From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

One never forgets a close call

March 9, 2010

It was on March 4, 2006 that I was struck with Bacterial Meningitis, was taken by ambulance to St. Luke's Hospital, and within four hours, my family was told I had only a 20 percent chance to survive the night as my kidney's had stopped functioning and my blood pressure had dropped to zero.

But it was that night that an Indian doctor walked into the ER with my diagnosis, inserted a Central Line into my heart to flood my body with antibiotics, and became the man who was used by God to literally save my life.

I was in a coma on life-support for five days. I woke up on March 8 realizing that I had come as close as one can get to leaving those that I loved with all of my heart.

A few months later I would learn that my oldest daughter, LeJoy, and her husband, Larry were going to present us with not one, but two precious grandtwins. However, they would have their own struggles at first after being born 26 weeks early at 2.4 lbs each.

Four years later - all are happy and healthy. I am indebted to those at St. Luke's who stepped into my life at a most crucial time.

The Davis and Dicken's clan are thankful for nurses and doctors at Texas Children's Hospital for caring for Cooper and Kayla.

As I pause to remember the above -- I learned last week of another family who will always be indebted to someone at Dawson High School.

Dawson athletic trainer Chris Shaddock stepped in the shadow of death last week to revive a young student-athlete who collapsed on the field. This young man's heart stopped beating and Shaddock immediately went to work to resuscitate him and to use an automated external defibrillator to jump start his heart and to save his life. He is now on his way to a full recovery.

And one should never forget the power of prayer as God intervenes at the most crucial times of our lives -- and yes - on the public school grounds - regardless of whether the Supreme Court says that prayer is legal or not.

Pearland ISD has some of the best trained athletic trainers to be found anywhere. Shaddock and his partner, Lindsey Thomas, have proven time and time again that they are qualified to take care of our student-athletes at DHS.

At Pearland High School, Chad Jones and Jill Flowers are also two of the finest athletic trainers that can be found anywhere.

I also know that the athletic trainers at Friendswood High School - Megan Duncan, Jonathan Utsey, and Cody Wade provide excellent care for their student-athletes.

Just as I will never forget those at St. Luke's who took care of me -- there is one student-athlete and his family at Dawson High School who will forever be indebted to Chris Shaddock and his quick reaction to pull a young life out of the grip of death back to his loved ones and friends.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

The world of useless information

March 2, 2010

Never in our world's history are we as connected by technology as we are today. You can't walk in a store, drive down the street, go to a movie, attend a sporting event, etc. without seeing people either talking on their cell phone or texting to someone.
     As I travel around the area -- I am seeing more and more signs that say, "We will be glad to help you when you are finished texting or finished with your phone conversation."
     Recently, I came across an organization called The Useless Information Society which was formed by some of Britain's best-loved journalists, writers, and entertainers. They meet regularly to swap new nuggets of trivia.
     They now have eight books published with collections of their absorbing, hilarious, and wholly useless facts.
     So - since so many people are hungry to communicate with others -- I thought this might be a good time to share some useless information with you. In fact - I think we will start posting at least three or four each day on our website at: www.reporternewssports.com so you can have something to consider regarding things in life.
     Now sit back and read a few of these informing tid bits of useless information.

• •  52 percent of American drink coffee.
• •  If the population of China walked past you in a single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
• •  The Bible is the number-one book to be shoplifted in America. (Thou shalt not steal?)
• •  The longest Monopoly game ever played was 1,680 hours long - that's 70 straight days.
• •  The average US adult male is 5 feet, 9.1 inches tall, but 3.9 percent of US men are 6 foot 2 inches or taller.
• •  The only two days of the year in which there are no pro sports games in the USA (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League All-Star game.
• •  You share your birthday with at least 9 million other people in the world.
• •  There are 1 million ants for every person in the world.
• •  On average, there are 178 sesame seeds on each McDonald's Big Mac bun.
• •  If you played all of The Beatles' singles and albums that came out between 1962 and 1970 back-to-back -- it would only last for 10 hours and 33 minutes.
• •  The average person makes about 1,140 telephone calls each year.
• •  On average - Americans eat 18 acres of pizza every day.
• •  A can of Spam is opened every four seconds.
• •  The peach was the first fruit eaten on the moon.
• •  Caesar salad has nothing to do with any of the Caesars. It was first concocted in a bar in Tijuana, Mexico in the 1920s.
• •  Most car horns honk in the key of 'F.'
• •  Levi Strauss make the first pair of blue jeans in 1850. They were intended as work trousers for American miners looking for gold.
• •  The average American receives their first romantic kiss at age 13.
• •  In 1948, 2.3 percent of American households had televisions. Today, 99 percent do.

Check out more Useless Information on our website.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Court shows have taken over afternoon programming

February 24, 2010

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 90 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.

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.

     #5: Marcy Meckler. While shopping at a mall, Meckler stepped outside and was "attacked" by a squirrel that lived among the trees and bushes. And "while frantically attempting to escape from the squirrel and detach it from her leg, [Meckler] fell and suffered severe injuries," her resulting lawsuit says. That's the mall's fault, the lawsuit claims, demanding in excess of $50,000, based on the mall's "failure to warn" her that squirrels live outside.

     #4: Ron and Kristie Simmons. The couple's 4-year-old son, Justin, was killed in a tragic lawnmower accident in a licensed daycare facility, and the death was clearly the result of negligence by the daycare providers. The providers were clearly deserving of being sued, yet when the Simmons's discovered the daycare only had $100,000 in insurance, they dropped the case against them and instead sued the manufacturer of the 16-year-old lawn mower because the mower didn't have a safety device that 1) had not been invented at the time of the mower's manufacture, and 2) no safety agency had even suggested needed to be invented. A sympathetic jury still awarded the family $2 million.

     #3: Robert Clymer. An FBI agent working a high-profile case in Las Vegas, Clymer allegedly created a disturbance, lost the magazine from his pistol, then crashed his pickup truck in a drunken stupor -- his blood-alcohol level was 0.306 percent, more than three times the legal limit for driving in Nevada. He pled guilty to drunk driving because, his lawyer explained, "With public officials, we expect them to own up to their mistakes and correct them." Yet Clymer had the gall to sue the manufacturer of his pickup truck, and the dealer he bought it from, because he "somehow lost consciousness" and the truck "somehow produced a heavy smoke that filled the passenger cab." Yep: the drunk-driving accident wasn't his fault, but the truck's fault. Just the kind of guy you want carrying a gun in the name of the law.

     #2: KinderStart.com. The specialty search engine says Google should be forced to include the KinderStart site in its listings, reveal how its "Page Rank" system works, and pay them lots of money because they're a competitor. They claim by not being ranked higher in Google, Google is somehow infringing KinderStart's Constitutional right to free speech. Even if by some stretch they were a competitor of Google, why in the world would they think it's Google's responsibility to help them succeed? And if Google's "review" of their site is negative, wouldn't a government court order forcing them to change it infringe on Google's Constitutional right to free speech?

     #1: Allen Ray Heckard. Even though Heckard is 3 inches shorter, 25 pounds lighter, and 8 years older than former basketball star Michael Jordan, the Portland, Oregon, man says he looks a lot like Jordan, and is often confused for him -- and thus he deserves $52 million "for defamation and permanent injury" -- plus $364 million in "punitive damage for emotional pain and suffering", plus the SAME amount from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, for a grand total of $832 million. He dropped the suit after Nike's lawyers chatted with him, where they presumably explained how they'd counter-sue if he pressed on.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

How precious is love?

February 9, 2010

Only a few days before Valentine's Day. It has always been amusing to go to Kroger's around 10:00 p.m. on February 13 to see the number of men standing in line with flowers.

As I did last week - I want to share some additional comments made by children describing their definition of love.

   "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell  each other." Karl - age 5
     "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."  Danny - age 7
     "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6 - (we need a few million more Nikka’s on this planet)
     "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, and then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7
     "Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-age 5
     "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt." Chris - age 7 
     "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."  Lauren - age 4
     "You really shouldn't say ‘I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8

And here is the final one that really describes what true love is in life.

There once was an elderly couple who lived next door to a young family. The husband and wife, who had been married for over 50 years, enjoyed having their young neighbors -- especially getting to be kind of adoptive grandparents to a sweet little four-year-old boy.

On occasions - they would have him over for milk and cookies and he really grew to love them.

One day, the call came to the young couple's home that their neighbor's wife had died.

Several days passed and the young couple tried to explain to their small child what had happened.

About two weeks later, the mother was doing some house work when she noticed that little Jason wasn't in the front yard playing. She stood on the porch for a few minutes and then saw him walking back to the house with his head down -- picking at a flower.

"Where have you been sweetheart?" the mother asked.

"I went over to see papa," was the little boy's reply.

Thinking that her little boy didn't fully understand about what had happened, she said, "You know that mama doesn't live there any more don't you?"

"I know mommy," said little Jason. "I went to talk to papa."

Again, the young mother asked, "What did you say to him?"

"Oh, I didn't say anything to him," little Jason said. "I just crawled up into his lap and cried with him."

And now you know at least one true form of love.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

What is love?

February 3, 2010

We are just a little over a week before Valentine's Day. Of course, that is when people express their love to those closest to their heart. It is a shame when time erodes young love. For some, love grows stronger and stronger with each passing year.

It is interesting to know what love is to a child. In fact - they somehow see love at a different dimension than us older folks. They see it through acts of love more so than just hearing the words.

I don't think there is anything that melts the heart than hearing your child or grandchild say those magic words. I know how I feel when my three-year-old grand twins, Cooper and Kayla say, "I love you Pops!"

Or to hear those words from a wife/husband, son/daughter.

I received an E-mail several years ago that I have kept in a folder in my computer labeled - "Treasure Chest." Perhaps these children will give you their perspective about love.

•      "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.  So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8
•      "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4
•      "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell  each other." Karl - age 5
•      "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.  My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss." Emily - age 8
•      "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6
•      "During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.  He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8
•      "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (What an image) Karen - age 7 

Perhaps you have some that you would like to share...if so - then send me an E-mail. Love is in the air!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

We can learn much from our dogs

January 28, 2010

I traveled to Oklahoma last week to see my ??-year-old mother. She doesn't like getting older anymore than I do. I don't usually get up there during the Christmas season -- so I usually wait until the latter part of January to deliver some goodies to share with her and my sister's family.

One conversation we had was regarding our dogs. She had a little dog that had to be put to sleep a couple of years ago. It brought back sad memories of when Samson, my 12-year-old St. Bernard, had to be put down in 2009.

We still have two dogs...Princess and Shay...who are American Eskimos. They are fluffy white, sisters, and great watch dogs. They do love each other and are very protective. You don't want them snarling their teeth at you!

A couple of weeks ago - the Brazoria County Animal Control knocked on my door asking if I had two pit bulls? They said someone had called giving my address. I told the officer that my two dogs were in the house, but I would be glad to show them the two "pit bulls." The officer stood at the back of driveway -- I let the girls out into the backyard -- and the officer started laughing and said, "What lunatic could have confused those dogs for pit bulls?"

My little girls weren't out roaming the neighborhood, but the officer and I had a good laugh over someone's stupidity as no pit bulls were ever seen.

One thing for sure - dogs can teach us much about life. I sometimes wish that more people had a dog's disposition -- unless you are like Princess who barks at everything...typical woman. Just kidding!

Someone sent me some great quotes.

• The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. - Andy Rooney
• I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. - Rita Rudner
• If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. - Mark Twain
• If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. - Phil Pastoret
• If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers
• A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. - Josh Billings
• The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. - Anonymous
• Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. - Ann Landers
• Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. - Robert A. Heinlein

I must add that we have one of the greatest cats on the planet. Layla is our Cat/Dog - she follows you around the house, begs at the table, and sleeps in your lap. I think she learned to act like Princess and Shay -- without the barking!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Another new decade

January 19, 2010

It seems like only yesterday that the major topic of conversation was the Y2K dilemma. Will planes fall out of the sky? Will the bank computers get a virus that would not allow people to get money at an ATM?

Do you remember the books that hit the stands giving you all the reasons why the computer age was going to send the entire world into technological failure causing mass confusion and hysteria?

While the authors got rich because of people's fear -- the truth is -- there were very few clitches. Planes didn't come crashing down to earth and the ATM's still worked just fine.

Have you considered the changes that have taken place in only 10 years? Quite frankly - it is mind boggling. In fact - there are some things that took place that you may not have even heard of during this 10-year period.

Let me share some things with you beginning in 2000.

• 2000 - Dean Kamen invented the Segway Human Transporter, the first self-balancing, electric-powered transportation machine ~ a personal transport device that uses five gyroscopes and a built-in computer to remain upright.

• 2001 - Artificial liver invented by Dr. Kenneth Matsumura and Alin Foundation. Also - on October 23, 2001 Apple Computers publicly announced their portable music digital player the iPod, created under project codename Dulcimer.

• 2002 - Phone tooth invented by James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau.

• 2003 - Toyoto's Hybrid Car. Also - the No-Contact Jacket invented by Adam Whiton and Yolita Nugent, protects the wearer by electric shocking any attackers.

• 2004 - A firm in New Zealand developed a sensor that detects when pears are ripe by analyzing the aromas emitted by the fruit. Attached to the inside of the fruit's plastic wrapping, the sensor goes from red to orange to yellow as the fruit ripens. Sensors for avocados, kiwis, melons and mangoes are in the works

• 2005 - YouTube - the online video sharing and viewing community - was invented in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim.

• 2006 - Flat-rate billing has enabled texting to maintain its substantial volume. Nintendo invented a video game you control with a magic wand.

• 2007 - Invention of the iPhone. Also - a portable GPS unit collects data when you're driving or Wi-Fi when you're at home.

• 2008 - The camera pill can be swallowed by a patient. A doctor can move the camera pill by a magnetic remote control. The steerable camera pill consists of a camera, a transmitter that sends the images to the receiver, a battery and several cold-light diodes which briefly flare up like a flashlight every time a picture is taken.

• 2009 - The Retinal Implant Research Group has developed a microelectronic retinal implant to restore vision to patients with age-related macular degeneration and blindness. A microchip will be implanted into the patient's eyeball. A pair of glasses equipped with a tiny camera will transmit information to that microchip that will pass along recognizable visual information to the human brain, enough information to allow a blind person to navigate the room or recognize objects.

2010 - Can't wait to find out!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Life is measured by what you have learned

January 12, 2010

One thing I have a hard time with is being around people who seem to be so miserable. Do you know what I mean? When I think of that first sentence -- my mind immediately goes to a couple I saw a little over a year ago at a sporting event. I don't know their names - but I have never seen them smile, but I sure have seen and heard how miserable they are by the way they have talked to others -- especially people they don't know.

I am a firm believer in laughter and making others laugh. It seems that no matter where I go -- I find myself around people who feel the same way. Yet - when those who are miserable enter the room -- they continue to wear that scowl on their face and it doesn't take long for them to feel uneasy in their surroundings and leave.

Someone once said, "If you say you are happy -- then make sure you tell your face so others will know it."

I love the word "joy" and it should translate into happiness. But I have also learned that "joy" is an inside job. There is no way that you can express outward joy unless it begins inside your heart. You can't manufacture it. You certainly can't be in a room full of people who have joy and try to fool others because those who have inside joy can spot a fake a mile away.

My mother-in-law is named Joy. My oldest daughter is named LeJoy - which means "The Joy!" And both have been a joy to my life for many years.

I have spent years collecting things that "I've learned..." Perhaps a few more will bring joy and peace to your life.

• I've learned...That money doesn't buy class.
• I've learned...That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
• I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
• I've learned...That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
• I've learned...That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
• I've learned...That love, not time, heals all wounds.
• I've learned...That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
• I've learned...That there's nothing sweeter than holding your grandbabies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
• I've learned...That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
• I've learned...That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
• I've learned...That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
• I've learned...That I can choose how I feel.
• I've learned...That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
• I've learned...That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs in the valley.

I trust that you are experience great blessing at the start of a new year. May 2010 be your greatest year ever as you continue to learn life's lessons.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Time for texting manners

January 5, 2010

My youngest daughter, Lexis, age 18, is a texting freak. She can stand in front of you and look you in the eyes while you are talking to her while her fingers are clicking out her 17,000th text message of the month.

Give me five minutes and I might reply to your text with, "Ok I will be there soon."

We are beginning to live in a dysfunctional technological society and families are feeling the pinch.

I wanted my daughter to come downstairs the other day. I walked to the bottom of the stairs and called for her to come to eat at the table. Her bedroom door was closed and I got no reply. Under normal circumstances -- I would have walked upstairs and knocked on her door.

But these aren't normal living conditions. So I darted off into my office - found my phone - and 10 minutes later, hit the OK button with my text, "Would you please come down to eat."

People get upset when you don't reply to their text. Did it ever occur to you that I may not have had my phone with me?

As you travel around to various businesses -- you see that talking on your phone or texting is irritating to some of the owners. I recently saw on the cash register of a small business that read, "We will be delighted to help you when you are finished with your converation on the phone or texting a message to your friend."

I think there should be texting etiquette or manners regarding cell phones and particularly texting. What do you think? Here are a few of my suggestions.

• No texting while driving - under any circumstances!
• No texting while engaged in a face-to-face conversation -- especially with your parents or children.
• Watch the time that you text as some people may be asleep.
• If it is an emergency, then make an 'ole fashioned phone call.
• Turn off your phone when you are in class, church, hospital, or a meeting.
• Don't text while in a movie theater. The lights that come on all around the theater and the tapping sounds are rude and annoying!
• Don't send a text to fire someone or to breakup with a girlfriend or boyfriend.
• Adults - leave the lingo to the kids.

• Make sure your tone is kind and not demanding.

Remember that your phone does have an off button and it is still OK to actually call someone and hear their voice instead of sending an E-mail or text. We are creating what I would call an avoidance society. We are avoiding actual conversations with people and this is going to hurt our upcoming generation.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com. Website: www.reporternewssports.com

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

"Time for New Year's Resolutions"

December 29, 2009

It is that time of the year once again when people all around the world go through the process of making New Year's resolutions and we joke about how they won't last very long. The truth is -- 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.

Over the past few years - I have noticed that the french fries, greasy hamburgers, and such like have decided to hang around me...if you know what I mean.

When I was traveling 35 weeks out of the year -- I burned a lot of energy...but you don't burn as much sitting in front of a computer eating potato chips.

As 2010 approaches -- 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.

Last year - my kids bought me a new bike. I haven't ridden it much -- so now they have decided that I need 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.

I have listened to those who are believers about exercise and diets. Have you ever noticed the first three letters of the word "diet?" DIE!!!!

Here are a few questions with answers that someone sent me.

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life - is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
    A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

And remember: 'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - donut in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'!
    AND.....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
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.

CONCLUSION - 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 new indoor bike!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

"My cup runneth over..."

December 22, 2009

Christmas is a time of sharing with others. Contrary to what some believe -- it isn't a time of receiving, but giving. It is a time of caring for others. Christmas isn't about things. Things get old. Things vanish away. Things get out-of-date.

Last week - my two grandtwins - Cooper and Kayla, age 3, sang at their first Christmas program. Actually - neither one of them did too much singing with the rest of the three-year-olds. While most of the other kids sang - Cooper looked out in the congregation, pointed his finger, and said, "Hey Pops!"

I know he wasn't supposed to do that, but I couldn't help to point back...but I didn't say, "Hey!"

Kayla moved out to center stage and began to dance around in front of the group. She held her dress out while smiling at the family and then said, "Hey Mommy, Hey Daddy!" while a big smile flashed across her face and the director tried to get her back in line with the rest of the kids.

It made me recall when my four younger ones also sang in little Christmas programs and did similar things.

Now that I am a grandfather -- I recall being around my grandparents. I called my grandmother "Ba Ba" and I remember the way they used to drink coffee. They would pour it in the cup and then lean it over so it could overflow into the saucer, and when it would cool, they would drink from the saucer. Perhaps this is the way they felt.

     I've never made a fortune, And I guess it's too late now,
     But I don't worry about that much, cause I'm happy anyhow.

     As I go through life's journey, I'm reaping better than I sowed,
     I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

     I don't have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough,
     But I got four kids and two grand kids that love me and that makes me rich enough

     I remember times when everything went wrong, My faith grew kind of thin,
     After while those old dark clouds broke and the sun peeked through again.

     And may I never be too busy, to help another bear his load,
     And I'll keep drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

     May you and yours have a very blessed Christmas celebration. And don't forget the Reason for the Season!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

A few helpful tips

December 15, 2009

On occasion -- I receive some helpful tips that are useful in every day life. On rare occasions - I receive some tips that find their way quickly in File 13 -- if you know what I mean!

Some tips I receive I label: The noise you make when you're eating soup.

However - there are some great tips that you might not have ever heard -- so I want to share some from my File of Great Tips!

Did you know?

• • Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little 'stringy things' off of it. That's how the primates do it.
• • Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem...they ripen faster. (Saw a new gizmo at Wal-Mart that you can hang your bananas on to support this theory).
• • To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat up the eggs.
• • Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat until warm. This keeps crust crispy - no more soggy micor pizza.
• • Easy Deviled Eggs: Put cooked egg yokes in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash til they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients (mayo, mustard, chopped pickles) re-seal, keep mashing it up thoroughly -- cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg white. Just throw away the bag when finished.
• • Here's a gardening tip: Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about the weeds. Weeds will get through plastic, but not through wet newspapers.
• • To reduce static cling -- pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip or inside your pants and you will not have a clingy skirt, dress, or pants.
• • Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in your glove box in your car. When the windows fog - rub with the eraser...works better than a cloth.

Here are some words of wisdom:

• • No one ever chokes to death swallowing their pride.
• • He who burns his bridges better be a great swimmer.
• • It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're dressed like a turkey.
• • If you win - say little; If you lose - say less.
• • We are judged by what we finish - not by what we start.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

It is your time Dawson! You must have heart!

December 8, 2009

It is your time Dawson! You must have heart!

This coming Saturday - you - the Dawson Eagles - will get an opportunity of a lifetime. You began three years ago as a young team with new coaches and a new school in Pearland. That first year as a junior varsity squad - you determined to work hard and fuse together as a team that produced a 9-1 mark.

Remember that first season - the only team that you lost to was the Clear Springs Chargers. They, too, were a new school. While they moved up to Class 5A to begin their varsity journey - it was the Eagles and Chargers who played last week for the Region III championship. They lost to defending state champion Katy while you beat the defending 4A Region III Division champion Friendswood.

Now you have the opportunity to knock off the No. 1 team in the state - the Lake Travis Cavaliers.

Do you have the talent to do it? Of course you do!

Lake Travis has had to fight to get to this point this season - much different than the road they have had the past two seasons. Besides - you play in the toughest district in the state. Week after week - you have proven you belong with the elite teams in the state. But you are so new -- they just didn't know about the Soaring Eagles at Dawson. However - they do now!

Remember one thing! This moment in time will never happen again for all of you. You are a special team with a purpose and mission together. You have dreamed about this moment from the time you first came together in 2007. Now is the time - now it is time to believe in one another and believe that you can soar to the top of the mountain!

You must have heart!

There must be a burning desire in your heart....a fire in your belly to play above and beyond your greatest expectations! Remember - there is no tomorrow. A loss will end your season. It will bring to an end your journey to climb to the top of the mountain.

Teams that play with that passion and drive have accomplished the unthinkable! They have achieved the impossible!

I have one verse that you need to place in your mind and heart...It says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

It is your time! Time for the Eagles to soar! Time to have fire in your belly! Time to have heart! Time to lay it all on the line! You know where your strength comes from -- so claim it on Saturday!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Congratulations to coach Van Meter and coach Wells

December 1, 2009

The first thing I want to do is to congratulate Friendswood head coach Steve Van Meter and Dawson head coach Eric Wells for being named as "Coach of the Year' finalists by the Touchdown Club of Houston.

For Van Meter - it will be the seventh time in his 18 years at the helm of the Mustangs that he has been a finalist. He was a finalist last year after the 'Stangs captured the 4A Region III Division I championship - a title that Friendswood will be defending this coming Saturday.

For Wells - it will be the first of many post-season honors to come his way as the young coach of the Dawson Eagles. The Eagles (11-2) will also be playing for the 4A region title this coming Saturday and their opponent will be Friendswood (10-3).

That means the season for one team will come to an end and the other team will advance to the 4A state semifinals.

Friendswood lost to Lake Travis last year in the semifinals and it appears that Lake Travis (13-0), ranked No. 1 in the state, will be the most likely opponent for the Dawson/Friendswood winner.

There is a common characteristic that Van Meter and Wells share. They are both very humble men who always deflect personal accolades to their coaching staff and players.

Recently, a parent said, "I hope that my son gets to play for coach Van Meter." I have also heard that same statement regarding coach Wells.

This has certainly been a phenomenal year for both teams. Friendswood's run to repeat and Dawson's deep run in their young history. It is a shame that one team will see their season end.

Not able to go to the game?

If you are unable to be at the game - go to: www.reporternewssports.com and click on the LiveBlog at 1:55 p.m. banner and keep up with the play-by-play acton. You can also join in the blog with your questions or thoughts. We have had several hundred join us each week. It is fun and allows you to cheer for your team at home.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Choosing the important things in life

November 24, 2009

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 quanity, 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 mayonaise 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! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Playoffs just around the corner

October 27, 2009

Playoffs just around the corner

First of all - congratulations to the Pearland Lady Oilers and the Friendswood Lady Mustangs for capturing their respective district

volleyball titles. Pearland knocked off Deer Park to secure the District 22-5A championship and Friendswood latched on to the District 24-4A crown. Both teams are talented enough to make a deep run in the post-season.

Dawson and Manvel are not to be forgotten

Dawson head coach Lori McLaughlin said last year that she believed that her girls would make the playoffs this season after the Lady Eagles dropped a heartbreaking one-match playoff against Texas City in 2008. The Lady Stingarees took the fourth and final playoff spot and Dawson had to stay at home.

Dawson made an early statement this season when they swept Texas City in both of their district matches. The Lady Eagles swept Manvel last week to secure a first-ever playoff spot. Manvel will also be joining Friendswood, Santa Fe, and Dawson in the post-season from District 24-4A.

A big football mess in District 24-4A

They called it the toughest district in the state and it is proving to be just that. With only two games left in the regular season - there is only one team that has secured their place in the playoffs and that is No. 5 state-ranked Angleton at 5-0.

The other seven teams are still mathmatically in contention with the other three teams to be decided in the final week and the teams may come down to points.

The two teams that are in real trouble are Brazosport and Manvel who are at 1-4. They need a miracle to win their final two games each and then they must have help. Friendswood (3-2), Dawson (3-2), and Santa Fe (3-2) remain in a tie for second place. La Marque (2-3) and Texas City (2-3) are still in contention.

Dawson will host Texas City this coming Friday, October 30 at The Rig and they need all the support they can get from the home crowd.

Manvel must travel to face La Marque in a must-win situation. A loss will leave them at home during the playoffs.

Pearland Oilers secure playoff spot

For the 10th straight year - the Pearland Oilers have secured their place in the post-season. Pearland's football history saw the Oilers appear in the playoffs once each decade beginning in 1950. Pearland made the playoffs in 1962, 1973, 1986 ,  and 1997. Since head coach Tony Heath arrived in 1997 -- the Oilers have been in the post-season 11-out-of-13 years. They have won five district titles, two region crowns, and advanced to the 5A Division I state semifinals in 2001 and 2006.

Pearland (6-2, 4-1) will face Deer Park (6-2, 4-1) this coming Friday, October 30 at Abshier Stadium in a district showdown.

The Oilers only have Dobie at The Rig in the final game of the season while Deer Park must face Pearland and league-leading Pasadena Memorial. Two straight losses could push the Deer out of the playoff picture.

That's why that Pearland fans need to be at the game and support the Oilers in this crucial matchup.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

Connect to the LiveBlog at 6:55 p.m.
this coming Friday night at
www.reporternewssports.com
and keep up with the
Pearland Oilers vs Deer Park

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

Killed by Friendly Fire

October 20, 2009

I have been reading a book entitled: Surviving Friendly Fire. The beginning was intriguing as the author shared a true story regarding Captain Jim Wang. He was being court-martialed for twenty-six friendly fire deaths.

Time Magazine recorded the incident.

"As the two helicopters sliced through the blue skies over northern Iraq last Thursday, a U.S. Air Force AWACS reconnaissance plane picked them up on radar. The AWACS crew immediately radioed a pair of U.S. F-15C fighters and asked them to take a closer look. The crews of the fighters flew past the coppers and identified them as Russian-made Hinds flown by the Iraqi military. The fateful, terse order came back from the AWACS to fire. Moments later, the blasted helicopters, each of them struck by an air-to-air missile, plummeted to the ground.

As horrified Pentagon officials quickly discovered, however, the two choppers were not Hinds, but U.S. Black Hawks. On board were 26 allied military and civilian officials...The accident virtually wiped out the leadership of the allied Military Coordination Center."

The magazine went on to say that "lives lost to friendly fire are a devastating cost of battle. Almost one-fourth of the 148 American combat deaths in the Gulf War resulted from some accidental assault by their own side. The Pentagon established a Fratricide Task Force to develop ways to avoid such accidents."

Of the six air force officers investigated, only Captain Wang was court-martialed. He was acquitted of all charges on June 20, 1995.

We have already heard of such incidents in recent months that have tragically occurred on foreign soil from military reports.

While the above example is the extreme -- it is no less true in communities when people, who are supposed to be friends and neighbors, engage in cruel and hideous acts of hurt through their words and actions.

And yes, it applies to the sporting world on a local level.

A parent is dissatisfied that their son or daughter isn't given a fair shake (in their eyes) to make the team or doesn't get enough playing time -- so the result is to criticize the coach and relish (deep inside) when the team isn't successful. Yet -- the team is a reflection of the community -- but the coach is a victim of friendly fire.

After 13 years of covering all different kinds of sports in the Friendswood/Pearland communities -- I have heard various tales of disgruntled parents and kids who take out their hostilities on those who have the task of guiding our future leaders of America.

The list certainly includes those associated with the school administration, teachers, counselors, band directors, cheerleading, drill team, and the list could go on. Yet -- those are the people that are on the firing line while others take cheap shots to wound those who have dedicated their lives to help make others successful in life.

Lewis Smedes said, "If you live long enough, chances are you'll be hurt by someone you counted on to be your friend...When we invest ourselves in deep personal relationships, we open our souls to the wounds of another's disloyalty or even betrayal."

Space is not adequate to fully deal with the issues, but perhaps a phrase might provide some insight for those who have been wounded by friendly fire. The hurt and shock of such action won't disappear immediately, but getting some insight on those who fire away might provide some peace of mind.

The phrase? Hurt people - hurt people.

Think about it!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

From the cluttered desk...by Dr. David Davis

By the numbers

October 13, 2009

Numbers seem to be the major identification mark as to the success of a team or an individuals performance -- no matter what sport it may be.

In golf - the less the number - the better the golfer. For example - Tiger Woods began very early in the developmental stages as a golfer to set out to beat one number.  That number is 18 -- which represents the number of major championships that Jack Nicklaus accumulated during his career. Tiger has made no secret that he wants to surpass the Golden Bear and get 19-plus majors on his resume. At the moment - Tiger has 14 and counting.

When you think of monumental numbers -- you might think of No. 56 - the number of consecutive hits by "The Yankee Clipper" - Joe DiMaggio - in baseball which is a record that may never be broken.

Or you might think about No. 47 which is the number of consecutive wins by the Oklahoma Sooners which, in this day and time in college football, may also never be surpassed.

But I would like to give you some numbers that have recently been achieved that pertain to some of our local players and teams.

20

Pearland's 27-24 win over the La Porte Bulldogs this past Friday night marked the 20th straight district win for the Oilers who haven't lost a district game since October 6, 2006. After an open date - Pearland beat Clear Creek 34-28 on October 20, 2006 and haven't lost a league game since.

98

Pearland junior running back Dustin Garrison ripped off a 98-yard touchdown run against La Porte that gave the Oilers a 27-24 victory to help them remain undefeated in district play. Garrison's run set a new PHS record for the longest scoring run from scrimmage breaking the old mark by Oklahoma strong safety Sam Proctor who previously held the record of 95 yards he set in 2006 with a TD run against North Shore at Reliant Stadium to help the Oilers knock off the Mustangs 21-14.

280

Friendswood's Matt Kennemer had 280 yards on five kickoff returns that helped keep the Mustangs in the game against No. 1 Angleton. Not sure if it is a school record for special teams, but that is a lot of yardage.

311

Pearland junior quarterback Trey Anderson threw for 311 yards against Sam Rayburn in a 50-0 win at homecoming giving him the PHS single-game passing record which broke the former record of 282 yards in a single-game by Noah Allen in 2001.

415

Pearland's district win streak began against Clear Creek on October 20, 2006 and it also marked the night that Fozzy Whittaker (UT) rushed for a PHS and a Greater Houston area rushing record of 415 yards.

6:55

That is the time to join us on the internet for the LiveBlog. This coming Friday - you can find out how the Pearland Oilers are doing against Pasadena Memorial. Both teams enter the game with 3-0 marks in district and are tied for first place -- the winner no doubt moves into the driver's seat for the league championship. You can add your thoughts throughout the game. Go to www.reporternewssports and click on LiveBlog and enjoy the game with us.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

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