent me the following sayings that I wanted to pass on to you.

  • The best way to get even is to forget.
  • Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.
  • Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in five days, then perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea!
  • Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up.
  • Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways.

 

Old friend Robert said, "A skeptic is a person who, when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

"If the creek don't rise!"

March 8, 2016



One of the great historic shrines in our country is the Alamo. But you don't have to be a Texan to be proud of what happened there.

In 1836, the Mexican General Santa Ana, led 4,000 troops against the Alamo. The Alamo was defended by 200 Texans. Although they were outnumbered 20-to-1 -- the Texans held out for 13 days. In the end, not a man in the Alamo remained alive.

Several years ago -- an oil-rich Sheik tried to buy the Alamo. It seemed he wanted to give it to his son for a wedding present. The Sheik was informed that the Alamo was not for sale - not for any price.

You know - some things should not be for sale. In fact - every one of us should have something that is not for sale. Like -- integrity, character, and honesty.

When I was growing up -- there used to be an expression - "If the creek don't rise." That was a mild type of commitment.

But the phrase "If the creek don't rise" was related more to the commitments we were willing to make in life.

In other words -- I'll do a certain thing "If the creek don't rise."

I found out early in life not to count on people who are not willing to make a more meaningful commitment than this.

For creeks do rise -- you can count on it!

In order for life to be meaningful -- we are to honor our commitments.

The Texans at the Alamo made a life commitment. They took their stand despite the odds and the outcome. They were willing to stand together regardless of what the creek did.

The above words certainly apply to all who have been on a journey for a long time.

You can't buy integrity, character, and honesty. Those three words can be greatly tested when we are facing a rising creek. In the end -- it is commitment that will either win out or be compromised. And above all - our integrity, character, and honesty should never have a price tag!

Old friend Robert said, "“I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.”

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

Versatile Expressions

February 29, 2016



As I get older, I am realizing that the language of our society is drastically changing. I find myself saying something to my kids who are in their 30's and 20's and they will say, "Where did that come from?"

I thought I would sit down and think about some of the things we used to say. Perhaps you will remember a few of them that will bring back some memories.

First, there were some short phrases that explain themselves.

Happiness is expressed by short phrases, "Boy howdy!" "Sakes alive!" and, "Well, as I live and breathe!"

Surprise is also expressed by single words and brief phrases like, "Whoopee!" "Yowee!" "Yipes!" "Gee whiz!" "Holy moley!" and "Yippee!"

I guess most of those came out of watching old western shows like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger among some.

The American language contains words that don't have to be explained to Americans, but can baffle anyone who speaks only a foreign language.

These include "Jeepers Creepers!" "Well for land's sakes!" "Leaping lizards!" "Man alive!" "Mercy me!" and "You ain't just whistling Dixie!"

There are old-time American words and phrases that use to be common, but are seldom heard in today's lingo like "Blow me down!" (Which was popular in Popeye cartoons) "Oh brother!" "That's swell!" (heard often in Happy Days with Richie and the Fonz) "Well, I do declare!" and "Lawsy, me!"

In the so called "old" days, there was just as much exasperation as there is now and there are words to express it. Most of the words you hear today are not printable. I like the old ones such as "Drat!" "Fiddle dee-dee!" "What the Sam Hill!" "Fiddle sticks!" "Oh good grief!" "Tarnation!" and "If that don't beat all!"

I remember that Pat Brady of the Roy Rogers Show used to say, "Gee Whilikers!"

I recently have been watching the old Superman episodes and Mr. White, the editor of the Daily Planet newspaper in Metropolis was known by "Great Caesar's Ghost!"

Of course there are phrases when you hear good or bad news such as "Oh dear me!" "Hallelujah!" "Great Scott!" "For goodness sakes!" "For crying out loud!" "Holy Mackerel!" "Holy Smokes!" "Gracious alive!" and "Man, oh man!"

There are other phrases that have been passed on from generation to generation such as "Hot Diggity Dog!" "Golly!" "Golly Gee"! "Good Golly, Miss Molly!" (Song made famous by Little Richard) "Rats!" "My oh my!" "Lordy lordy!" and "Shucks!"

Didn't realize there were so many phrases in the past and present that you can hear people express. Maybe more next week!

Old friend Robert said, "One phrase that is still heard by many is "That's what I'm talking about!" Well - It is!"

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk... by Dr. David Davis

All them new things

February 16, 2016



The past 45 days have been amazing around the Davis Clan.

I entered the next faze of my life nine years ago when my grandtwins entered the world via oldest daughter and her husband. They were born on September 25, 2006.

Actually, I came close to missing them altogether when I got Bacterial Meningitis and wasn't given a 20 percent chance to walk out of St. Luke's Hospital.

But 12 days later I miraculously walked out and shortly afterward my daughter revealed on Mother's Day that two precious miracles were coming our way.

Then Cooper and Kayla were born after only 25 weeks at 2.4 lbs. each. Another miracle as today, nine years later, they are both healthy and normal bundles of energy.

On December 29, 2015, my youngest son and his wife welcomed Graham William Davis into the world.

On February 1, 2016, my oldest daughter and her husband added No. 3 to their home in the form of Abigail Grace Dickens.

Currently, the two new ones spend most of their time eating and sleeping while occasionally crying so they can eat and go back to sleep.

I've had the joy of holding both during the sleeping part and then giving them up when it is time to let them eat or change the diaper. I've done my time after four of my own children.

I've learned that my job is to feed the twins full of sugar and then turn them back in to mom and dad.

As I was holding little Graham the other night, I began to think about how lucky he is.

He will get to experience all them new things.

He's never climbed a tree, waded in a water puddle, run through the yard, felt the wind in his face, or ridden a bicycle. ALL THEM NEW THINGS!

Even my grandtwins are getting to do all those new things with Pops like going to the Monster Jam at NRG Stadium.

I've decided the next time the twins come to my house when it is raining -- we are going to go outside and run through the rain. I want them to remember the day Pops took them outside to get soak and wet in the rain.

Mercy -- we aren't so sweet we are going to melt!

Pops has a magic drawer at his house that the twins always have to open when they come over. Lots of goodies in the drawer just for them.

Now Graham and Abby will someday get to experience the magic drawer. ALL THEM NEW THINGS!

As I get older, I never want to let the excitement of life pass me by. I still want to experience ALL THEM NEW THINGS! Won't you join me! Life is too short to waste!

Old friend Robert said, "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk...by Dr. David Davis

Still remembered phrases

January 18, 2016



As I get older, I am still amazed that there are certain phrases that have lasted well over half-a-century. I guess that tells you I am at least that old and more. But I'm sure this present generation of young folks may find some of these phrases new to their ears.

As I was thinking about past phrases, I thought you might remember some of these:

"He's got ants in his pants." This a phrase that me grade school teaches used a lot with my parents when they came up to school for Open House. My folks dreaded going to the school because they knew (and I knew) the teacher was going to call them aside and say, "Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Could I have a word with you about David?"

"He got up on the wrong side of the bed." Anybody who was grouchy at any time during the day was said to have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.

"You ain't just whistling Dixie." This was the highest compliment a man could get after he said something that everyone agreed with. However, nobody knew how this came to be used in this manner.

"What he says goes in one ear and out the other." People said this in all kinds of situations, when somebody kept saying something they disagreed with, or when pompous speakers went on and on, but said little.

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." This was advice given by mothers to their daughters in the old days. There was truth in the saying. Single girls who prepared delicious meals for church suppers usually had plenty of interest from the boys.

"The grass always looks greener on the other side," This was advice to young men that distant opportunities looked better, but they might not be. Grass in the distance does look greener.

Old friend Robert said, "Sometimes we can't win for losing. At other times things are as easy as falling off a log and life is a piece of cake. Thought I would recall a few of the old sayings."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk...by Dr. David Davis

People say the funniest things

January 5, 2016



I have always found reading quotes of various people can be quite humorous. Some people have an unusual insight -- especially as it pertains to every day life. I recently came across an article that had various quotes that I found humorous and there was much truth in their expressions.

  • Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.' Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter)
  • Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. - Mark Twain
  • The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible - George Burns
  • Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - Victor Borge
  • Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain
  • By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates
  • I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. - Groucho Marx
  • My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. - Jimmy Durante
  • I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back. - Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. - Rodney Dangerfield
  • Money can't buy you happiness ... But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan
  • I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. - Bob Hope
  • I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.. - W. C. Fields
  • We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers
  • Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you. - Winston Churchill
  • Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty .. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.. - Phyllis Diller

Old friend Robert said, "By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere."

www.reporternewssports.com



From the Cluttered Desk...by Dr. David Davis

People say the funniest things

January 5, 2016



I have always found reading quotes of various people can be quite humorous. Some people have an unusual insight -- especially as it pertains to every day life. I recently came across an article that had various quotes that I found humorous and there was much truth in their expressions.

  • Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.' Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter)
  • Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. - Mark Twain
  • The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible - George Burns
  • Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - Victor Borge
  • Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain
  • By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates
  • I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. - Groucho Marx
  • My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. - Jimmy Durante
  • I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back. - Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. - Rodney Dangerfield
  • Money can't buy you happiness ... But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan
  • I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. - Bob Hope
  • I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.. - W. C. Fields
  • We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers
  • Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you. - Winston Churchill
  • Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty .. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.. - Phyllis Diller

Old friend Robert said, "By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere."

www.reporternewssports.com

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