The Inexplainable Chihuahua

There probably isn't a little dog that is cuter than a CHIHUAHUA but then there also isn't a dog that can snap and snarl more easily. Basically it comes down to getting their way--and how true that is with some officials of this personality type.

Here are their traits when they get their way:

* Smiles a lot and seems very congenial.

* Snuggles up to everyone and pretends to be the sweetest hound on earth.

* Usually small in stature.

* Tends to be so cute and loveable that everyone thinks they can trust them.

* Makes for a good poster child or someone to elevate to US Open status without any real credentials or experience. (No names given here lest we have a grievance filed against us.)

But alas, the personality changes when difficulties arise and they don't get their way...

* Becomes very argumentative and difficult to work with in an officiating capacity.

* Can be very aggressive and opinionated and doesn't mind sharing those opinions with anyone who will listen.

* Suffers greatly from the "Napoleon Complex". Can arise because of shortness in stature but can also arise from shortness of personality and personal traits.

* Bites and snaps but usually is ridiculed by those watching the scenario. Basically, their greatness in their own eyes and in noone else's.

* Tends to be difficult to housebreak. I'll leave the rest to your imagination...

* Usually ridiculed by other officials when they turn their back because of the "littleness" of their behavior.

* Female chihuahas tend to be lesbians since the male animal finds it difficult to live with them. (No parallels or inferences intended so calm down on this one. Just what I hear from my vet friends...)

The Loveable Cocker Spaniel

Very closely akin to the Golden Retreiver but by far the most loveable of all--the wonderful COCKER SPANIEL. Everyone's favorite...

* Tends to be the official that everyone loves and cares about.

* Always open to any assignment, duty, or special task. Goes about their responsibilities without complaining or griping.

* Doesn't matter what court they are assigned to--they just do their job and do it well.

* Usually blends into the background and not often found in leadership roles.

* Easily taken advantage of... Not a good trait and one that the official needs to be aware of.

* Can sometimes retreat into themselves and become ineffective as an official.

* Avoids conflict at all costs and sometimes to their own detriment.

* Usually a type B personality.

* Makes for a great friend and traveling companion.

* Can sometimes get their feelings hurt.

* Most effective when you just rub their tummys and then let them be themselves.

The Illustrious Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell terrier probably manifests as many officials' traits as any animal alive... Here you go:

* Always tugging at the leash and wanting to do more thinking that he/she is the only one who can do anything. In their opinion, noone is quite as good as they are.

* Usually gets in trouble when roving because they tend to meddle in everything around them. The epitome of being overly officious.

* Very outgoing and bubbly personality which causes people to think they can trust them.

* Always volunteering to do everything but producing very little in the final outcome.

* Gets in trouble with coaches and players in an ITA match. Usually the court that causes the most problems. Has a tendency to always be chatting with the coaches and players.

* Tends to think they have the solution for everything and not shy about sharing their thoughts and solutions.

* Can be a good leader when they are on their medication.

* Tendency to be a little high strung and definitely high maintenance.

* Lots of fun to be around but hard to keep up with since they operate at such a high energy level.

* Nearly always a Type A personality. Usually hangs out with type B personalities since they get into conflict with other type A personalities.

* Very seldom selected for committee work since they have a tendency to fail in their follow up.

* Showy personality so they are usually the ones they parade around the cameras at the US Open. They do know how to smile for the cameras--but remember, they tend to bite in private and when they don't get their way.

* Lots of fun to be around but always be careful--their little teeth bite!

* Due to their small stature, they have a tendency to manifest Napoleon syndrome traits. If you have ever been around one you will know what I mean...

Officials And The Dog World

There are some amazing parallels with tennis officials and the personality traits of dogs. Hopefully you will enjoy this new series...

GOLDEN RETRIEVER

One of the most mild-mannered and lovable of all dogs. Here are the parallels with tennis officials:

* Tend to be very flexible and accomodating in their demeanor and behavior.

* Very gracious and kind to other officials. Can be taken advantage of very easily.

* Tends to be very attentive to the players and their concerns.

* Understands and is sympathetic to parents' concerns.

* Easily abused because of their loving and accepting nature.

* Never files grievances or complains to the referee.

* Always willing to open and distribute the balls in a dual match.

* Never cares about which match they are assigned.

* Never complains or causes trouble and dissention.

* Usually gets to work the Big 12 Tournament every year.

* Sometimes selected as "Umpire of the Year" in Texas.

* Works well with Chuck Scott because they're willing to do all that he asks.

* Great example for all officials and loved by most everyone.

* Tends to be a Type B man or woman. Not overly aggressive and/or assertive.

* Excellent team player.

* Can tend to depression and/or anxiety if things don't go well.

* Can get their feelings hurt easily if the referee is a jerk or jerkette.

* Will never make it to the Center Court at the US Open but does more matches than most anyone else in the country.

* Always picked first when there are teams being selected.

* Easily housebroken (and I'll leave the rest up to your imagination...)

DIVERSITY and Its Many Meanings

Isn't it exciting to hear all the "diversity talk" we are hearing these days? Seems like its everywhere. I hear it from the workplace to the tennis courts to the White House--and a lot of it is really scary. In the name of "diversity" I think we have fallen overboard...

In the recent elections all we heard was how Hussein Obama was our first "black President" but with a little background check we find that this isn't actually the case at all. Here are the facts:

Barack Hussein Obama is not half black.
If elected, he would be the first Arab-American President, not the first black President.
Barack Hussein Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother's side and 43.75% Arabic and 6.25% African Negro from his father's side.
While Barack Hussein Obama's father was from Kenya , his father's family was mainly Arabs..
Barack Hussein Obama's father was only 12.5% African Negro and 87.5% Arab
(his father's birth certificate even states he's Arab, not African Negro).

Seems like some groups like to be "diverse" but only to fit their needs and definitions...

Most of our talk about "diversity" comes from a fear of lawsuits--and its well deserved. Just look at the USTA and their unnatural fear of lawsuits. Its like the "tail wagging the dog"...

"Diversity" is the big buzz word in tennis officiating these days. We even have recruitment programs designed to enlist just minority officials--and that's not right. An official's recruitment and standing should not be based on their race but on their ability to do the job and to do it well. Personally I do not care about the color of a person's skin--just their qualifications to be a good official.

Before you hyperventilate, I grew up as a minority in South Texas and now am part of a minority in tennis officiating (white males over 50) so I know what discrimination is all about. Its the term "diversity" that worries me...

Time will tell where this slippery slope is leading us.

Advance Notice: The New White House Puppy

For all you news buffs out there--we have beaten all the major news organizations to the punch and have a picture of the new WHITE HOUSE PUPPY. Enjoy...

Thanksgiving Memories

We all have extra special reasons for being thankful during this holiday season--some serious and some not so serious. Here are a few of my "not so serious" Thanksgiving thoughts...

* Thankful that I got to see Myron Krueger's son thinking about going to the UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. I can't wait to see Myron in burnt orange!

* Thankful that I got to see Bernie West tell off John McEnroe in his match in Dallas last year. It was worth it to see Bernie back him down.

* Thankful that I got to see Lynn Welch's hair actually move in the wind one time. This was a rare on court experience that I will never forget.

* Thankful that I got to hear the USTA national office threaten to sue me if I didn't change the name of my blog. Its great to know they are thinking of me.

* Thankful that I got to work with Brookie Green before she retired. She truly is the queen of tennis officiating in Texas!

* Thankful that I got to have one of our professional female officials tell me about her date that night with one of the women players on the circuit. At least it made me realize that I am truly becoming diverse.

* Thankful that I was there in Waco when Sara Lammerts adopted her fourth dog and took it home. Bob just loves having a kennel at his house.

* Thankful that I got to see Ginny James brand new knees. Its great to see her up and walking among us again.

* Thankful that we made it through an entire ITA dual match without Herb Taylor making up yet another new rule.

* Thankful that I got to see Glen Whitaker in his brand new physique. He does look awesome!

* Thankful that I get to work with the Chair Academy folks every year. That is truly the highlight of my tennis year.

There are a lot more reasons to be thankful but I just wanted to share a few of them with you...

Busted...

Dallas Morning News

(Sunday, November 23, 2008)

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA...

"Tennis great Jimmy Connors was arrested outside the campus arena where UC Santa Barbara and top-ranked North Carolina were playing basketball. He was taken into custody Friday night after refusing to comply with an order to leave an area near the entrance."

Alas, our little darling of tennis has finally gotten his comeupance. Its been a long time overdue! Jimmy is surpassed in his boorishness only by the infamous John McEnroe.

Sue Trautmann: The School of Officiating

From time to time we will have guest writers on our blog and this week our guest is our own Sue Trautmann. Sue is the coordinator for evaluators in the state of Texas as well as being of our most experienced officials. I think you will enjoy her post...

THE SCHOOL OF OFFICIATING
by Sue Trautmann

Officiating offers a unique set of circumstances in which to grow as an individual. Here are a few I am still working on learning.

1. Things don’t always happen on schedule. Be patient. Learn to entertain yourself.

2. Everyone makes mistakes. If it is you, learn from it, take responsibility for it, and then let yourself off the hook. If it is someone else, figure it out, forgive if necessary, and then put it behind you. Life is too short to harbor grudges, either against oneself or someone else.

3. Work hard, learn as much as you can, and give it your best. Your best is different on different days, but it is always good enough. Accept that.

4. Most importantly, there is a world of wonderful people to know and experiences to be had out there. Dive in; know the people; live the opportunities. You may never pass this way again.

The Season of Thanksgiving

As we enter the season of thanksgiving I thought it would be nice if we could all post things for which we are most thankful. They can be serious and/or humorous...

Here are mine:

1. I'm thankful that I live in the USA and get to be an official in the USTA.

2. I'm thankful that my kids are grown and I don't have to stay up at night waiting for them to come home.

3. I'm thankful that I get to work with the finest ITA coordinators in the country. (Myron Krueger, Sara Lammerts, Chuck Scott, Susan Trautmann, and Vickie Wright)

4. I'm thankful for everything that Cheryl Jones, Brookie Green, and Roz Tuerk taught me when I first became an official.

5. I'm thankful that our ITA coaches in Texas are the finest in the land.

6. I'm thankful that I never have to do another super champ tournament unless I want to and am desperate for food to feed my dogs.

7. I'm thankful that I get to work with so many good officials during the year. You are all truly a blessing in my life.

Now that I have gotten the ball rolling, go ahead and send us your thoughts on thankfulness...

Our New World of Whining Crybabies

It seems our entire world is "going to the babies" these days. We've all watched as the pirates of Wall Street came crying and got $750 billion dollars and now the automakers and their unions are now crying for $50 billion minimum. What a pathetic state of affairs...

It also seems that this whole mindset permeates every area of our lives. Here are a few examples:

** Parents whose children aren't selected as cheerleaders sue the school district.

** Dallas Independent School District leadership (from the superintendent on down) whine that they "didn't know" where $84 million went--and still haven't been able to fix the problem.

** Politicians lose an election so they whine and cry about "voter fraund" and demand recounts.

** Tennis officials whine about not getting certain matches so they file grievances.

** Tennis officials in leadership positions whine about "not having enough time" or "I have a job" so they hope that justifies their lack of production and leadership.

Its time for us as a nation and as tennis officials to quit whining and crying about everything that happens and learn to do the following:

1. Take accountability for your own lack of motivation, skills, leadership, and personal skills--and then learn to fix it. If you suck as a leader--then resign and spare us all the suffering.

2. Quit whining to anyone and everyone who will listen. They eventually get tired of hearing it--and tired of being around you.

3. Quit blaming President Bush for everything that happens in your life. He actually had nothing to do with your not getting assigned to the #1 singles match and probably doesn't care whether you got it or not.

4. Don't whine about Hussein Obama being elected as our next President. You'll have plenty of time to perfect those skills in the next four years. There's nothing worse than someone crying tears before they have a valid reason to cry.

Climbing The Tennis Ladder & Words of Wisdom From Cooper

In the tennis world (as in all areas of life) people are busy climbing the "ladder to success." By its very nature, this isn't all bad but not necessarily all good. Its kind of in how you do it, what you want to achieve, and how important it is in your life.

Here are some of the rungs in the ladder of tennis officiating:

1. LOCAL LEVEL. This is the beginning point for everyone. If you're just starting, be sure to contact your local coordinator about all the details.
2. COLLEGIATE LEVEL. A great level for the more accomplished officials. Requires a strong understanding of the rules and an ability to deal with coaches, players, and fans. If you're interested, you need to contact the local ITA coordinator in your area.
3. PRO LEVEL. Begins with calling lines in lower level pro tournaments and progresses up to the US Open. If interested, contact your local coordinator and they can put you in touch with the right people.

Now that we all recognize that there is a ladder to climb in the officiating world, let's listen to some words of wisdom from the infamous COOPER...

COOPER'S WORDS OF WISDOM

** Always tell the truth and be nice to people. Remember: "everything makes a circle" and if you're a jerk it will come back to bite you.

** Don't overload your schedule in the beginning. Nothing more useless than a burned out official.

** Always honor your commitments. The quickest way to fall off the ladder is to get a reputation for backing out of assignments.

** Don't worry about the pay--because it isn't enough to live on. Just enjoy what you are doing and be appreciative of what you get.

** Always listen to those who are in authority or above you on the ladder--then sift through the BS and get down to what is real and then incorporate it into your life. There are a lot of good and wise officials out there--just seek them out and learn from them.

Tennis: A Game For All Ages (And the aged)

As I was driving around town the other day I spotted this old gent playing tennis. What an experience! Makes me realize that there is still hope for all of us as long as we are walking and breathing.

Tennis playing is great for all ages--and officiating is too! (I think...)

Pearls of Wisdom From Sister Susan Trautmann

Everyone concentrates on the problems we are having in this country lately--illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida...

Not me--I concentrate on the solutions for the problems--its a win-win situation.

Think about this:

1. Cows.
2. The Constitution.
3. The Ten Commandments.

COWS.
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic that our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But yet they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each one of them a cow.

THE CONSTITUTION.
They keep talking about drafting a constitution for Iraq...why don't we just give them our's? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
The reason we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this--you cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery' and 'Thou Shalt Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges, and politicians--it creates a hostile work environment.

Lincoln Bedroom: Mother-In-Law's New Dwelling

Just read this week that Hussein Obama will be moving his mother in law into the White House with the rest of his family. Wonder which room she will choose? Wonder who will be paying for it???

Thought you would enjoy this picture of Michelle waving for mother to "come on in."

Cooper Says Thank You...

Let me introduce you to our new blog buddy--COOPER. He will be appearing with us from time to time to share pearls of wisdom and words of thanks...

Today he is wagging his tail to say THANK YOU to all our faithful blog readers. Our blog usually has about 700 readers a week so that's a great start in the blog world.

I recently heard that our blog was read at the USTA National headquarters and by their attorneys so I am thrilled we are attracting so much attention. I also have it from reliable sources that we are frequently read by those who inhabit the pro circuit so we are excited that our base is expanding. We're glad to have you on board!!! Too bad we can't have some live interviews with you since we have SO many questions we would like to ask you.

On behalf of Cooper and myself, thank you for reading the blog!!!

Warts, warts, warts...

Nothing bothers someone like WARTS! I grew up thinking that you got warts by handling frogs but that soon proved untrue when I had lots of frogs to handle. As I got older, I realized that the term "warts" takes on a different meaning...

In the real world, we are often told that we all come with warts and part of the marriage process is learning to accept our partner--warts and all! Sometimes I think this is true in the world of tennis officiating...

To be honest, there is a huge difference in a "wart" and what I call a "LOI". A "LOI" is a term that means LACK OF INTEGRITY and unfortunately I see more of those than warts today...

To help us understand the difference here are some terms and illustrations:

WARTS (unique distinguishing marks of personality and behavior quirks)

** Bad temper or irritable personality. Not something that is a deal breaker but certainly difficult to be around.

** Constantly complaining. Requires a little adjustment to be around someone with this kind of warts. Best way to combat this wart is to put them in charge of what they are complaining about and they'll soon change their tune.

** Persecution complex. This wart manifests itself in always thinking that they are inferior to all other officials and humans. Easily overcome but takes a little effort.

** Comparison wart. This person is always comparing themselves to officials throughout the universe. Usually they come out on the short end of the stick.

** Dirty wart. This is the one that never takes a bath and/or uses deodorant. Best way to overcome this one is stay at least 10 feet away at all times.

** Packrat wart. This is the official that carries everything they own in their officials bag that they take to the court. Best way to help is to give them something from the Container Store for Christmas.

Warts are not always desireable but they sure aren't something that we break relationships over! Let's remember that we ALL HAVE WARTS...

LOI's (LACK OF INTEGRITY) are a different story and much worse in their cause, manifestation, and cures. Here are a few for your consideration:

** Liar. I tried to find a better term for this (fibber, white liar, etc.) but liar seemed to be the best term. It simply means not telling the truth. Best cure is to run from this person as fast as you can.

** Backstabber. This LOI attribute was discussed in the previous blog post. Just beware...

** Assignment canceller. This one is at the top of my list. Its that official that signs up for everything they can find and then cancels at the last minute for a variety of reasons. Most prevalent in those who work pro events. Best cure is simply never to hire them again.

** Face to face weasel. This is my favorite. Its that official that looks you in the eye and then lies, stabs, maligns, and a variety of other things when you turn your back. Best cure is to find another city to live in when they come nearby.

** Ladder climber. This one is sick sick sick. Its that person that does whatever it takes to climb the officiating ladder. The sad thing is that they think the top of the ladder is working lines at the US Open. Best cure: don't get close to their ladder because it eventually is going to fall and you don't want to be around when it does.

** Grievance filer. This is the official that always think they are being wronged by someone and need to file a continuous stream of grievances. Best way to cure this one is just to ignore them and throw their grievances in the trash.

** Pharisee. This is the official that thinks they are better than everyone else. Very similiar to the ladder climber but much more dangerous. Most easily detected on the pro circuit but also can be found in the ITA and local tournaments. Best cure is to buy them a mirror so they can actually see themselves.

The Fine Art of Backstabbing

In America today (and in the tennis officiating world particularly) there is a practice we call "backstabbing" and it has grown into immense proportions in recent years. I'm sure its always existed since it is condemned in the Bible, but it seems to be rampant these days...

If you have ever been the "backstabee" then you know how real it is and how disgusting it can become. If you are the "backstabber" I hope guilt overwhelms your wicked heart...

Here are some symptoms:

1. The backstabber usually masquerades as one of your friends if not your best friend.

2. The backstabber is filled with insecurities and jealously of the one he/she stabs.

3. Children can and do learn it at an early age as they watch their parents doing it to their "friends."

4. The backstabber usually has some misguided idea that by stabbing someone they will be climbing some mythical ladder to somewhere.

These are just some generic observations about a backstabber--now here are some specific characteristics exhibited in the tennis world:

1. Usually happens when someone is assigned a match that is higher than yours.

2. Occurs when you're trying to become the #1 official in your area. Of course, this is usually only in the mind of the backstabber.

3. Its usually done to people that you publicly call your "friends."

4. Often done in the darkness of night but sometimes in plain view of your like-minded friends.

5. Normally done to people in authority over you; i.e. referees, coordinators, etc.

6. Never done face to face. The very nature of a backstabber is that he/she does it from behind.

7. Normally done with the one you are stabbing is not in attendance.

8. A skilled backstabber can actually look someone in the face and smile while they are stabbing them in the back.

9. Very often it is a learned behavior from observing other more skilled backstabbers. In most circles, it is a "top down" learned behavior.

I'm sure we all know some skilled backstabbers. At least now their qualities are in print for all to see.

NOTE: Any similiarities anyone might feel this has to you personally is purely coincidental so please do not file a grievance against me.

Veteran's Day 2008

As I walking through the airport the other day a group of soldiers were returning from Iraq. Just as they entered the airport, the people in the hallways broke out into spontaneous applause. It was touching seeing so many people express their love and support for our soldiers.

This is a day we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today. Let's all remember with honor and then remember to pray for those who are still on the battlefields around the world.

Why Some Men Have Dogs And Not Wives

Why Some Men Have Dogs And Not Wives:
1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.
2. Dogs don't notice if you call them by another dog's name.
3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A dog's parents never visit.
5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. You never have to wait for a dog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.
7. Dogs find you amusing when you're drunk.
8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
9. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, If I died, would you get another dog??
10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.
11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.
12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad. They just think it's interesting.
13. Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

And last, but not least:

14. If a dog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.

State High School Team Tournament

We just finished the UIL state team tennis tournament this past weekend in Austin--and it was fantastic! The kids all behaved, the coaches were fine, and believe it or not--the parents even behaved themselves. It was a great weekend for everyone concerned.

Of course, we officials had the most fun! Any time you have Randy Stewart from College Station in the mix things are going to be fun... A special thanks to referees Robert Dunivan and Nancy Vivero for a job well done. Its a joy to work with officials like that.

Special congratulations to Highland Park High School and New Braunfels High School for winning state. As dominant as both of these schools were I imagine we will be seeing them at state for many years to come.

I forgot my camera so I don't have any good action shots to show you. Randy, Nancy, and Robert did try to poison me with hot tamale candy. Those things are awful!

Resolution of the Infamous Grievance

Since I have received so many emails and phone messages asking me to share about the grievance and its resolution, I decided to go ahead and print that information for your reading. I received a copy of the Texas Section Grievance Committee's resolution today and now consider it be done and over with!!!

Here is the gist of the grievance:

1. That I would not send Kevin Labor an availability to work collegiate matches that I am responsible for scheduling.
2. That some of the posts on my blog were about him personally.

I won't go into detail answering these baseless accusations but suffice it to say that they are a bunch of bunk... (There are always legitimate reasons when I don't send someone an availability but I don't want to be accused to publicly criticizing someone so I won't share those facts with you.) The grievance also contains a bunch of complaints about Bruce Sampley and his involvement and inaction as far as the grievance is concerned. I will address that at the end of this post...

Here is the ruling of the Grievance Committee in regard to the availability:

"Due to the fact that the USTA has no jurisdiction over the process that the college coaches use to hire officials, we, as a USTA committee, have no jurisdiction to hear this grievance. The coaches involved have contracted with Dr. McDonald to hire the officials needed and he has the right to hire whomever he chooses to hire. We feel your best course of action is to take this matter up with the individual coaches as they would have the right to instruct Dr. McDonald to hire a particular official."

(Suffice it to say that the coaches I work with are quite pleased the officials that I do and don't hire.)

Here is the ruling concerning the blog posting:

"Based on decisions made by legal counsel at both the USTA Texas Section level and the USTA national level that Dr. McDonald's allegory does not violate the 'Code of Conduct" or any slander law, this matter cannot be heard by this grievance committee or any other committee of the USTA."

Great work Grievance Committee! I am glad this is finally over and done with...

Kevin also filed a complaint stating that Sara Lammerts is a friend of mine and should be excluded from the Grievance Committee. In the interest of appearances, Sara recused herself from deliberations on this issue. I am personal friends with every person on the committee so I find this complaint rather interesting.

The only thing I discovered that was new about the grievance (when I actually got to see it) was why Bruce Sampley would not show it to me. Seems that Bruce was working on conjunction with Kevin through the entire process and told Kevin that what "Randy is doing to you is not right." Too bad he couldn't have picked up a phone and called me personally to tell me that instead of criticizing me to another official.

Special note: the grievance also goes into great detail about Kevin's frustration with Bruce Sampley for his inadequate handling of this entire issue.

To that, I would say a hearty AMEN!!!

(This will be my last post on this subject. I am tired of hearing about it, reading about it, and worrying about it. Its time to move on...)

After Only 41 Days...

Well, today is an exciting day in history in that I finally got a copy of the grievance that Kevin Labor filed against me--and it ONLY took 41 days from the time that our Sectional Chairman, Bruce Sampley, told me about it. Now I call that really moving on in the modern age of technology...

Since I have been sworn to secrecy concerning the grievance, I can tell you the following:

1. That it contained a complaint because I would not send him an availability.
2. That he thought that one of my blog postings was about him.

(These were things that Bruce Sampley told me back on September 25, 2008, so I am not revealing any top secret information.)

There were a bunch more baseless accusations and inuendos but this pretty well covers the whole thing. I'm just wondering why it took 41 days for me to see it!

Oh well, such is the nature of officiating in Texas...

SPECIAL NOTE: I have yet to receive a written copy of anything that I requested at least four different times nor have I heard anything about the resolution from our Texas Section Grievance Committee.

I guess the wheels of justice do turn slowly...

A Day of Sadness

Well, I began last weekend happy and excited and now I am in the pits of depression and sadness...

First, my beloved Longhorns lost to the cursed Texas Tech Red Raiders. That was bad enough but I also had that unregenerate Aggie, Myron Krueger, calling and reminding me of the huge upset loss in the backwoods of Lubbock.

Second, my Cowboys sucked yet again. How much worse can it get???

Third, my birthday is today and I am getting really old! I am not as old as Bernie West and Herb Taylor but I am older than most of the rest of the universe... I spent yesterday afternoon touring nursing homes...

Fourth, tomorrow (election day) will probably be the blackest day in the history of mankind. I will however wait until tomorrow night to be totally depressed yet again.

Other than all of the above, I am happy today that I'm alive and have my friends and dogs...