James G. Crakes Ph.D

Crakestimes.com

Posted: 09/02/2008

< CRAKESTIMES – SUMMER OF 2008               Introduction:                           It’s been a spell since I’ve gotten out the ole Crakestimes newsletter and I hope things have been going well for you and your family. The aging process is making itself known in my own life with little niggling issues that keep me humble. Donna has just completed her last therapy session for a second total knee replacement. She’s recovering well and her therapists consider her a poster-child for this operation.               Me and the Family:                           We’ve become “soft-ball grannies” this spring with the participation of son Jim’s youngest daughter, Allison, in the Peninsula League 8 and under fast-pitch program. She got hooked on pitching and had enough success to be chosen for the All-Star team. Some of you are familiar with kid’s sports these days and realize the extent of commitment for both athlete and family over an extended period of time. Our weekend travel took us from Vista to Chula Vista for six weeks of cheering and excitement.                         On the other side of the country, daughter Lynn’s four children continue to do well in school; enjoy a variety of musical activities and are all on an Arlington, VA. swim team this summer. Michael and Kate, 13 year old twins, both had key parts in their middle schools production of “Guys and Dolls” last fall.               Your former teammates:                           Uno Vesterlund (1982): Enjoyed a brief visit with Uno who brought his 15 year old daughter to New York and San Diego for a H.S. graduation present. He teaches at a Folkskola in Norrping, Sweden and sees the Axelsson brothers frequently.                           Bryan Wallbank (1992): Calls me frequently; is the top distance runner in his age-group here in San Diego. Wife Kari presented him with their second daughter on Father’s Day last month.                           John Mahr (1981):  Continues his successful coaching career at Sultana H.S. in Hesperia,CA.  Enjoyed a day with John at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.  I took in 7 days of one of the most fantastic sporting events I’ve ever attended with the cousin from the U.K., Stephen Wright, with whom I saw the British Open at St. Andrews in 2005.                           Anette Ronnerman (1991): Email from Anette saying she was coming to San Diego in August to run in AFC ½ marathon. Will be good to see the American Airlines flight attendant again. Update: Saw Anette as she ran down Catalina enroute to a very successful performance: 1st in her age group and 10th woman overall (more than 7,000 entries).                                     Special Addendum to www.crakestimes.com               WCCT (World Congress of Crakes Timers)                           First of all, I hope you all recognize the use of this “title” is purely tongue and cheek. The concept was to gather as many people who shared a special time in their life, at a time which would be appropriate to the basic activity which brought us all together. Friends on teams from 1959 through 1994, who I had the privilege to coach.               Next, a brief summary of the idea for those of you who are just getting included in the communication loop:  In June of 2006, I shared a fantasy which I conceived, to gather former team members in a gigantic reunion, using the London Olympics in 2012 as the rallying point. Although I have been particularly fortunate in experiencing Olympism over the years, most of you have not had that singularly memorable adventure. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve talked with many of you who had always wanted to attend an Olympic Games, but had never been able to work it into your busy family lives.               So my fondest hope is that I might facilitate your dreams in such a way that those who felt strongly about “an Olympics”, might be able to pull it off (together). Recently, I have had the good fortune of meeting with two people with the background and contacts to help us work out some of the details. Just last week I had lunch with Cindy Outlaw (PLNU ’80) and Stephen Wright (a cousin from Wales who attended the U.S. Open with me). Both of them are excited about the prospects of such an Olympic experience.               Stephen is a sports fan relative who lives and works in England. As the London Games plan develops, his vantage point will give us a better idea of how and when we should become active in locating accommodations and purchasing tickets. Cindy is an experienced tour lead (taking a small group to climb Mt.Kilamonjaro next month) and willing to help with any organizational aspects of the trip which would exceed my knowledge and ability. In my earlier newsletters, I made it clear, that I wasn’t trying to drum up business and lead a tour to the Games myself, but eager to help you make the necessary arrangements well ahead of the masses, if possible.               From my previous Olympic experiences, finding places to stay which are accessible to the venues (Olympic Stadium etc.) and “reasonably” priced is the foremost challenge.  When I say reasonable, I mean somewhere in the $100-200/day range (similar to Super Bowl and World Series expectations). Many of you who would plan to be a part of the WCCT scene, would probably want to take advantage of “being in Europe” (air transportation etc.) to visit historic aspects of both the U.K. and the mainland (Europe).  One of the first things a person might do in this long-range planning task, would be to find out if they had any friends or relatives who might welcome a one or two week visit. If that’s not likely to happen, then we would need to find the locations in South London for the period of time June 27 through August 12, 2012. I am hoping to visit Stephen in the U.K. within the next year, at which time we would make forays into likely areas for accommodations; to see if people are willing to take reservations this far ahead and identify a spot (hotel or room) where we could actually hold a luncheon reunion or something of the likes on a particular day, maybe the day off in the middle of the 10 day athletic event schedule.               I’ve been pleasantly surprised to have a list of more than 25 former team members who at least want to look into the possibilities of joining a group of person’s with common interests at the London Games in 2012. After the Beijing Games next month, travel agencies, Track and Field News Tours etc. will begin to gear up for 2012. We’ve already identified a London agency which suggested a wide variety of accommodations such as: university dorm room, individual homes, bed and breakfast etc. etc.               I’ll continue to shoot information to you and would like very much if you could let me know of your (degree of) interest in the possibility of joining in this adventure. Hope you have been able to access my website www.crakestimes.com, on which I will continue to post information of the trip.   Very sincerely,   Coach Jim Crakes crunner1@cox.net                           Enter The BodyText Here>

Limericks

Posted: 01/16/2008

<Enter The BodyText Here>                        Aging Despair How to get out of a very soft chair Sends some oldsters into fits of despair. First they call for a derrick And then for a cleric, Cause they don't think a crane would have a prayer.               A Poet Loses his License    There once was a poet named Peter       Who played fast and loose with the meter     For the rhymes that he used    Were so badly abused    He was jailed as a chronic word-beater.

Blog Menu	Posted: 12/22/2007
<Ent Training tips Literature Newsletters Book reviews Poems and limericks Word Games for Kids Greeting card texts Guides for Aging Well Nutrition Fitness Injury prevention Travel and Adventure Snippets Ethical Issues Parenting thoughts Email   -   crunner1@cox.net

Crakestimes Newsletters

Posted: 11/23/2007

<Enter The BodyText Here> Signs of the times: Bought a new digital Timex the other day, with enlarged face-numbers;     now realize I need one with a louder alarm. The strap broke on my digital watch, so I bought a new watch. The Algeciras neighborhood of old folks is gradually transitioning into     large remodels developed by the Boomer generation families. Haven’t seen much effect of “global warming” around here as my     hands are still always cold. Former teammembers of the 60’s & 70’s are now CEOs throughout     the world. Sounds of the times: You say “lighten up” , while I say “calm down” You say “whatever” , while I say “yeah?” You say “upset?” , and I say “sit-down”. You say “don’t even think it” and I say “are you kidding?” You say that’s cool, I say that’s hot. The Times: The Olympic Games have almost come full circle from the time     Roman Emperor Theodosius cancelled them because of     “commericialism” and pagan religious rites in 376 B.C. Try to explain “sportsmanship” to your child or grandchildren     Webster says: conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s     opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming     to one participating in a sport. Phony Definitions: Polarize: what penguins see with Cauterize: attract a girls attention Catching up on your old friends: Lupe and Adam Hoxie have a baby boy named Nathanial Hamilton Vanessa (Couch) and Todd Verrill have taken up residency in Columbia,     South Carolina. She got to see the Master’s in Augusta last spring. Anette Ronnerman is keeping American Airlines going, had time off to     spend Christmas with her family in Goteborg, Sweden. Jeff Matthews of early 70’s USIU fame, called from the airport on     his way to San Francisco. Still lives in New Zealand. Lupe Ambriz(Hoxie) called to wish us a Happy New Year. Could hear     her one year old Nathan “talking” in the background. She is     still teaching kindergarten in the Torrance area of Los Angeles. Ran into Michael Raney from Cal Western days at Home Town Buffett ( I was     checking out  their“health food” section). Heard from Ron Adams and Donny Schengel who are both being challenged by     the presence of three teenagers in each family. Now that’s a test of     parenthood. Don Welch has been a professor at Mid-American Nazarene University     in Kansas City for 14 years and has two children. Sean O’Hara, Dennis Bourland, George Velarde and Gus Arce are all       recent second-time fathers. Sandi (Cuevas) Sutter(2) and Melissa       (Mabe) Brunner(3) are recent “repeat” mothers.   Attended Bryan Wallbank’s wedding in August where I talked with     Doug Ravasdy, Eric Engel, Sandi Cuevas and Kenneth Jansson (who flew out     from  Sweden).. Bill Tokar’s Ventura High School women’s cross country team won the     State Championship meet in Fresno for the second straight year. Connnie(Navarro) and Shawn Allen have moved to Knoxville, TN Dan Esqueda still lives in San Diego and one of his three boys has     graduated from Willamette University.; continues his progress as a baseball     umpire. Visit from Alex Obradovic and his girl friend. He’s still working in     Investment computing and developing his heavy metal band.           Travels: Donna and I flew to Portland and then drove up the Columbia River Gorge to Spokane where she was born. Had the great good fortune of a brief visit with Kevin and Paige Swaim and their two boys. “Finale”: Know the meaning of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, while hosting our family(13) for our traditional Christmas Eve supper, followed by singing at our church’s service that evening. Books:         Longitude and Attitude by Thomas Friedman(Middle East expert)     Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston (guy who sawed off his own arm to escape certain starvation in a Utah rock canyon     Fourth grade Math book!!!     “1000 Places to see before you Die” by Patricia Schulz (I’ve checked off about 50,      950 to go.) Me: Been preparing food for monthly feeding of homeless at Pacific Beach United Methodist Church. Still helping out a couple days a week with fourth graders at OB Elementary School. Have set this year for “changing my golf swing”. Now that might not seem like much to many, but after 60 plus years of hacking, I figure that if I don’t do it now, any improvements in the near future, will be nullified by the ravages of the aging process. So….I’m in the middle of trying to hit balls everyday for the month of February at Riverwalk Golf Range. An hour group instruction for 28 consecutive days. The only thing I’m certain of so far, is tendonitis of the left wrist, and bursitis of the right hip. Fun??? My second grade grandchild, just explained to me the meaning of “pachycephalosaurs”. He’s Sean, Lynn’s 8 year old who wants to spend two years in the jungles before coming back to become a chef. Oldest grandchild, Nicole, is now attending Mesa Community College and working at Chilli’s near the Sports Arena. Weather: Have we had rain. Don’t believe in our nearly 40 years in San Diego, we’ve ever seen such an extended period of heavenly moisture.. Lot’s of people in the mountains and valleys suffering from mudslides and flooding. Take good care of yourselves and be especially kind to the ones you love. 2005-03-03 22:55:22 2003 End of Summer Edition Crakestimes.com - End of Summer Edition- 2003 It's been awhile, and I hate to lose contact with any of you. Please send along any changes (real or proposed) in terms of email address. Also if you know of any alum that has not received the crakestimes.com within the last year, please send me their address too. Several little pieces of "exciting" news: 1. Lupe(Ambriz) and Adam Hoxie are expecting their first child in January. I know, many of you have been having them like puppies for many years, but I'm always happy to learn that any good friends are starting a family. 2. Vanessa(Couch) Verrill and her husband Todd have moved from Colorado Springs to "somewhere" in South Carolina. He was deployed to Iraq for a few months before this change in assignments. Hope to receive an email address from her soon. 3. Connie(Navarro) married Shawn Allen in Key West, Florida in April. They are now living in San Diego where Connie teaches at Crawford High School. Other people I've heard from since the last newsletter: 1. Dan Raatjes, with wife Wendy and young son Jayden, has taken on the challenging vocation as CFO for the "Orange County Rescue Mission". 2. Received a call from Peggy (Vonesh) Andersson who was visiting her mother in Hemet while on furlough as a missionary in Ethiopia. Tomas took his two sons back to Sweden for a short spell. They plan to return to complete their four year commitment soon. 3. Had a good email from Ron Adams. He's planning to take Kari and their three sons to the Olympics in Athens next year. 4. Talked with Pam(Swen) Romero on the phone. She is still doing speech therapy at a local hospital and with husband Ron, are raising three children. 5. Mike Seaman (Cal Western high jumper/javelin thrower in the late 60's) recently retired from Mission Bay High School after more than 30 years of inspiring young kids as their basketball and track coach. 6. Anette Ronnerman keeps me up to date on her distance running competitions all over the world. She is still with American Airlines and drops by the Algeciras place whenever she's in town. 7. BryanWallbank continues to compete well on the San Diego distance running scene. He spent several weeks this summer, visiting Kenneth Jansson in Sweden. 8. Jim Peabody (Cal Western middle distance runner[68-70]) left his principalship at West Hills High School this fall to become an Assistant Superintendent of Academic Affairs with the San Diego County schools. Signs of "the times": The past year has been a good one for Donna and I. Our health seems to be maintained at a reasonable level with no major crises. We get back to Virginia to visit daughter Lynn and her family whenever possible. She brought the four kids out to San Diego in early August to celebrate my birthday and spend a great two weeks "doin' the beach" and everything else that kids like in this fair city. In early June, we took our 16 year old granddaughter Nicole and Julie to the East Coast for a whirlwind tour of NYC after spending a few days in Arlington with Lynn et.al. We took in a couple of Broadway shows(including 42nd St); many tourist sites such as the WTC, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Empire State Bldg. On the way back to D.C.we met the Arlington gang at Camden Yards and saw the Blue Jays beat the Orioles. What great fun! For those with any interest: I still manage to walk 18 holes twice a week (with little evidence that I'll ever break 80 again); workout with Donna at Gold's gym twice a week; continue to slog along the Cliffs for 30-45 min. five days a week. Some of you may have seen me carrying my trusty "stick". A fellow ask me the other day if it was "for balance". Nice guy. Look forward to tutoring 4th graders at OB Elementary this fall. Have started helping out with an exercise program at a local Senior Center. The leader of the group ask me if I might give him a little help, now that he's getting years old. His name is Win McFadden, who you may remember him as a regular on the Point Loma track for years as he trained for Senior Olympic competition. Oh, by the way, he's 98 Have read several interesting books the past few months: 1. A Piano Shop on the Left Bank-you musicians would like it 2. Four Words of Agreement (by M. Ruiz)-fascinating concepts 3. Exodus (by Leon Uris)- I believe there was a movie(on Palestine) 4. The Most of P.G. Wodehouse-one of the great humorist of all-time That about wraps it up for this year. Hope to get something out in the New one. Sure would like to hear from you. My grandchildren: {mosimage} Identified (from left to right) as: Sean Mullins(6 yrs.)Nicole Crakes(16 yrs) Allison Crakes (3 years)Michael Mullins (8 yrs)Meaghan Mullins(3 yrs)Kate Mullins(8yrs). 2005-03-03 23:53:52 Crakestimes.com- Summer 2005 Visit from Robert Keter-(CEO of a 600 acre Tea Plantation) May 21, 2005 Received a call from Robert in late April indicating he was coming from Kenya on the way to attend his sister’s graduation from Hawaii-Pacific in the middle of May. So, Bryan Wallbank took charge and arranged a picnic at Mission Bay, near where we used to train at the Model Yacht Basin. Ironically, I was not at my finest, getting out of the hospital* just in time to visit with the following people for a short while:   Lupe Ambriz , husband and son Sandi Cuevas, husband and children Jim Michaelian, wife and child Rick Penman, wife and children Gus Arce, wife and children Sean O’Hara and daughter Scott Lardner, Ken Hall, Eric Engel (Jeff Lannen was there earlier) Bryan Wallbank and wife *- The 3 day stay to treat an intestinal infection : charge $15,000. (Had to put that in). Other News: Vannessa Couch(Terrill) will be moving from South Carolina to Helena, Montana soon, where her husband Todd will be training National Guard personnel. Melissa Mabe (Brunner) and Dan now have three children. Sean O’Hara and family are moving to Prescott, AZ this summer. Dave Kemp (LAState) has retired from coaching and is currently Chairman of the Burbank, CA .Board of Education. John Mahr was awarded “Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year” in California. He coaches at Sultana H.S. in Hesperia, CA. Saw Carrie Carambas jogging(pushing her son’s stroller) along Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Monday morning. She’s a P.E. teacher. Tomas Andersson (PL 85) and family are still missionaries in Ethiopia Kathy Haughey and family have been missionaries in the Philippines for many years.. Personal: If any of you have tried to email me at crunner1@cox.net, and couldn’t get through, keeping trying. I think it’s probably slowed down by my “spamblocker”. Send it again, I’d like to hear from you. Planning a trip to Wales/Scotland before the summer’s over. Grown-up kids: Jim: More than 20 years as an Itinerant Adapted P.E.Teacher in the S.D. City Schools Julie: Recently competed in two State Special Olympic competitions on a “Bocce Ball Team- also was in a “Line Dancing” demonstration at the Del Mar Fair. Lynn: Raising four children in Arlington, VA. and will bring them all to S.D. for two weeks with the Grandparents in August. Growing-up grandchildren: Nicole Crakes- 18 year old freshman at Mesa College Allison Crakes- 5 year old kindergartener at Sunset View Elementary (where our kids went to school) Meaghan Mullins- 5 year going into kindergarten at Jamestown Elementary School in Arlington, VA Sean Mullins- 8 year old will be a third grader at the same school. Michael Mullins- 10 year old will be a fourth grader there Kate Mullins- 10 year old will also be a fourth grader this fall. 2005-07-05 21:36:47 Crakestimes.com- Christmas 2005 Here it's been six months since the last newsletter. Can't believe how much faster time flies when your moving into your late 70's (havin' fun). Sitting in front of my trusty little "Dell", munching on a large package of "kettle corn" I picked up yesterday at the Ocean Beach Farmer's Market. Always wondering how things are going for you all, the people who helped make my life such a happy one. I'm beginning to understand why the stories elderly persons relate, often have a familiar ring. Incidents that occurred many years ago, are often the most cherished, so it is natural to live those good times over and over again. That's one of the true miracles of our human existence: being able to transport ourselves anywhere in the world to anytime place in the world. There probably are not many persons who have had the good fortune of interacting with so many very special people in their lifetime, as I. And all because I chose to become a coach and the things that naturally transpire in such a life.---- By now, some of you are already into retirement. I was about 10 years older than you when I began my collegiate coaching career at Los Angles State College in 1960. Those of you who were team members in the 70's and 80's have children and grandchildren, a number who have probably graduated from college themselves. I hope you have received the same great blessings which my grandchildren have brought into our lives. Most of you who parted our relationships in the 90's have at least gotten a job by now. It's been more than 10 years since I retired from Point Loma Nazarene University.- I'm back into my regular routine(redundant?) of morning jogs, twice a week workouts at Gold's, and twice a week strolls on the golf course; after an extended bout with bronchitis. Still working on the "game" and once in a while surprise myself (and playing partners) with a decent score.-shot a 80 in October. Credit this sporadic improvement with my study of "Swing Machine Golf", a book (and DVD) which simplifies the golf swing into three basic concepts patterned after the "Iron Byron" (The machine used to test clubs and balls). Speaking of "the game", this past summer Donna and I traveled to the British Isles to visit many of her relatives in Wales. I took advantage of the occasion to experience one of the highlights of my sporting life, in being able to attend The British Open and see Jack Nicklaus perform his Last Hurrah. What an incredible event to "be a part of". Several weeks ago I had breakfast at the "Broken Yolk" in Pacific Beach with Eric Engel, Jeff Lannen and Bryan Wallbank. Good to see them again. While there, Bryan gave me a recent edition of The Runners' World, in which there was a fasnicating article by Kenny Moore, titled "Bowerman". Some of you may remember, that he was one of my mentors in Eugene; the 1972 Olympic Coach and shoe innovator who, with Phil Knight, established the company now known as Nike. Moore, a former Oregon Duck and perrenial writer for Sports Illustrated, is coming out with a book on Bowerman in April. Still in contact with Vanessa (in Montana); Anette (in Chicago); Byran W.(in Bonita); George V. ( Canyon Country); Ron Adams (in Palos Verde); Sandi C (in Burbank); Bill Matheson (in Denver); Donny S. (in Visalia). Always appreciate a call, a note or just dropping by when you have time. Rightnow, Donna and I are going to walk down to the Cliffs to witness some of the biggest surf seen around here in many a year. Further south they've had stuff over 35 feet; up at Swami in Encinitas 15-20 and right down our street 10-15 at times. Please accept this brief note as wishing you and your family's the very Merriest of Christmases. Of course we all still look forward to the day when the world will be at peace. We just need to keep on plugging, doing our little bit, every day. Love to all, Coach 2005-12-24 23:03:10 Crakestimes.com- Christmas 2006 CRAKESTIMES.COM November 2006   Opening Lines I feel like I’ve really let you down. Not that you can’t live without this little publication, but the main purpose is to keep you in touch with your former teammates. I think about you every day.   Several months ago, Ron Adams (PL 77) called to talk about his idea of having a 30th anniversary reunion of the 1977 PLNU Cross Country team next year. He had gotten the email addresses of all eleven of his teammates and wanted to find out what date would be best for such an occasion. For those of you who don’t know or remember, the ’77 squad was the first XC team in the school history to win a NAIA District championship and compete in the Nationals in Kenosha, WI.   A short time after our first discussion, we found out that a member of that team, Rusty Garman, would be honored as “A 2006 Alumnus of the Year” which would be given at chapel during Homecoming on November 17th. Then another amazing thing happened.; Chris Sadler (also a member of the ’77 team) was selected to be inducted into the PL Athletic Hall of Fame the very next day (Nov.18th)   Saturday evening at the PLNU Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, Anette Ronnerman and Chris Sadler were honored with long over-due inductions. Both still hold school records: Anette in the 800 meters at 2:09+ and Chris with a 14:29 5000 meter time set more than 26 years ago. They both also led their teams in District III NAIACross Country titles; Chris earned All-District honors all four years. As Ron said, “…only God could have set something up like this”. So you can see why we moved the 30th anniversary to the 29th anniversary reunion; especially when every member of that ’77 cross country team, appeared in San Diego to re-attach and honor their teammates. For those of you who were around in the late ‘70s”, I’d like to give you a very brief summary of these guy’s current lives: Rich Nance: Director of Utah County Substance Abuse Program Chris Sadler: Physicians Assistant in San Diego Dan Esqueda: Contractor for SCS Flooring Systems Rusty Garman: Otolaryngolgy surgeon in Knoxville, TN Brian Burnett: President of TFN Architectural Signage in Orange Country Jim Schoelz: Professor of Plant Pathology at University of Missouri Ron Adams: Retired Adidas Sporting Goods Rep, San Juan Capistrano Tim Smith: Industrial Engineer in Phoenix., AZ Parry Kleinsasser: Analyst, Electronic Data Systems Michael Cummings: Professor of Molecular Botany, University of Maryland Denny Diesel: Christian Ministry, Central Oregon Donny Welch: Family Counselor, Coronado, CA   San Diego visitors:   Bryan and Kari Wallbank brought their baby daughter over for an introduction. Kevin and Page Swaim (Cross Country Coach at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WN) stopped by homecoming weekend. Connie Navarro (1989) and Anette Ronnerman (1991) paid a visit on one of Anette’s American flights to San Diego.     Frequent Correspondence:   Vanessa (Couch) Verrill is now Membership Coordinator for The Montana Historical Society in Helena, MT. John Mahr continues his coaching success with girl’s cross country at Sultana H.S. in Hesperia, CA     PLNU Homecoming Conversations: Marty Honea: Teaching at Maranantha H.S in Arizona (Long Drive Competitor) Donny Schengel: Orthopedic Surgeon in Visalia, CA (Master’s competitor) Nick Ciaccio: H.S. Counselor in Idaho Mel Rich: Chaplain on 1982 Track Tour to Europe (Still jogging)     Cal State LA and USIU Notes: Dave Thomas sent news that his good friend Dave Jackson had passed away. Dave J. was my first NCAA All-American as a Bronze Medalist in the triple jump at the 1961 Championships held at the University of Pennsylvania. An outstanding athlete, coach, family man and gentleman. Ron Adams sent me newspaper reports on Russ Jones, member of the USIU cross country team which were runners-up for the National Championships in 1974. Now 50 years old, is one of the top triathletes in the country; attends the same church as Ron in San Juan Capistrano.     Me and the Family Still jogging, golfing, lifting and churching weekly. Donna and I spent 10 days in Arlington VA. with Lynn and family (4 kids) over Halloween. With their garage as “the Haunted House”, they had a neighborhood party with nearly 300 “trick or treaters”. Also visited George’s old place at Mt. Vernon and played 18 holes at the Washington Golf and Country Club (where President Woodrow Wilson played 9 holes each morning before breakfast between 1912 and 1920) Jim II, wife Ailene, and youngest daughter Ally (2nd grade at Sunset View Elementary) live only 6 blocks away, just north of Hill Street. His eldest daughter, Nicole, is a junior at SDSU with a History/ English major. She came over for Thanksgiving dinner, which was great. Julie works on a crew which cleans up bus stops in El Cajon; finished up Bocce Ball this fall; goes Line Dancing once a week and comes home every other weekend so as to keep track of her beloved Sea World animals. Recently had dinner in La Jolla with my two oldest and closest friends (H.S. tennis teammates), Ed Peterson (Ret. SC. Justice from Oregon) and Dick Dahlberg (Ret. Nuclear Physicist--my writing collaborator).     Writing Projects:   Booklet: “The Perfect Child-How to make your Kid make you look good” (my perspective on parenting) Greeting Card line(just printed--collaboration) Pocket Coach-Guide to Training Distance Runners (republish) Memoirs of an Old Coach- Good Times in Oregon (in process)     Books (recent reads):   “The Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle”--Sherlock Holmes stories “A Kipling Pageant” by Rudyard Kipling “Bowerman-and the Men of Oregon” by Kenny Moore “Dictionary of Allusions” by Merriam-Webster   Photo Album: 2006-12-20 17:26:24 Crakestimes.com - Spring Issue-June 2007                 -CRAKESTIMES.COM-                      Spring Issue-June 2007     Mini-sermon #1003         The older we get, the more time we spend thinking     about values and priorities.  For most of our lives we con-     centrate on establishing ourselves and caring for our family.     That’s important, but it may become a habit we need to modify.     Eventually, we find it satisfying to take our eyes off ourselves,      and expand our horizons.         I say this in reflection on my own life, not yours. It’s     obvious that many of you have sacrificed a great deal in looking     for the needs of the less fortunate. Outside of my own family,     the greatest blessing in my seventy-seven years has (is) been     you. I know it sounds pretty corny, but every single one of     you have played an important part in my life and for that I am     eternally grateful.         Suggested reading:  Ecclesiastics 1:12-17 (and further). People in the Gnus:     1. Cindy Outlaw: Class of    ’79- attempts to climb Mr. McKinley**     2. Tomas Andersson: Class of   ’85- Missionary in Ethiopia     3. Vanessa Couch: Class of  ’92- Membership Coordinator for the         Montana Historical Society-Postcard from Portugal-June 2007     4. Peter Fredriksson: Class of ’74- Marathon tour director in Sweden         Visit in San Diego in May, 2007     5. O.J.Romo- Class of  ’68- Landscape Gardner         Ran into him while jogging on Sunset Cliffs Blvd.-May,2007     6. David Thomas- Class of ’63- Works for U.S.Govt. in D.C.-May    2007         Phone conversation while in Arlington visiting daughter & family     7. Kenny Walker- Class of ’92- Middle School Teacher and Printing business.         Met him and his family (3 kids) at Sea World for a short visit-June     8. Krister Andersson- Class of ’88-Professor at University of Indiana         Had breakfast with him in S.D.in February (he was presenting a paper         at a conference at UCSD) **= Notes from the climber Mount McKinley – May 2007 Our group of five flew to Alaska’s Mount McKinley (20,320 feet) for a climb that would take 3-4 weeks depending on our strength and the weather. We were each loaded with 120lbs of gear divided between a backpack and a sled.  The mountain is the tallest in North America and one of the “7 Summits”. Each day, we would carry half of our gear to a higher camp, hike downhill to spend the night and bring up the other half the following day.  In this way, we hiked the mountain twice. By day 11, we had arrived at the 14K foot camp and were waiting for a 3-day weather window for our summit attempt.   We made our first summit attempt 3 days later but were turned back at 19600 feet by high winds and cold temperatures.  The weather also turned us back on a second attempt 2 days later.  With another major storm approaching the mountain, we decided to descend and find warmer temperatures and a long awaited shower. Even though we didn’t stand on the summit it was a great adventure and we enjoyed all that the mountain gave to us.  We had temperatures well below zero, winds to knock you over, scenery more beautiful than you can imagine, and best of all, a group of good friends to share the journey. Cindy Outlaw-     Finale: A special for those who have read this far.     Now’s the time to let the “cat out of the bag”.  Several months ago, I came up with an outrageous idea. I shared it with a couple of people with whom I correspond with some regularity. They thought it was outrageous, too, but then “what the heck” we only live once (?) and doing something out of the ordinary really makes life worth living. By now you’re probably thinking, what is this crazy old coach thinking about now. Well, let me lay it out for you and then briefly explain my rationale.     The “idea”:  is to gather together in a sort of “World Congress of Crakestimers” in conjunction with the Olympic Games in London in 2012.!!!!!!!! I’d be interested in knowing how you reacted when you first read this statement. Many, and I wouldn’t blame you, probably said (outloud or to yourself), “gosh, the old guy is losing it faster than I imagined”. Don’t make a judgment without reading some of the reasons I came up with the idea, in the first place     You probably remember that I’ve been quite an Olympic Buff. The first time I left Oregon, on my own, I went to Europe and attended the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland (1952). The experience touched me so deeply  I “vowed” to never miss another Games while I could still walk. Well, as you all know too well, “life” has a way of getting in the way of the grandest plans. Upon returning home, I began making plans to take a trip around the world and see the Games in Melbourne, Australia in 1956.  About five weeks before my departure, I saw a girl at a bus-stop in Portland Oregon who attracted my eye and the weekend before leaving, we became engaged. Most of you have heard this story before, but two weeks after returning from that trip we were married on January 19, 1957. This is where reality bumps into fantasy (vows). Nearly 15 years and three children later, the family embarked on an adventure which took us to Munich and the Olympics of 1972. Three months touring Europe in a VW van (never stayed in one hotel) ended up almost seeing the demise of the Games with the tragedy of the Israeli team murders. But life goes on, and Donna and I  drove that VW across Canada in 1976 to Montreal and another wonder experience. Good ole Jimmy Carter pulled us out of the 1980 Games in Moscow, but we rebounded to see the 1984 Games in our own backyard, Los Angeles. Didn’t make ’88 in Seoul but came around again in 1992 to attend the Olympic meeting in Barcelona. The basic reasons for choosing the Games in London for this “event” are: 1) because I have a Welsh cousin (on my  wife’s side) who is a sport’s nut and took me to see the British Open at St. Andrew’s in the year 20005 (he’s coming out to S.D. next June to see the U.S.Open with me at Torrey Pines); 2) In five years, I’ll only be 83, and a large portion of “crakestimers” will be retired (and their children out of the house) with a need to spend their children’s inheritance; 3) They speak “English”. Over the past several decades, many of you have expressed interest in making a “once in a life-time” trip to see an Olympic Games. Setting up another “gathering of the clan” might just be the motivation you need to start making plans. I have no intentions of becoming a tour director. We do have quite a number of your former teammates, living in Europe and they might form the “critical mass” for a one or two day “celebration” during the London Games (July27-Aug.12) Although this venture may seem far-fetched, I am deadly serious about providing the framework in which it might take place. Just “planting the seed” and we’ll see what becomes of it. Donna and I have already put down a small deposit with Track & Field News Tours, who are one source of both tickets and accommodations. If you have even the slightest inclination to be a part of this “happening”, drop me an email. We’ll see how many “crazies” are out there other than you and me. We’ve got some time to think about it, but it could really be a trip. Coach crunner1@cox.net         2007-06-16 10:00:27 Training Tips for Weekend Warriors Part I-

Crakestimes Child-rearing Philosophy

Posted: 11/10/2007

An Introduction to “crakestimes.com” approach to Parenting:   Our society may be different now, than it was 50 years ago, but people are inherently the same as they were 5000 years ago.   Even though each individual on earth is unique, we all have similar basic needs which we try to meet or handle in the best way we know. We still need to eat (but most of us don’t have to run down a deer or rabbit in order to satisfy our hunger); we all want to be recognized (but often struggle to use the appropriate means to achieve that goal); and we all want to be liked and respected, regardless of whether we admit it or not. If we don’t get respect in normal ways, such as doing our best, being a nice, etc. then we go out of our way to find someone or group where we can get that basic need met.   I once presented a paper at a national convention which I thought was very well received. In a discussion with a highly respected professional  the field afterward, I was surprised when he said, rather matter-of-factly, “Jim, you didn’t say anything new…and then, “but you did say it differently”.   The old adage, “there’s nothing new under the sun”, speaks well to this issue. The  “truths” are all out there to be had…and are available to a new and different interpretation. You may have heard your mother say something a hundred times, and it never made any sense.  Then suddenly someone else, a teacher or coach said virtually the same thing, and BANG, you got it.   Another axiom  which relates here is, “we need to be reminded more than we need to be informed”. Most of us resist listening if someone is “telling us what to do”. However, if we will just realize, that although we already know what to do under most circumstances, we just forget to apply our knowledge. It’s a sad fact of the human condition, that before we can integrate something into our behavior, we need to be reminded, over and over again.   Next week I’d like to share with you exactly where I’m coming from, and why you might even profit   from reading this blog and/or, picking up my book “The Perfect Child”.   Resolutely, Jim (crakestimes.com)

The Neglected Child

Posted: 11/10/2007

Our Neglected Children   Human children, unlike the young of many animals, required an extended period of time before they are physically, mentally or emotionally capable of taking care of themselves.   Books on child-rearing, written over the last century, have detailed “stages” which children normally pass through. Parents who are able to distinguish between stages and problems will likely have many fewer problems to deal with in raising their kids.   But the stages of childhood maturation vary a great deal from one child to another for a number of reasons. The fact that each child born on this earth is unique is the issue which the Bill of Rights of our Constitution speaks, when it says “all men are created equal”. And that isn’t always easy to assimilate into our thinking and understanding of the human condition.   Why is it that we wonder why young people who commit crimes appear to have little or no care for their victim, when many have grown to adulthood with virtually no care given to themselves, commiserate with their developmental age.   Newspapers keep us informed of daily examples of a “careless attitude” which is beginning to permeate our society and particularly parents of young children. We are horrified to read of a 7 month old child being left in a car to die of heat prostration, but we never place similar blame on parents of a 20 year old who beats up on a homeless man in a back alley.   We come down hard on social agencies which fail to protect our children, as in when a 3 year old child wanders off down the street from their care center. But we would never consider castigating the parents of children who are paying someone else to “care” for their child in an environment which dictates both lack of “attention” to each child (a physical impossibility in many cases) let alone installing essential values which will do a lot to determine what kind of an adult they become.   I’m sure that you would agree there are “degrees of neglect”. Besides that, what some people would consider “attention” others might see it as “benign neglect”. But for the sake of seeing the picture a little more clearly, let me break the neglect I’m writing about into recognizable categories: A.   Abject Neglect: kids are virtually “on their own”; little supervision or care during their growing years. B.    Potential Neglect: kids are placed in the care of others; day-care centers and/or six to six school programs. C.   Benign Neglect: 1.     Present, but fail to give child needed attention 2.     Too busy with school or community activities (volunteerism run amok)     “The Perfect Child: How to make your kid make you look good” by Jim Crakes. A small booklet written on the theme of “Old-Fashioned Parenting for the 21st Century Family” Print on Demand from: authorhouse.com  (Book # ID 45143)

The Problem with Diversity

Posted: 11/10/2007

The Problem with Diversity:               Say you decided to start a business and gathered several of your             most competent and compatible friends together to be a part of it             The company you had worked for gave you few opportunities for             advancement and certainly didn’t provide much security or future.             You worked hard for many  years to make the new business a success             and provide a decent product for  your clients.             After you had become the “ ideal model for community service and             general welfare”, some people came to you and ask if they could join             your organization. They were pleasant and looked like decent people,             but after some investigation, you found them to have a completely             different set of values from those upon which your company was founded.             You and your partners decided that the inclusion of these new people             into your organization would certainly not enhance the operations so             you turned down their requests.               Compare this scenario to that of our nation which was founded by a group             of highly motivated and dedicated individuals who were dissatisfied with             the way their governing officials operated.  What they designed and eventually             developed, was an extraordinary and quite unique form of government which             became a model for  freedom and prosperity around the world. The special             quality that these “founders had”, was a belief in the sanctity of the individual             who desired to live in harmony with others according to the tenets of the             Laws established by the governed, which gave  priority to freedom of             speech, freedom of religion and the “pursuit” of happiness.               As “caretakers” of this form of government and with the protection of divine             Providence, we have the right, yea the responsibility, to see that this             miracle in human societies be perpetuated  for the benefit of future generations.

Guilt and Shame

Posted: 11/10/2007

Guilt and Shame   In his famous hymn/ballad “He Touched Me”, Bill Gaither said it all. You remember the lines, “Shackled by a heavy burden, neath a load of guilt and shame…”. Then his next line, “:then the hand of Jesus touched me, and now I am no longer the same”.   I love that song and have played and sung in many times. Nevertheless, the more I think about the reality of those words, the more I’m convinced that virtually no society can exist in a rational manner if its members have no feelings of either guilt or shame.   Perhaps, carrying a load of guilt and shame is different than “feeling guilt or shame for something you have done contrary to the will of God”. In an effort to raise “mentally healthy children” many parents and teachers give these two terms wide berth in their efforts to enhance that magical word of the day, “self-esteem”. I’m confused. Can self-esteem (or feeling good about yourself) be something that is taught, or rather is it a personality characteristic which a child earns through a series of graduated accomplishments, organized to also include small failures. I don’t know I have ever heard of a successful person (one who has realized their full potential) who didn’t have to overcome obstacles or adversity during the growing process.   We recognize that every culture in the world has a set of standards by which its members are judged.  Stealing (one of God’s Ten Commandments) is one of those basic elements of every social group which is not condoned.  If fact, the more primitive the culture, the more harsh  the punishment for those who don’t abide by those standards. It is perhaps a sad commentary on the social order of modern societies in which only certain kinds of stealing are condemned. The higher on the social/political ladder one stands, the more acceptable stealing becomes. And when the transgressors are apprehended, their shame appears to be primarily that “of getting caught”.   Does political power in some way inoculate the members of that class, from having any feelings of guilt or shame. And if that is the case, should we merely accept their errors because, as we are wont to say, “well, after all, they are just human”. It doesn’t matter their political stripes, whether they be of sexual or financial excess, our leaders have fallen short on their promises and have thus given public credence to immoral and illegal behavior.   Having now beaten around the bush unnecessarily, I would like to return to my premise, that both guilt and shame, are two essential factors in the human personality which are needed to maintain a health social framework in all communities. These two words, guilt and shame, carry with them negative responses, which in reality should be accepted as part and parcel of a functional society.