Weekly Musings

  Don’t call us…………(and) we will (not) call you   By…Erik Schuman Real quick. Before I start this entry, the NFL Playoffs start today. For those who want to know how every game will turn out here are the winners of every game. I hope - and doubt - will be the case: Tampa Bay, Rams, San Francisco……..Kansas City, Buffalo, Cincy Green Bay, Tampa Bay……………..Tennesee, Buffalo Green Bay………………..Tennessee Green Bay (wins SB 56)   The play/musical “Wicked” is the story of “The Wizard of Oz” but from the witches’ point of view, done to give a different perspective from the hugely popular story most of us grew up being told. I will have to believe this since I have not seen “Wicked” and really have no desire to do so.   Looking at things from a different point of view is something I have done many times in my life since I have been officiating games since a man named John Hallston changed my life forever my Sophomore year in high school. He came to a class of mine and said he w

  It’s My (Other) “Birthday” so time for some Birthday wishes!   By…Erik Schuman A look at my Driver’s License shows I was born on April 20 (None of your bleeping business how many years ago) when my parents messed up their life forever and brought me into the world. They somewhat atoned for their mistake just over three years later when my brother and sister were born. But I consider May 20, 2019 to be the day of my “Second Birthday.” On this Monday, two years ago today, I walked into the Keck USC Medicine offices of Dr. Minh Nguyen, along with my: Mother, brother, and sister. A few days earlier I had a PT Scan of my right hip area after my third Chemotherapy visit/stay at Hoag Hospital. I was going to find out how much of the Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma I was diagnosed with in mid-February, was remaining. I recall Dr. Nguyen saying he hoped it was 100% gone. I was not as optimistic. I still felt pain in the back of my leg. I was hoping for any number above 50% since that

March Madness – April Gladness   By…Erik Schuman   1,148.   If you reverse the last 2 numbers this is the number of miles between where I live and Susanville, CA. I spent the last week of September 2020, in that city/area when I did work for the Census. It is a nice area - when the weather is cooperative. I enjoyed sunny days with clean air and breathtaking views of majestic mountain scenery. The nights were rather chilly but that is what coats are made for.   On a side note, the best part of my 592-mile drive to Susanville was passing thru Bishop (This might be the first time anyone has ever said that). For those who have been to Porto’s in the SoCal area, Bishop has a place like it: Erick Schatt’s Bakkery. THIS! PLACE! HAS! TO! BE! SEEN! TO! BE! BELIEVED! They have all different kinds of bread as well as freshly made sandwiches, cookies, donuts, ice cream, chocolate and more. It is a 300-mile drive for me so going there juuuuust for that is not worth it. But if you ar