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

Drafting guys over 60

July 27, 2010

I grew up during the Vietnam War. I was in college when they came out with the lottery. My number was 326. Others weren't so lucky. And when they didn't take care of their grades -- they were immediately enlisted in the Army and eventually sent to Vietnam.

A high school classmate sent me the following. This isn't meant to ridicule the young men and women who are standing in the gap for us during the war on the other side of the world. But it did make some sense for us who remember Vietnam and those who lost their lives...including three of my high school classmates. However - you might think about the following:

"I am over 60 and the Armed Forces think I am too old to track down terrorists. You can't be older than 42 to join the military. Instead of sending 18-year-olds off to fight - they ought to take us old guys.

For starters, researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day...maybe. That leaves us with more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy.

An 18-year-old doesn't even like to get up before 10:00 a.m. Old guys always get up early to pee. Since I can't sleep and I'm up already - I might as well be tracking down a terrorist.

If captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and seriel number would be a real brainteaser.

Boot camp would be easier for old guys. We're used to being yelled at and we're used to soft food. They could lighten up on the obstacle course. I've been in combat and never saw a rope hanging over a 20-foot wall.

The last thing a terrorist would want to see is a couple million old guys with attitudes and automatic weapons who know their best years are already behind them.

Hey! How about recruiting women over 50...in menopause? You think men have attitudes? Ohhhhh my gosh! If nothing else - put them on border patrol. They'll have it secured the first night.

An 18-year-old has his whole life ahead of him. He's still learning to shave, to start ta conversation with a pretty girl. He still hasn't figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes - not the back of his head.

These are all great reason to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them into harm's way."

But since old guys will have to remain at home -- we must remember to pray for our young men and women who are defending our country.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

Statistics influence our lives

July 7, 2010

Have you noticed that when commercials are trying to sell you something these days, they start quoting statistics? It's as though numerical data has suddenly become irrefutable evidence that you need to buy a particular product.

If you don't heed statistical wisdom, you will suffer from ingrown toenails, endure the heartache of psoriasis and be rejected by your mother for having bad breath.

One recent commercial was emphatic about using their product, but then gave you the side effects if you do. I have always been careful to listen to those other things that could happen to you if you choose a particular product.

For instance, you use a product to help your arthritis, but the side effects include diarrhea, headache, earache, sore feet, dizzy spells, ringing in the ears, and itching. It might be worth it to just deal with the arthritis.

The other day, I read that a 10-year, $3 million government survey revealed that three-fourths of the people in America make up 75 percent of the population. Duh!

Of course, you know that when 81 percent of people use the word "government" and "statistics" in the same sentence, they are seeking to prove a point.

That same government survey, in fact, said that 51 percent of the people are in the majority. I even read the other day that 87.333 of all statistics are improperly done.

People have become so caught up in statistics that there is a book entitled Statistical Abstract of the United States 2006: The National Data Book that you can purchase for $39, including free shipping.

Here are some statistics about being an American:
    * Your chance of getting hemorrhoids: 25 to 1
    * Your chance of experiencing an IRS audit: 175 to 1
    * Your chance of catching a baseball at a Major League game: 563 to 1
    * Your chance of picking a four-leaf clover on the first try: 10,000 to 1
    * Your chance of becoming a professional athlete: 22,000 to 1
    * Your chance of being hit by lightning: 576,000 to 1 (A friend of mine was hit by lightning, an act that simultaneously melted his zipper and made him a local hero)
    * Chances of your son dating a supermodel: 88,000 to 1

Did you know that only 7 percent of women trust their husband to do the laundry correctly?

Half the people (50 percent) who attend a movie sneak in snacks to avoid concession stand prices.

Twenty-two percent of people leave a glob of toothpaste in the bottom of the sink after brushing their teeth. This includes those who spray water all over the sink and the mirror when they spit out the toothpaste making a deplorable mess. It is as if a minature tsunani has invaded your bathroom.

Three out of four keep their money in rigid denominational order.

Ninety percent use an alarm clock to get up in the morning.

Sixteen percent have forgotten their anniversary at one time or another.

By the way - 50 percent of you will go checkout the bathroom sink for the glob of toothpaste.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

2010 Football media guide ads now being accepted

June 22, 2010

The 2010 high school football season is just around the corner for Friendswood, Pearland, Dawson, and Manvel 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 limited space available in these full-color publications for the 2010 football season.

We began designing and producing the Pearland media guide in 2001 and the support of the business community has been tremendous as thousands of dollars have been returned to the Pearland Touchdown Club. The intention from the beginning was to keep the hard-earned dollars of our business community in Pearland instead of seeing an outside vendor come into our community and take out the money.

Pearland's publication also features profiles of the coaches and players with other interesting facts related to the history of Pearland football.

Friendswood High School followed suit two years later and we were able to also produce a media guide with player profiles, full-color pictures of the band, cheerleaders, Wranglerettes, and varsity football team that makes up a first-class publication.

Three years ago -- Dawson HS came into existence and their media guide is growing each year as we have produced a full-color program for them.

The booster clubs of each school manage 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.

It is time that both communities finally 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 booster club of each school and they control all finances without any funny business.

I can be reached at 713-449-7474 or you can Fax (281-997-0060) or E-mail me at drdaviddavis@yahoo.com to let me know of your interest.

By the way - each program features personal ads from parents in support of their football players, cheerleaders, drill team members, or band members. You can also call to find out the details related to cost and size of each ad. Deadline for business and personal ads are Monday, August 16.

There is limited space available and once we have reached our maximum page count, then there will be no more business or personal ads accepted. The sooner - the better!

Beware local businesses

Outside companies solicit financial support for schedule posters with the promise that part of the money goes to the local high school football programs. THIS IS NOT TRUE! None of the money is returned to the area schools. If a business supports these outside vendors -- then all money has been lost. Not one dime has been received in support of local high schools.

That's why that all businesses need to consider supporting these area football media guides so you will know where ALL of your money goes.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

Graduation is just around the corner

May 25, 2010

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 was 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 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.

Their senior slide shows chronicle the life they've lived -- in and outside the school walls. There's someone sleeping in class. There are buddies -- posing for the camera. There's the pom pon squad and the football players after their big victory. There they are eating in the cafeteria. There are pictures of special trips they've shared.

Of course, parents always get involved in these slide shows and make sure that their son or daughter are shown in the bathtub when they were little babies or with baby food pasted all over their face.

Don't worry - you will do the same when you have children of your own. It is called "parents' revenge."

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.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

Gizmo's - making life easier

May 18, 2010

I am known as the "Gizmo Man" around my house. That's right - over the years - I have purchased most every kind of gizmo that you can find. I doubt anyone will fight over them after I'm dead and gone...but they will be a constant reminder that dad tried to make their life a little easier.

I have even got my mom involved and at ?? years-old -- you are never too old or young to begin your collection.

Here are some of my gizmo's that I have collected and actively use.

Since I do most of the cooking around the house - many of these come in handy when preparing a meal.

Here are my favorites in no particular order.

West Bend Egg Cooker - This is a must-have in every home. Everyone, at one time or another has to cook boiled eggs. Instead of putting them in boiling water, the Egg Cooker takes care of it in just minutes. Not only does it make boiled eggs to perfection, it also allows you to poach eggs with the same gizmo. It cooks at the touch of a button. Great for making deviled eggs too! I ordered one the other day and sent it directly to my mom's house! She loves it!

Microwave Egg Muffin Pan - This is found at Wal-Mart for under $4.00. You don't have to sit in line any longer at McDonald's. This gizmo is probably what McDonald's uses to make their Egg McMuffin's and they just won't tell you. It is simple. Crack the egg, dump in the small round plastic pan, stir the egg, add pepper, bacon or sausage, nuke it for one minute, serve on an english muffin with a slice of cheese. Comes out perfectly!

Rival Electric Skillet - This is a small one - 11" x 11" square - about two quarts. Makes those skillet meals perfectly. It is also great for making pancakes -- heats across the bottom evenly - no mess - made some for my grandtwins this past Saturday morning and they loved them! Also makes great grilled cheese sandwiches to die for...no mess! Remember - it cooks evenly!

Oster Vegetable Steamer - Every home must have one of these. Cook your potatoes, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or whatever vegetable that tingles your tastebuds and it takes only a few minutes. Just add water to the steamer, click on the timer, and walla -- the vegetables will be steamed to your delight. It is easy to clean up for the next time.

Of course - no home is complete without the Presto PowerPop Popcorn Maker, the Panasonic Rice Steamer/Cooker, or the Kitchen Gormet Waffle Maker. You will have to look these up to find out what a difference they would make in your kitchen.

There are some other unique gizmo items that fit in the drawer that are also used when cooking, but that will be another column.

I know we didn't have these gizmo's when I was growing up. Gee - I wonder how we made it?

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

A close friend will be missed

May 12, 2010

There is always a gamble when you make friends in life because you know that down the road -- there is the possibility of having your heart broken. One has to make a choice at how close they want to get to an individual.

When news of former Pearland athletic director Mike Watson's death began to circulate - I immediately found it very difficult to acknowledge. For 10 years, Watson wasn't just the AD, but he was my close and personal friend that I played golf with, ate lunch with, and hung around with at sporting events.

I knew it would be equally hard for those in the athletic office which was expressed to me by Watson's assistant Shirley Abel who said, "Mike loved music and especially Elvis. He would sing Elvis songs and tell us how he sang to his wife, Patsy, at their wedding. I can still hear him, 'Love me tender, love me true' and he actually sounded like Elvis. I would tell him that he could be an Elvis impersonator and he would break out in a dance and then say, 'Thank you, thank you very much.'

"Mike was crazy and full of life. He had a smile that could light up a room and anyone that met Mike would never forget him. He just had that kind of personality. He loved his family and he was so very proud of his two daughters, Brook and Meredith and their accomplishments in life. His face would light up talking about them."

Aside from his family, job, and sports, Mike loved to play golf. He and I played in at least four or five tournaments each year - plus other times during the summer.

I gave him the nickname "Muny" years ago because Mike played at Brock Municipal Golf Course because it was cheap. Mike loved the word "free" - especially as it pertained to golf or food. When I got his voicemail on his cell phone - I would leave the message, "I have a free round of golf for us." Less than five minutes he would call me back.

We ate together quite often, celebrated birthdays together with several friends, and played golf together. I am going to miss that.

One of the things Mike did before each round of golf was to write down several names on his golf ball who had died who had meant much to him. When I almost died in 2006 and, by his own admission, thought he was writing my obituary, he would joke as he wrote down a few names and say, "I would be writing down your name on this ball had you not defied the odds and survived."

He would show me the ball and one of the names written was his former mentor, Coach Cobb of Clear Lake HS.

I told him that I was glad that it wasn't time to write my name on his golf ball and we would both laugh.

It is with a very sad heart that when I go back out to play, I will write down Mike on my golf ball. I know he would like it that way.

Getting close to someone is a risk.

C.S. Lewis wrote: "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will certainly be rung and possibly be broken. If you want to be sure of keeping it intact, without having your heart broken, you must give your heart to no one. Wrap it with care,  with hobbies,  and luxuries. Avoid all entanglements, lock it safely in the casket of your  own selfishness, then it will not be broken -- it will become unbreakable. About the only place that it will be safe from being broken is in hell. There is no love there."

I believe Mike is in heaven and his influence and love will continue to live in the hearts of those he touched during his 55 years on this earth. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. And now - with tears - I have written his obituary.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

Attention to all those who believe God answers prayer

May 4, 2010

In 2006, when I was getting out of the hospital with my bout with Bacterial Meningitis, my family was told I didn't have a 20 percent chance of walking out of St. Luke's Hospital. After being in a coma and on life-support for five days, I woke up and left the hospital (with a little help from my walker) 12 days later.

I am convinced that my recovery was because hundreds prayed for me and God answered their prayers.

When I got home, the first family to come to my home was Larry, Kathy, and Neal McClaugherty. They were a tremendous help in preparing me for my recovery.

I came to know this dear family after they introduced me to Neal while he was still at Friendswood High School. I first knew him as the No. 1 fan of the Friendswood Lady Mustangs basketball team. He loved them and they certainly loved him back.

I received word last week that Neal is in the hospital and has had to go through some major surgery.

Neal was born with cerebral palsy and is a non-verbal quadriplegic who spends his days in a wheelchair. Don't feel sorry for him, though. He has little time to be discouraged and frustrated, and little patience with those who are.

However, Neal is in great need of those to pray for him as well as Larry and Kathy.

I received these words from Larry on Monday morning.

"Neal was admitted through the ER at Methodist on Tuesday morning last week and has had emergency surgery on Thursday morning," Larry wrote. "They removed one-half of his large intestine which was 2 ½ times the normal diameter and weighed about 10 pounds. The portion was 'kinked & had a twist' so nothing could go through.  He has been moved several times now and as of Monday morning (this week) is in the Surgical ICU unit at Methodist in the Dunn Tower."

They anticipated that Neal will also have additional surgery this week.

"Several of his Lady Mustangs have come by to see him and show their support of their Number 1 fan," Larry continued. "Jill, Kacey, Cody and former head coach Angela Spurlock. In this case basketball has definitely been more than a sport and the story of the 'Angels on the Court' continues."

Please keep Neal in your prayers. He is such an awesome young man. God does answer prayer and we need hundreds of prayer warriors to lift Neal up to the throne of grace. I'll keep you updated at www.reporternewssports.com in the days ahead.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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

The remote control society

April 27, 2010

"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 - turn on the tube some day and 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 deals 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.

I. Principle #1 — don’t give in — be resistant

The tendency is to give in to the culture around us and to go its way.

II. 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.

III. 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? 

Persistence is the key to everything we do in life.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com.

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