The Time Draws Nigh

Pitchers and Catchers! Yeah, baby!

That signals the official start to Spring Training, 2010! This weekend the rest of the team members come to town and things get started with a bang! The temps will be flying up into the low 80s the winds will die down, and clouds will dissipate. Baseball returns to the menu of things to do here in the Valley of the Sun!

And, just in time to take a break, I have finished my book, "Growing up Doughnut" and am almost ready to send it to the printer. Then you folks better be watching Oprah, and Cspan Book Report.

I have been trying to give you glimpses of the book so the buzz starts happening well in advance of the actual printing. Kind of like waiting for that next Batman movie, or another sequel to Harry Potter. My mission is to have everyone thinking Doughnut. That, my friends, is the new buzz word.... DOUGHNUT! Spread the word, wrap it around your tongue and leave a hole. I want you to get a mental image of what someone called "doughnut" might look like, then take a quick look at my profile picture... imagine me 40-45 years ago, with a flat top, gapped buttons on my shirt, and overalls that are rolled up on the bottoms so I can wear them longer.

Trials, tribulations, heart ache, and some very inane stunts mark my life. You will recognize me and yourself. Look for it this spring, thanks to my editor, Suzie Dayton!

Doughnut

Oprah's Out...Shields In?

I was thoroughly surprised today when I learned that the big O--Oprah-- is bowing out of her show after 25 years. I did not even realize that she had been around that long! I have always liked her and the way she talks to people. She has a way of being respectful and still able to ask the hard questions. For a girl with humble beginnings, she became the most powerful woman in entertainment, and possibly the US. President Obama definitely gained a great deal when she endorsed him.

Oprah has long championed the underdog. She looks for the best in people and is always an optimist. She has been a leader in civil rights and women's rights, and she shared her struggle with us on her weight loss. We love Oprah because she is one of us. She is an icon, but she relates and gives back.

With her leaving the talk show circuit, there comes an opening for someone else. There are plenty of women on daytime talks...Bonnie Hunt, Ellen, and Tyra all fill the void for women. Dr. Oz and The Doctors have healthcare covered. Dr. Phil helps with problems. It is time that someone filled the empty spot. What empty spot you might ask?

The Baby Boomer Generation does not have anyone. Regis can hardly fill that when he has that cute little honey next to him. I propose that CBS let Don Shields try and fill the void. I have the experience, the knowledge, the ability to talk that could bring people to the TV set during the day. I am more than willing to travel for the job and we can talk about compensation later. But think of it.... I grew up in a small town, worked all kinds of dirty jobs, went to the college of Presidents (EUREKA COLLEGE) taught school, coached many different types of sports at different levels, was a broadcaster, newswriter, author, carpenter, landscaper, housekeeper, nanny; I have bought and sold over 25 cars, eaten at a wide variety of restaurants, worn many different styles of clothes; I have black friends, white friends, friends from foreign countries; I have a long marriage with two well adjusted kids; I laugh easily, cry often, and can talk to just about anyone.

I don't have those model good looks. My head is bald, my stomach round. I am short and not a great dresser. I am not a caricature or a stereotype. But I am an Everyman. I am your kindly old uncle type who can listen, ask you questions, give you advice, be your champion, and have fun all at the same time.

So, Oprah, as you get ready to say goodbye, let's talk. Together we can keep the candle lit. I even promise to try and help Chicago get the Olympics.

Doughnut