Borderline Challenge

When JaMarcus Ellis’s three-point attempt clanked high off the rim Wednesday, officially giving Wisconsin a two-point victory over the Hoosiers, echoes of distant laughter could be heard.

Those chuckles came from the heart of University of Illinois campus. For it was not only a BANKED three-point shot that stabbed Indiana University, it was the NCAA findings that Kelvin Sampson and his staff not only made impermissable recruiting calls at IU (while on probation for his tactics at Oklahoma), but lied to the University and NCAA during the investigation.

All this comes on the heels of IU’s, not U of I’s, Eric Gordon BANKING a three-pointer to send their game into overtime last week. So, with Illinois’ feeling that Sampson ripped Gordon from Bruce Webber’s grip, and IU’s dark cloud of violation conspiracy, the Fighting Illini faithful are basking in Hoosierville’s tears.

It is the arrogance of the New England Patriots - the team and especially their fans - that has inspired me to write this blog. I’m not writing it because the Giants won, I’m writing it because the Patriots lost.

 The sense of entitlement the Patriots - their coach, their quarterback and their fans - have had since 2002 is sickening. Their dynasty - as so many like to put it - isn’t what bothers me, it is the fans’ feeling that no other team in league exists. That attitude makes me want to puke. Prior to 2002, aside from a 1985 fluke when they got drilled by the Bears and a similar result to 1997 and the Packers, the Patriots were the doormat of the league.

 So, Patriots fans, I hope this loss, along with the resurfacing of the spygate scandal, stings. And I hope you lost sleep, replaying in your mind how the game might have gone differently.

Hello, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. But, I’m back.

I just found out Tom Petty will be at Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville July 3. I’ll be there.  Tom Petty is by far my favorite musician. So many songs of his put me in a good mood. Free Falling is a great example. Here is the video.

“Virginia,” who is in her 70s, called with a story tip. As we all try to get into the holiday spirit, the story Virginia wanted to share is a good one.

Before we get to the story, here is some information about Virginia … She gets around well for her age. She drives well. She sees well. She hears well.

Virginia talks well, too, as her voice sounds like she could be in her 50s. 

Here is her story … Virginia had taken her car to her favorite auto mechanic for a routine winterized tuneup. She was a regular at a shop in Westfield, Ind.

When a shop manager came back with his initial report, he indicated it was time for her to get a new battery. The manager described why she needed a new battery. Not being an auto mechanic herself, she didn’t fully understand the reasoning, but she took his word for it because it was a place she trusted. After all, that manager could have very well feasted on some of the doughnuts she brought in for the crew that Thanksgiving-eve morning.

Virginia indicated to me she was neither destitute, nor made of a lot of money. She informed the manager now wasn’t the time for her to fork over funds for a battery. Her reasoning - she didn’t drive all that much and she knew enough people in her hometown Noblesville to pick her up if her car battery failed her to the point of her being stranded. The manager said very well and continued with the tuneup.

 Virginia knitted as time passed during her wait for the car to be ready. The manager came back and informed her that her tuneup was complete - with the new battery. Stunned, she asked how. “From a Secret Santa,” the manager informed her.

Virginia was floored by the act of kindness. Drawn to tears, even. She suspected it was another customer who had overheard her previous conversation with the manager, but she wasn’t sure and the manager wouldn’t tell. It was later confirmed, however, it was indeed the other customer. He was from Westfield.

Because of this act, Virginia, decided it was time to pass on a good deed.

In the past, she had donated her fair share of food, clothing and money to charitable organizations but that had slowed down the past few years.

Not this year.

Virginia e-mailed her story to friends and family encouraging them to give this holiday season. That is what she intends to do, too. Virginia said she plans to donate to Red Cross this year, and she hopes the thoughtfulness of ‘Secret Santa’ motivates others to do the same.

So, let us all allow this holiday season be one of giving, not just receiving.