It's a snowy winter's night and there's a basketball in the street
This is a story about my wife, one of her distant relatives and a basketball that found its way home.
It began on the night of Jan. 21 at the U.S. Cellular Arena where the Milwaukee Hoopfest 2008 was being held to honor Martin Luther King Jr's birthday and his dream of racial harmony. Whitefish Bay Dominican had just finished beating village rival Bay in the final game of the evening and after some fine interviews with the likes of Dominican's Paul Wollersheim and Kwamain Mitchell and Bay's Dave Shaw I trudged out to my car parked next to Major Goolsby's and was pleased to see I would have a clear line into traffic on this snowy night as no cars were parked in front of or behind me.
Brookfield Central, Tosa East fans disappoint
On back-to-back nights last week, I saw something that really disappointed me. And it had nothing to do with what happened on the basketball court.
Before I say anything, I want to say on the record that I think the Brookfield Central and Wauwatosa East basketball fans are among the best fans that I have had the chance to watch the past six years. Their outfits are creative and their enthusiasm is contagious. Maybe that's why I was disappointed, because the Lancer and Red Raider fans have set high standards in my eyes.
Hate at First Sight
We hated each other at first sight.
The gymnasium at Franklin’s Forest Park Middle School and I, that is.
-999 Degrees
Before I go shovel my car out of the parking lot, I thought I'd post a quick photo I made this afternoon. While driving down Moorland Road in New Berlin yesterday, I noticed the MidAmerica Bank sign was experiencing some problems. I thought to myself this morning, Why not go back today and make a picture? I crossed my fingers the sign hadn't yet been fixed. Afterall, you must be crazy to work on a day like today ...
It only took me twice as long to drive to the sign, but the irony of the entire situation is quite photo-worthy. This just may be the worst snow storm I've ever experienced.
School Resource Officer
If you are the parent of a child in any of Wauwatosa's secondary schools you most likely received a notice regarding a survey being conducted as it relates to the School Resource Officer program. Officer Douglas Braun, the City's first SRO, has been receiving several questions about the program and as such has asked me to post some information to better inform the public regarding the School Resource Officer.
School Resource Officer Program
No Flashing Allowed
Confession — I finally used my flash.
Waaaiitt ... NOT SO
FAST! I may have used my flash, but I never turned it on.
Deep Breath
Swimmers have to accept a certain inalienable truth: They're going to be photographed with their mouths open.
I spent a few hours this past weekend at the Greater Metro/Classic 8 Conference Meet, held at Waukesha South High School. The lighting was great. The staff members were helpful. And the heat sheets were correct ... for the most part. Kudos to WSHS for putting on an extremely "media friendly" event.
All-Americans to visit busy Homestead Fieldhouse
In realistic terms, the use of the Homestead High School Fieldhouse for practice by the McDonald's All-American prep basketball players starting March 23, will be just another day in the life for the ultra-busy eight-year old facility which came into being as part of a referendum package passed in 1999.
Consider this recent slate of events cobbled together by Homestead Activities and Athletics Director Charlie Gross:
Yes, Virginia, the Woodland Conference boys hoops race will go down to the wire
Earlier this season, New Berlin Eisenhower boys basketball coach Dave Scheidegger said that he wouldn't be surprised if the Woodland Conference North race went down to the very last day, the very last game, the very last minute and second.
Well, maybe he didn't carry the allusion that far but everyone who has followed the mad clamber to the top of the Woodland knows that it's true. It has at times resembled more closely a glorified "Three Stooges" routine where Moe, Larry and Curly keep tripping each other up on the way to the succulent cherry pie sitting on the kitchen table (only with fewer eye pokes and sadly without any "nyuk, nyuk, nyuks").
Share of GMC title on the line on Valentine's Day
When Sussex Hamilton's sensational sophomore guard Kameron Cerroni (I can't write his name without sensational sophomore in front of it) drained a 3-point shot at the buzzer last Friday to beat Bookfield Central, it took some of the drama out of the Lancers game with Wauwatosa East Thursday night.
Some of the drama.
What Are Your Numbers?
When discussing heart health, it is always suggested that people "know their numbers". What exactly does this mean?
Research has repeatedly shown that both high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol are contributing factors to heart disease. Yet millions of people have no clue as to what their "numbers" are and whether or not they fit into the recommended guidelines. High blood pressure isn't called "the silent killer" for nothing. Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure because, typically, there are no symptoms. All the more reason to have periodic screenings to check your numbers and know if you are at risk for heart disease, oftentimes a disease with preventable risk factors.
Skins & Scales on Saturday Feb. 23rd!
The Friends of the Brown Deer Library present the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center's program "Skins and Scales" on Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM. Live reptiles and amphibians will help you enjoy an interactive presentation that focuses on the world of snakes, turtles, and lizards. Artifacts and live animals are used in this presentation for all ages. Join Schlitz Audubon Naturalist, Jackie Keltner, as we discover the many interesting facts of our skin and scaly friends. If you dare, you may pick up an animal! The program is free and open to the public.
6th Annual "Pancakes with Mom" to benefit the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers
Mothers day is not too far over the horizon and the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers with help from the Wauwatosa Police Department and the Wauwatosa Police Reserves will be hosting the 6th Annual "Pancakes with Mom". The event will once again be held on Mother's Day, Sunday May 11, 2008 at the Muellner Building located at Hart Park. Ticket prices remain the same at $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. More details about the event will follow as the date gets closer.
As you know by now the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers pays rewards of up to $1,000.00 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest for crimes committed in Wauwatosa. The pancake breakfast is the Crime Stoppers main event to fund the pay outs. The Crime Stoppers are seeking support in many ways to make the pancake breakfast a success. Already onboard for this years breakfast are Wauwatosa Savings Bank, Landmark Credit Union, C&G Printing and Promotions, The Little Read Book and Firefly Candles.
It's no wild coyote ...
Although I'm no veteran of the business, one thing I've come to realize through experience is this: People in a creative profession need at least one day per week where they don't have to be creative.
Last week, I worked all seven days, but at the end of the week, I barely had a photo I was proud to call mine. So when Sunday hit, I put down my camera. I left it sit, safe and sound, on my living room floor. It was time to relax. Bye bye camera ...
GPS's The New Target
Those really cool GPS devices that many people are using have become the new target for bad guys. Unlike most thefts from vehicles when the bad guys only target unlocked vehicles, they are going that extra step and forcing entry to the vehicles to get to the GPS. Victims are not only losing these expensive electronic devices but are also suffering several hundred dollars in damage to the vehicle as the bad guys break windows, windshields and/or door locks.
Catch the Reading Bug! (this summer)
Believe me, there will come a time when the grass will be green again. birds will sing, and flowers will bloom. that time is called "Not Winter" in Wisconsin, otherwise known as Spring and Summer. This Summer the theme for the 2008 Summer Reading Program for children is "Catch The Reading Bug!" Various programs and performers will be scheduled from June 16-August 9. Children 12 years and younger will be able to earn valuable coupons for various attractions in the Milwaukee Metro area. The schedule of programs and events will be available at the Library in late May.
Ugly ending in Lancers win over Milwaukee Pulaski
It's been a while since my last blog because I caught pneumonia, was hospitalized because my heart went into atrial fibrillation which caused heart failure. But I'm on medication and back in action just in time for the best time of the high school basketball season.
Walking on Wheels
Go ahead. Tell THESE guys roller skating isn't a sport. I dare you.
When I was a kid, we spent our Saturday afternoons skating in circles to the music of Bryan Adams and Cyndi Lauper. "The Oldies," we called it.
Greendale Public Library Hosts Greendale Public Schools Visual Art Display
The Greendale Public Schools will be celebrating “March—Youth Art Month” with an Art Display at the Greendale Public Library, 5647 Broad Street. The visual art may be viewed from March 1st through March 31st during regular library hours. Refreshments will be available for the public on Monday, March 3rd. The display will feature student art from each of the public schools.We invite you and your family to enjoy this display.
