Friday, October 30, 2015

The Wolverines Battle to Retaket the Little Brown Jug


My book launch was scheduled to coincide with the University of Michigan and Minnesota Gophers battle for the Little Brown Jug. The players and I were hoping for lightning to strike twice. Lightning first struck in 1969, during Bo Schembechler’s inaugural season. The Wolverines record going into the Minnesota game was 3-2 with losses against nationally ranked Missouri and Michigan State University. Bo’s team was not yet functioning as a team. In fact, the Michigan team was behind at the half during that battle. Coach Schembechler simply told his warriors in essence you are the better team and don’t waste this opportunity. His Wolverines didn’t allow the Gophers another point, in dominating the second half.

Schembechler’s Wolverines went on a roll and for the next three games simply tore the opposition apart. In fact, that young team couldn’t wait to play the nationally ranked Buckeyes in Ann Arbor for its final season game. If Michigan won that game, they would play in the Rose Bowl. History was made in that Saturday game, in Ann Arbor. Bo’s legacy began and he is now, the legend.
Can lightning strike twice? With new rock star head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines this Saturday, play, the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis. Going into this game, Harbaugh’s team has a 5-2 record with losses to nationally ranked Utah and to nationally ranked Michigan State University. Will the Wolverines whip the Golden Gophers and again go on to defeat number 1 ranked Ohio State University in its last regular season game? The Wolverines will likely not play in the Rose Bowl because of the new playoff bowl system.

Last year was a disaster. The former players and I talked about the possibility of Michigan beating the Gophers and turn their disastrous season around. In that game ,to make things worse, newly installed quarterback Shane Morris received a concussion and was not taken out of the game immediately. We were in the stands and from our vantage point, the play happened before our eyes. Coach Brady Hoke was criticized and, there began a snowball effect to fire coach Hoke. Athletic director Dave Brandon did subsequently fire coach Hoke and then resigned himself.


 To be continued

Monday, October 26, 2015

A Necrophilia Orientation Part 3



What we learn from our family within society affects the development of a conscience. According to Freud, our conscience is designed to inhibit or weaken man’s aggressive impulses. Briefly, he viewed a state of tension between the ego and the superego. And the tension within the superego is experienced as guilt and a need for some form of punishment. He viewed guilt as a loss of love, or a threatened fear of loss of love resulting from bad- sinful behavior or even the intention to perform the deed. This loss of love is likely from another person- parent upon whom the individual was protected from a variety of dangers. The punishment –loss of love or some restriction etc. could be from an important person, such as parent or even from a family member, friend or society.

Let’s say that an individual child grows up in an environment in which the parents and other family members are involved in maiming or killing an infidel, which is the perceived enemy. And further, these family members are not in any way punished by anyone within their milieu. Not only that, their religious beliefs or Supreme Being- Bible interpretation does not in any way consider killing the enemy a bad, wrong or a  sin. In fact, they are told that their God loves them for this despicable, hateful antihuman behavior. In other words, these individuals are reared without a fear of either an internal or external loss of love from- family, or God. Within this model, these individuals have a distorted view of right and wrong. As a result, a necrophilia’s aggressive or destructive impulses are not in any appropriate way able to be controlled.

Without a built-in internal mental framework or lack of conscience, these terrorists are out of control and continue these anti-life behaviors. Not only that, they model or teach this form of behavior to the young. Over and over again, we view young masked individuals discharging rifles in the air, or throwing rocks, bottles or bombs at the uniformed opposition. Behavior gets repeated without punishment or loss of love, but instead these behaviors are reinforced and admired by their peer group and elders. It’s difficult to expect change in behavior, in the young, if their wishes are taken over or internalized by the significant persons in their lives that have destructive and hateful personal standards of their own. It would be like being reared by an Osama bin Laden and thereby internalizing, and learning his values with his so called conscience. The saying that an apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree fits.


I am glad that my bleeding eventually stopped and I accept my injury as a consequence of trail running. My impulses and conscience are in check and I have no plan to physically hurt another. However, I did run on the trail with Tony and Chris. As it turned out, Chris and I ran a shorter distance than Tony. Despite that, Tony wanted to beat us, regardless which means that he was going to push, punish or even inflict pain upon himself. Chris and I met a friend about a quarter mile or so from the finish, and we were walking leisurely. Tony saw us ahead of him, and did his best to catch up, regardless of the personal cost. Out of breath, Tony caught up to us. After joking, laughing after our run, we sat on the deck drinking refreshments. Tony got up and begin walking and limping like a very old man. We all laughed. Tony knows about masochism as well as sadism. He had to catch us, irrespective of the consequences. He did.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

A Necrophilia Orientation Part 2


We understand that adaptive aggression serves us well and is necessary for life. However, if we view malignant aggression as a character flaw, and that man can be driven by impulses to kill, torture and feels just doing so, then we have a major problem. This malignant aspect sets man apart from animal as the human animal is the only one that both kills and destroys his own species. Individuals whose character structure have developed the potential for killing and destroying life under pretense of God’s will, or some other distortion are to be feared. These individuals are not worthy of being loved as they can be characterized as loving death, destruction and are driven to exploit and to control others. Not only are they deviants who hate life as opposed to loving life, they have a necrophilia orientation and worship violence and destruction. The use force  ,  torture, to humiliate and kill their possessions as their victims are not seen as individual people .These necrophilia’s  are not capable of loving others with  mutual respect,  equal sharing in a non-possessiveness, non-dominating atmosphere. This means that the hope for rehabilitation for these individuals is extremely limited and that improving their socioeconomic, educational conditions is not the answer.

Another characteristic of individuals that have developed an anti-life philosophy and behavior relates to their engaging in some terrorist bombing, killing- kidnapping episode. What is often the case, is that a homicide mission becomes a suicide mission as well. This is perfect example of sadomasochism behavior. The end result is in their humiliation, capture, death, or prison. They have no future here on earth.


To Be Continued

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A Necrophilia Orientation Part 1


Konrad Lorenz hypothesized that aggression is built on a hydraulic model.  It’s not a reaction to outside stimuli, but built-in inner excitation that seeks release and will find expression, regardless of how adequate the outer stimulus is. In other words, it’s the spontaneity of the instinct that makes it so dangerous. In essence, it’s the idea that aggression also has a preservative function related to the idea of the survival of the species. Others, such as Erich Fromm and Henry Murray have a different view as to the origin of aggression or destructiveness. For them, aggression can be the effect or end result of behavior, influenced by child rearing, and other social, political, economic, and environmental factors and can be found in the personality or character development of the individual.

Aggressive and destructive behavior at times seems to dominate the news cycle. It can be related to the behavior of football players, either on or off the field of play. Ray Rice was in the news for knocking out his fiancĂ©e in an elevator while Adrian Peterson was reprimanded for spanking his child with a switch. More recently, Michigan’s Blake O’Neill received death threats for his inability to scoop up the football on the last play of the Michigan-Michigan State game. Thinking back, reminded me of Jack Tatum’s violent hit that paralyzed the Patriots wide receiver Daryl Stingley. Incidentally, the Raiders Tatum was called the “Assassin.” Don’t forget the numerous significant injuries resulting in practice or games along with the severity of concussions.

Not to be forgotten is our war against the Middle East terrorists. Our government has a Department of Defense and what’s called the best military in the world. We know how best to kill with all the multitude of weapons at our disposal. To defend and kill against someone shooting at you makes perfect sense. Aggression is also needed when there are threats to political, economic or family protection. Less-than-perfect sense for defensive aggression exists when our country tells us that it’s in our countries best interest or national security to send troops. Maybe they know more than they are telling or maybe the person in charge doesn’t have accurate information?


To Be Continued   

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Jim Harbaugh, Bo Schembechler versus MSU


After viewing the game, I thought about the number of parallels between the 1969 Michigan Wolverines with new coach Bo Schembechler and currently the 2015, Michigan Wolverines with new coach Jim Harbaugh. Bo Schembechler inherited a team recruited by Bump Elliott, while Jim Harbaugh inherited team recruited by Brady Hoke. Schembechler inherited a team that had an 8-2 record the year before. While Harbaugh’s inherited team had a 5-7 record with a pretty good defense. Schembechler’s 1969 team lost to a ranked Missouri team and lost to the Michigan State Spartans, but finished the season with a terrific upset victory over number one ranked Ohio State. Schembechler’s team finished with an 8-2 record. So far, Harbaugh’s team has lost to a ranked Utah team and to Michigan State University. The Wolverines have the opportunity to upset number one ranked Ohio State on November 28 in Ann Arbor.    .

Back to the present, I wondered what Bo Schembechler might’ve done with his 1969 Wolverines in a similar situation. So I contacted Thom Darden, Schembechler’s first Wolman, All-American and All-Pro; Fritz Seyferth a fullback who scored four touchdowns against the University of Minnesota, played professional football and was an assistant athletic director for Bo; Mike Keller a three-year starter at defensive end, played for the world champion Dallas Cowboys and became the youngest NFL scout; and Jim Betts, played quarterback, and defensive back, drafted by the New York Jets and currently president of Michigan  Football Athletic Network [MFAN] a group of all former Michigan football players for their opinion of what their coach would’ve done. Their full-length profiles can be found in Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football.

It is true that some can argue it’s all after the fact. It’s also true that these players had outstanding careers along with tremendous admiration and deference for Coach Bo Schembechler. It’s also true that these players personally know, fellow Wolverine head coach Jim Harbaugh. The following were their responses: 1. I would like to believe that Bo would have kept his offense in and have the quarterback run out of the end zone for a safety. Give them the two points, free punt to them and hopefully the game would be over. There is always a risk to snap the ball to a person so far back. In a situation like that with anxiety at a height just take the ball from under center and run out of the end zone! 2. First of all it never would have happened with Bo. He probably would never have kicked. He would put our quickest ball carrier or WR to take the snap and run the clock out. The Spartans never would have gotten their hands on the ball.
There was only 10 seconds left and MSU had no time outs left.3. Bo would have run on 4th down…and made it!  4. Men, you played hard and we came up short, but this is one game and this one play cannot and will not define you or this team. Go home and let's get ready for next opponent. We win as team, we lose as a team.

There you have it, input from these four men who were responsible in large part for Bo Schembechler’s beginning success. These players set the tone and started the avalanche like a snowball, running down becoming larger and larger gaining momentum along the way. It is also true, that these men loved and respected their former coach. They told me they would’ve run through walls for this man, and they did without question.


Go Blue!

Friday, October 16, 2015

Bo Schembechler Can Smile Again Part 2


Coach Harbaugh also learned from Bo that players have to be able to accept injury, blame, and even criticism; and especially admit to error on the practice or playing field. Jim has no difficulty communicating mistakes to his young players. Jim even admitted his mistake during one early-season game regarding a penalty flag thrown against his team. He forgot that the NFL rules are different than the collegiate rules and admitted so on his Monday evening radio show in Ann Arbor.  Jim can be seen on the sidelines coaching and demonstrating to his players as they come off the field-especially quarterback Jake Rudock. Currently, coach Harbaugh hopes that defensive end- linebacker  Mario Ojemudia   after suffering an Achilles injury will be able to return as a fifth year starter.

With Bo, players became solidified and close. Former All-American Mike Keller called it “a band of brothers” acknowledging it was like in some ways, like being in a foxhole with your buddies. You look out for yourself, do your assignment, and be willing to sacrifice your own personal glory for the sake of your team. Players don’t have to subvert all of their personality. However, they know that if the team is successful, the individual players are also going to be successful. Since football as a team game, it is imperative that you rely on that teammate next to you. Pay attention to your assignment, be part of the team.   Do your defensive responsibility first. Once you do your responsibility, then go to the ball like your hair is on fire. It’s always about the team, the team and the team. Respect the team, learn the playbook and don’t get into trouble on or off the field.

In 1969, after three and two record and behind at halftime, Bo’s players began playing as a team, and then became unstoppable. Jim’s team has a five and one record with three consecutive shutouts. As with Bo’s teams, the defense dominates, but Jim’s players are beginning to function in unison.  Michigan, this Saturday, the 17th battles archrival Michigan State University -Spartans. The winner in this game will more than likely challenge Ohio State for the Big Ten title. Jim have your team kick Sparty in the ass so we can see, Bo’s smile from here.


Go Blue!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Bo Schembechler Can Smile Again


Being in agony, was more than likely the result of Michigan football being in a state of disarray and decline. Sure, the University of Michigan was a national champion in 1997 with Brian Griese at quarterback, and All-American, and Heisman winner Charles Woodson intercepting passes, catching passes, running back kicks for touchdowns etc. etc. etc. Yes, Michigan won the Rose Bowl beating the University of Washington and yes, Charles Woodson intercepted a Ryan Leaf pass in Michigan’s end zone. All seemed great as recruits were still flocking to play in the Big House. Michigan had a load of talent and yet they came up short against archrival Ohio State University. How did that happen? It certainly didn’t happen, when Bo was coaching. In fact, Bo died the night before, Michigan was to play the Buckeyes in Ann Arbor. The press referred to this game as “The Game of the Century” as these two teams were ranked number one and number two in the polls. Unfortunately, Bo’s death in 2006 did not propel or motivate the mighty Wolverines enough on that day. With Bo’s death, the Michigan Wolverines began a state of atrophy as things never got better for the Wolverines as they simply got worse. Bo’s death was demarcation point.

Head coach Lloyd Carr retired and Michigan experimented by hiring a spread offensive genius named Rich Rodriguez. Rich Rod worked miracles at other universities with this relatively new twist with an athletic running and passing quarterback. This was quite a departure from the 3 yards and a cloud of dust and the Pro style fundamental philosophy of Bo. Generally speaking, Bo’s quarterbacks primarily passed the ball and his fullback blocked and ran with the ball as well. For Bo, it was control the ball, control time on the clock and have a superb defense.

Rich Rod didn’t last too long before he was replaced by Coach Brady Hoke. Although Coach Brady Hoke returned somewhat to old-school Michigan football, he was not successful either. Bo was terribly unhappy with the state of Michigan football. For Bo, there were two main rivals-Michigan State University, and Ohio State University. Success was defined as whipping both on the field of play. The Wolverines record was pitiful against both of these archrivals. Bo was in mourning, looking down from the pearly gates as Michigan football declined significantly for far too long.

Then, when all seemed lost during the disastrous 2014 season. Coach Brady Hoke was fired, and athletic director Dave Brandon resigned. Interim athletic director, Jim Hackett somehow managed to snag 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh after he parted ways with the San Francisco 49ers. The timing was perfect. Harbaugh did not have a job, even though he had a multitude of opportunities and Jim Hackett was looking for a new coach. Bo’s eyes started to open as a smile came to his face, looking down at all that was taking place here on earth. There were rumors about Jim Harbaugh and all the money Michigan was going to pay him, making him one of the highest-paid coaches at the collegiate level. Bo Schembechler knew from the start about his protĂ©gĂ©, Jim Harbaugh.


To be continued