Author Archives: Phil Binkley

Some basketball teams have strong outside shooting; when those players are “on”, the scoreboard lights up like a pin-ball machine, possibly 3 points at a time. Having a strong inside game seems less critical at the time. But what about those games when the long shots are not falling, and there are not effective inside players to pick up the slack, including rebounding missed shots? Having both talented inside and outside players is critical to the long-term success of a team. If an opponent is putting strong defensive pressure on your outside players, it opens things up for your inside players to score more easily; of course, they need to take advantage of the opportunity. At the same time, if the defense is packed in to stop the interior game, the outside shooters have more space and freedom to operate.

Offense is only half the game; it does no good to score 80 points if your opponent scores 81. Some games can be won with strong defense. Some games with effective outside shooters. Some with dynamic inside scorers and/or defenders. Championships, on the other hand, are won by teams displaying the best of all aspects! https://www.magicofand.net

Following the recent shootings of two black men by police officers, and just before the Dallas massacre of 5 police officers and wounding of others, came the following comments from Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show”: …..“You know the hardest part of having a conversation surrounding police shootings in America? It always feels like in America, it’s like, if you take a stand for something, you automatically are against something else……If you (are) pro-Black Lives Matter you are assumed to be anti-police, and if you are pro-police then you surely hate black people. It seems like it’s either pro-cop and anti-black, or pro-black and anti-cop, when in reality, you can be pro-cop and pro-black. Which is what we should all be, what we should be aiming for…..You shouldn’t have to choose between the police and the citizens that they are sworn to protect.”

Amen! Why are so many things made to be all or nothing, one or the other? Yes, black lives matter, but all lives matter. Yes, there are some police officers that act irresponsibly, but so do some citizens. Not all police officers or all citizens are bad. Continue to offer the best training available to police officers, and get rid of the ones who do not meet necessary standards. Citizens, stop doing stupid and illegal things that force officers to make so many split second decisions. While causes such as Black Lives Matter bring needed attention to issues and hopefully force constructive dialogue, the downside is they often polarize people, creating an “us” versus “them” mentality. When will we come together and seek middle ground instead of choosing one side or the other? When will we learn to think “and” instead of “or”? When will common sense become more commonplace?

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!

A number of years ago I began wearing contact lens in a mono-vision arrangement—one eye for short vision (reading, etc.), the other for distance.  Years later lasik, then eventually cataract surgery continued the same arrangement.  When I needed distance enhancement I began wearing a two–week (replace after two weeks) contact lens in that eye.  After sensing my vision was a little blurry near the end of each two-week period I asked my eye doctor if anyone ever replaced the two-week lenses after one week; her response was “yes”, but other folks switched after 10 days.  I was so focused on a week as the unit of measurement it never occurred to me to think half-way; 10 days, instead of 7 or 14!  The value of seeking middle ground!

Often when driving at dawn or dusk I encounter vehicles being driven without headlights turned on.  While there may be adequate daylight remaining (barely) for the driver to see where s/he is going, there is another important consideration; seeing is not enough – being seen is just as important!  Especially dark colored vehicles.  Trust me, I do not want to turn, pull or back my car out in front of another one.  The last thing on my wish list is to change lanes and cause a crash because I could not see a vehicle alongside.  Accidents such as these are more likely to happen when vehicles are not as visible as they could be.  Please, headlights on for safety.  On when it is foggy.  On when it is raining (required by law in Ohio and some other states if windshield wipers are operating.)  Everyone benefits from accident prevention.  Seeing AND being seen!  Both!  Yet another everyday example of incorporating “and”.

Compromise: (n.) A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.  (American Heritage Dictionary).  As meaningful progress by Congress remains stuck in neutral, I can’t help wondering what happened to giving.  Not just taking.  Not one side or the other expecting to gain without providing something in return.  Failure to meet in the middle.  The same can be applied to contract negotiations between management and unions/associations, whether in the public or private sector.   To enter a discussion designed to resolve differences with absolutely no intention of bending is self-serving and irresponsible.

For a relationship to flourish, be it between spouses, partners, significant others, parents/children, relatives, friends, students/teachers, colleagues, labor/management, or any other, both parties must feel respected and their contributions valued.  All voices heard.  Unselfishness demonstrated.  Willingness to listen practiced.  Facts considered.  Opposing points of view contemplated.  When it becomes necessary to disagree, participants do so in a mature and civil manner, without resorting to personal attacks.  What is best for the organization as a whole trumps individual desires.  Majority matters.

Group relationships are an extension of whether or not individual connections have been made.  Failures at one-on-one levels limit group success.

“Never” and “always” are dangerous positions to assume; in most cases entrenchment creates insurmountable barriers to understanding and progress.  Robotic thinking (e.g. partisan politics) is the easy way out—requires no listening or thinking.  Contradictory debate can be healthy because it expands the possibilities.  To change a position after careful reconsideration takes wisdom and courage.  Reversing course after being provided with additional information is a sign of strength, not weakness!

Conversely, if after carefully weighing all information, with nothing presented that alters thinking, stick to your convictions.  Some issues can and should be non-negotiable, but not all of them.  Contributing spawns receiving!  Compromise.  More “we”, less “me.”

Lady Gaga?  Tony Bennett?  Duets?  Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in 1986, the always-entertaining pop singer and songwriter Lady Gaga is known for unique fashion, including a dress made of meat, provocative performances, memorable music videos, and creative marketing.

Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Bennedetto in 1926, is a World War II Army veteran, author, and painter.  Perhaps best known for his smash hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, his repertoire of traditional pop standards, show tunes, and jazz has resulted in gold and platinum recording sales coupled with multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards.

These two artists have intersected in Cheek to Cheek, a Columbia Records recording released in September, 2014.  Genres include jazz, pop, and crossover jazz (fusion of jazz and rock), and include such favorites as “Cheek to Cheek”, “Anything Goes”, and “Sophisticated Lady”.  Gaga and Bennett are currently touring the country as Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Live.

While certainly not the first time musicians have consolidated their talents, this perhaps is one of the most unique pairings.  Fans unfamiliar with one of the artists have now been introduced to the other, beneficial for each performer!  “And” brings people together, fosters collaboration.  A testament to what can happen when minds are opened, thinking expanded, and creative juices released.  Pops and jazz.  Ages 28 and 88.  Classic and flamboyant.  They found their blends.  Are you on the lookout for yours?  The Magic of AND!

Head or heart? Close examination of an exemplary teacher reveals, among other things, that they connect with their students on every level.  They care about the lives of their young people beyond the classroom and establish the kind of appropriate relationship which generates trust and respect.  Doing so enables them to sense almost immediately when something is not right with a student.

While this comes naturally for some teachers, others need more structured encouragement.  In many schools, an advisory program has been established where a staff member is assigned to small groups of students. The adult serves as an advisor, mentor, advocate, go-to person for the young people in her/his advisory group.  Kids feel there is always someone watching out for them.  Advisors soon are able to determine very quickly when a student has an issue, and they reach out to the young person.

Unfortunately in many school districts such an effort is viewed as taking time away from instruction, that cultivation of the mind is what matters, not recognizing and attending to the emotional needs of students. It is the teacher’s job to teach, and the student’s responsibility to learn.  In reality, how can any student concentrate on the math lesson when they are thinking about their parent’s divorce?  Bullied on the way to school?  Abused last night at home?  Recent death of a loved one?

Strategies focused on the intentional establishment of caring and nurturing relationships help cut through some of the emotional barriers to learning. The opened gate enable teachers to cultivate the intellectual (cognitive) abilities of their learners.  Addressing emotional issues contributes to academic success.  Both the head and heart need attention, not one at the expense of the other.  The Magic of “AND”!

When determining the content of an event, whether it be musical or otherwise, the premise of The Magic of AND© can be applied. Creators do not have to be bound by unnecessary limitations, such as choosing one or the other.  Often the best of multiple options can be combined to form a different, and sometimes more effective and/or creative result.

“And” sets the table for more options by being less restrictive than “or”.

September 25-28, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio, BalletMet, Opera Columbus, and the Columbus Symphony will blend their talents in a program called Twisted: A Trio of Excellence.  Each group provides wonderful entertainment on their own; they have chosen to demonstrate what can happen when talents are merged—artistry and beauty for the eyes and ears!  With a clever title to match, reflecting the “twist” of three art forms!  “And” instead of “or”.

There are countless blends waiting to be discovered. Almost every decision in life, whether it be personal or professional, involves choices.  How will you combine the best elements each option has to offer?  For more on this topic go to www.magicofand.net.