ON HOFSTRA MEN’S BASKETBALL 2015-16 SEASON: HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

November 29, 2015

December 1, 2015

Thanksgiving is now a near distant memory.  It is now December.  Christmas and the New Year are around the corner.  What’s the significance?  It primarily means one thing for basketball buffs in the Nassau County area:  the 2015-16 Hofstra basketball season has arrived.

Every year, at about this time (December 1), I introduce the reader to Hofstra’s Men’s Basketball Team and start the prediction process for the coming season.  This year is no different – so here goes…

I begin with some comments about last year’s team.  There were concerns, hopes, and expectations; second year Coach Joe Mihalich (he has my vote for second-best coach in the NCAA) had inherited a team in disarray the previous season, but the 2014-15 season team featured Juan ‘ya Green and Ameen Tanksley – the two Niagara University transfers and Brian Bernardi, plus returnees Jamail Robinson/Malik Nichols and two first-year centers.  So what happened?  They had a good season finishing 5th in the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) with a decent record of 20-14, 10-8.  The group started off strong, went into a tailspin after Tanksley scored 30+ points at the Barkley Center, and came back strong at the end of the season.  The CAA tournament was up for grabs and I felt they had a chance to win it and earn a berth in the NCAA tournament.

It would be appropriate to also mention last year’s Hofstra/William & Mary (H/W&M) CAA Tournament semi-final game.  This may sound like sour grapes but Hofstra was the best team in the tournament and the best team lost because of poor officiating (a CAA official effectively said the same thing to me).  The H/W&M foul ratio was an unbelievable 2/1.  The refs called “touch” or “phantom” fouls near the end of the game that put W&M in a position to win.  As a former basketball ref, and the reader can check this with any other ref, you simply don’t make this class of call at the end of a game.  These three officials shouldn’t get another playoff game in the future.  If you think I’m nuts, check the near perfect quality of the officiating the next night in the finals. (P.S. I mailed these thoughts to my friend, CAA Commissioner Tom Yaeger.)

Here’s what I’ve got on this year’s team.  Hofstra has extended Coach Mihalick’s contract.  Most of the players are returning; key losses include center Kone and off-guard Nesmith.  There’s a few additions, the most noteworthy of which is 6-8 Denton Koon, a Princeton graduate student transfer with one year of eligibility and freshman guards Justin Wrights-Foreman and Desure Buie.

Here’s my analysis:  The team looks pretty solid.  Are there any concerns?  Of course.  The loss of Kone may be problematic if the two centers – Gustys and Walker – do not improve.  The departure of Nesmith is a bigger concern since the club’s roster seems to be light on one (point) guards with experience.  I have repeatedly claimed that it is great guards that get a team to a championship games, but it is great defensive guards that get you to the Promised Land; i.e., win a championship.  Nesmith filled that role and I’m not sure that Mihalick has a satisfactory replacement.  Green is a solid scorer and a great passer but he has yet to convince me that he is a great defensive player, which he will have to demonstrate in order to move on to the next level.

This may be Hofstra’s year.  Then again, it may turn out not to be for a host of reasons.  At the top of the list is a porous defense, followed by the lack of a backup center, the lack of a shot blocker, and the lack of a great defensive guard.  Furthermore, Coach Mihalich appears committed to six-man rotation which could expand to seven with the addition of Buie; this might spell disaster in a potential four-day/four-game tournament in March.  I maintain that 35+ minutes players in a high powered offense will unquestionably cheat on defense—and this problem needs to be addressed if the club is to go all the way.

A note on the aforementioned Freshman guard Desure Buie.  He may turn out to be the heir to a long list of great guards who have performed at Mack Arena.  I think this baby-faced under six foot 120 pounder (he can’t be six feet tall and weigh 150 pounds as reported) will bring fame and fortune to the program after Green and Tanksley leave at the end of the season.  He’s the real deal in my estimation.

The team’s record at the time of the posting of this article was 3-2.  Three home games remain in December, including their league opener against Delaware at 1:00 PM on the day of New Year’s Eve.  There are also 9 home league games during January and February.  The CAA Tournament is scheduled for March 4 – 7 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.

As noted on numerous times in the past, attending Hofstra games still remains the best sports buy in the New York Metropolitan area.  There is ample free parking, the concession stands are not a rip-off, there isn’t a bad seat in the house and its $6 for seniors and children.

*************************************************************************

In the meantime, my Basketball Coaching 101 (436-page) book is still out in the marketplace at either amazon.com or createspace.com for $17.95.  I gave it my best shot and know the book will win no prizes.  Despite rave reviews, sales are sluggish; it is not available in stores and there has been no signings in bookshops.  The explanation provided to me is that it is now a word-of-mouth book, i.e., via personal recommendation of one reader to another, the media, press, many authorities, etc., have essentially overlooked the book.

I thank those of you who have read it cover-to-cover and have had nothing but positive things to say about it.  It’s been great for my ego.  So … the readers’ help is required if meaningful sales are to materialize.  Nonetheless, thanks to those who are pushing the book.  I ask others to consider contacting their circle of friends and inform them of the book, and further recommend they contact their circle of friends, etc.  Details on the book are available on my Facebook page: Basketball Coaching 101.

Consider buying the book – I really do need the royalty money to help subsidize my gambling habits.

NEXT POSTINGS  (tentative):

 

JANUARY 1:             On Climate Change II

FEBRUARY 1:          On How to Write a Book

MARCH 1:                 On Random Thoughts XXIII

APRIL 1:                    On Financial Inequity

MAY 1:                       On the 2016 East Williston School District Budget Vote

Leave a Comment » | Basketball, East Williston, Education, Politics, School Board, Sports, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

ON BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA UPDATE V

October 1, 2015

October 1, 2015

 

I’m tired of writing long-winded articles in traditional format.  Since this article is concerned with Barack Hussein Obama (BHO), I decided to check the notes in my files on BHO.  Below is what I’ve adding since the previous article – Barack Hussein Obama IV – that was posted onto this newsletter in late 2014.  Here are a handful of “recent extracts” that directly apply to BHO.

  • I can say, with absolute certainty, that lying is a way of life for BHO.  And The Hill.  And, of course, Bubba.
  • BHO unveiled his first major federal regulation on “fracking” five (5) months ago.  There is no end to the stupidity of this guy.
  • I don’t think BHO knows the difference between a “hand up” and a “handout”.
  • I feel BHO has set our nation back 20 years.
  • I still maintain that BHO is a racist and stoking racial animosity.  His true feelings can be found in his indifferent position on whites killed by blacks and blacks killed by blacks, and his outspoken position whenever a black is (almost always justifiably) killed by a cop.  He has nothing to say about the former and everything to say about the latter.
  • Over 150 years ago, Blacks in America were slaves to the plantation owners.  It seems to me that today, many have become slaves to the government because of their dependence on entitlement programs.
  • Although this may sound hard to accept, I believe that Hillary will win (if she runs) because of the women’s vote.
  • You heard it here first – I predict Michelle will divorce this egomaniac soon after 2016.
  • There is no question that Debbie Wasserman Shultz of the DNC is as dumb as Biden, Pelosi and Barack.
  • I’m still trying to figure out if Nancy Pelosi or Joe Biden are dumber than BHO.
  • A side headline in the 10/22/14 NY Times read “A Steady Loss in Confidence”.  How would one know from the headline that the article was essentially based on the confidence issue associated with BHO?
  • I think The Donald is good for America, but not as President.  He is a big boy who can dish it out but seems to have some problem when he’s on the receiving end.  I hope Trump keeps dishing it out and the media keeps returning the fire.
  • The Donald did a great service to our country.  The first debate in August helped to open the eyes of those individuals brainwashed by the liberal media as to what is really going on in America.
  • How dumb can the American public be?  One recent poll claimed that Barack was doing a good job!  Ouch!
  • Any chance Barack’s Administration will attempt to analyze the effect environmental rules, regulations, and laws have on businesses, society and the environment?  How about reviewing them to ensure clarity and reduce the conflicts between them?
  • I think it is tough to decide on the merits of the Iran nuke deal.  We have a choice of believing Barack or believing the Republicans.  Given that Barack is dumb, a liar, untrustworthy, un-American, and an egomaniac, the only intelligent and rational choice is to believe (ugh!) the Republicans.
  • I don’t think Barack is a communist.  But he unquestionably is a socialist, even though it has never worked since The Big Bang.
  • Seems to me that the liberals/democrats have turned away from democracy (as per the founding fathers) and capitalism.  I can’t figure out why, since it has worked successfully for nearly 250 years.
  • Most successful people, in discussing their career, stress family values, hard work, and love of our great nation.  Anyone ever hear Barack talk about any of the above three points?
  • What is Barack’s magic formula for a society to prosper and have a good quality of life? “Take from the rich and give to the poor,” and “it is the duty of the government to provide for our needs.”  Unfortunately, this populism strategy always accomplishes the opposite of its intent – it is an unalterable fact of economics.
  • It was approximately 2,150 years ago that Publitius Syrus wrote in his classic work Maxim: “Pardon one offense, and you encourage the commission of many.”  Can anyone relate this to the non-existent immigration policy, mass murders of Christians in the Middle East, condoning sanctuary cities, the war on women in the Middle East, Syria’s “red line,” the refugee chaos in Europe, the Iran nuke deal, Holder’s conduct as AG, etc.”
  • I’m trying to get a handle on how many people (including women and Christians) have suffered and/or died because of the weak-kneed liberal policies of BHO.
  • My vote for Loser and Enabler of the 21st Century is BHO.
  • How in the world can 42% of potential voters think that BHO is doing a good job?
  • BHO obviously doesn’t believe there are two sides to police and community relations.
  • BHO and I agree that “war is hell.” But, does BHO understand that “peace at any cost can ultimately (as in the past) be significantly worse than war.”
  • Have I gone off the deep end?  Every now and then I find myself comparing Churchill to BHO. Ugh!

Finally, can the reader guess who swore under oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United State” …. TWICE!!!

NEXT POSTINGS:  (tentative)

NOVEMBER 1:         On Paying Student-Athletes III

DECEMBER 1:          On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2015-16 Season

JANUARY 1:             On How to Write a Book

Leave a Comment » | Barack Obama, Economics, Education, Politics, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On Memorial Day VII  

May 30, 2015

Well, what about Memorial Day?  It is a legal holiday, observed annually on the last Monday in May in honor of the nation’s armed services personnel killed in wartime.  Some claim that Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868 on the order of Gen. John Alexander Logan for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War dead.  Others claim that Memorial Day was started by former slaves on May 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC to honor 257 dead Union Soldiers who had been buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp; they reportedly dug up the bodies and worked for two weeks to give them a proper burial as gratitude for fighting for their freedom.

Every Memorial Day, I am reminded of a passage in a book (having read it five times) written by my favorite author.  The book: Tales of the South Pacific.   The author: James Michener.  Published: 1957.  Comment: A book every American should read.  In part of a passage, a young World War II soldier stationed in the South Pacific expresses his feelings on visiting a cemetery at Hoga Point.

“Before me lay the dead, the heroic dead who took the island.  Upon a strange plateau, on a strange island, in a strange sea, far from their farms and villages, they slept forever beside the lagoon which bore them to their day of battle…

If you sit at home and read that two hundred and eighty-one men died in taking an island, the number is only a symbol for the mind to classify.  But when you stand at the white crosses, the two hundred and eighty-one dead become men: the sons, the husbands, and the lovers…

Each man who lay there bore with him to his grave some promise for a free America.  Now they were gone.   Who would take their places?  Women?  Old men?  Or were those who lived committed to a double burden?  Theirs and the dead men.”

These words are inscribed on an Iwo Jima cemetery: “When you go home tell them and say – for your tomorrow we gave our today.”  On this Memorial Day, let us remember these words and remember the sacrifice made by the men and women who served our country in the past and those who are serving today.  The relentless passage of time makes it all too easy for some to allow the importance of Memorial Day to pass without a second thought.  For some, forgotten are the sacrifices of those who risked and lost their lives for our future and a better world.  Forgotten also are those who were asked to recover a few square yards of land.  Forgotten are those who never had a chance to love.  Forgotten also are those who didn’t give their lives for their country but had their lives taken away from them.

 

The history of war has been unkind to our country during my lifetime.  Nearly 300,000 Americans lost their lives during World War II (16 million served) with 5,000 sailors and 20,000 other servicemen paying the supreme sacrifice during the battle of the tiny island of Okinawa.  The Korean and Vietnam wars produced 34,000 and 47,000 American deaths, respectively.  Staggering numbers.  It has been reported that fewer are dying with the recent armed conflicts.  Statistically, the number appears to be going down but the trend will not register with those who lost a loved one.  How often do those in the reading audience give thanks for being an American? How often do we give thanks for our lifestyle – cars, TVs, restaurants, vacations, home(s), etc.?  And how often do people around the world give thanks for their present-day life-style?

But, who should we and those around the world give thanks to?  For some, the answer might be the bureaucrats, politicians, lawyers, etc.  For others, it might be doctors or engineers or scientists.  For me, thanks would be directed to those who have served or are presently serving in the defense of our great nation.  Today, approximately 1.5% of the 300,000,000+ U.S. citizens serve in the military.  One can only wonder how much thought is given to those who have not served.  Do they really understand the sacrifice by our men and women in the military?    I feel a pang of guilt every year when Memorial Day rolls around.  I am 81 years old and never served America.  The 81 years spanned four wars, including the present war on terrorism and yet, I did not serve.  Many others were not as fortunate.

The quality of our lives can be directly attributed to those special men and women who served bravely during those horrible periods discussed above.  Hopefully, each and every one of us can reflect on those sacrifices and become better human beings.  May kindness and understanding, rather than combat and hate, fill our lives in the days that follow so that we may truly celebrate life.

Happy Memorial Day to all.

 

NEXT POSTINGS:  (tentative)

JULY 1:                      On My Book

AUGUST 1:                On Environmental Matters

SEPTEMBER 1:         On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXII

OCTOBER 1:             On Barack Hussein Obama Update V

NOVEMBER 1:         On Paying Student-Athletes III

DECEMBER 1:          On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2015-16 Season

1 Comment | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On the Interview Process

June 1, 2014

June 1, 2014

Many of the younger set in the Newsletter reading audience are now fast approaching crunch time regarding employment. In effect, it’s job time.
Over the years, my students have often asked for advice on employment and careers. My response to them centers on four subject areas:
1. What are you looking for?
2. What is the company looking for?
3. What about the interview?
4. What is needed to succeed?
Each of these questions are addressed below, with more extensive information provided for (3).
Regarding (1), only you can answer this question. The applicant/student should know exactly what he/she wants for the job. Should it be challenging? Do you just want a job? Is money the big issue? Is it security? And, what about graduate school and/or on-the-job training? Quite frankly, I find it difficult for anyone to really expect a youngster to know what they really want regarding a job or career.
We can spend a bit more time on (2). Here are five factors (there are obviously more) on what the company is looking for in terms of a (new) hire.
• Experience. It is helpful to have some previous experience since it measures one’s interests within a field; internships, or the equivalent, are a great way to gain job experience.
• Flexibility. Employees may need to work longer or extended hours, or start at the bottom and work their way up.
• Attitude. Entry-level jobs are not always exciting; initial work can include photocopying or filing. A great attitude reflects being willing to do the boring work without complaining.
• People Skills. One needs to have the ability to get along with and motivate co-workers and clients. Knowing how to COMMUNICATE with others is CRITICAL IN TODAY’S JOB MARKET.
• Handling Adversity. Grace under fire is a particularly prized commodity in the fast-paced, deadline-driven job market of the 21st century. Companies want to know that you have the ability to stay motivated when things are not going smoothly.
Here are a few tips on what might help you land the job (3)… perhaps of your dreams.
• It is important to prepare an impressive and an up-to-date resume that truly reflects you. Put your best foot forward. Don’t lie. Exaggerate? Be careful. Shield the truth? Perhaps, but definitely don’t lie.
• Prepare for the interview by researching the company. Check them out on their website or review an annual report. This will enable you to ask informed questions during the interview.
• Attire is important, so dress appropriately.
• The interview does not begin when you meet the interviewer; it begins earlier at the front door.
• Turn your cellphone off and avoid texting and phone conversations earlier while in a waiting room.
• If you are shown into a room to meet the interviewer, wait for the interviewer to tell you where to sit. Remain standing until the interviewer sits. Don’t’ plop your feet on the interviewer’s desk and start picking your nose or ear(s).
• Stand up to greet anyone you subsequently meet and shake hands confidently.
• During the interview, sit on the edge of the chair and lean forward slightly to let the interviewer know you are attentive.
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake hands before leaving.
• During interview meals, generally follow the interviewer’s lead. Place your napkin in your lap and begin eating when the interviewer does.
• Start with the utensils on the outside and work your way in toward the plate.
• Order something familiar that is neat as opposed to messy.
• Taste the food before seasoning.
• Keep on the same eating pace with your interviewer.
• Do not mix food on your plate into a pile of hash.
• Do not order alcohol if your interviewer does not.
• Be extra courteous to the waiter and busboy.
As the old saying goes, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”, so make the most of it. Prepare and rehearse for the interview. I also believe it is appropriate to either send the recruiter a thank you letter or follow with a call or e-mail the following day.

Well, what about success (4). Over the years, I had the privilege of maintaining close social and professional ties with many of my successful graduates in our profession. In thinking about what character traits likely contributed to their success, I found the following to be the most common.

• Communication Abilities. A leader must be an exceptional communicator orally and written.
• Appearance. Tall attractive men (and women) succeed more often than shorter folk (now I have an excuse). It’s a fact of life.
• Self-awareness. Leaders have an ability to recognize and understand their moods, emotions, and drives, as well as how they affect others; they are self-confident and able to acknowledge both their strengths and weaknesses.
• Self-regulation. Leaders have an ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses or moods. In other words, they are able to think calmly before acting; this demands considerable tolerance of the views of others.
• Self-motivation. Leaders are self-motivated and their ultimate goal is achievement for achievement’s sake.
• Empathy. Leaders have an ability to put themselves in other people’s shoes and think from their viewpoint.
• Social Skills. Leaders have an ability to build rapport with virtually anyone and, in the process, have created a network of associates.
• Creativity. Leaders have an ability to innovate and “think outside the box.”
• Self-deprecation. Leaders are able to laugh at themselves, and are not bothered by what others might say about them.
• Action-oriented. Perhaps most important, leaders are doers and have an ability to make things happen, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Interestingly, you will note that technical ability (or the equivalent) and GPA (Grade Point Average) correlate weakly with successful leaders.

Good luck to those who will soon be approaching the interview process. A great thing about an interview is that it is the one time you can tell people how wonderful you are and they are actually willing to listen.

NEXT POSTINGS: (tentative)

JULY 1: On Tenure
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On Barack Hussein Obama Update IV
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

Leave a Comment » | Economics, Education, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On Purely Chase, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX

February 27, 2014

March 1, 2014

Here’s another of a “random” variety. Much to my surprise, some of the readers enjoy these types of articles. So, once again, here goes with another 20.

• As far as I’m concerned, comedienne Wanda Sykes speaks a foreign language. It might help if she took a course in English.
• Is it me, or does Joe Biden look and behave like an idiot? Forget about it when he opens his mouth.
• Barack Hussein Obama (BHO) looks and sounds more unpresidential each passing day.
• Don’t be surprised if the ASPCA demands that teams named Bears, Blackhawks, Cardinals, etc. change their names.
• My parents came from Sparta, Greece, and are referred to as Spartans. Would it be reasonable for me to object to Michigan State University referring to their team as the Spartans?
• There is no question that Bill O’Reilly (who wronged me on one of my earlier books) is the second most powerful person in the U.S.
• Over the last half year, the media has essentially refused to report (and provide specifics) on BHO’s healthcare as it relates to increased premiums and individuals losing their coverage.
• If you can make more money on welfare than you can working, most people will gladly go on welfare.
• Network news allocated twice as much time on the Last Lady’s birthday as it did on the Benghazi cover-up expose. Anyone surprised?
• Contrary to BHO’s claims, the only way to reduce waste in government is to reduce the size of government.
• I think all Americans should accept the fact that the majority of Americans are Protestants/Christians who believe in (I don’t) salvation and that death simply separates two lives.
• Harvard, with its affirmative action Ph.D. programs, is unquestionably the most overrated university in the U.S.
• Remember my earlier suggestion (XIX) – don’t go to the movies.
• Radio did damage to vaudeville, TV did damage to radio, and ??? will do damage to TV.
• Relative to charities, I only support the Frances Pope Foundation and the Wounded Warriors Project.
• Unfortunately, money is the standard by which most measure their success.
• There are individuals on this planet who have unfortunately found it easy to use other humans as slaves and farm animals, to make them suffer, and to do away with them without blinking an eye.
• I may be wrong but it seems to me that when people are laughing, they rarely are killing one another. CONCLUSION: Laughter is good.
• If you love your work and put your heart into it, you’ll be a winner.
• Liberals like BHO believe that if we are fair with others, they will be fair with us. Does anybody believe you can successfully apply this to the likes of Statin, Hilter, Mao, Assad, Khadafy, Hussein, etc.
• I’m still trying to figure out why I have never been selected as “the sexiest man of the year”. It turns out that I wasn’t even considered this past year.

I return with XXI in November.

NEXT POSTINGS: (tentative)

APRIL 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III
MAY 1: On the East Williston School District Budget Vote
JUNE 1: On the Interview Process
JULY 1: On Tenure
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update IX
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes (?!*!?) II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

1 Comment | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

HOFSTRA MEN’S BASKETBALL 2013 – 14: THERE IS HOPE, I THINK

February 16, 2014

February 15, 2014

The Hofstra men’s basketball season is better than 2/3 over, so it’s time to revisit an earlier article entitled, “….Is There Hope on the Horizon?” Their current record is 8-17 overall, and 4-6 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CCAA), including a thrilling come-from-behind (15 point) victory this past Saturday over UNCW. So, is there hope? The answer is a qualified “yes.” Here is the basis for this assessment.

The team’s record is not a true measure of the capability of the team. Remember, this is/was supposed to be a “recovery” and/or “rebuilding” year under new coach Joe Mihalich. It also turns out that several of the losses could have gone the other way; here’s my call on why they didn’t.

1. There has been a commitment to an 8-man rotation that primarily involves 6 players. Injuries to two starters – Nesmeth and Allen (still out) – has exasperated the rotation scheme.
2. There was an inability to effectively stop the inside offensive game of several of their opponents. Hofstra’s three big men have done an adequate job but have been outmanned during a few of the games.
3. An inability to stop the premier point guard of some of their opponents added to the team’s woes. Last year, Stevie Mejia (the best defensive point guard I’ve ever seen) put Machado of Iona College and Massenat of Drexel in his hip pocket. Machado had a field day this year that resulted in a loss. Perhaps a box-and-one or a triangle-and-two would help at crunch time.
4. There was a failure to get back on defense to prevent (easy) fast-break points during several games. This effectively provides the opponents with layup practice. As I’ve always said: you can’t beat taking layups. Players need to understand the need to run back – not walk or jog – when there is a change of possession.
5. An occasional porous defense existed when playing zone. Although there are times when a zone is the defense of choice, I’ve always maintained that your grandmother can guard you in a zone. Since one can relax defensively in a zone, coach Mihalich may have opted for some zone because of his short bench.

Overall, coach Mihalich has done an excellent job with the hand he has been dealt. In addition, the team has played with intensity on both offense and defense. Seniors Upshaw (perhaps the most outstanding player in the CAA) and Nesmith are the team’s two best players. Freshman Jamall Robinson has been Rookie of the Week on several occasions and will no doubt emerge as the team’s star the next three years.

Finally, I need to pass judgment on the upcoming CAA Tournament Championship during March 7-10. It is a 4-game playoff over 4 days where anything can happen. And, the winner of the CAA Tournament gets an automatic invitation to the NCAA Tournament starting in mid-March. Hofstra’s only hope to land in the NCAA field is to win the tournament outright. But, winning the tournament – which is not totally out of reach because of the present parity in the CAA – will require playing and winning games on four consecutive days. That probability will be reduced because of a strained manpower that will arise playing with a 7-man rotation. Nevertheless…..anything can happen.

As noted on numerous times in the past, attending Hofstra games still remains the best sports buy in the New York Metropolitan area. There is ample free parking, the concession stands are not a rip-off, there isn’t a bad seat in the house and its $5 for seniors and children. Three home games remain: Delaware, 2/19, 7:00PM, Drexel 2/22, 7:00PM, and James Madison (homecoming), 3/1, 7:00PM.

Leave a Comment » | Basketball, East Williston, Education, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

ON THE EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT II

December 30, 2013

January 1, 2014

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. First and foremost, I need to thank those who have continued to provide support and encouragement during this past year. The last article of this year concerns the East Williston School District (EWSD). The following paragraph is an edited and updated version of material written approximately one year ago.

“The EWSD is presently in decline with its national ranking having plummeted, and there is rampant teacher absenteeism, a present superintendent that is both unqualified and incompetent plus an embarrassment to the District, difficulty in placing Wheatley seniors in the school of their choice, $150,000+ annual teacher salaries plus massive additional benefits and (unfortunately) job security, $30,000+ annual cost per student, a 9.75:1 student to teacher ratio that continues to decline, a policy of refusing to eliminate waste, and the self-serving policies of …….” The end result is that EWSD residents pay the highest average school taxes in Nassau County (because of the massive waste), the economic effect of which has been to unnecessarily depress property values. And, guess what? My effort and activities to implement reform have produced change. Unfortunately, the change has produced a situation that has worsened.

A question we engineers often ask when evaluating a scheme, proposal, contract, etc., is as follows: Is it cost-effective and is there sufficient accountability? When applied to our District, this school board, these school administrators, and these teachers have conveniently avoided answering this question. In fact, these individuals continue to try to convince concerned and angry taxpayers that taxes need to be raised further if our children are to receive a quality education.

What about the EWSD Superintendent, Dr. Elaine Kanas? I had two meetings with Kanas. I first met Kanas a few weeks after she arrived in August 2012. At that time, I presented her with a list of particulars detailing the shortcomings of our District and a call for reform. A copy of that note follows.

“Dear Dr. Kanas,

I believe that the following current problems are adversely affecting the East Williston School District (EWSD).
1. The per capita student cost is $30,000+/yr.
2. The student/teacher ratio is 9.75:1.0
3. The EWSD employs 21 secretaries.
4. There is rampant teacher absenteeism.
5. The failure of some students to attend the college/university of their choice.
6. The EWSD national ranking is in free-fall.
7. The school tax burden continues to increase despite reduced enrollment.
8. The lack of preparedness of some of the students for their post high school education.
9. The failure of the previous administration to, in accordance with the law, act on FOIL requests.

As a taxpayer and member of the EWSD community, I am requesting your assessment of the above nine problems, plus details on what steps you intend to take to either remove or reduce
these problems. If a response is not received by October 1, 2012, I shall assume that you have concluded that there is no reason for concern. If you do respond, I would then appreciate a follow-up notification on the success/failure of your actions on or before December 31, 2012.

I await your response.”

Every member of our community, and in particular, every parent, should read and reread the concerns I raised and ask yourself if these issues need to be address. Instead of expressing dismay at my description of the current state of the District, Kanas indicated that there wasn’t enough proof to validate my statements and claims, and indicated that a committee would look into it in the near future. I explained to the Superintendent that you didn’t need a Ph.D. to divide one number by another in order to verify my claims. I also explained that committees don’t get things done and that any meaningful recommendations for reform by whatever committee would be ignored by both the corrupt Board and equally corrupt teachers and their union. I became convinced that nothing meaningful would occur with Kanas as Superintendent…and my concerns have been confirmed at this point in time.

Two of Kanas’ favorite terms during our discussions were strategic and comprehensive, two popular Madison Avenue clichés. Any time I hear someone using either or both of these words, that individual gets tuned out since I know from past experience that the individual is either clueless or trying to con me, or both. Kanas appears to be in this category. In any event, Kanas never took action on my note.

More than six months have elapsed since I tried to get to the bottom of class sizes and teacher absenteeism. Thanks to Assistant Superintendent Fitzpatrick, I still don’t have the necessary background information and data to perform a meaningful analysis of both these problems. She has successfully stalled the process. The bottom line is that my repeated calls for Fitzpatrick to go (and not be replaced) have been ignored. Thank you Kanas.

Can Kanas turn things around in the EWSD? I doubt it, given the past conduct of the EXPLOITERS, i.e., Kamberg, the present Board, earlier Boards, plus the teachers and their union. The District needs a strong Superintendent who will stand up to the self-serving EXPLOITERS in our community. Unfortunately, Kanas has not even remotely demonstrated either the willingness and/or capability to do so. My present thought: Kanas may turn out to be a worse nightmare than the EXPLOITER’S earlier favorite – the incompetent and unqualified Lorna Lewis.

I’ve not heard from Kanas since our earlier meetings. Despite the drop in enrollment, the student cost is now projected to be nearly $32,000 and I was informed the student/teacher ratio has worsened. Kanas promised to take action and I was willing to give her a pass even though she misrepresented herself both on her application and during the Superintendent’s position review process. Apparently, nobody cares even though this is grounds for dismissal. I guess Kamberg and his crew feel they can control Kanas and have her under their thumb. And, on her part, Kanas has come to feel comfortable with this arrangement where she can ignore being accountable to the taxpayers and the students.

Only a fool doesn’t understand that the EXPLOITERS, i.e., the teachers and their union, in cooperation with Kanas, Kamberg, his Board, the PTO leadership and some of its members, are destroying our school district and ripping off the taxpayer. The present system is simply unsustainable; everyone – except some voters – knows it. Unfortunately, most of the PTO members continue to be successfully brainwashed every year. No opposing voice is allowed. Even Wheatley seniors receive the usual lectures from the teachers that all will be lost if the budget is defeated. As I have repeatedly stated, the District’s ranking and reputation is in a freefall decline, the student:teacher ratio is 9.75:1.0…. Wheatley seniors are having difficulty getting into the school of their choice, and some seniors lack college preparedness. The teachers are teaching less, their indifference has increased, and the teacher role model is a thing of the past. Astonishingly, the parents have come to accept this. The ax is certain to fall when the younger children reach graduation age. Yet, the parents in our District appear not to be concerned.

What does all this mean? The EXPLOITERS have sacrificed the best interests of the schoolchildren (and the taxpayers) in order to (perhaps?) gain an advantage for their kids with teachers and administrators, all at the expense of the children of other parents. And, if the other parents don’t believe this statement, I’ve got a bridge to sell them. Simply put, parents have and continue to be duped.

A word on Sean Feeney, Wheatley’s principal. An 11/4/13 article in Newsday referred to “The Wheatley School as one of the highest rated schools on Long Island” and that “Feeney does not believe his own negative job evaluations reflect that rating.” Unfortunately, Wheatley no longer is one of the elite schools, no doubt reflected in his poor evaluation. Come on! Would he have complained if he got good/excellent reviews? I checked the criteria employed in the evaluation process (something I have been involved with in the past) and it looked fairly reasonable to me. Four words come to mind when I think of most of his (the Wheatley) teachers: indifference, mean-spirited, greedy, and parasitic. In the meantime, his graduates continue to complain about the quality of education they are receiving (details available on request). In any event, he appears next in line for the Superintendent’s job when and if Kanas is dumped or if she moves on (ala Lewis).

Keep in mind that despite the aforementioned enrollment decrease in excess of 10%, more teachers and administrators have been hired, the school budget continues to spiral upward, and the quality of education is decreasing monotonously. Thank you Kanas for allowing the waste and the quality of education to decline unabated. She really has turned out to be as bad as Lewis.

The reality is that the EWSD community has reached a point where the majority of residents – including many parents – simply don’t care about what’s going on. There is significant apathy and disinterest, with large numbers of voters ignoring their duty to vote. No doubt change will come, but it will take time.

I also need to include a few of the letters from the EWSD mailbox.

“I am sure Dr. Kanas will destroy programs and lives just as she did in Valley Stream 30. She brings in tons of programs with no follow-through and is only concerned with improving her own resume.”
Name Withheld

“Dear Dr. Theodore, Facts again seem to be right on the money. You have mentioned more than once that ‘facts and information’ are being hidden. Your only alternative is to try to use the freedom of information act. The things you mention should come under the heading of public information which should enable you to use this law. I also think that in many respects you are ‘beating a dead horse’ which must be very frustrating. However, knowing you as I do, I know you will continue the ‘good fight’.”
Bob S.

“…… aside from that, I loved this letter because none of it surprised me…which made me feel like I know you fairly well. On a separate thought, I’d love to see you do an article on how many EW School District families choose to send their children to private school. I met a family recently. They live on William Street in EW and have 4 children. They send all 4 to private schools. They don’t seem to know a soul in EW. Just around the corner is another family with 5 children. All 5 are in private school. It would be a wakeup call for EW families who think our school is so great to find out that a large percentage don’t think the district is even good enough to send their children there. Have a great weekend Professor.”
Name Withheld

“Nicely said. Sir, I was wondering…Have you ever done an analysis of how many (or what proportion) of our EWSD eligible students are utilizing other venues for education? I’m curious how many of our district’s students attend private schools or are home-schooled. Thanks for sharing.”
Name Withheld

Is there a reasonable solution that can accommodate the best interests of both the taxpayers and schoolchildren, and at the same time, be fair to the teachers? Of course! My approach has been ignored. But I believe that something other than a weak-kneed Superintendent could pull it off. In the meantime, EWSD readers should take whatever steps are necessary to help put a stop to the EXPLOITERS’ conduct regarding school and financial matters.

Readers: Don’t be a glutton for punishment. Stop being taken for a fool, and stop being an enabler for the EXPLOITERS.

Lou Theodore

NEXT POSTINGS:

February 1: On the New York Times
March 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX
April 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III

Leave a Comment » | East Williston, Economics, Education, School Board, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On The OHI Day III

October 28, 2013

November 1, 2013

It’s been 8 years since I penned my first article on the OHI day (much of which is reported below). This is a special day in Greek history as it regards Greece’s heroic involvement in WWII. My recent read of Winston Churchill’s biography “The Last Lion” was yet another reminder of this day.

My ancestors have a long history of battling and suffering with evil elements and oppression. Flash back over 2500 years ago when King Leonidas and 300 brave Spartans stalled 10,000 Persians at Thermopylae, a pass between the mountains and the sea leading to Athens. The defenders from Sparta (my father’s birthplace) delayed the Persians long enough for the Athenian fleet to ready a trap at Salamis, where it defeated the invaders, who then high-tailed it. History was to repeat itself in 1939, as documented below.

The media-novels, movies, television (particularly the History Channel), documentaries, etc., have done a superb job of educating the younger generation about the background and struggles of World War II. The battle for Britain and the defense of Stalingrad are two examples that come to mind, as well as the continuing repetitive and perhaps overdone coverage of the horrors of the holocaust. But there has been little to nothing about the role Greece played on the events and final outcome of the war.

On to the theme of the article. The 73rd anniversary of the repulsion of fascist forces by the Greek Armed Forces was recently celebrated several days ago on October 28. As in the past, the day came and went without a whimper here in the United States. The Greeks refer to this as the OHI (no!) Day. OHI was Prime Minister Metaxa’s response to Hitler’s order to peacefully surrender. What followed Metaxa’s response to Hitler was 219 days of fierce battles. That in turn was following by intense guerrilla warfare that resulted in a brutal occupation that included executions, sufferings, and severe famine. The rest is not history for some people but history for all Greeks.

For comparison purposes, the days of resistance of the various combatants to the Nazi-Fascist invasion are listed below:
1. Belgium 18
2. Czechoslovakia 0
3. Demark 0
4. France 43 (the supposed superpower of that time)
5. Greece 219 (13,696 Greek soldiers died)
6. Luxembourg 0
7. Norway 7
8. Poland 30
9. The Netherlands 4
10. Yugoslavia 3
The total number of human losses in percentage of total population are also listed below:
1. Belgium 1.5%
2. France 2.0%
3. Greece 10.0% (750,000)
4. Poland 1.8%
5. Soviet Union 2.8%
6. The Netherlands 2.2%
7. Yugoslavia 1.7%

Here is what some of the more important players of that time had to say (citations available on request) about the heroic Greek accomplishments against the armies of not only Germany but also the armies of Italy, Bulgaria and Albania.

Adolf Hitler: “As a matter of historical truth, I must ascertain that only the Hellenes, of all the adversaries that confronted me, fought with daring courage and the highest disregard for death…”

Sir Robert Anthony Eden: “Regardless what historians will say in the future, what we can say now is that Hellas gave a memorable lesson to Mussolini, that she was the reason of the resistance in Yugoslavia, that she kept the Germans on the soil of Ipiros and Crete for 6 weeks, that she changed the chronological order of all of the German Major Generals’ plans and, thus, brought about a general alteration in the entire war’s journey…”

Sir Winston Churchill: “The word heroism, I’m afraid, does not reflect in the least the Hellenes’ acts of self-sacrifice that were the defining factors of the victorious ending of all the nations’ common struggle during the 2nd WW for human freedom and dignity.”
“If it were not for the bravery of the Hellenes and their courageous hearts, the ending of the 2nd WW would not have been clear.”
“Until now we were saying that Hellenes fight like heroes. Now we will say heroes fight like Hellenes.”
“The Hellenes fighting against the common enemy will share with us in the prosperity of peace.”

Charles DeGaulle: “I fail to give the most needed gratitude that I feel for the heroic resistance of the people and the leaders of Hellas.”

Maurice Schumann (French Minister of Foreign Affairs): “Hellas is the symbol of martyric enslaved, bleeding, but live Europe. Never has a defeat been so honorable for those who underwent it.”

Josef Stalin: “I’m sad because I’m getting old and I will not live much longer to express my gratitude to the Hellenic people whose resistance determined the 2nd WW.”

Moscow Radio Station: “You fought without weapons and you won, being small before the great ones. We owe you gratitude, because you brought time and, thus, we could arm ourselves. As Russians and as fellow humans, we thank you.”

Georgy Zhukov (Marshal of the Soviet Army): “If the Russian people managed to raise resistance before the gates of Moscow to contain and reverse the German hurricane, they owe it to the Hellenic people who delayed the German divisions that could have beaten us. The gigantic battle of Crete was the peak of the Hellenic contribution.”

In effect, Heller’s decision to vent his rage against a small country that, unlike the other countries on Europe’s mainland had dared to defy him, was unquestionably the most catastrophic military decision of WWII. As with Napoleon centuries earlier, unless Russia was defeated by November, Hitler’s most feared enemy would extract its toll on the battlefield: WINTER!

OHI day serves as another tribute to all Greeks, including Greek Americans. Following the War of Independence in 1812 when the brutal uncivilized Turks were defeated, the immigration of Greeks to America began in earnest (the Turks has pillaged, looted, persecuted, and enslaved the Greeks for centuries). Nearly one tenth of the total population (including both of my parents) immigrated to our country during the period 1821 – 1934.

Through it all, Greece has remained the fountainhead of culture and democracy throughout the free world. Despite lacking the political and media clout of other ethnic groups, Greek-Americans have evolved into a success story that has become a best-kept secret. They have contributed mightily to our great nation. They rank second only to the American Jews in per capita wealth but first in percent who have earned doctoral degrees.

Yep, I still get that special feeling when someone refers to me as a Greek-American.

Note: Thanks are due to my first cousins Helen Lake Anton and Harry Lake, aka Apostolakos, for providing some of the background material for this article. Helen was stationed in Greece during part of her CIA career. Harry serves on the National Board of Directors and was Finance Chairman of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).

Lou Theodore

Here is what is on tap in the coming months:

December 1: 2013-14 Hofstra Basketball: Is There Hope on the Horizon?
January 1: Revisiting the East Williston School District
February 1: On the New York Times
March 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX
April 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III

Leave a Comment » | East Williston, Education, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On Purely Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XIX

September 1, 2013

September 1, 2013

In the mailbox: see end of article.

No one – including CBS, NBC, ABC, Hannity, Greta, Geraldo, and Billyboy – has recently requested my thoughts on life in general. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true; notwithstanding this embarrassing dilemma, I am forging ahead with the following 20 points of potential interest to the Theodore Newsletter readers.
• I no longer use the word “romantic” with the word “war”,
• Why can’t more politicians be like Maureen O’Connell?
• The holidays will arrive in four months. I suggest you send either hand-written or computer-generated greeting cards/notes. In your message, remember that you can’t negotiate with time.
• The three main jobs of an educator are to instill the value of scholarship, athletics, and intellectual honesty in his students.
• What unrenowned educator/author said: “Contrary to what many believe, I was something less than a mediocre student in college with a GPA of 2.4/4.0” (answer at end of article).
• Looks, height, sex (women have the upper hand here), personality, ethnicity, being a “doer”, and abilities to communicate verbally and in writing are the main predictors of an individual’s future success.
• Prior to marriage and becoming a father, I never gave a second thought to where my life, education, and professional world would take me. My education and early career decisions were (fortunately?) made by others. However, I did learn in my mid-teens that physical labor was not for me.
• One of the important keys to success for those who work for industry, business, education or government is to make oneself indispensible on the job.
• I believe most doctors start out dedicated to serving their patients, but then greed sets in. Speaking of doctors, I still remember my first encounter with mine who I called and informed him that I’d just broken my leg in two places. “What should I do?” I asked. He paused and then replied: “Don’t go back to those two places”.
• Someone once said that 80% of life is just showing up. Modern technology has reduced that to somewhere in the 20-30% range.
• Relatively speaking, and family commitments aside, I never let my education or job get in the way of having a good time.
• I dedicated one of my books to Bill O’Reilly. I sent him a copy. He never acknowledged receiving it. I requested the book be returned. I’m still waiting.
• I never had a one year, five year, ten year, etc. plan in my adult life. NEVER. Daily or weekly plans – yes. I don’t believe in long-term plans work – they hinder originality and can create unnecessary problems and stress. The technology explosion revolution has all but eliminated long-range plans.
• I have been involved in a lot of different “outside” activities. But, W-2 forms were received from the same organization for 50 consecutive years. Conclusion: I never had the guts to leave.
• Why can’t caring parents tell their kids that they need to read, write, etc. in order to succeed in life?
• I was a Depression baby.
• The Great Depression affected many. Despite growing up in the slums of Hell’s Kitchen, it wasn’t until the mid-50s that I became aware there had been a depression. I wasn’t rich, was never a big spender, but can’t ever remember not having something I wanted or needed during that era.
• I’m proud to say that my parents never said a negative thing about any race or religion.
• For those of you my age, I still remember Gabriel Heater and The Lone Ranger radio programs.
• I still pal-around and vacation with approximately two dozen friends of 50+ years. One of them was recently observed arguing with a stop sign.

The unrenowned educator author is none other than Mr. Modesty himself, Lou Theodore.

Visit the author at
http://www.theodorenewsletter.com
And refer your friends, colleagues, enemies, etc., to the site.
Lou Theodore
Here is what is on tap in the coming months:
October 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Legacy
November 1: The OHI Day III
December 1: Play Ball
January 1: Revisiting the East Williston School District

Mailbox (re: The New Cooper Union)
Sad what has happened to Cooper Union and to America. With 51% of Americans voting for this Muslim/Communist, it will take decades, if ever, to overcome his purposeful destruction of America.
Name Withheld

Mr. Theodore: I loved the Cooper article! I hadn’t known a lot about the institution but I really liked your perspective. You also asked for my comments on the NYRA article. Candidly, you do seem a little bitter in the article and it wasn’t my favorite but, in fairness, I think I’ve put NYRA in my rearview mirror and it’s no longer interesting to me. I’ve lost hope that my children will be able to enjoy a “Day at the Races” with their families and/or friends 20 years from now. I think NYS has ruined the Sport of Kings.
B.

Leave a Comment » | Barack Obama, East Williston, Economics, Education, Politics, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

ON THE NEW NEW YORK RACING ASSOCIATION (NYRA)

July 1, 2013

July 1, 2013

This one’s about NYRA……the new NYRA
I’ve got some bad news and I’ve got some good news. The bad news is that there is a new NYRA in town. The good news is that it is going to be very difficult for the new NYRA to get worse than the old one. Allow me to detail my reasoning.
NYRA has a long and glorious history of operating in a dysfunctional mode. Things occurred in the past that no outsider would ever believe could happen to a business. More recently, last year’s opening day at Saratoga — more about this place later — experienced low water pressure (a fire hazard), tote board problems, the malfunctioning of both the TV and sound system (another fire hazard?), etc. Fast forward 9 months to April 26, 2013, opening day at Belmont. Here is what NYRA customers were treated to:
1. Only one pari-mutuel betting window clerk on the 3rd floor.
2. Three operational computer machines for betting – one of which was down most of the day.
3. There were long lines for those of us desiring to purchase a season pass. One person was available to process the requests and one customer took 5 minutes to be served.
4. The entrance to the track was not dirty – it was filthy.
5. The 3rd floor was also filthy. Bird droppings on the seats was the norm. There was a layer of scum on most surfaces. It remained this way until Belmont Week, June 5.
6. Please don’t ask me about the bathrooms.
7. I thought better of purchasing anything from a concession stand.
8. The tote boards on the infield grass are impossible to read. What idiot was responsible for their purchase?
9. One tote board wasn’t functional. It still isn’t working.
10. Several tote boards were damaged; they have yet to correct the glitch.
11. The “suits” were out and parading about in full force Belmont Week.
12. The evening NYRA TV show was not operational for a week; it is still experiencing problems.
13. Odds on winning horses continue to change after the race is over.
And then there is the recent NYRA policy of cancelling racing; they cancel a day of racing if there is racing (due to a holiday) on a dark day (Monday or Tuesday). As long as I can remember, there was always racing on the Sunday after the Belmont Stakes. A couple of years back, NYRA decided to cancel racing on that Sunday, but interestingly, chose not to make it up on a dark day. Add to this the cancellation of racing on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday dates when the scene moves from Belmont to Saratoga and returns to Belmont from Saratoga.
You want more? How about the recent hiring of Christopher Kay as the new President and CEO of NYRA? He is a lawyer with absolutely no background in the racing industry and no experience dealing with the pari-mutual wagerer. Wow! Where do they find these guys? In case you don’t know it, lawyers create problems while my profession (engineering) solve problems. Was he the best qualified individual for the job? His hiring ranks with the earlier hiring of Jason Bluett and Eric Donavan. Again, how in the world were they selected from the pool of applicants? And then, there is the recent tote bag giveaways. NYRA conned its customers into believing it was a normal-sized bag when, in realty, it was miniature/small replica of earlier bag giveaways. What an organization! *?&# Thank you, the new NYRA.
It’s only natural to now ask: Why? Part of the NYRA problem is that the industry, as a whole, never had to compete for the bettors’ dollars in the early days and has been unable to adjust due to the bureaucracy embedded in the industry. Another reason is the industry’s inability to attract the younger set who are accustomed to instant gratification with medicine, drugs, and casino gambling; they are simply not willing to wait 30+ minutes between races that are over in approximately 110 seconds. But the real problem is the approximately 20% takeout. As I said back on February 28, 2000: “compare this 20% to other present day betting/investment options – straight sports bets (5%), dice table (0.5%), blackjack (near 0%), stock market (essentially 0%), etc., and a reasonably intelligent individual will arrive at some very simple conclusions regarding the merits of pari-mutual betting. And then there is the cheating: drugged horses, odds of winners changing after the race, failure to enforce penalties and suspensions, failing to take action on cheaters, etc. Even worse are our elected officials who have routinely exhibited a level of incompetence and indifference. They are like desperados when it comes to taxes and revenues; reducing their cut of a diminishing pie is out of the question for politicians.
Modern day telecommunications, along with the massive increase in betting parlors external to the tracks, has increased the sport’s fan base nearly 20-fold. Despite this, the sport is staggering under the burden of ridiculous and senseless purse structures, laughable administrators with bloated salaries, reduced track attendance, and an inability to draw young bettors to the sport. Gimmicks and slogans have not turned things around. Only a change in the “take-out” will bail this industry out. But, don’t bet on it.

Let’s look at other sports and betting venues. Baseball, NBA, pro-football and boxing attendance is down. Betting on the first three is still alive but there is little to no betting on boxing. Women sports activities are a nonentity. Soccer attendance and betting are on the upswing (slightly). Horse racing attendance – as I had predicted years ago – decreased exponential and has recently leveled off at some minimum number. Betting on horseracing has survived but only because of the aforementioned simulcasting. Tax dollars and casinos continue to subsidize the sport. Breeders continue to rip off both the sport and the taxpayers despite their claim that “it’s impossible to make money. Take-outs have remained constant or increased slightly. Bottom line: the thoroughbred industry, similar to the standardbreds and dogs, is dying a slow death, and would be dead today, without subsidies (our tax dollars) and other outside revenue (OTB and casinos).
July and August is that time of year when the NYRA scene shifts from Belmont Park in New York City to upstate Saratoga Springs. It is also a time when NYRA will extol all the positive features of the Saratoga meet and why a visit to this very special town, steeped in history and tradition, is a must for the vacationer. For example, here are some of their quotes from earlier years: “Saratoga is the cradle of racing…the definitive place to be in August…..the grand old lady…streets lined with historic homes…sweet corn and ripe tomatoes practically off the vine…parties till the early morning hours…the Mecca of racing…”
Having attended the Saratoga meet the last 58 years (consecutively), I offer the following tidbits that the prospective visitor will not be provided by NYRA and the media. My fellow racegoers and I refer to them as Saratoga’s “Dirty Dozen”:
1. A significant portion of the racetrack is a firetrap.
2. Twenty dollar parking charges are the norm for Travers week and most Saturdays/Sundays. Most parking is inconvenient and not easily accessible unless you have a friend who drops you off/picks you up at your convenience.
3. The admission is $3 for the grandstand and $5 for the clubhouse.
4. Seating in the grandstand is $8; seating in the clubhouse is $10.
5. Room rates at a third-rate hotel in town are in the $225-$275/night range.
6. Expect long lines at the betting windows on all days. Don’t be surprised if you get shut out.
7. Standing in line is a ritual that NYRA has come to expect from its customers.
8. The track contains the most uncomfortable seats I have ever encountered at a racetrack. In addition, the spacing between rows is so narrow that it is extremely difficult to navigate.
9. The weather is a constant concern. Several severe thunderstorms are the norm during the meet. You’ll really enjoy sloshing through the mud. You can also expect several tote- board failures. This is not surprising when one realizes that the track’s infield tote board has not been fully operational–despite repeated apologies and excuses–for numerous years.
10. Because of the track’s archaic design, the view from the low vantage point (as opposed to the high one at Belmont Park) essentially prohibits a critical review and enjoyable view of the race.
11. Traffic congestion when arriving and upon leaving the track is a daily problem.
12. Expect to be gouged. The local businesses – which only have six weeks to capitalize on tourist trade – usually scale up prices during the racing meet. Expect to hand over an ample portion of any winnings for a decent dinner and a comfortable hotel room.

Summarizing, the problem with New York racing is NYRA. In the past, when racing did not need competent and dedicated management to succeed, there was little doubt that NYRA was run by bureaucratic incompetents. But as the times changed, and the marketplace became more crowded, NYRA’s new “suits” continue to fit into that same incompetent and indifferent category. Recent changes appear only to be based on NYRA’s attempt to maintain the status quo, and the new NYRA still hasn’t figured out that they are chasing customers away. The historical indifference of NYRA management to its customers is like a vile cancer: it continues to worsen.

Today, NYRA is a classic bureaucratic operation. It is an organization that stands tall among those groups in our country that have exploited the taxpayer for their own aggrandizement. The amazing aspect of the problem is that NYRA has not yet discovered how to stop the bleeding. The main cure would be to significantly reduce the takeout. The other hope for NYRA to reverse its decline is if it also changes its mentality toward its patron base. If NYRA could somehow treat its customers like it treats breeders, owners, jockeys, politicians and the media, the racing industry will be on its way to solving some of its problems. Unfortunately, the new NYRA is neither capable nor interested in implementing changes.

Lou Theodore

Here is what is on tap in the coming months:

August 1: On the New Cooper Union
September 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and XIX Random Thoughts
October 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Legacy

Leave a Comment » | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »