Yesterday I was wandering around downtown and an SUV caught my eye. The reason being it was adorned with Kentucky Flags. Before I had a chance to catch up with them at the stoplight at Clinton and Iowa it sped away. I had hoped to engage Joe or CJ or whomever and wish them well and good riddance. I was able to flip them the Hawkeye bird.
For the most part, posts and threads on any message board are boring, not worth reading, let alone engaging and consist of lots of half-truths and rumors, failed critical thought, useless information, tropes, trolls, and petty bickering.
At the same time, I lurk way too much and occasionally join in the fun.
Some of the best posts and threads involve personal stories and connections.
Since back in 2016 when I saw the light and was called back to the Promised Land, here goes a handful of brief encounters with IOWA BB players and coaches.
I ran into Fran within weeks at Cville Brueggers who was buying bagels. I was still really hopeful. I simply said: "Hey Coach, keep up your good work. Go Hawks!" He thanked me, paid for his bagels, and quickly fled.
A few months later I was headed in the Cville library. I love libraries. As I approached the door an elderly gentleman with a full head of gray hair wearing this really funky leather jacket with colors and s$%t hard to describe got to the door ahead of me. Instead of entering the building he held the door for me and beckoned me in. I thanked him and then realized OMG... coach Tom Davis. I was dumbfounded and at a loss for words. Normally I would have engaged him and remind me of that really great 13-year run for IOWA BB but it was the frickin library, a quiet place. I suspect he would have given me some time and answered my questions. My first question would have been: " How you thinking the next level thing has worked for IOWA BB?" btw that leather jacket was NIKE, limited edition.
This was late at night and this incredibly huge human being was coming out of that ridiculous indoor urban renewal mall downtown. This young man had THE LOOK of determination, yupper Tyler Cook. Started his first NBA game and a great pro and person. Ummm... he is somewhat intimidating and yet heard he is a gentle giant unless he happens to have a ball in his hand and destroys the BB RIM anywhere in the world.
Coach Francis at Cville Hyvee. I just said, "Go Hawks, keep up your good work!" He thanked me and went about his business and continued to shop.
I was going into the Fareway on Mormon Trek on a late summer morning, the road to the Promised Land? Low and behold a very large human being along with an incredibly attractive young woman (no pic available) was headed to his car. OMG LUKA GARZA!!!! It was between sophomore and junior season and I knew it was my only chance. I said hello, keep up your good work, GO HAWKS, yadda yadda yadda. I then proceeded to suggest to him to rebound better. I then showed him how to block out, yes I physically demonstrated how I would block him out. Yes, I did! I turned around and looked at him for some positive feedback and was happy to answer his questions. He rolled his eyes and looked away... OMG I AM A FANATIC! Yet he thanked me and we all went about our day. I take full credit for his work ethic, post moves, shooting touch, scoring, and PLAYER of the YEAR awards. Rebounding, not so much.
Here is the encounter that could have been borderline... I had just entered the Target Store at Coral Ridge Mall. You all know, the monstrosity built just over 20 years ago that contributes to our excessive consumer culture and Climate Change and did their best to kill every small business and downtown within miles. So I hear her voice, OMG It's her? With her daughter? I would recognize her voice anywhere and even in my sleep. She was arguing with her daughter and just ahead of me so I sped up to say hello. I thanked Charity for her good work, especially her daily 10 AM IPR program and Iowa PBS TV work. She replies: "You are welcome" We departed, went about our business, and continued to shop.
On the way out to check out. OMG! Charity! again and my last chance. I sped ahead and got out in front of Charity and her daughter. I then proceeded to stay in front and walk backward as we neared checkout. btw this is an excellent tactic to engage someone when you need to talk to forgo war and work for peace.. ( Native American warriors back in the day began this tradition) I then popped the question: "CHARITY, will you marry me?" None plussed, her daughter's mouth agape,
Charity thanked me and kindly and gently let me know... " I am already happy" We checked out, waved goodbye, and went about our day
Cmon I dare you. Tell us a story of a sighting or a brief encounter.
GO IPR, NPR, IOWA PBS, and most of all...
GO HAWKS!!!!
