Monthly Archives: February 2016

On February 16 the University of Michigan men’s basketball team visited Columbus, Ohio for a game with The Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes. An intense rivalry exists between the two universities, to the extent that Buckeye coaches and many fans follow the lead of legendary football coach Woody Hayes in refusing to say “Michigan”, rather “that state up north” or “that school up north”.  The game was special in that former national player-of-the-year Evan Turner from OSU was honored with the hanging of a banner bearing his number.  But I digress.  What’s the real story here?

Normally when I write about the Magic of AND it is to highlight the blending of various components into a different and often improved outcome.  Not this time!  ESPN cameras shot the game almost entirely from the sidelines in an attempt, as announcers explained numerous times, to show the speed at which big-time basketball is played, as well as what the view would be for fans seated in the front row.  Mission accomplished.  Some great action not always seen was captured, like the speed of some players running right at the camera and cutting around screens in an attempt to get open for a pass.  But why an entire game, with the exception of a couple upper body overhead shots of a free-throw shooter, and a few instant replays with different looks?  Much of the game action was missed.  It was nearly impossible to see what was happening on the opposite side of the floor and under baskets.  More than once a referee completed blocked the view by doing what he was supposed to do and being correctly positioned; had you or I been at the game sitting in the front row and temporarily blocked by a referee we could have leaned one way or the other to improve our sight-line.  Compounding the problem were announcers who pontificated on something other than game action (chances of one or both teams being invited to the NCAA tournament, past experiences as a coach, etc.) instead of reporting who made a basket, committed a foul, had just entered the game, or other game details.

A few floor angle shots for the change in perspective would have been great, and I hope to see more in future broadcasts; but not for entire games. And not at the expense of missing key plays.  Typically cameras are placed at multiple locations for games with different looks provided.  It is not a matter of one or the other, either/or.  The sideline view was extremely limiting and too much of one thing.  Variety is the spice of life, and the vehicle for providing full-service game exposure.  A combination of camera angles offered, not limited to one.  The best of all worlds.  The Magic of AND!  (Incidentally, OSU won 76-66)

In his 2016 State of the Union speech President Obama appealed to Americans for a return to civility in politics and governance. This sentiment was echoed by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a Republican; for her to buck the trend of her party was courageous and admirable in light of the current political and social climate.  I applaud both for their comments, and believe a focus on common decency should extend beyond politics to everyday life.   Enough is enough, it is time for a return to respect and civility!

Self-centered, single-minded, and ill-mannered individuals have forgotten about or never possessed dignity, grace, sophistication, eloquence and respect. Emotions and theatrics overshadow logic and intellect.  Polarization seems to be the goal instead of unification.  Having strong beliefs and standards is admirable, and there are times to stand firm.  But respect the passion of others.  Divergent opinions followed by respectful dialogue can result in a positive outcome in which opposing stances are modified and blended.  Compromise.  Neither side is always right or wrong.  For an individual or group to believe they have all the answers is arrogant.  Because someone disagrees with you does not make them a bad person.  Individuals on the other side of the debate are just as passionate (or more so) about a belief as you are.  Careful listening to the opposition coupled with sincere reflection may lead to a determination of incomplete, insufficient, or incorrect information to begin with, causing a change of heart.  Altering a position is not a sign of weakness; instead, it models a willingness to listen, study, process, and think about new information gained.  A change of stance acknowledges courage and intelligence.

How is the cycle broken? One conversation and interaction at a time.  Respect differences.  Listen and consider.  Contemplate what is being said, not what the next response will be.  Maintain an open mind.  Base comments on facts.  Debate issues, not personalities.  Seek compromise.  Offer solutions, not just criticisms.  Avoid attempting to self-build by insulting others.  Resist name calling, character smears, and personal attacks, often a sign of insufficient logic and facts to support a platform.  Disagree agreeably.  Passion and civility can and should coexist.  Greater focus on “we” instead of “me” would benefit all of us!