Category Archives: Motivation

The Daily Mix…….by, Michael Hawke

12 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Sports

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NFL Players Union: The NFL Players Union has announced that Jerry Jones threat to bench players for not standing for the Anthem is against their union agreement. I suggest the NFL Players Union take a knee on this effort. They must be aware ratings are slumping….. and will fall fast and far if this continues.

Economics 101: Just want to state what is obvious to me….the NFL players need the fans more than the fans need the NFL players.  I quit the NFL a few weeks back and now I get my football fix watching college football games on Saturday. My Sundays are now free and I do other things. So much better not getting aggravated watching these rich, privileged, players bringing their politics into my living room when all I want to do is relax and watch football.

Jerry Brown’s ” Sanctuary State “: Governor Brown decided he would make the entire state of California a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants. He has removed ICE  (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) out of all prisons, jails, and other police sites where they have traditionally been located in order to facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants who have broken the law. Governor Brown says the Federal Government has no authority to manage and enforce the immigration laws of our nation in the state of California. To me he is coming pretty close to declaring independence from the Union.

Governor On Notice: ICE has put California, and the good Governor, on notice that it’s officers will continue their mission of enforcing immigration law and arresting and deporting illegal immigrants. ICE stated since they are not getting cooperation from the state law enforcement agencies they will now be seeking illegal immigrants in their neighborhoods, work places, and homes. ICE officers will send all arrested illegal immigrants out of the state in order to secure them during the deportation process.

Governor Brown has now caused ICE to broaden it’s footprint in the state and when illegal immigrants are detained they will be removed from their families and sent to another state. This is called the law of unintended consequences. Good job Governor Brown, so very compassionate of you.

Race Horses: I recently read about a stallion that was shot while running across a pasture. The shooter was aiming for the rider and hit the horse instead. The horse leapt over a fence clipping it with his back legs as his muscles gave out in mid air. The rider fell off as the horse hit the ground. The horse never quit and in his dying moments lay there on his side moving his legs as if running. This is how we should live our lives…keep on running, keep on doing good, keep on being good.

Tim Tebow: He finished his first professional baseball season with a .226 batting average. He had over 60 RBIs and over ten home runs. Not bad for a guy who has not played baseball in several years. He was moved up two levels in the minor league system and says he will return next year to play in the Mets organization.

Tebow A Distraction: Remember when Tim Tebow was taking a knee after touchdowns and the NFL got upset. He was giving thanks to God. The sports talk shows kept bashing him saying the reason he was not picked up was not just his poor throwing skills but that he was too much of a distraction on the field and in the locker room. I have to laugh at this when I see what a mess they have on their hands now. I bet the NFL  wishes they had Tebow on a team now. It is hard for me to listen to these same sport talk guys echoing the NFL line that the players have free speech rights to take a knee during the National Anthem. Good thing these NFL knee takers are not a distraction…. such utter hypocrisy. To the NFL I can only say karma is a real hurt!

 

 

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The Daily Mix….. by, Michael Hawke

04 Monday Sep 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Political Science, Uncategorized

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See a Problem….Solve a Problem:  J.J. Watt, defensive tight end, Houston Texans, did a fund raiser for Hurricane Harvey relief and raised over $18 million dollars… and counting. I kind of like this type of NFL player who realizes he is a role model.

See a problem….solve a problem. Quite different from taking a knee and disrespecting the flag, anthem, and all who sacrificed for our freedoms in order to draw attention to a problem. The Cleveland players should talk to JJ. He knows the importance of being a positive role model out to fix problems, and not a whiney, sniveling, dolt trying to bring others down.

I still Quit the NFL but I feel better being reminded there are players who care with action and not show.

Home of the Free….Land of the Brave:  Clearly these last two words of the National Anthem were displayed in Houston and all the regions hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. Police, Fire, National Guard, citizen volunteers, medical professionals and many others as well as the victims displayed these two words loudly and proudly. I did not see anyone take a knee…did you?

Storm Stilettos: I have a female friend who asked me what they were. She said she heard the tail end of a news report where they were negatively discussing the First Lady’s shoes calling them “Storm Stilettos”.  My friend, who loves shoes more than food, wanted to know where she could buy them. I suggested she try the Ivanka site but she should hurry as they are selling fast.

Early To Bed: Benjamin Franklin has been credited with the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise, will make a fellow healthy, happy, and wise”. Likely Ben heard it from some other source but kudos to him none the less for helping to establish this sage wisdom.

When asked by Barbara Walters “Ted, what is the secret to your success?” He responded: “The secret to my success Barbara is simple: early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise”. Classic Ted Turner… a modern improvement on Ben’s version. Thanks for saving the Buffalo Ted!   

Buffalo vs.Truth: Ted Turner did not invent the internet but he should be credited with the saving of the Buffalo and for being a great environmentalist, in the most positive sense. By the way, just in case you are confused, Al Gore did not invent the internet, but he did write the book “An Inconvenient Truth”, which ended up being more of a convenient lie, than anything else. I give Mr. Gore due credit for being an environmentalist…..in the most negative sense.

The Patriots: I listened to the audible version of Bill O’ Reilly’s book, “The Patriots”. I experienced the most enjoyable drive times this past week learning about our “Founding Fathers” and how this nation was born. Some of the history I knew, some I  remembered vaguely, and much more of it was new. The accounts of sacrifice and heroism of these people are captivating and awe inspiring . The book is read by Holter Graham, who does a wonderful job conveying a feel and the emotion of the times.

You can listen to this book with your high school kids. It is available on Audible, order it from BILLOREILLY.COM, or from the Public Library, as I did. You will be blessed and so will your kids who will, when done listening, be far more educated on our founding history than most of their peers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Daily Mix…..by, Michael Hawke

14 Friday Jul 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Sports

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Tim Tebow:   Tim Tebow was moved up to Single A ball in the Mets organization and is hitting 327. He has an 11 game hitting streak going and today hit his first professional “walk off” homer for the win. He will at AA level by the end of the season. Great job Tebow, I know you are having fun chasing your dream! Baseball is an awesome game.

San Diego Padres: All I hear is we have a great President, a great General Manager, an Awesome Coach…..we are in last place. I am not buying the ” youth movement….we just need a few more years of patience” stuff. Free agency pretty much kills that plan, or it has in the past. Still a fan…they are still my team, keep trying boys!

Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton:  I ran into Lee this morning at the library in San Diego. He is producing his own “Sports Page” and awaiting an opportunity to get back in the booth. He was great in the Chargers hey day. I used to listen to him every morning on my ride to work. They replaced him with a loud mouth ego and their ratings are now in the cellar, or below. Progress, eh? Hang in there Lee, you know your stuff and your voice is still golden.

President Trump: The POTUS and FLOTUS are in Paris for the celebration of Bastille Day. I watched the press conference and Trump owns a room when he is in it. The President of France kind of resembles portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte….eerie. They seem to be getting along and I believe our President is doing a great job and will be a two termer. He may even surpass Ronald Reagan as a down to earth, common sense leader. “Build Up That Wall, Mr. President” !

Hannity: Not sure who his producer is but in his TV, and Radio shows, he opens with what he calls “my monologue”. He runs on and on and on, making a significant number of points on several different issues. Sean Hannity is in love with himself. The personal pronoun “I” is his favorite word.  He has good ideas and some good shows, but he does not know how to let the show be the focus. He thinks he needs to be the focus…. and for the record Sean you just are not that interesting. Get out the way and let things work.

Endeavor: Taking Endeavor out on Sunday with friends. Nothing is more relaxing than sailing on San Diego Bay. I named her after Captain Cook’s first ship. My ultimate goal for Endeavor is to take her through the Canal to Cuba and after that who knows where the wind might blow us.

Louie Lamoure: One of the most prolific writers of modern time. His autobiography is called  “The Education of a Wandering Man”. If you have not read it you are missing out. He says what makes a great writer is being a great reader. He lists all the books he ever read and this alone is worth having the book. A must read on your summer reading list.

 

 

 

 

The Daily Mix……by, Michael Hawke

25 Tuesday Apr 2017

Posted by in Character, Motivation

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San Diego Weather: Cooler and overcast today. We have had a great Spring with so much rainfall that the California Drought was officially ended. Now we will be looking ahead to hot days, and what could be a very dangerous fire season by summer’s end.

I used to call my mother almost everyday in her later years. We had great talks, which I really miss. Mom would almost always start with  “How’s your weather out there?”.  My reply was usually short since our weather was always pretty tame compared to her Midwest weather. She always had the more interesting weather be it freezing rain, snow storms and blizzards, tornados, or unbearably humid days with house shaking thunderstorms.  Mom could discuss the weather for fifteen minutes and by the time she finished you knew what was happening. She missed her calling as she would have been a Phenom as a weather woman……Mom was really tough on those weather reporters!

Baseball: San Diego Padres are playing down to expectations. They play good but still manage to lose two or three out every four games. A repeat of last season awaits. Management has tried hard to assuage fan fears by marketing the fact “they are a young, and exciting team”.  While this is true, I do not buy into their “developing for the future….just be patient a few years” line. In a few years, when these young guys are hitting smoking bats and throwing flaming balls, guess what will happen?  Free agency baby….money talks and players walk…and it will be by by-by San Diego.  This has been our history, it has happened before and it will happen again, and again, and again. San Diego baseball?  Well, it’s a lot like our weather; nice, but pretty darn boring after you have been here awhile.

An Athlete And A Gentleman:  Speaking of baseball….Tim Tebow had a great hitting week. It is only a matter of time before he is moved up to double A ball. Not because he is necessarily going to make the “Biggs” but because he is in the “Biggs” wherever he plays. Fans and kids love Tim Tebow.  So sorry the media and sports gurus need to continually knock him, it just does not matter to the rest of us.  The regular folks see his sincerity, goodness, and athleticism, and they like it. The guy is nothing but an incredible athlete and an awesome human being. We could use a few more role models like Tim Tebow in sports, and the world in general.  Go Tim Tebow, I am rooting for your dream, brother.

The Death of the Factor: Bill O’Reilly had his run, and what a run it was. I am sorry to see him go. I was walking down the dock at Cabrillo Isle Marina where Endeavor is berthed and saw two beautiful women and an one average looking fellow getting ready to shove off in a fishing boat. I made the following comment, which could be labeled a tad sexists by certain people; “Wow, what a lucky guy you are going boating with not one, but two, beautiful women”. I immediately felt like I crossed a new red line for talking to women and so I stupidly said…. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like Bill O’Reilly”.  (Where that came from who knows? Maybe the constant CNN bashing on him being a womanizer, sexist, and an arrogant bully, was starting to register in my own head as factual).  The women both laughed and the red head replied….”No problem, I really like Bill O’Reilly and I am sorry to see him go off the air”.  I was surprised but I guess he did not get to be #1 by only appealing to men. He was right on the mark on so much of what he did on air.  Bill O’Reilley is now certainly in a new ” no spin zone” partly of his own making.  Meanwhile the rest of us males are just get more and more confused about how to talk and act around women. We too are now living and working in the “new no spin zone”. Thanks a lot Bill.

Coyote Spotted: A very large coyote….yes they showed him on TV and he is very large,  was spotted running through a Rancho Bernardo neighborhood today. He was caught on cameral and put on local news running with something in his mouth…probably a cat, rabbit, or small dog. Pets are easy prey for these wild beasts.  Watch out for coyotes. They are incredible hunters and your dog or cat is a delicacy they cannot resist. Coyotes can easily hop an 8′ high fence.

Dan’s “My Dream” Update: Dan crossed the equator moving into the Southern Ocean yesterday.  Now, due the time zones, hemispheres and all the rest, I am temporarily confused on when exactly yesterday was for Dan.  My magnetic compass is now swinging amiss and the variations and deviations are backwards too. Whenever yesterday was “it happened”. Dan wrote he is only about 500 miles from his first landfall, at Hiva Oa.  Sailing at about 100 miles a day he is just five days from returning to civilization. That bacon cheese burger is getting closer and closer Dan. Not too bad for a guy who left San Diego March 28th sailing all alone in his 35′ sailboat named “My Dream”.  He is now a member of a very small club of human beings in the history of the planet to have accomplished this feat sailing solo.  I put his courage, talent, and spirit, right up there with the likes of John Glenn and all the other great explorers. Dan, whenever you get back I am voting for you! We need leaders like you brother.

 

 

 

“My Dream” Easter Sunday In The North Pacific…… by, Michael Hawke

20 Thursday Apr 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Spiritual, Uncategorized

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Dan’s Easter Sunday Update: Current location: lat/lon 07*51.8’N / 138*29.8’W

Hello to everybody, and Happy Easter. Halleluiah, He is Risen.

Not much to report today. Winds were good overnight. I shook out two reefs and flew the full main until a “system” rolled over me. I reefed again, just in time. It’s been slow going ever since and I think I will leave it this way for the night. I’d rather not have to get up in the middle of the night and reef in a blow, it’s safer that way. About four more days to the equator.

Love you all, Dan

Dan is solo sailing toward Tahiti and posts almost daily updates. He left from San Diego, California on March 23, 2017. Currently he is about three weeks North of Hiva Oha and is low on food. His spirit is strong and his sailing skills growing by leaps and bounds.

“My Dream” A Voyage of Courage, Vision, and Inspiration……by Michael Hawke

12 Wednesday Apr 2017

Posted by in Character, Motivation, Sports

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The Voyage of “My Dream” :  My friend Dan is on a solo sail to the Pacific Islands. He departed San Diego five days ago and is heading on a southwesterly course as we read this copy of his log, dated 4/10/2017.  Dan’s boat is named “My Dream” and sailing to the South Pacific has been his dream for most of his adult life. He is now following “His Dream”.  I will be keeping you up to date on Dan’s progress as his voyage evolves.

Tim Tebow was asked by a famous sports announcer how he could even think about trying to play major league baseball when his “best chance to succeed” was in football?  He replied ;  “Chances?…. it’s not about chances, it’s about following your dreams….”.   Thanks for following your dreams Dan.  You inspire us “big league”, and we are rooting for you brother!

Hi,

Boy did we have a ride last night. Winds blowing 20 kts. I had to put a second reef in the main before dark and was flying only the stay sail. Still we were doing 7-8 kts before I went to bed, and several hours after that.

When I started my day at 06:30 (local time) we were still doing 5-6 kts, so I left the sails as they were. The boat was more upright yet cruising along at a decent clip. I wanted to charge the batteries and make some water. After an hour and a half the AP the AP indicated it had reached it’s “current limit”. What did that mean? I had no idea, so I shut down the generator and water maker, ate a brunch, and took a nap.

After a nap I tore all the stuff out of the lazarette to find the shelf (which happens to be unsupported and was holding a half a bucket of chain) had fallen in the path of the tiller arm, which prevented the AP drive from moving the rudder as it was supposed to do. Moving the chain to supported shelf in the lazarette  should prevent that from happening again, but there is now a new project on my list of things to do when I get to some place where it an be done ( it would be VERY difficult to tab in a support while under way.

I shook out one reef and left the stay sail up at 1700 (local).

Current Location=lat/lon 17* 48.6′ N, 124*38.9′ W

This has been a 142 mile day!….Yippee! Now that’s what I’m talkin about.

” Something to Consider”…… by, Frank Brzezinski

11 Saturday Mar 2017

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” I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper-or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the tasks you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed. You must merely be firm with me. Show me just exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of great men-and, alas, of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a man. You may run me for profit or run me for ruin. It makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. Be easy with me, and I will destroy you. I am habit. ”

Frank Brzesinski ( February 1979)

The Daily Mix……..by, Michael Hawke

02 Thursday Mar 2017

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Insecurity: Young people today suffer from this malady at ever increasing numbers. One can gauge the insecurity of a person by viewing their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

Giant Ball: I was challenged  by a friend that calling NBA basketball Giant Ball was not acceptable as it implied a harsh negativity toward very tall people. Well in order to keep all the PC people in their seats I will now, and in the future, always refer to “Giant Ball” as “Tall Ball”. Just doing my part.

Trump’s State of the Union Speech: Much kudos to the President. He stayed on message, communicated his vision and goals, and tried to be a unifier for the American people. The lobby rule he instituted was huge but has been overlooked. The President understands if the swamp is to be drained we need to flush the lobbyist out first. Like Obama Care the lobby system must be repealed and replaced.

Whatever Happened to Douglas Hughes (The Flying Mailman)? : Remember his gyrocopter flight to the Capitol in 2015 to deliver letters to each and every member of the Congress? He was a hero and his message was to be later picked up by the Trump campaign. He stood up to the Washington elites in Congress by delivering a letter in his gyrocopter to each member. The letter was about  the need to stop the corruption in government which is fueled by the lobby system. His message was popular but downplayed by the government and the media. They kept the focus on his breaking of the law with his illegal flight and gave minimal mention of the  purpose of his flight.

Hold Ups: RB Donut Shop was robbed this morning. Two armed white men with big bellies and a shotgun entered the store and cried out ” All right Mother Stickers….This is a F… up. They got away with all the donuts. It was reported they got into a black and white Crown Vic driven by a third individual. The suspects are thought to be retired Policemen. Consider them dangerous and call the Tip Line if you see anyone meeting their description.

 

 

Sunday Reflections….by, Michael Hawke

19 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Spiritual, Uncategorized

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Baseball: The season is about to start.. At 64 I still get eager to see the players go to Spring Training. The opener will be upon us. So many lessons for the game of life from the greatest game of sport.

” There ain’t no man can avoid being born average. But there ain’t no man got to be common”.  Satchel Paige

Shoulders Back, Head Up: Most of us are not heads of state, brilliant scientists, CEOs, or supremely talented artists. We may be average, but we need not be common. Common expects too much without giving anything in return. Common always takes the lazy way out. We can do better! “Today I will endeavor to stand out from the crowd in at least one small way. I will be upbeat even if I seem to have every reason to be down and depressed”. Patricia Loren

Love: “Greater love has no one than this-that he lay down his life for his friend”. John 15:12-24

Reliance on God: “It has to begin over and over again…as if nothing has yet been done”. Gen.Y

Potential: “To unlock your potential you must first open your mind”. Mk

Facts: “Facts are stubborn thing”s.  John Adams

Education: “Without education you are nothing”.  Malcom X

 

Sunday Reflections: …. by, Michael Hawke

12 Sunday Feb 2017

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Pope Francis on Super Bowl:  The Pope gave a message prior to the Super Bowl in which he stressed the importance of ” Sports “. He said something to the effect that sport provides an avenue to bridge differences, build teamwork, and bring out the best in the human spirit. He did not predict the winner, or say who he wanted to win. Given the “miracle win ” by the Patriots….. there can be little doubt who the Pope rooted for.

St. Joseph Cathedral, San Diego: I attended Mass this morning at St. Josheph’s in San Diego. The church is very beautiful and the music and message were inspirational. The pastor gave a short message on giving to the poor. His name is iconic….Father Patrick J. Mulcahy. No, he was not on MASH but he is definitely a “doer” . He recently donated his kidney to a person in need.

Rosary Cathedral, Toledo Ohio: This is one of the most famous churches in North America. The Cathedral was modeled after a historical Cathedral in it’s sister city of Toledo, Spain. The cathedral has a basilica floor plan and reflects famous European cathedrals of the medieval model. Wikipedia has a thorough background from construction, which was completed in 1931 during the height of the depression, to the most recent restoration. The artwork on the ceiling is like that of the Sistine Chapel. You walk the marble floors and your footsteps echo. It is a magnificent feeling to be in this cathedral. There is no better place to quiet ones heart in mediation and prayer. My mother and father were married in this cathedral in 1945.

In Everything Give Thanks: This theme is present throughout the Scriptures. There is no more clear passage than in the book of I Thessalonians where the Apostle Paul writes in verses 6-10. Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica about the importance of spiritual growth and trusting God in all things. He does not say we should be ” thankful for all things” but says “in everything give thanks…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.

The early church in Thessalonica was under great persecution and tribulation. The Apostle Paul was writing to remind them, to encourage them, that in all things God is in control. All human beings have trials and tribulations of various sorts, some rather annoying, some very challenging and life defining. When we give thanks to God we are not saying we are joyous in the pain, but rather we are leaning on the Lord for strength and peace to get through to the finish. We must remember that God is always there with us and the key is to trust in Him to carry us through.

Proverb of the Day: Prov. 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man weighs it down, but a good word is makes it glad”.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 92:1 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, Oh Most High”.