Finding the Hot Roll

    The last two years have created an unusual culture mostly due to economic conditions. Whether one is a conservative or liberal, it is time to acknowledge that perhaps, at least to an extent, the valued stimulus money given to individuals, families, organizations, and businesses has contributed to a shock to our economy and resulted in inflation, interest rate increases, lack of employees, loss of goods, and a significant decline in customer service. We have all seen and experienced the lack of employees at restaurants, service organizations, and retail. While the business pressures continue, the weak labor market creates confusion, stress, and a loss of consumer confidence. 

     Recently, a reputable auto shop in the community called me to tell me my "seal" had arrived and I needed to bring my vehicle in for the repair. I informed the caller that my vehicle had been repaired two months ago and seemed to be working fine; however, if I need a new seal, I will be glad to bring my vehicle to the shop. The caller became confused and said the VIN was not available. I said I could get that to her if it made a difference. The caller then said my work order had not been cleared and wondered who told me my vehicle was fixed two months ago. Not remembering the name, I mentioned a gentleman with dark hair and a small beard wearing a work shirt and jeans. The caller then hesitated and said that pretty well described everybody in the shop. I gave up on the call and said thank you but I think my seal is fine now. 

    This conversation is not that unusual anymore in our society. Poor management and a lack of employees has resulted in terrible customer service and managerial confusion. This then leads to a drop of returning customers, adding further shock to businesses that are scrambling to keep margins high and meet customer demands. Good managers understand that it is all about customer service and having good systems in place to meet demand. 

    Years ago, I noticed a local restaurant had a large and consistent following. While the environment was pleasant, the food always consistently good, they also had a "magic" method of ensuring satisfied customers. While eating, an elderly gentleman came around with hot rolls and butter and offered these to all those in the restaurant. I later learned the gentleman was the owner. His decision to serve "free" rolls contributed greatly to satisfied customers. These customers then returned, often with friends and family. 

    It is time to take a page out of that success and transfer it everywhere. Regardless of the nature of the business, retail, service, business to business or industry, customer service is king. Managers need to identify what will cause customers to return and emphasize that every time. What is the "hot roll" you can provide for your customers? It could be excellence in quality, or efficiency in record-keeping, or simply a complementary good, or an environment that is clean, safe, and comfortable. Find your "hot roll" for your business and keep those customers coming back for more. 

The Hidden Leaders

 

Just read a quote on LinkedIn that said, “I feel like 95% of high performers have a former boss who ignored their obvious potential.” Of course, this is not quantifiable and may fall into an anecdotal trap of stories without foundation. Yet, there is something to this, and it has to do with two possibilities in the workplace. One, sometimes leadership lacks in perception about people and their potential for success; and two, often leaders do not create an environment for individual achievement. Related to this is the lack of systems that encourage initiative or creative solutions to problems.

            Despite the wealth of resources available for increasing leadership abilities or addressing leadership in some way (a search for “leadership” on Amazon revealed 40,000 results), leaders often select team members who do not live up to expectations. Even worse, they may have overlooked the ideal candidate either through a poor search process or a lack of perception of potential. Further, it seems to be the norm where management systems and tight operational controls actually inhibit initiative and creativity. While this may be driven by a desire to prevent mistakes or keep people on task, it is also rather arrogant and myopic thinking for leadership to assume their superior ability to make the best decisions.

            Again, these comments are not quantifiable, and I have no doubt there are many exceptions to this problem of not recognizing potential in people. As a former Dean of Fine Arts and now a Dean of Business and Professional Studies, I am sincerely appreciative of having supervisors who gave me an opportunity to succeed. In turn, I continue to stay attuned to those with potential, with creative ideas, with energy to make things happen. Knowing the tendency for leaders to overlook what someone has to offer, I work to take a deeper study by watching, reading materials, talking, and mostly listening. Open to new ideas, I often seek the views of other people and encourage new thinking and initiative.

            Having been rejected for higher leadership positions, it is not really satisfying to learn later that those employed over me resulted in failure sometimes rather quickly. It does, however, make me suspect that the process is flawed. While committees may be able to overcome some of the poor decisions, often committees are subject to groupthink or wrong assumptions. It is likely in my own leadership over searches, I have overlooked the ideal candidate due to something small or insignificant.

            The problem is both complex and simple. Not everyone can be an effective leader and, unfortunately, it is hard to predict the outcome when leaders are selected. While there are many traits of a leader that can be identified and expressed, perhaps the greatest characteristic is humility combined with a willingness to listen to people and try new approaches. This type of leader is one who searches for potential. One who seeks out creativity, and one who gives people an opportunity for growth.

            I often wonder how many great leaders have been passed over due to biases, prejudices, or simply wrong impressions. How many organizations are failing or struggling when a different leader might have resulted in great success? Are there people in your organization that are quiet, unassuming, yet have tremendous potential to make a positive difference if they were given an opportunity? Is it possible, or even likely, that a great idea that quickly found its way to the circular file (trash can) might have made all the difference for the organization had it been accepted?

            There are no easy answers to leadership but many an organization has found itself mired in old methods that are no longer acceptable. As our world becomes more and more regulated and subject to litigation over small matters, we may be seeing fewer creative solutions to problems. This is certainly understandable since doing less is always easier than doing more. Yet a call to action is a call to service, a call to leadership, a call to reach out to people and find their potential. That special person with remarkable abilities may be the one to change the future, the one to make all the difference in the organization. Seek out and find the leaders among you and listen to them. You just might be surprised.

           

Amsterdam and Culture

As an amateur cultural anthropologist, I am curious about cultural practices and what led to those through history. Spending a few days in Amsterdam, I enjoyed the culture, the pride, and mostly social environment. Admittedly there are a few things that I am not completely sure about and a few practices that on the surface seem problematic but somehow work in this marvelous city. One thing to remember is that what may work in one place, may not necessarily work in another.

Most familiar with American culture and especially Texas, I am also familiar with British culture and particularly London. Lifestyle differences between Texas, London, and Amsterdam are striking and imposing one culture on another would likely be a dismal failure. In Texas we drive. We drive everywhere and walk very little. Not that we don't walk at all, for you can find people walking around neighborhoods or walking in malls or walking from the parking space to the store, but, in general, we drive and we drive big vehicles with many exceptions of course. Danger occurs on highways and occasionally in the city from poor driving. In London, the public transportation system is advanced with buses and tubes going all through the city. But you will not escape walking in London. Large footpaths designed for walking. Danger points are mainly intersections where buses, motorcycles, and taxis move quickly without regard for the masses of people waiting to get across. Londoners move quickly across streets while tourists, wisely, wait for the green light (figure of a person) before crossing.

In Amsterdam, the people ride bicycles. Some walking and quite a few motorcycles also adorn the paths but most transport is with a bicycle. There are trams and buses but not everywhere and only used if you don't have a bicycle. There are some cars, mostly small, but they are careful around bicycles and walkers. There are very few accidents in Amsterdam. There are not many accidents in London although the potential is always there. One only hears 6 or 7 sirens per day in London!

The bike riding in Amsterdam contributes to a quiet environment without many cars and very few sirens ever. The culture provides riding paths and roads that tend to give way to bicycles when needed. My time in Amsterdam was rewarding and makes me long for a different approach to our lives and our culture where we could safely ride bikes. Doing so would promote exercise, outdoor activities, a quieter environment, and, mostly, safety from road accidents. 

Teaching to the Ages

 The ambiguity of the title of this post is deliberate and references my long and varied experiences at teaching to all ages of students. Having worked with children, preteens, teens, and college-aged students, I am now spending time with adults in a doctoral program. Children, of course, require hands-on, active learning. As children mature, so does their ability to focus, albeit limited, and learn through other means. Yet, rather than replacing the style of learning, we layer the experiences in a type of iterative approach to pedagogy. Granted, as we grow and mature so does our ability to learn abstractly and begin to process and project time and future goals. 

Admittedly, learning styles are varied and with over 7 billion people on the planet, so too are there multiple learning styles and abilities. With this in mind, there are some general approaches to each age group that will help teachers deal with their students. Focusing at this time on the adult learner, perhaps the biggest change from younger students is the ability to manage time. This ability as well as persistence are motivations to succeed and complete the task. 

Not dissimilar to the variety of learning styles, adults have multiple reasons for why they are in college, seeking knowledge, a credential, and/or a degree. For some, they may have avoided college in the first place for any number of reasons while others may have started, dropped out, and are returning. Many are anxious, allocating personal resources to receive an education, and questioning their own reasons. Additionally, they may experience anxiety over their preparation and ability for college work. Some are overachievers, wanting to excel in all facets of the courseworks. Others, however, are recognize the challenges in taking classes and are willing to accept their own position and reason for attending college. 

Jugggling through family finances, children, home and work responsibilities while attending classes and completing work is extremely difficult for adult learners. The myriad of potential interruptions to classes is palpable and real, often resulting in increased anxiety and priortization of needs. Another challenge not often articulated is the problem of advanced technology. Since many adult learners did not grow up with the kind of technologies currently in use, learning new software and systems is yet another level of difficulty not usually addressed. 

These and more mean that colleges and universities should not expect nor treat adult learners in the same way as traditional college aged students. The ultimate goal is completion for these learners and helping them become contributing citizens through employment opportunities not always available to those without a college degree. To this end, instruction may require specialized training and understanding of adult learners. In some cases, this could mean increased patience, more time for projects, and supplemental material to aid in learning. 

Despite these many challenges, there are great opportunities available for adult learners and for colleges seeking to increase enrollment. But it requires different approaches and systems to ensure these students have a strong chance to succeed. The rewards, however, are high both for society and for institutions. As in all great endeavors, it is our opportunity for a win-win scenario where the community, the students, and the institutions gain. 

Why do we sing the National Anthem?

 As a member of the Rotary Club, I look forward to Fridays where I join with other Rotarians to hear information of interest to the members that often has a message of optimism and community spirit. In this group of women and men, are lawyers, accountants, bankers, social workers, leaders, doctors, and business owners, academicians, and every kind of profession between. Each Friday we begin with a prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and the pledge. We then give "sunshine" moments and play a little game of drawing a card to receive a pot of money. 

I enjoy singing the National Anthem despite its difficulty. The anthem has a large vocal range, wide melodic leaps, harmonic changes, and a complexity of words that makes it difficult to memorize. The range alone seems to prevent many people from singing the notes accurately. Yet, on certain days, I will admit to a surging of emotion that must be a form a pride in my country. The National Anthem reminds me of the battles for freedom and the inherent joy of living in America. In that respect, the weekly routine is a good one that I hope always remains. 

Yet, sometimes I wonder about the true benefits of this. We sing it at sports events, concerts, public gatherings, and various types of celebrations. We rarely sing it in small groups and I do not recall ever singing it at any of the thousands of meetings I have attended. I have heard wonderful performances of it from trumpet players, to pop singers, opera singers, and still occasionally listen to the amazing performance of master guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Sadly, I have also heard terrible performances including children, poor singers, overly ornamented, odd approaches, and mixed up words. Who can forget the funny although a little offensive performance of Leslie Nielsen in Naked Gun! 

Now we have this kneeling situation at sports events and are including other anthems. Baseball games include God Bless America in the 7th inning stretch. Symphony Orchestra concerts often begin with the Anthem but in a rather formal way (no clapping or yelling afterward). The other morning before a group run, around 50 of us stood still and listened to a recording of the National Anthem before we took off on our 9.11k run. 

I suppose the obvious reason we sing this is for unification and patriotism. At a competition, the National Anthem starts us all together without anger and bitterness toward the rival team. I do appreciate the respect that is applied and it is rewarding and unusual to see 50,000 people or more stand very still. What would happen if we did not sing it? Would we be overrun with anger at the opposing team? Would the concert be less interesting or would the run not be as rewarding? 

While I acknowledge right of players to kneel at the game, I do wonder why this has become a social and/or political opportunity to express a position? After all, it is simply a game and not even all that complex of a game at that. Why are we even patriotic at all at sporting events? 

Perhaps it is time to relegate the National Anthem to concerts or strictly patriotic events? Would this further divide and polarize a nation that struggles with unity? Or would this allow for personal freedom from coerced patriotism at games? 

As I write this post that asks more questions than provides answers, I wonder if my thoughts are somewhat subversive and un-American? Certainly, that is not my intent, but I do think we should examine our motives and goals in everything we do. 

In the end, I must say that I sincerely enjoy singing the National Anthem and find it a challenge to sing it accurately. It is the challenge itself that gives me satisfaction and I look forward to those moments at all events. Being patriotic is just part of the story. The song itself is a toughie, but rewarding when sung well. 

Revisiting Louis L'Amour

It began in 1971 when I was in 5th grade in El Paso, Texas. My father and I went to a TG&Y for some household goods. I cannot recall what else we purchased, but we stopped by the paperback rack to look through the books. This was not an uncommon practice having grown up around books with weekly trips to the public library and a love for reading that has not disappeared to this day. Still loving the smell of books, my pulse quickens when I enter a library or a used book store. Having long ago closed my online bookstore and donated my thousands of books to various libraries, I remain a book lover and find myself collecting once again. 

The world was both different and the same in 1971. No computers, cell phones, flat screen televisions, or devices all over the house. It was a time of the turntable, 3 channels on the tv which was located in a nice piece of furniture. Yes, we had an unusual oil lamp with a statue of a nude woman showering in the oil, but that is another story! What was the same was the love of family that remains today and even though I later resisted, deep down I loved being with my remarkable and different Dad, a man who loved his family, music, books, church, people, building things, fixing things, laughing, singing, and being the life of the party. 

As we looked at the paperbacks, I saw the book called Tucker by someone named Louis L'Amour. Curious about it, Dad bought it for me. I read it and enjoyed it although I normally did not read westerns much. That changed with Tucker and Dad and I soon devoured every L'Amour book we could find. I realize now that my father enjoyed sharing the experience with me, his oldest son, of reading the same books. We would discuss them, analyze them, and quote them at every opportunity. How many times did we remind each other that you could "hide an army out on those plains." And be sure to avoid staring into the campfire since it would temporarily blind you if you had to fight. Oh...and drink as much water as you can since you never know when you could run out. And save the last bullet for yourself so the Indians cannot capture you. He and I shared other books including David Morrell, Taylor Caldwell, Kenneth Roberts, John D. MacDonald, Matt Helm books, James Bond, Elmer Kelton, and Larry McMurtry, but it was L'Amour that we quoted and discussed the most. 

Life moved on and with it came my own family, several jobs, moves, and lots of experiences. My father passed away in 1999 at age 60 and I still feel a void in my life when I think of him...almost every day. He gave me a love of great stories, books, travels, and multiple experiences. A brilliant man, he never allowed the challenges of life to negatively affect his eclectic interests, his desire to make a difference, and his sheer joy and optimism. Even a few weeks before he died, he was at an elementary school playing guitar and singing songs for children. One week before he died, he and I were out hunting deer. 

Now at age 61, I feel a desire to return to the books that shaped me so profoundly. Books by Steinbeck, Morrell, Victor Hugo, Thomas Hardy, Larry McMurtry, James Michener, and yes, Louis L'Amour. Some books don't age well and feel rather dated. Some of L'Amour comes across at times as sort of basic and even primitive in style. Many of the plots are similar and the hero in the story often seems larger than life while the bad guys always lose in the end. Yet, there is something special in Louis L'Amour books. The descriptions of the environment are accurate and expressive and the people, although rather one dimensional, are clear in their values. The stories move with energy and the building tension causes page-turning all the way to the satisfying conclusion. 

And so I am revisiting Louis L'Amour books and enjoying them. Perhaps, however, I am really revisiting my time with my father, a time I treasure in my memories, and a time of growing up into manhood. 

Corona Virus and Odd Time

It is an odd time for all of us and the Tucker family is no exception. Too much television although I am also getting in some exercise, proper eating, and research. Still working on my dissertation but am quite tired of my topic. If I am named Dean of Business and Professional Studies at Hardin-Simmons University, then I will dive full force into finishing the dissertation. If not, I may spend my time learning to play the pipe organ and starting a business in mergers and acquisitions. I have an LLC now which means that extra expenditures for the business are tax deductible.

Am experiencing great anxiety primarily over the stock market and the economy. We are comfortable in our home but we still owe money on it. In other words, we do not own it completely. Were I to lose my job, I would have no way to pay the mortgage. But, it is true, that Joel has money and could purchase the home with his money. So I suppose this allows us a certain degree of financial freedom. Truth is that we are in better shape than many people and for that I feel blessed. Delivering meals on wheels reminds me of the condition of people in need and the multiple challenges facing those without extra resources.

But this is also a time to learn new concepts in both music and finance. My knowledge of discounted future cash flows is a little weak and I need to learn how to apply the financial formulas and ratios to valuing companies. Also I enjoy learning new ratios and formulas plus the idea of integrating science, math, finance, and the arts is exciting to me.

Enjoying following the news of the virus. Overall, I believe we as a society are overreacting but time will tell the real story. Can we really shut down all of culture and events as we know them? The economy is based on people spending money to improve and enjoy their lives. Staying indoors and spending only for essentials results in a societal shutdown and an economic disaster. Is this what the government wants? Is the aim to increase governmental power and greater reliance on governmental welfare programs? It looks that way to me.

Experiencing fairly significant anxiety about my future, my dissertation, my career, and all the students who feel displaced and not well-directed. Every now and then I find myself having funny moments of anxiety including shortness of breath, nervousness, fast heart rate and a general lack of motivation. Almost as though my blood pressure jumps way up in reaction to the stress. But then I suddenly feel better and believe all will be well over time.

More thoughts later.

Run your business like a symphony orchestra concert, except...

In a symphony orchestra concert, the players have individually prepared for the collective experience of accomplishing the musical goal of excellence. They desire to perform the required music to the best of their ability and to interpret the music to please the conductor who works to adhere to the composer's music. The performers are unswervingly committed to exceptional performance and come together for the purpose of accomplishing a musical goal. They are willing to follow the conductor's leadership and accept instruction and correction from the conductor. Although the conductor is governed, to an extent, by a board, he or she has absolute power over the players and the music. If the individual musicians produce high quality individually, then the music comes together collectively under the guidance of the conductor, resulting in a high quality performance. Economics aside, many people with specialized skills work collectively under the guidance of one person to produce a quality product that was initially designed by someone else. This is an excellent business model, except...it is not efficient.

Unlike a business whose goals are profitability, the symphony orchestra is concerned with emotional expression and artistic excellence. Are these goals incompatible with profitability? Yes, due to the personnel expense problem. Symphony orchestras are financially inefficient and cannot function on ticket sales without donors, grants, and sponsorships. Customers enjoy the product and are willing to pay for the experience, but the revenue from the ticket paying customers does not support the expenses to produce the event. No business can operate in this way. Revenue must outpace expenses and dependence on donations is not a workable solution, although in the non-profit sector it is a reality. Advertising revenue, however, is a strong business model but difficult in certain kinds of limited markets with narrow demographic customers.

Given that symphony orchestras serve a public good, they are generally non-profit enterprises relying on goodwill for their sustenance. But for-profit businesses can benefit from the principles that make symphony orchestras special and unique...the never-ending quest for artistic perfection combined with the power of emotional expression. Another way to look at this is to have a relentless goal of making the music appealing to the listeners, for those in attendance who are customers of the orchestra.

Regardless of whether the business makes hamburgers, tacos, computers, clothes, cars, toys, perfume, or virtually any item or service such as mowing the lawn, building a skyscraper, cleaning houses, pet grooming, or preparing taxes, it must have customers and those customers must be pleased with what they receive for their money. Returning customers and new customers encourage sponsorships and advertising. This makes excellence and quality the primary goal of a symphony orchestra and one that it hopes brings in the customers.

Aside from the problem of personnel expenses, a symphony orchestra embodies the ideal business goals by striving for an experience that is greater than the cost. If the orchestra can figure out how to provide the product without the personnel costs, it will have the solved the business goals for profitability as a result of excellence. What would happen if the players were paid a percentage of the ticket sales? Would they desire a voice in programming, in collective preparation, in management, advertising? Likely, yes. Would such an approach be healthy for the organization or would it augur against all that it represents?

Meals on Wheels and Dogfood

Once again helping my wife deliver meals on wheels, we arrived at the main location to pick up the meals for the clients. Quite a system organized by type of food, dietary restrictions and preferences, all designed to serve people unable to provide for themselves. There are different reasons for the need including but not limited to poverty, health problems, old age, general weaknesses, and, for some, most likely poor decisions. The meals are not free but they are substantially reduced. Most of the funding comes from state support through grants, gifts, donations, and local sponsorships. The program is remarkably successful, serious, and serves a public good by providing meals for those who are unable to provide for themselves. It is totally dependent on volunteers, people who give of their time and energy to deliver meals to the indigent.

Delivering meals provides a welcome relief from the stresses of work and, yes, life. It is an opportunity to do the right thing, to serve those less fortunate, to put aside one's disappointments and make sacrifices for others. Just when your self-reflection reaches the limits of emotional stability, then you reach out to others, put aside your selfishness and become benevolent, charitable, giving. We drive around the neighborhood of small houses most of which are slightly more than shacks, knocking on doors and handing people their lunch. Most are very appreciative and most seem eager for the balanced meal.

But today we had a different experience. We delivered dog food to one house. Not sure how to react to this. Tax dollars, donations, charitable contributions and volunteers came together to deliver dog food to a house. Not a lot, just one fairly large bag. A large plaque stands in the main hall where we pick up the food to deliver. And on this plaque are the names of the founders of Meals on Wheels and the many initial contributors. Someone or several people had a dream of providing meals for those in need in the community and that dream was fulfilled in a glorious charitable organization making a positive difference in the lives of those who cannot take care of themselves. Did the founders envision providing meals for dogs?

Dogs were domesticated over 30,000 years ago and continue to be ideal pets for millions of households. No one can resist a puppy and dogs are trained to help with emotional support, comfort, protection, prevention of crime, care for the elderly, security, and many other highly beneficial activities. For someone alone, a dog provides companionship and even purpose while giving someone needed emotional support. Of course dogs can eat people food and anyone is welcome to share food with a dog, but the preferred food is designed for a dog and helps with keeping teeth clean and a good digestion system.

Yet even as I write these words, I question our tax dollars supporting dogs who support the indigent. When we deliver meals, inevitably the door opens to loud barking and someone fighting to keep the dog inside. Many times the home has a terrible odor and a quick glance shows poor hygiene, clutter, and general messiness. This is not always true, of course, and sometimes the dog is mannerly, calm, and seems to be a part of the home. But it is not unusual to find two or three large dogs inside a small home wreaking havoc on the household. Owners frequently correct the behaviors with a "stop it Bucky" or "settle down, Ranger" or even something more conversational such as, "Ginger, it's okay, they are just delivering our food."

Risking great criticism from pet owners, I have to question the practice of providing food through a charitable organization for dogs, and I further question the practice of keeping pets in a household that cannot afford even the basic necessities. Does the pet inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of poverty? Maybe. Yes, it is their choice and for many it is a good choice. For others, however, it is not a good decision to keep a pet and our providing dog food seems to be enabling what may not ultimately be beneficial.

A Great Thanksgiving

Deciding to have a mini-vacation in Ruidoso, we got up early on Thanksgiving day and drove the 6 hours plus to Ruidoso, New Mexico. A beautiful region with pine trees, deer, mountain air, and plenty of hiking and activities, we always enjoy our time in Ruidoso. Arriving in the afternoon, we settled into the cabin owned and operated by Hardin-Simmons University. Although we brought snacks for supper, we also planned to run to a grocery store for something quick, knowing most restaurants would be closed for Thanksgiving. After buying a couple of frozen dinners to heat up in the microwave, we drove around the small town as the sun gave way to the darkness of the evening. Seeing my favorite coffee shop/restaurant called Sacred Grounds with cars in the parking lot, I mentioned that we might pick up something sweet to eat after our frozen dinners.

Heading up to the front door, someone outside said the open door was around the side. Slightly confused but still wanting a dessert of some kind, we walked into the back room to find a small group of people watching a football game on a large screen against the wall. Neither welcoming nor hostile, the people were focused on the game and paid little heed to us, almost as though our presence were normal and expected. Warm and comfortable, we settled down and watched the game with the people whom we did not know. After a few minutes, however, and feeling awkward since nobody was eating and no waiter came to take our order, I decided we should quietly leave during the next commercial. But as we got up to leave, a man came out and got everyone's attention. He said the food would be ready at the end of the game and the buffet would be in one room with the desserts in another. He then announced before we eat, he would play a recording of a poem to serve as our blessing.

The feeling of awkwardness increased, and I decided to go visit with the man as he made his way back to the kitchen. He said they were not officially open but had invited patrons to bring food for a Thanksgiving dinner. The owners had made a ham, turkey, and several casseroles in addition to what others brought. I thanked him but told him we were not residents and had unintentionally walked into the private gathering. He looked at me with direct but friendly eyes and said, "We want you to join us for this meal." I gave several reasons why it would not be right for us to stay, but he countered by insisting we be a part of the group. The game soon ended, we listened to a beautiful poem, and people stood up to get the food and enjoy the feast! Turkey, Ham, green bean casseroles, salads, cranberries, Yams, dressing, and rolls adorned the banquet hall (actually a small room with a large table!).

We ate with great enjoyment and began conversing with the people. Soon we felt a part of the group, and I realized the joy of Thanksgiving was not the food but the fellowship. The evening was special and filled with unusual love that can only be found among people who cast no judgment but, instead, offer their time and food to strangers. We walked in as strangers, soon became guests, and, by the end, we were part of their family. Leaving to return to our cabin, our bodies were full of great food and our souls were full of the joy that comes from the gift of openness and benevolence.

What a treat and what a great place. Ruidoso may have gained a new future resident! Sacred Grounds is sacred because of its love of strangers, of which we are no longer.

Increasing customers in higher education

Every business needs customers and higher education is no exception. Over the years I have seen a few businesses that did not appear to have consistent customers and had no interest in the few customers present. These businesses, however, were not selling anything and had not real need for additional customers to improve their business. I can think of 4 of these and all were museums that operated from an endowment. The earnings on the endowment paid for the utility costs, staffing, facilities, taxes, and any development. While it was a pleasure to experience these museums and exhibits, I also wondered if the lack of a drive for profits might contribute to complacency and indifference in the product from both the managers and the customers. Maybe not, but the concern is real.

The need for customers can drive a business or an institution forward and provide impetus for development and improvement of the product. Endowments, although sought after and necessary for non-profit organizations, can impede creativity by disincentivizing development and progress. Ironically, the same is true of restricted donations that insist on funds being used in specific ways. True, when money is working, it can free human capital to work on other aspects of the business. But a reliance on funds supporting funds without progress are at risk of losing customers and product development.

The answer for more customers is not improved marketing methods, not that such endeavors are without merit. Higher education, as an excessively complex institution, markets its quality of education, of student life, of degree programs, athletics, facilities, employment statistics, faculty to student ratios, completion rates, student experiences, and institutional reputation. Schools use recruiters, websites, brochures, digital resources, media, posters, calls, visits, and personal contacts to market its product. All these and more are beneficial and contribute to continued and new customers for the institution.

But in the end, marketing efforts aside, customer (students) growth must occur for the business (university) to thrive. Regardless of the marketing efforts, a business needs paying customers to remain in the business and such is true of higher education. Students, unless they have an income producing trust fund or have inherited significant wealth, have a driving need for a life filled with meaning and enough income to meet their needs and fulfill their intended professional goals.

The concern for universities is to provide a learning environment that meets the immediate needs of an education that includes experiences, entertainment, learning, excitement, safety, connections, life skills, and certification of the process. Students (parents) are willing to pay for this product in the hopes of a return on their investment. While having a college degree does help income level over a lifetime of earnings, there are many choices for how and where to pursue that degree. Students and parents have to wrestle various concepts while considering what is best for the student. Keeping in mind that a degree is a big investment of time and money, the customer of the institution must examine all facets of the institution while thinking long-term for the return on the investment.

Managers of small and large businesses or educational institutions constantly analyze expenditures to determine which are necessary for operational improvement, marketing needs, or quality improvement. Decisions to keep customers happy and returning are the essence of financial and operational management. The need for customers makes higher education no different from a business. Where the difference occurs is in the delivery of the product.

University as a Business

Long debated and rarely resolved, university officials continue to wrestle with the concept of administrating a university by using the principles of running a business. As with any business, a university needs to have more revenue than expenses to keep running and revenue needs to come from the sale of a product to its customers. This is true for all businesses, institutions of all types, regardless of size, scope, or mission. A non-profit institution, for example, should be fulfilling a public good as required but it cannot fulfill its mission without enough revenue to cover its expenses.

For a university, reducing liabilities is always good and acquiring assets can help the balance sheet. Having an endowment adds to revenue as do grants, donations, sales of various types, and increased customers. But who are the customers? Who pays for the service or product? Obviously, the service being provided is education and the product being sold is the knowledge leading to the certified completion of that knowledge. Argument could be made that students are the customers regardless of who pays for the expense of receiving an education. Some might say that parents or guardians are the customers or others might quibble about various governmental entities supporting the education through loans and grants.

A radical but perhaps more profound argument could be made that employers are the customers in that they employ certified completed graduates with particular skill sets for their business. While there is some truth in this statement, it cannot be substantiated due to employers not paying for the service. But it should be kept in the forefront of discussions in that employers represent the market trends for education. More on market trends later.

Because a business is dependent on customers, universities must design degrees and programs that meet customer needs. But there are principles, traditions, and philosophies that push against the market trend idea. This brings us to why a university cannot be treated as a business, at least not in the normal business sense. The purpose of a for profit business is to make a profit whereas the purpose of a non-profit business is to fulfill a public good. Both must have greater or equal revenue to expenses in order to remain in business. A university, however, in its mission to fulfill a public good, embraces the educational ideal known as the liberal arts and the personnel protection called tenure. These two practices are antithetical to normal business operations in the for profit world.

Take the local pizza place serving pizza to customers who pay for the food. The chef and the management hope to make something that is tasty and desirable in order to attract customers and encourage them to return. If the pizza were healthy and tasty, then all is well. If the pizza were tasty but unhealthy, then we might not get customers concerned with good health. If the pizza were healthy but tasted terrible, then we would have no customers.

If we rethought our purpose of the pizza and encouraged the chef to design the ingredients that are to the best interest of the customers and then told the chef that he or she would have a job forever, regardless of the quality of the pizza or the number of customers or the profit or lack thereof, then we would have a product that may or may not serve the public good but the chef might feel good about himself or herself. Therein lies the problem of running a university exactly like a business. The "chefs" at the university are highly skilled, well-educated, and generally dedicated to improving humanity by imparting education to students.

Running a university like a business and viewing students as customers relegates higher education to a commodity dependent on market trends and market forces to keep it afloat. For those recognizing a changing world and live in a pragmatic utilitarian environment, the market is that which changes regardless of any efforts to prevent or manipulate it. For others who subscribe to philosophical forces that dominate and shift thinking and practice, the university is the place to set a philosophical foundation for future employees to make a difference in the world.

Should a university be a technical training institution dedicated to giving students hands-on skills they can use professionally and technically in the workforce? Or should a higher education give students a solid foundation upon which they can draw, develop, and forge their own future, a future wrought full of challenges and opportunities?

Professional and technical models of education risk creating young automatons able to complete tasks but not able to lift society to new heights of cultural refinement. Yet liberal arts models devoid of professional training risk creating young thinkers wishing to change the world but lacking in skills applicable to the workforce. Obviously a balance is needed and, although greatly flawed, the university as a conceptual institution for higher education has continued to provide the skills and knowledge needed for most professions.

Unfortunately, this makes running a university like a business almost impossible and the tensions that exist within the institution for revenues to exceed expenses are palpable and difficult to navigate. One could argue, however, that the tensions themselves lie at the core of what a university means and how it will progress in the future.

Worship Wars, Is this a Race Problem?

A study of slave narratives and first hand accounts of worship practices by African-Americans dating back to the early 19th century reveal events that convinced the minds of white leadership the primitivism of the black race at the time. Totally misunderstanding what they saw and completely rejecting the style of worship, white land owners denounced virtually any worship practices that seemed out of character from the perceived proper way to worship God. There is evidence of prevention of blacks gathering together for this purpose and whites attributed their actions to some kind of strange voodoo or even possession of evil forces.

Fast forward to now and we still have a form of the same kind of disagreement happening in our churches. The contention is no longer voiced as criticism based on race, and we no longer hear disparaging stereotypes against a group of people, but we do hear criticism based on style and musical content. That argument, however, has its roots in past practices, attitudes, and arrogant refusal to respect another way to worship. Prophetically, there will be a day that the worship wars will go the way of all wars...to the history books. Meanwhile, churches continue to be polarized on the issue and we still hear the same uninformed disparagement toward differences expressed in our churches. I would posture that the style differences in our churches date back to the 19th century and the injustices suffered by the blacks.

Although a bit simplistic, and it is always dangerous to assign monolithic behavior to any one group, there is something to the pain of slavery requiring emotional release after working hours. But it goes  beyond this to the heart of what worship means and the expression of beliefs, needs, sorrows, and joys through music. Regardless of the treatment of slaves, whether it be harsh and punitive, or loving and forgiving, slavery is still slavery and is in direct opposition of Christ's teachings and the requirement for human liberty. Having heard many arguments that the Civil War was more an issue of labor, of taxation, of states' rights than of slavery, I hold that all arguments aside, slavery, a despicable practice in all forms, had to end.

As we trace the history and development of worship, of hymnody, of cathedrals and sanctuaries, singing, funerals, weddings, musical instruments, preference, style, and all the myriad variables that accompany the complex world of sacred music, we find a strange distinction that is difficult to acknowledge. That is the clear pathway of "white" style of worship versus "black" style of worship. Given the uncomfortable truth of this statement, and I firmly believe it to be true, then worship wars in our churches are an outgrowth and expression of historical and rarely communicated racism.

Resisting the tendency to express my own preference for church music or even music at all, I simply wish to draw dotted line connections to the past while paving the way for the future. Ultimately, I subscribe to the societal refinement theory that we are culturally improving as people and as a society, becoming respectful of all people, races, types, and giving egalitarian regard for the human experience, knowing we are complex creatures, rarely all bad, and certainly not all good. Our own preferences for a certain type of world do not really matter all that much. Market forces determine our products and our economy, and the invisible hand of culture will determine our musical art both in the secular world and the sacred world. Fighting for one type of music over another is noble and warring against those who seem uninformed about the "right" kind of music is certainly a right in and of itself, but, at the risk of sounding fatalistic, our worship wars do not really matter. The world will continue and the refinement will not be stopped.

Meanwhile, it is worth exploring and understanding how the past shapes the present and will form the future. Why should we understand this at all? People should have a right to like the music they want to like and to worship the way the wish to worship. If that is primarily with an organ, choir, and hymns regardless of its heritage as "white" music, then that certainly is fine. In fact, one could argue that if white people have an ethnicity, which they do, then their culture of doing hymns in a certain way, in a certain location, is certainly to be respected. If we are to respect all of humanity, then that should be inclusive of all cultures.

Yet awareness of where we have been and where we are headed could contribute to healing and to unity and, mostly, to a reduction of criticism of others. All the theological study that is available and all the degrees attached to a person's name cannot prescribe how someone must worship nor the kind of music one must prefer in a spiritual setting. Not unlike an admission of guilt, where acknowledging the truth is the first step toward healing, the church's acceptance that it is a segregated institution serving the needs of particularly ethnic groups and is that way today because it has always been that way, may indeed be the first step toward what could be one of the great changes in society one day--the integration of our churches.

How are social groups formed and is church a reflection of social preferences? If that is true, then it stands to reason that music is a direct reflection of social congregating. Groups form, large or small, to experience each other and to share in a common experience. For a church, that common experience is worshiping God, studying scripture, spending time together, singing, laughing, praying, and giving honor to the Lord and Savior. While this sounds simple, and conceptually it is, when we add individual personalities, values, preferences, and perceptions into the mix, it suddenly becomes wildly and joyfully complex. Corporate worship has long been a part of small and large groups dating back to pagan worship practices and continuing into denominational associations and the fractured religious world in which we reside. Groups form, break up, form again, reinvent themselves, redefine their purposes and priorities, and work together to meet those objectives. Membership changes, grows, declines, disappears, develops, and transforms into something new and special, only to dissipate once again and reform somewhere else. Such is the cycle of groups which, sadly or maybe happily, is the story of the church.

Considering the nature of groups and group dynamics, it is not surprising that ethnicities have formed into different types of churches with different practices and goals. What is unfortunate is that the veiled or not so veiled arrogance of groups who see their belief system and their system of worship as being superior to all else are contributing to the division and the demise of the organized church. To be fair, this is the expectation of a group, whether it be articulated or not, that what the group is doing is the right and best way. Without that confidence, the group may fall into insecurity, fear, and no longer value its very core and purpose. Groups, congregations, and churches should maintain a degree of arrogance that what it is doing is the right and best way, otherwise why form at all other than the benefits of sharing social joy with other people.

Taking this thought to its logical conclusion, it makes sense that ethnic groups have formed historically and developed to the present time with comfort in their group social norms and comfort with their commonality, that is to worship God with people similar to each other. Not that this is racism. After all, people should have a right to worship whatever way they so choose and with whomever they wish. This is freedom and we do not have the right to restrict it. But it may be the criticism of the "other way" that is a form of racism. Let us look at this more specifically.

Many whites have been inadvertently and unconsciously criticizing black worship practices for a long time and the criticism, although less obvious and covert, continues. This probably goes back to a lack of understanding and a lack of knowledge. Unfortunately, the converse is likely true as well. Thus we have a silent form of racism born of ignorance in our churches. The stereotypes against one way of worship are palpable, patently unfair, and decidedly although not intentionally racist. If I say my way is right and your way is wrong, and I base that statement on cultural practices by a specific ethnic group, then I am at risk of insulting a group for its practices based on differences between the groups. Such is the nature of racist remarks and prejudice without foundation.

A brief look at music and its history. Since Western music (referencing the non-Eastern world) became codified into the current system of notes, rhythms, and expression on a staff that represents a certain number of vibrations per second, we have had musical art both academically and commercially. It has been said, with a degree of truth, that art music is an acquired taste and not always well-suited for the masses. Commercial music, however, is for everyone and much of it is for mass appeal. Popular music, for example, has a folk-like appeal in its simple expression of human pain and joy. Spirituals have a soulful quality that reaches deep expressing both the longing for a better life and an acknowledgment of the restricted environment in which the people reside. Many of these are sacred in nature and we find the people looking to God for answers to their situation and expressing their pain through music. These spirituals are as historically significant as any art music or hymnody of the 19th century.

Art music, however, also plays an important role in musical expression of the 19th century but, unfortunately, despite a few anomalous African-American stars, was reserved for white people with money. This dichotomy--spirituals from blacks in the fields, and art music from whites in the concert halls--spilled into the 20th century in a number of different ways. The 20th century saw the rise of the Symphony Orchestra in our country, significant improvement in music education, and development of commercial music for entertainment. Throw in the growth of jazz, blues, and traveling bands and we see musical segregation as prominently as social and educational segregation. White music in church focused on hymns with a use of piano and organ as accompaniment. This ideal continues and we find this system preferred in churches using liturgy and formalism in the service.

When Leonard Bernstein started his series in the late 1950s called Young People's Concerts he used the New York Philharmonic to teach theory and history to students from all over New York. This marvelous series is available on video and remains remarkable in its content, artistry, and educational contributions. Yet, a closer look at the videos shows that most of the students were white and all the players were white. As an aside, the early videos show that the players are also male, but that is another topic for another day! This is another example of exclusive education of a predominantly white genre and medium of music.

It is not much of a stretch to examine style of music as being indigenous to certain races or at least value systems associated with education. Looking at it through the educational lens, as whites in the 20th century continued to be educated through governmental resources, ie. taxation and compulsory education, we see further development of art music. Sadly revealing, black schools did not have the same type of music education for students, resulting in less awareness of music other than that with which they knew, that from their past. This means that whites continued the path toward art music as being considered quality while blacks found their own musical language through development of popular music, jazz, and blues. Some would argue this approach is actually preferred. To be fair, whites did not only embrace art music, finding satisfaction in commercial music as well and many blacks composed and participated in art music. But the popular music of the first half of the 20th century was limited in expression and arguably less profound in purpose, reserved for big bands and musicals on film and stage. Art music, however, was considered elite and academic for those with resources to enjoy it. The disparate practices of music of the past now play a role in music of today, particularly in our churches.

Either due to a lack of awareness of art music or, more likely, a strong preference for what became a popular style, blacks in the 20th century forged their own musical future. Their music could be found in clubs, homes, and churches where they were free to explore the sounds they enjoyed. Using instruments such as the piano, guitar, and drums, they expressed the joy of music and invented their own cathartic style in the form of the blues. With church and worship remaining an integral part of their world, they did not necessarily seek a different type of expression in the church but, instead, extended the spiritual idea into the blues, forming their own gospel style. The gospel style is now wonderfully free in structure, joyful in dynamic expression, rhythmically complex, and harmonically interesting. Sometimes repetitive, the music allows for bodily motion including feet movement, swaying, arm motions, and dancing. Early rock stars such as Elvis Presley and Little Richard combined the freedom of expression of the blues and included their own brand of entertainment, launching a style known as rock music. It is not without merit that whites thought rock music grew out of the black style of movement. Sadly, early critics of rock music associated it as primitive music from African-Americans.

Add drums and guitars to the gospel style of singing, and we experience modern worship known as contemporary style. But parallel to this phenomenon, we still have art music previously relegated to whites. Church music, therefore, developed in two contrasting ways...one from a white tradition and one from a black tradition. Although no one way is superior, unfortunately people often replace their own preference with a statement of right or wrong.

These proposed historical categories, however, begin to fall apart when we study individual churches, worship practices, and musical content. Many black churches continue to sing hymns and the number of large growing churches that are predominantly white utilize what might have in the past have been considered black influenced music. These trends could be a sign of societal and religious refinement, incorporating past ethnic practices into current culture as a way to reach all people. Exclusivity, even in music, is no longer a sustainable practice in our society and churches are no exception. Unfortunately, our churches still have those who embrace exclusivity and battle for their own preference. Connected to the exclusive preference for style is the rejection of drums and guitars in a worship service. To be fair, many of these people warring against these popular instruments in church grew out of a time when rock music was seen as sinful and inappropriate.

And although not within the purview of this particular essay, the architectural changes employed in our churches dictate how music is to be heard and experienced. Large, acoustically resonating cathedrals are not aurally suitable for all kinds of music; whereas, venues with little resonating reverberation do need sound management technicians to provide a positive listening experience. These variables of architecture, sound management, hymns, instruments, and historical tradition all play a role in our current worship discrepancies.

To this end, we have worship wars where one faction disagrees with another, one group claiming that the right way to worship is through formal hymnody. Conversely, the other group finds the formal approach to be stiff and lacking in authenticity, preferring, instead, to emphasize drums, guitars, and repetition. We now hear these odd conversations between church people of whether hymns or choruses are the best form of music. The conversation inevitably becomes critical of one form over another and usually digresses into a meaningless drivel of opinions. I suppose in a way these types of opinions are the right of the people but the deliverer of the criticism is usually not appreciated by the recipients. I contend that if church members were aware of the race issue related to church music, we might actually find a greater acceptance of differences and, maybe, just maybe, a desire for unification of ideals.

Much of the above needs research validation but, in totality and with generalizations, the truth emerges. If our churches are polarized by music and the wars continue to destroy the institution of the church, then nobody wins. Only with integration of style will we one day put aside our differences and embrace the purpose of church, to worship God. The issue may no longer be one of race but, rather, one of education, theological teaching, and acceptance of differences while working for harmonious congruence.

Christmas Lights

Driving through the city, I see Christmas lights of every type adorning houses, businesses, parks, and signs. The number of different colors, shapes, styles, and sizes is astounding, giving the viewers an infinite variety of visual experiences. Many of the lights are mobile, flashing back and forth, moving around buildings, shrubs, trees, and windows. Many other lights are stationary, remaining steadfast in their position. Some lights were obviously put up hastily and have no system of presentation, often resulting in a random type of appearance. Others, however, were put up carefully with great attention and fastidious perfection of presentation. I see blinking, glittering, jumping, bright, dull, wild, tame, low, high, shapes, small quantities, large quantities, and every type of light decoration imaginable.

But, if the truth be told, I do not understand the light craze. I suppose historically it relates to the star in the sky showing the way to the Christ child. The star helped the Wise Men as they headed out to give gifts. Now, today, the lights are a symbol of the shine and glow of Jesus' birth and the reminder to give honor and respect to God's son, the Savior of the world. All that makes sense in a symbolic and beautiful way. But practically, I still do not understand. Maybe the lights are to help people remember or to serve as some kind of acknowledgement of the birth. Or maybe lights have become passe', without meaning, predictable objects that drain electricity, drain cash, take time,

Perhaps it is a human desire to seek out the good. The lights represent goodness triumphing over evil. Much has been written about the contrast between light and dark, good and evil. The obsession of lights at Christmas seems to demonstrate the human desire for beauty, morality, optimism, and compassion to reign victorious over the evil that often pervades our society. We are willing to make sacrifices of time and money to show others that we live in a world that needs God and the lights are a manifestation of God's son Jesus.

I believe, however, that while all that may be true, there may, indeed, be another intangible reason for the lights. I believe we, as humans, have an innate desire to create artistic moments, artistic events, and artistic opportunities. I believe that art, music, and theatre play a significant role in our culture and that artistic expression is a human need. Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to be a Michelangelo, a Shakespeare, or a Beethoven, but in spite of our lesser talents, we still desire to create and experience the beauty and the joy of art in its totality. Our imaginations may not be incredible nor life changing, but they still have a place in our culture.

Hanging lights at this time of year may symbolize Christ's birth or may simply represent the joy of Christmas but I posture that Christmas is also an opportunity to reach inside ourselves and express the role of art in our world. Whether that is true or not, because I live in an arts world, a world full of theatre, music, and visual art, I have no additional need for lights. Yet, I must grudgingly admit, that I enjoy them, at least to an extent, and, mostly, I am glad the lights have meaning for so many.

Meals on Wheels

Greatly reluctant, after all I did have lots of things to get done today, I agreed to deliver meals on wheels with my wife to the people in the community. Arguing with myself about joining her, I finally admitted that I did not really want to see where the people lived. Not that I am unaware of the poverty that surrounds us, at the same time, I prefer to be charitable from a distance. This is not due to fear nor guilt, but rather to some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder related to germs and dirty conditions. To combat this problem, she actually delivered the meals while I stayed in the car. Yes, I know it is selfish of me to make her do the work while I had the easy job but, in a way, it was a victory for me to be there at all.

The last several years have become full of career building opportunities including taking doctoral classes in business, investing, performing, developing knowledge in accounting, and studying financial statements. Recent disappointments, however, in how my career has stagnated have contributed to some potential depression and, consequently, further self-reflection. Combating my tendency for self-absorption, I continue to exercise regularly, practice my horn, pray, and find ways to share extra resources with others. What I forgot, however, is that doing for others is the cure for most selfish ailments.

Time to extricate the selfishness and use my abilities for others rather than serving my own needs all the time. Today was a lesson of giving and one that I intellectually have known for many years but have avoided in practice at times. It felt good to be a part of service to those less fortunate. To those without resources, to those recovering from surgery or who cannot drive or cannot afford a car. Meals on Wheels runs like a well oiled machine with all components in place. Within 5 minutes of our arrival at the main center, we had our meals in the car and we headed out to the 11 different homes. Some of the domiciles were neat and clean with obvious attention to detail while others were crumbling, dirty, and pitiful. Most of the people owned dogs--something I do not fully understand I'll admit, and most of the people were unable to work for various reasons.

Each recipient must meet the qualifications for a meal and most of them do pay something for the service. The deliverers of the meals are volunteers and they drive all over the city each day. The organization is superior and the system for mapping, meeting dietary restrictions, and supplying a well-balanced but healthy meal is actually tremendous. I have rarely seen a business operating as well and the management of the program is as fine a system as I have ever encountered. The volunteers are generously giving of their time and I heard no complaints from anyone. The recipients were all grateful for their meal and I felt that odd sense of satisfaction that one receives from helping others.

No doubt I need to do more and next time I will actually walk up to the door to deliver. But at least today was a start. Thanks to my wife for the reminder and thanks to Meals on Wheels for its remarkable commitment to making a difference in lives.

Christmas Parade and Scrooge

The Christmas Parade was impressive this year. Lights, trucks, cars, horses, buggies, carts, bands, floats, and thousands of people. Cheers for everything that went by were heard up and down the streets. Lots of waving, smiles, and Christmas joy surrounded the event. Various vendors were selling lighted up toys and necklaces. Hot chocolate was served along with different foods located in front of stores and at intersections. People were hugging each other and experiencing the shared love of the parade. The parade was long and much of it seemed an opportunity to advertise a church or a place of business. Several construction companies with long banners and signs drove by in huge trucks, all replete with lights, ribbons, bows, and happy people. The bands were playing Christmas songs in various ways. Large bands and small bands marched by bringing the sounds of the season with them. Could anything be happier than a well-supported community parade?

It was probably the most attended event of the year and somehow the parade crosses all boundaries, allowing people of all types and backgrounds to enjoy the event. Children, teens, older adults, wealthy, poor, all races, and relationships of all types filled the streets. What a tremendous opportunity to set aside differences and embrace the totality of love and joy through Christmas and a glorious tribute to community.

So what is my problem? I just really don't enjoy it all that much. I am glad people attend and seeing thousands lining the streets meant something special to me. I like the participation and how the city comes together for the event. But my personal satisfaction is fairly low. I was a little cold, didn't bring a chair, was hungry, and generally not attuned to the excitement around me. Just felt generally crabby and would have rather be home. Yet I like to think of myself as a good husband and father and deep down it really is not about me, so we went and clapped and waved with everyone else.

It is not really that I am a Scrooge. After all I do recognize the joys of the season and how families, friends, and people come together to share in the love of Christmas. But I also find it stressful and exhausting. I am weary of the same old songs, the excessive lights, the noise, the shopping, the decorating, the bows, red, green, stuff everywhere. Tape, ribbons, boxes, etc. Just too much. Also I think Christmas makes me a little sad for those who have so little and those who have lost loved ones or whose health is failing or who struggle to pay bills or who don't feel loved, whose stresses are greater than the joy or whose lives are filled with pain. I suppose, however, that is part of the time of year...to reflect on the blessings and find ways to help other people. In that respect, Christmas does serve its purpose. To share love.

Running, Jackfruit, Family

Arrived back from a trip to Arizona and started getting ready for Thanksgiving. The Arizona trip was uneventful but also fun and informative. I go every year to the National Association of Schools of Music convention to learn about developments, trends, and get ideas for growth and improvement. Always great to see friends, eat some good meals, and learn all the things that I should be doing. Anyway we returned on Tuesday and went shopping for Thanksgiving. Wednesday the family arrived and plans were made.

Bought a Jackfruit. This large green fruit with small spike-like bumps all over the outside originates from tropical India and can weigh over 50 lbs. We brought it home and stared at it for several hours before diving in. With everyone involved, we tore into the strange item. Took awhile in spite of having sharp knives, but eventually we had it open and began the process of ridding the yellowish fruit from the non-fruit. While doing so we separated the seeds from the fruit and ended up with a bowl of 150 seeds and a large bowl of fruit. The seeds we then boiled, roasted, and peeled. In spite of extra salt and further warming, the seeds were not good and we rejected them as having edible value.

The Jackfruit, however, we liked and ate it with the Thanksgiving meal. Not unlike pork with the sweetness of an apple, the Jackfruit is delicious. The texture is a little odd and not appealing to everyone and the flavor is mild but pleasant. Later we all agreed, and I apologize for the indelicacy, that the Jackfruit is a natural fiber and good for internal cleansing.

Ran the Turkey Trot once again. This is my third year and I did better than usual. About 1200 of us gathered along the street. We prayed, we sang the National Anthem, and then took off on the run. The 5K is about 3.2 miles and I ran the whole time. No word on the results but I suspect I beat my normal time and ended up probably in the top 400 maybe. I know, doesn't sound impressive, but considering my generally sedentary life-style and lack of athleticism, I am just glad to get through it. I run 3 miles about 4 or 5 times per week with an additional couple of miles on Saturdays. Mostly run to stay in a modicum of shape and keep the heart healthy. Running the Turkey Trot is a blast! Tall, short, large, small, old, and young, we all run at different paces. I passed several people and was passed by many. I dodged strollers, dogs, slow runners, and even ran on the grass a couple of times. Lots of youth around me, I believe I was one of the oldest runners at the race.

Came back and helped out with the dinner, we had a great time as a family. Everybody got along (kind of amazing!) and the meal was its usual variety and joy. Little bit of football watching, naps, more pie and the joy of family time was special for all.

No profound words today, just normal life.

Ranting about Race and Football

To sum up, I respect the right of football players to kneel or stand or fall down or hop or whatever they wish to do during the National Anthem. They have the freedom to respond to the anthem or to our country in the way they so choose. This is America where we do not have to fear to express ourselves. Great. But I also do not understand what they are accomplishing nor why it has to be at a football game. I am a fan of football although not addicted in any sense. If I never see another game, that would fine. But if a game is on the television or if I am at a game supporting my school, then I do enjoy it. A game is a game and not a big political moment to support a cause or protest a President or make some kind of social justice comment. It is just a game.

That said, there are things about football that disturb me. As a closet pacifist, I worry that we are glorifying violence and pain as a form of entertainment. A football game is not really all that different in philosophy from the thousands cheering Gladiators in the coliseum. No, death is not imminent but I do think the tackles are painful. We cheer on a fine play and we grunt and smile on a big hit but then we sadly sit quietly when someone is hurt, then we clap when someone limps off the field. Just seems hypocritical at times. I predict a day when stadiums are empty and games are not televised and athletic events are respected for athleticism rather than competition. Won't be in my lifetime, but I do think society will experience the decline of football in the far future.

Patriotism: not particularly patriotic in that I do not wave the flag at every opportunity nor do I "worship" the concept of our country. Having read considerable American history, I am respectful of the efforts to settle our nation and struggle through the many obstacles of what freedom actually means. Regretfully, I do wish I had served our country in the Armed Forces. This is probably the biggest regret of my life and career. Yet, I do not think one should "love it or leave it" nor do I think it is a requirement to give respect to our nation at all circumstances. After all, there is a fine line between respecting our country and agreeing with our government. On the other hand, we are a great country despite our many flaws. We enjoy freedoms, prosperity, opportunity, and progress more than many countries, and I have never taken our country for granted and am always appreciative of being an American.

Race relations in our country is not a simple matter and, as a friend always says, complex problems require complex solutions. No doubt in my mind that we, as a country, are continuing to struggle with a lack of equality and prejudice without justification. We are slowly marching toward human refinement and there will be a day when color of skin or any human distinction will not matter at all. But that day is not today. Sadly, it still shapes our economy and our culture. I, like the football players and, I hope, most people, am disappointed in the lack of equality of our world, of the racism that exists in the workplace, the economy, and in the educational system. I am disappointed that we give lip service to diversity but we cannot seem to embrace it in reality. I envision a world where all people take advantage of the opportunities that are available for education, for self-improvement, and for development of skills for the future of the individual and the collective. I am sad when I see segregated social organizations, churches, meals, activities, events, and cultural development. Only when we do not care what a person looks like will we truly achieve refinement and total integration. This is not only about race but is extended to all ingrained biases and suspicion toward others.

Ultimately it is not about legislation nor economy. It is about education and acceptance of differences while striving for harmonious and unified existence. Truly, what is there to protest? Ourselves, our society, our past, our future? I recommend protesting against yourself the next time you prejudge someone without knowing that person, or the next time you avoid that disabled adult, or the next time you run from someone homeless, or the next time you criticize someone for being fat or ugly or short or poorly dressed. Protest your own problems and work on them. Protesting the National Anthem is your right but not helpful. Time for all of us to take the beam out of our own eye.

The next thing...

Not sure of the personality trait nor of the identified value system, but I have little to no need of living in the past and repeating the events that happened yesterday. Once it is done, it is over and it signals a time to move forward. Having been a part of successful artistic events throughout my career, I do not desire to replicate them nor return to a different era. This does not mean I do not miss certain things about yesterday or even 50 years ago, but I have the kind of personality that gives a nod to the past while moving forward to tomorrow.

Great performances were meaningful, special, and enriching not only to me but hopefully all present. Yet I never, ever listen to a recording of myself either performing or conducting. I do not even enjoy hearing the music I wrote again. I prefer, instead, to create something new, to lead something new, to imagine the next thing.

Not being a hoarder, when it is time to get rid of excess, I do so. Feeling no need to keep old items no longer used, I am completely comfortable throwing things away or giving things away. At times slightly sentimental, particularly involving my family, and I do recognize the events from the past shape our future, I prefer to practice an objective and creative approach to the future. As an amateur historian, I am intrigued with events of the past and how those set forth a culture that impacts us today. Yet I have no desire revisit those events other than acknowledging they did occur. When it was time to throw away my high school letter jacket, I did so. When my record collection no longer had value, I got rid of it. Objects are simply objects and have no legitimate value other than what they could mean to someone else. Thus I do struggle with my book collection, although I anticipate a day all the books will be given away.

It is not a matter of judgment of right or wrong to live in the past, it is more that I do not wish to reflect on it nor to allow it to govern my thought processing. Unfortunately, this makes me different I suspect and hard to understand. It also makes it difficult to understand others who do live in the past. As a Dean of Fine Arts, I have great respect for art music of the past, for the composers who wrote the beautiful music, and for the artist achievements that make our world today better, richer, and give it all meaning. But at the same time, it is done and I believe it is time for a new canon of literature. Beating the drum for new expressions, for human creativity, for imagination and innovation, I often find myself in a precarious position of teaching the old while championing the new.

Time to move forward, to create and to dream of the next thing. Love history but do not live in it. Respect past achievements but do not rely on them. Find joy where it is now not where it was yesterday.

Doctoral Work in Business

Immersed in doctoral work, I have very little time to blog. Yet I find myself with a little time this evening and want to express some thoughts. Doctoral work in business is not necessarily difficult for me although it is quite time consuming. Constant research, writing, and papers due nearly every week. Not entirely sure if pursuing this degree is wise nor am I even sure why I am seeking yet another doctorate in a disparate field. After all, many would say I have arrived as a music administrator, serving as a Dean in a reputable but fairly small university. Mostly I enjoy learning new things and being seen as an eclectic polymath with a wide variety of interests.

I suppose there is a part of me that is seeking something new in the peak of my career. Music has been and will likely continue to be my life, defining me to virtually everyone I encounter including my own family. With constant songs in my head and an ability to analyze music of all types and genres in nearly an instant, being a musician is natural for me. Yet several years ago I began to examine market trends and to study large and small corporations. Perhaps it was my interest in the stock market and investing that led to a desire to know more about why some companies fail while others grow. And as I watch companies grow, I have seen the discipline of music as I learned it in school, decline.

But I am also annoyed that non-musicians tend to think of musicians as one-sided people. Some may look at musicians as oddities, strange people who can only do one thing. Others may actually have a great deal of respect for musicians but neither do they understand their interest nor talent. Mostly I suspect that non-musicians see musicians as brainless fools playing games with sound. Almost as though we are little toys found in stores at Christmas. Yes, I know this is overstated but not a lot. It is not that I seek respect for my musical skills but, rather, I seek respect for what I know in other disciplines.

So to that end, I am now pursuing a doctor of business administration. Coursework so far has included research techniques, global management, capital budgeting and financial analysis, and now corporate structure. Is it applicable to my profession as a music administrator? Not necessarily. Yet I do sincerely enjoy learning more about the business world. What a fascinating world that actually shapes everything about our economy. Not that I am a great financier, but I do know many things about it and can hold my own in basic accounting, budgeting, marketing, and finance. Using data to make decisions is much preferred over music instincts and constantly thinking of revenue over expenses is easier than deciding how to phrase or working to play the passage perfectly.

Yes I love being a musician but I also enjoy being a business person. Both worlds entice me and both worlds can work in harmony and in congruence provided the musical world begins to react as a vital economy rather than some kind of elite commodity that only a few have a right in which to participate. No longer can we, as musicians, operate in a bubble of our own preference. It is time to accept the multi-billion dollar world of music as being a vital economic force and one that shapes and directs our culture in infinite ways. Abandon the elitism and embrace the totality of music in the world.