There is a certain camaraderie that one finds growing up in a small town. With that said, many years have passed since I have called one home. In a way, I still long for it. Well, after researching and writing a semi-autobiographical account of the experiences Scott endured as a youth. I am going out on a limb and saying this. "A big part of why Scott is still alive and kicking to this very day can be chalked up to a few things. The first is luck, the second is care, the third and most important, family and friends - the kinship of sorts that can only be found in small towns.
Summing up Scott's experiences as a youth in just a few blog posts proved challenging. The story deserves a book versus a blog style of five paragraphs at a time. I hadn't seen or heard of Scott for many years before we reconnected on Face Book. Now when I say this, the intention is not to come across as a heartless bastard or such. I am just being honest. Most assumed Scott would be six feet under before he reached his twenties. Back then, if you would have asked me to lay odds on whether he would have made it to forty...honestly, I don't even think Las Vegas would lay odds that high. My take on Scott nowadays is a complete reversal of how I felt when we were youths. My guess is that he will outlive us all.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The nine lives of Scott Edwards...Part 6
"Well they showed you a statue - told you to pray. They built you a temple and locked you away. Ah! But they never told you the price it would pay. The things that you might have done.... Only the good die young."
Billy Joel - Only The Good Die Young
It had been eight grueling years since the Grim Reaper and Scott Edwards had first made acquaintance. To his family and him, it felt like a hundred. At the still tender age of twenty two. Most assumed his dalliance with the Reaper was at its end. It wasn't! The Reaper had grown incensed with Scott. He had tried and tried to make Scott his and was rebuffed every time. "This time nothing is going to stand in my way. I will get this bastard if it's the last thing I do." The Reaper's thoughts were as firm as ever as he packed his bags for yet another visit to the young Mr. Edwards.
"Let's get something to grub on. I am starving." It started as just another typical Saturday night in small town Kansas. The scene was familiar, four guys cruising the main drag, killing time, yelling at girls and then one of them decided they were hungry. "Where do you want to eat?" the driver quipped to his hungry passenger. "Let's go to Taco Hell. I am broke and the eats are cheap." Scott and the other passenger in the backseat suggested McDonald's, but in the end they were overruled. Taco Bell is located on the south side of 6th street in Emporia. Scott and his friends were traveling west on 6th and were going to have to turn across traffic in order to get there. The turn proved tragic.
As I stated earlier, most had believed the affair between Scott and the Reaper to be over. Unfortunately, it was now getting ready to reach its highest level! "Jesus Christ, watch out!" It happened in an instant. A drunken eighteen year old had slammed his Camaro into the side of the car Scott was riding in. "I'm going to kill you! You hurt my friends!" The driver of the car Scott was in fell into an instant rage when he looked into the back seat and saw his two cohorts motionless. Unfortunately, his frantic yells were a mere whisper to Scott as he faded in and out of consciousness. All the near misses, all the treatments, all of the heart ache, all of the surviving. None of that mattered to The Reaper. "I can't find a pulse!" When the paramedics arrived Scott and his friend in the backseat were trapped in the wreckage. Neither were breathing. "There it goes. He is breathing again." When the paramedic lifted Scott's head, he resumed breathing. The two were pulled from the wreckage and subsequently air-lifted to a hospital in Wichita. After a lengthy period of rehabilitation, Scott was released.
Just like that, Scott Edwards had used up another one of his nine lives. But things were different this time, much different. The Reaper didn't walk away empty handed that fateful night. Scott's friend, the one who was sitting next to him in the backseat, had absorbed the ultimate brunt of the crash and ended up passing. The waste of a promising young life, by such a selfish act, would loom over Scott and the rest of Madison for many years to come.
Billy Joel - Only The Good Die Young
It had been eight grueling years since the Grim Reaper and Scott Edwards had first made acquaintance. To his family and him, it felt like a hundred. At the still tender age of twenty two. Most assumed his dalliance with the Reaper was at its end. It wasn't! The Reaper had grown incensed with Scott. He had tried and tried to make Scott his and was rebuffed every time. "This time nothing is going to stand in my way. I will get this bastard if it's the last thing I do." The Reaper's thoughts were as firm as ever as he packed his bags for yet another visit to the young Mr. Edwards.
"Let's get something to grub on. I am starving." It started as just another typical Saturday night in small town Kansas. The scene was familiar, four guys cruising the main drag, killing time, yelling at girls and then one of them decided they were hungry. "Where do you want to eat?" the driver quipped to his hungry passenger. "Let's go to Taco Hell. I am broke and the eats are cheap." Scott and the other passenger in the backseat suggested McDonald's, but in the end they were overruled. Taco Bell is located on the south side of 6th street in Emporia. Scott and his friends were traveling west on 6th and were going to have to turn across traffic in order to get there. The turn proved tragic.
As I stated earlier, most had believed the affair between Scott and the Reaper to be over. Unfortunately, it was now getting ready to reach its highest level! "Jesus Christ, watch out!" It happened in an instant. A drunken eighteen year old had slammed his Camaro into the side of the car Scott was riding in. "I'm going to kill you! You hurt my friends!" The driver of the car Scott was in fell into an instant rage when he looked into the back seat and saw his two cohorts motionless. Unfortunately, his frantic yells were a mere whisper to Scott as he faded in and out of consciousness. All the near misses, all the treatments, all of the heart ache, all of the surviving. None of that mattered to The Reaper. "I can't find a pulse!" When the paramedics arrived Scott and his friend in the backseat were trapped in the wreckage. Neither were breathing. "There it goes. He is breathing again." When the paramedic lifted Scott's head, he resumed breathing. The two were pulled from the wreckage and subsequently air-lifted to a hospital in Wichita. After a lengthy period of rehabilitation, Scott was released.
Just like that, Scott Edwards had used up another one of his nine lives. But things were different this time, much different. The Reaper didn't walk away empty handed that fateful night. Scott's friend, the one who was sitting next to him in the backseat, had absorbed the ultimate brunt of the crash and ended up passing. The waste of a promising young life, by such a selfish act, would loom over Scott and the rest of Madison for many years to come.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The nine lives of Scott Edwards...Part 5
"Well, since my baby left me, I found a new place to dwell. It's down at the end of lonely street at Heartbreak Hotel. You make me so lonely baby. I get so lonely, I could die."
Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel
The Grim Reaper and Scott were now six years into their game, and even though the Reaper had failed in his previous attempts to take him. He had succeeded in leaving a path of destruction in his wake that resembled the plight of a dead man. "Scott, I love you and I always will, but things are so much different now." The plan was simple, after graduation Scott and his high school sweetheart Lizzie were going to attend college together and most likely get married after. The Reaper altered that course! "It is time for me to move on. Things have become too hard between the two of us. You will always be a part of me." Lizzie was in her second year of college while Scott was cooped up in Madison recovering from his illness. She had stood by him through all his misfortunes, but now it was time for her to go her own way. As she was leaving, she turned to him and said one last thing. "Scott, I wish nothing but the best for you and I want you to know, no matter what course our lives take. I will always love and care for you."
She was his first love and those are always the hardest to overcome. The years of fighting off the Reaper had taken its physical toll on him, but the pain he was feeling after Lizzie left him was unimaginable. He loved her and she loved him, that was never the question. It was circumstances beyond both of their controls that drove a wedge between them. By now he was use to the pain cancer had caused him, but the agony he was feeling this time was different. Maybe it wasn't going to be the cancer that killed him in the end. Maybe it was going to be the loneliness it caused, or a broken heart.
Despite the breakup, his physical condition continued to improve. His family decided to take a long awaited vacation to his Aunt's house in Texas. Upon arrival in the Lone Star State, everything seemed normal. Scott and his family had just finished a day at the beach and upon their return to his Aunt's. Things went wickedly awry. "Scott, are you OK?" His mother, who long ago developed a sixth sense for his well-being could tell something wasn't right. "I must have ate something that didn't agree with me. I am going to lie down for a while and see if that helps me feel better," he told his mom.
The Grim Reaper had wasted enough time with the young Mr. Edwards. So much in fact that he decided to follow the Edwards clan to Texas in order to finally finish him off. "I can't find his pulse!" The seizures were something new, and then they stopped suddenly. It was now time for the Reaper to make his final move. "Please Scott, come back to us. Don't let it beat you." His mother was hovering over his limp body whispering words of encouragement to him. "You can do it my love. Come back to us," the whispering was now accompanied by a stream of her tears dripping across his cheek. "He's breathing again!" Scott's father yelled. An ambulance showed up shortly afterwards and whisked Scott to the hospital. The doctor's prognosis was encephalitis-condition that occurs with a weakened immune system-somewhat common with a lot of cancer patients. Fortunately, the medical experts were able to bring his condition under control and Scott was released from the hospital a few weeks after the incident.
At twenty years of age; Scott Edwards had been diagnosed with cancer three times, received two bone marrow transplants, survived a bout of encephalitis and lost the love of his life. When he returned to Kansas from his near fatal trip to Texas, he was a changed man forever. All he wanted to do was continue his college studies and proceed with life. Well, the Grim Reaper is afforded the luxury of wearing many hats. He was growing tired of Scott's ilk. The next time they were to meet, he would be disguised as a drunken eighteen year old in a souped-up camaro.
Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel
The Grim Reaper and Scott were now six years into their game, and even though the Reaper had failed in his previous attempts to take him. He had succeeded in leaving a path of destruction in his wake that resembled the plight of a dead man. "Scott, I love you and I always will, but things are so much different now." The plan was simple, after graduation Scott and his high school sweetheart Lizzie were going to attend college together and most likely get married after. The Reaper altered that course! "It is time for me to move on. Things have become too hard between the two of us. You will always be a part of me." Lizzie was in her second year of college while Scott was cooped up in Madison recovering from his illness. She had stood by him through all his misfortunes, but now it was time for her to go her own way. As she was leaving, she turned to him and said one last thing. "Scott, I wish nothing but the best for you and I want you to know, no matter what course our lives take. I will always love and care for you."
She was his first love and those are always the hardest to overcome. The years of fighting off the Reaper had taken its physical toll on him, but the pain he was feeling after Lizzie left him was unimaginable. He loved her and she loved him, that was never the question. It was circumstances beyond both of their controls that drove a wedge between them. By now he was use to the pain cancer had caused him, but the agony he was feeling this time was different. Maybe it wasn't going to be the cancer that killed him in the end. Maybe it was going to be the loneliness it caused, or a broken heart.
Despite the breakup, his physical condition continued to improve. His family decided to take a long awaited vacation to his Aunt's house in Texas. Upon arrival in the Lone Star State, everything seemed normal. Scott and his family had just finished a day at the beach and upon their return to his Aunt's. Things went wickedly awry. "Scott, are you OK?" His mother, who long ago developed a sixth sense for his well-being could tell something wasn't right. "I must have ate something that didn't agree with me. I am going to lie down for a while and see if that helps me feel better," he told his mom.
The Grim Reaper had wasted enough time with the young Mr. Edwards. So much in fact that he decided to follow the Edwards clan to Texas in order to finally finish him off. "I can't find his pulse!" The seizures were something new, and then they stopped suddenly. It was now time for the Reaper to make his final move. "Please Scott, come back to us. Don't let it beat you." His mother was hovering over his limp body whispering words of encouragement to him. "You can do it my love. Come back to us," the whispering was now accompanied by a stream of her tears dripping across his cheek. "He's breathing again!" Scott's father yelled. An ambulance showed up shortly afterwards and whisked Scott to the hospital. The doctor's prognosis was encephalitis-condition that occurs with a weakened immune system-somewhat common with a lot of cancer patients. Fortunately, the medical experts were able to bring his condition under control and Scott was released from the hospital a few weeks after the incident.
At twenty years of age; Scott Edwards had been diagnosed with cancer three times, received two bone marrow transplants, survived a bout of encephalitis and lost the love of his life. When he returned to Kansas from his near fatal trip to Texas, he was a changed man forever. All he wanted to do was continue his college studies and proceed with life. Well, the Grim Reaper is afforded the luxury of wearing many hats. He was growing tired of Scott's ilk. The next time they were to meet, he would be disguised as a drunken eighteen year old in a souped-up camaro.
Friday, June 24, 2011
The nine lives of Scott Edwards...Part 4
"I wake up every morning at nine and grab for the morning paper. Then I look at the obituary page. If my name is not in it, I get up."
- Benjamin Franklin
It was the summer of 1990 and the future for Scott Edwards appeared bright. He had just completed his Senior year of high school; his girlfriend of three years and he were discussing which college they wanted to attend; most importantly, the Grim Reaper was nowhere to be found! Unfortunately, like so many other times in his life, things were about to take a turn for the worse.
He had seen the look before, the doctors' look of sorrow that is. "Scott, I am so sorry to tell you this, but you had a relapse and you're going to need another bone marrow transplant." His monthly doctor's appointment was supposed to be routine, and why not. He had already beaten the Reaper twice, the game between the two of them was over in his eyes. To the chagrin of many, the Reaper wasn't through with him, not by any stretch.
It seems almost out of a bad horror movie, the date his second bone marrow transplant was to take place, that is. Friday, December 13th, 1990 is a day that will forever be ingrained in Scott's memory. "Why in the hell did they have to schedule my surgery on the Reaper's favorite day of the year?" He made this statement to his mother moments before the nurse was getting ready to wheel him into the operating room. "Scott, you will beat this! You have already done it a couple of times and you will do it again! Just remember that all of us love you!" Scott's mother Karen was frantic. The Edwards clan had been down this road before, but it was different this time. The insurance money was basically depleted from all of his previous treatments. Long gone was the specialist from the Mayo clinic. This go around would be performed locally; it's not that his current surgeon wasn't skillful, but it wasn't the Mayo clinic and everyone knew it.
The second transplant proved treacherous for the young Mr. Edwards. When he finally woke from the procedure, everything was amiss to him. "Scott, can you hear me? Scott it's your mother. Please say something." The comforting voice of his mother was an echo to him. His eyesight was filled with images that he would later describe to me as flying cockroaches, the pain was excruciating. "Scott you're going to make it. Hang in there, the doctor is on his way." His mother's echoes were of little solace to him at this point. The Grim Reaper finally had his boot on Scott's throat. The only thing left for him to do was apply the necessary amount of pressure.
For one reason or another, the Reaper decided to let him go. Most believe that he got distracted, or maybe he had a previously scheduled appointment that he was late for. After spending the next two weeks recovering from the Reaper's grip, he was discharged. As his mother pulled into the driveway of their home, he couldn't help but crack a smile when he saw a couple of his schoolboy chums waiting anxiously to cheer him up. For a while it worked, he actually felt happy, but it turned out being a false sense. "Jesus, watch out. I am going to throw up." He then jumped off the couch, darted between his family and friends and opened the door to the bathroom. The vomiting was intense. When he finally finished, he looked down at the muddle and noticed that pieces of his intestines were floating on the water. Scott Edwards was eighteen years and eight months of age at the time. If the Grim Reaper was going to have his way, he was never going to see nineteen.
- Benjamin Franklin
It was the summer of 1990 and the future for Scott Edwards appeared bright. He had just completed his Senior year of high school; his girlfriend of three years and he were discussing which college they wanted to attend; most importantly, the Grim Reaper was nowhere to be found! Unfortunately, like so many other times in his life, things were about to take a turn for the worse.
He had seen the look before, the doctors' look of sorrow that is. "Scott, I am so sorry to tell you this, but you had a relapse and you're going to need another bone marrow transplant." His monthly doctor's appointment was supposed to be routine, and why not. He had already beaten the Reaper twice, the game between the two of them was over in his eyes. To the chagrin of many, the Reaper wasn't through with him, not by any stretch.
It seems almost out of a bad horror movie, the date his second bone marrow transplant was to take place, that is. Friday, December 13th, 1990 is a day that will forever be ingrained in Scott's memory. "Why in the hell did they have to schedule my surgery on the Reaper's favorite day of the year?" He made this statement to his mother moments before the nurse was getting ready to wheel him into the operating room. "Scott, you will beat this! You have already done it a couple of times and you will do it again! Just remember that all of us love you!" Scott's mother Karen was frantic. The Edwards clan had been down this road before, but it was different this time. The insurance money was basically depleted from all of his previous treatments. Long gone was the specialist from the Mayo clinic. This go around would be performed locally; it's not that his current surgeon wasn't skillful, but it wasn't the Mayo clinic and everyone knew it.
The second transplant proved treacherous for the young Mr. Edwards. When he finally woke from the procedure, everything was amiss to him. "Scott, can you hear me? Scott it's your mother. Please say something." The comforting voice of his mother was an echo to him. His eyesight was filled with images that he would later describe to me as flying cockroaches, the pain was excruciating. "Scott you're going to make it. Hang in there, the doctor is on his way." His mother's echoes were of little solace to him at this point. The Grim Reaper finally had his boot on Scott's throat. The only thing left for him to do was apply the necessary amount of pressure.
For one reason or another, the Reaper decided to let him go. Most believe that he got distracted, or maybe he had a previously scheduled appointment that he was late for. After spending the next two weeks recovering from the Reaper's grip, he was discharged. As his mother pulled into the driveway of their home, he couldn't help but crack a smile when he saw a couple of his schoolboy chums waiting anxiously to cheer him up. For a while it worked, he actually felt happy, but it turned out being a false sense. "Jesus, watch out. I am going to throw up." He then jumped off the couch, darted between his family and friends and opened the door to the bathroom. The vomiting was intense. When he finally finished, he looked down at the muddle and noticed that pieces of his intestines were floating on the water. Scott Edwards was eighteen years and eight months of age at the time. If the Grim Reaper was going to have his way, he was never going to see nineteen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The nine lives of Scott Edwards...Part 3
"Who says life is fair, where is that written?"
- William Goldman, The Princess Bride
The day was finally upon the young Mr. Edwards and he was scared, very scared. "Everything is going to be OK. God is going to guide you through this. When you wake up, the healing process will start. Remember something my love. Your family loves you more than anything and you're a survivor." The last minute words of comfort from his mother were endearing; but now it was time to face the Reaper head on. His bone marrow transplant was mere minutes away from starting. "Are you ready for this Scott?" The prep nurse asked. He took a deep breath, looked at his family and said, "Looks like it's now or never. Let's do it." The nurse began to wheel him away. As he was leaving, he turned his head to his family members and said. "I love you guys and when this is over, all of us are going to St. Louis for a Card's game."
Bone marrow transplants are extremely risky procedures; the first trick is finding a match. He was fortunate in that regard; his younger sister Alana ended up being a perfect match. Now, the two months prior to the procedure he was basically quarantined from everything. See, the body's immune system is highly susceptible and extreme caution had to be exercised. Fortunately, he was in the hands of professionals and the procedure went off without much complication.
After the procedure was completed, he was required to stay in the hospital another two months for monitoring. On the 50th day of his stay he was finally given the go ahead to return home. Scott had spent his time in recovery at the Mayo clinic in Minneapolis. Upon his release, he was picked up in a new rental van by his father. As they traveled through Iowa on the way back to Kansas the air conditioning gave way. His constitution at the time was of such a delicate nature that the hot flashes he was experiencing when the AC went out caused him to think briefly about his old nemesis the Grim Reaper. In the end, he sloughed the thought off as just another bout of bad luck.
Upon his return to Madison; he was greeted with a hero's reception. Half the high school was camped out in front of his house waiting for him. A number of his cohorts at Madison High were holding signs that read, "Way to Go Scott!" and "We are Proud of You!" It had been quite some time since a smile had appeared on his face; the wait was now over. He thanked everyone for their show of love and then headed into his house for some much needed rest.
Everything was OK now, the bone marrow transplant was a success, he was feeling better and his well- being was gradually improving. Most importantly, his dalliance with the Reaper had finally come to a conclusion, or had it? Unbeknownst to the young Mr. Edwards at the time, the Reaper was still lingering. See, he was sure he had Scott boxed in; but once again he managed to slither out of it. Most would think by now that he would have grown tired of Scott and moved on to more tranquil prey. Not the case, the Reaper plays by a different set of rules than everyone else. Besides, it was only halftime in their game. The second half still had to be played.
- William Goldman, The Princess Bride
The day was finally upon the young Mr. Edwards and he was scared, very scared. "Everything is going to be OK. God is going to guide you through this. When you wake up, the healing process will start. Remember something my love. Your family loves you more than anything and you're a survivor." The last minute words of comfort from his mother were endearing; but now it was time to face the Reaper head on. His bone marrow transplant was mere minutes away from starting. "Are you ready for this Scott?" The prep nurse asked. He took a deep breath, looked at his family and said, "Looks like it's now or never. Let's do it." The nurse began to wheel him away. As he was leaving, he turned his head to his family members and said. "I love you guys and when this is over, all of us are going to St. Louis for a Card's game."
Bone marrow transplants are extremely risky procedures; the first trick is finding a match. He was fortunate in that regard; his younger sister Alana ended up being a perfect match. Now, the two months prior to the procedure he was basically quarantined from everything. See, the body's immune system is highly susceptible and extreme caution had to be exercised. Fortunately, he was in the hands of professionals and the procedure went off without much complication.
After the procedure was completed, he was required to stay in the hospital another two months for monitoring. On the 50th day of his stay he was finally given the go ahead to return home. Scott had spent his time in recovery at the Mayo clinic in Minneapolis. Upon his release, he was picked up in a new rental van by his father. As they traveled through Iowa on the way back to Kansas the air conditioning gave way. His constitution at the time was of such a delicate nature that the hot flashes he was experiencing when the AC went out caused him to think briefly about his old nemesis the Grim Reaper. In the end, he sloughed the thought off as just another bout of bad luck.
Upon his return to Madison; he was greeted with a hero's reception. Half the high school was camped out in front of his house waiting for him. A number of his cohorts at Madison High were holding signs that read, "Way to Go Scott!" and "We are Proud of You!" It had been quite some time since a smile had appeared on his face; the wait was now over. He thanked everyone for their show of love and then headed into his house for some much needed rest.
Everything was OK now, the bone marrow transplant was a success, he was feeling better and his well- being was gradually improving. Most importantly, his dalliance with the Reaper had finally come to a conclusion, or had it? Unbeknownst to the young Mr. Edwards at the time, the Reaper was still lingering. See, he was sure he had Scott boxed in; but once again he managed to slither out of it. Most would think by now that he would have grown tired of Scott and moved on to more tranquil prey. Not the case, the Reaper plays by a different set of rules than everyone else. Besides, it was only halftime in their game. The second half still had to be played.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The nine lives of Scott Edwards...Part 2
Everything seemed routine. Scott's mother was dropping his brother and him off at the movie theater in Emporia. They had just finished his weekly doctor's appointment "I have some shopping to do and I will be back for you guys after the movie is over." It had been a year and a half and the Grim Reaper was nowhere to be found. The thought at the time was twofold. Either he had moved on to terrorize someone else or maybe he was lying in wait, biding his time to strike at the young Mr. Edwards again. Unfortunately, the latter ended up being the case. "Scott, please come with me." Hearing his mother's voice in the darkened theater that Saturday afternoon as he was in the middle of watching 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' is a moment forever etched in his memory.
Scott Edwards was 16 years of age and in his second year of recovery from lymphoma when the Grim Reaper decided to knock on his door for the second time. How could this be? Life was starting to look-up for the young Mr. Edwards! He had a nice car, a hot girlfriend, his grades were good. Life was normal. "Scott, we have to go now." His mother didn't have to say another word, the tonality in her voice said it all for her. The Reaper was back on his trail.
A litany of tests by the doctors in Emporia had uncovered a number of discrepancies. They had done all they could for him. It was time to see a specialist in Wichita. When you're as sick as Scott was, time is of the essence. His mother and he made the two hour trek to Wichita immediately after receiving the news. By now he was somewhat used to the turmoil; his recovery from lymphoma had hardened him well beyond his sixteen years. But this time, things would prove much more deliberate. "Scott, I have some difficult news for you and your family." The specialist in Wichita was having a hard time with his words and Scott was losing his patience. "Doctor, don't beat around the bush with me. Please tell us what is wrong with me." The doctor gathered himself and said, "Scott, you have leukemia and it is going to require a bone marrow transplant."
The ride back to Madison was somber. "Everything is going to be OK! You beat it once! You will beat it again!" Karen Edwards was a strong, loving mother and she was doing everything in her power to keep her composure. Underneath it all. he could tell she was terrified. "We are going to stop in Eureka and see our minister," she stated. Eureka is a town located 30 minutes from Madison. The Edwards family attended services every week at a church there. If there was ever a time for "a man of faith's" comforting words, it was now. "What did I do to deserve this? Have I done something wrong?" He felt confused by all the turbulence that was in his life and he wanted an answer. The minister's reply was gracious, yet he found little solace in it. "It's not your fault. God has a path for everyone. He has chosen a difficult one for you my son. Rest assured, in the end you will follow whatever path he decides to lead you on."
The news of Scott's relapse hit Madison like an Olpe running back. Everyone was proud of him for beating lymphoma a year and a half prior. But this time he was staring down a much greater foe; leukemia coupled with a bone marrow transplant. The odds were high and the stakes were rising. The consensus at the time: the Grim Reaper was angry! Scott had escaped his clutches once before and he'd be damned if he was going to let it happen a second time.
Scott Edwards was 16 years of age and in his second year of recovery from lymphoma when the Grim Reaper decided to knock on his door for the second time. How could this be? Life was starting to look-up for the young Mr. Edwards! He had a nice car, a hot girlfriend, his grades were good. Life was normal. "Scott, we have to go now." His mother didn't have to say another word, the tonality in her voice said it all for her. The Reaper was back on his trail.
A litany of tests by the doctors in Emporia had uncovered a number of discrepancies. They had done all they could for him. It was time to see a specialist in Wichita. When you're as sick as Scott was, time is of the essence. His mother and he made the two hour trek to Wichita immediately after receiving the news. By now he was somewhat used to the turmoil; his recovery from lymphoma had hardened him well beyond his sixteen years. But this time, things would prove much more deliberate. "Scott, I have some difficult news for you and your family." The specialist in Wichita was having a hard time with his words and Scott was losing his patience. "Doctor, don't beat around the bush with me. Please tell us what is wrong with me." The doctor gathered himself and said, "Scott, you have leukemia and it is going to require a bone marrow transplant."
The ride back to Madison was somber. "Everything is going to be OK! You beat it once! You will beat it again!" Karen Edwards was a strong, loving mother and she was doing everything in her power to keep her composure. Underneath it all. he could tell she was terrified. "We are going to stop in Eureka and see our minister," she stated. Eureka is a town located 30 minutes from Madison. The Edwards family attended services every week at a church there. If there was ever a time for "a man of faith's" comforting words, it was now. "What did I do to deserve this? Have I done something wrong?" He felt confused by all the turbulence that was in his life and he wanted an answer. The minister's reply was gracious, yet he found little solace in it. "It's not your fault. God has a path for everyone. He has chosen a difficult one for you my son. Rest assured, in the end you will follow whatever path he decides to lead you on."
The news of Scott's relapse hit Madison like an Olpe running back. Everyone was proud of him for beating lymphoma a year and a half prior. But this time he was staring down a much greater foe; leukemia coupled with a bone marrow transplant. The odds were high and the stakes were rising. The consensus at the time: the Grim Reaper was angry! Scott had escaped his clutches once before and he'd be damned if he was going to let it happen a second time.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The nine lives of Scott Edwards
"'It's a hard knock life for us, it's a hard knock life for us. Instead of treated we get tricked, instead of kisses - We get kicked. It's a hard knock life."
Jay-Z - Hard Knock Life
He can recall it like yesterday, the hot summer day of 1985 that is. To most, it was just another lazy summer day in small town Kansas; but not for him. See, it was on that day when he first received the news that would change everything for a young Scott Edwards and his family. For reasons that make sense to none. That was the day the Grim Reaper first set sights on a normal, healthy, fourteen year old lad from small town Kansas.
The Edward's family lived three houses up from me and it was commonplace to take shortcuts through each other's yards on our routes home. It was a hot summer day and I was outside trimming the bushes when he decided to pull a prank on me. "Boo!" At the time, I had my headphones on and was in the process of trimming the bushes at the Astle abode when Scott decided to sneak up and give me a scare; he succeeded.
"You scared the hell out of me Scott. Jesus what's that on your neck?" This was the first time I remember seeing him sick. It was impossible to miss the lump on his neck and pale features. Looking back, I now realize I should have taken a more tactful response to my query. Judging by the somber look on his face when he answered, I knew right away that he was in big trouble. "I've been diagnosed with lymphoma," he replied. "What's that?" Back then, I was clueless to what lymphoma was. All I could surmise at the time was that something was wrong with my friend Scott. "It's a form of cancer," he replied. "You can't have cancer! Cancer is for old people, you're way too young for that kind of stuff!" Ignorance was bliss in my quip. At the time I thought cancer was an ailment restricted to old people. "How do you get rid of it?" I asked, "I've been getting chemotherapy treatments and the doctors think it will go away," he replied.
Back then I was clueless to what chemotherapy actually was; all I knew for sure was that my buddy Scott didn't look very good. "You want to play some basketball or something?" I thought some hoops would be a good way to loosen the somber mood he was in. Scott was a sharp-shooter and rarely lost a game of HORSE. "I am sorry, I would like to play, but I'm not supposed to be outside. The sun is damaging to my condition. I just saw you and wanted to say hi." After his reply, he then turned and walked solemnly back to his house.
News travels fast around small town Kansas: "Scott's cancer has gone into remission." For a brief period, most believed Scott was going to be OK and life would return to normal for the Edwards clan. Unfortunately, the feeling was short lived. The Grim Reaper is a heinous bastard and he was infuriated that Scott was able to dodge him. The truth of the matter was quite disheartening. The game between the two of them was just beginning.
Jay-Z - Hard Knock Life
He can recall it like yesterday, the hot summer day of 1985 that is. To most, it was just another lazy summer day in small town Kansas; but not for him. See, it was on that day when he first received the news that would change everything for a young Scott Edwards and his family. For reasons that make sense to none. That was the day the Grim Reaper first set sights on a normal, healthy, fourteen year old lad from small town Kansas.
The Edward's family lived three houses up from me and it was commonplace to take shortcuts through each other's yards on our routes home. It was a hot summer day and I was outside trimming the bushes when he decided to pull a prank on me. "Boo!" At the time, I had my headphones on and was in the process of trimming the bushes at the Astle abode when Scott decided to sneak up and give me a scare; he succeeded.
"You scared the hell out of me Scott. Jesus what's that on your neck?" This was the first time I remember seeing him sick. It was impossible to miss the lump on his neck and pale features. Looking back, I now realize I should have taken a more tactful response to my query. Judging by the somber look on his face when he answered, I knew right away that he was in big trouble. "I've been diagnosed with lymphoma," he replied. "What's that?" Back then, I was clueless to what lymphoma was. All I could surmise at the time was that something was wrong with my friend Scott. "It's a form of cancer," he replied. "You can't have cancer! Cancer is for old people, you're way too young for that kind of stuff!" Ignorance was bliss in my quip. At the time I thought cancer was an ailment restricted to old people. "How do you get rid of it?" I asked, "I've been getting chemotherapy treatments and the doctors think it will go away," he replied.
Back then I was clueless to what chemotherapy actually was; all I knew for sure was that my buddy Scott didn't look very good. "You want to play some basketball or something?" I thought some hoops would be a good way to loosen the somber mood he was in. Scott was a sharp-shooter and rarely lost a game of HORSE. "I am sorry, I would like to play, but I'm not supposed to be outside. The sun is damaging to my condition. I just saw you and wanted to say hi." After his reply, he then turned and walked solemnly back to his house.
News travels fast around small town Kansas: "Scott's cancer has gone into remission." For a brief period, most believed Scott was going to be OK and life would return to normal for the Edwards clan. Unfortunately, the feeling was short lived. The Grim Reaper is a heinous bastard and he was infuriated that Scott was able to dodge him. The truth of the matter was quite disheartening. The game between the two of them was just beginning.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The greatest upset in Quiz Bowl history
The Well Oiled Machine..aka the WOM..was without question the best quiz bowl team in the area. The WOM was made up of 4 of the brightest minds at Mayfield High. Curt Cringle, Sam Worthington, Nathaniel "Nat" Frader, and Bob Castle. The WOM started their Senior quiz bowl year as the team to beat (That was no surprise, the WOM had won the last two league titles and were entering their final season together as an over-whelming favorite to 3-peat). Everything was looking good for the WOM, as expected they rolled through the regular Quiz Bowl season unscathed, and for the most part untested. The leauge title was their's for the taking, all they had to do was show-up, and the rest of the competition would just roll-over and hand them the coveted '3-peat' trophy..IT WAS A DONE DEAL..or so Bob Castle and the rest of the WOM thought.
"Heah Riggins, what do you have the WOM going off at in the league tournament" Kenny Riggins was the town 'bookie' and Bob Castle wanted to know what the line was for the WOM. "Castle I have the WOM at even money (bet a dollar win a dollar)" "What's the line for our closest competition?" Castle asked Riggins.."The scab's are going off at 10-1 (bet a dollar win 10 dollars)"..The scab's were the second team quiz bowl unit at Mayfield High..They were lead by a young up-start named Justin Krug..Krug and the rest of the scab's had served as punching bags for the WOM for most of the year. Every once in awhle they would give the WOM a run for their money, but never, and I mean NEVER, had they beaten the WOM in a head to head Quiz Bowl meet. "The scab's are the nearest competition" Castle thought to himself.."Riggins give me 5 bills on the WOM to repeat as champs" Castle stated..Riggins nodded his head and stated simply "You got it, 5 bills on the WOM to win it all." Castle was so confident that the WOM would trounce all of the competition, the thought of actually losing never entered his mind.
The scene was set, it was the finals of the leauge tournament and as expected the WOM had trounced all of their competition. By some miracle the scab's had made it to the finals.."The title and the money is as good as mine" Bob Castle thought to himself as the championship match was about to begin. Now most people think that Quiz Bowl competitions are mundane. You want to know how to get past that feeling? Wager some money on it! Castle had 5 bills riding on the WOM winning the championship and everything was looking good..All they had to do was beat the scab's one more time, and the trophy was theirs. One hitch, Sam Worthington, the ace player on the WOM was disqualified from the title match for excessive celebration in the previous match..That was gonna leave the WOM one man short, but Castle was still confident that the WOM had enough fire power to win.
It was the final question of the championship match. The score was tied and whichever team answered the last question correctly was going to be crowned leauge champions..At this point, Bob Castle was starting to get really nervous about the WOM..Not only were they going for their 3rd straight league title, but Castle had 5 bills riding on the WOM winning. If they lost he was going to be out his entire bankroll. Castle glanced across the room and noticed two things..Justin Krug, the captain of the scab's was mouthing "the WOM's going down" to him..Kenny Riggins, the town bookie was standing in the corner waiting to collect his money from Castle if the WOM lost..Everything was riding on the final question! You could hear a 'pin drop'..To this day Castle still remembers the final question..
The narrator asked "what Sesame Street character lived in a garbage can?" Without hesitation, Castle pushed the buzzer and answered "that would be Oscar".."Yes" Castle yelled out..He had the correct answer and the WOM had their '3-peat', not to mention Castle was 5 bills richer.."I'm sorry that answer is incorrect" the narrator replied.."WTF" Castle yelled..The next thing Castle knew, Justin Krug the dreaded leader of the scab's pushed the buzzer and answered "that would be Oscar the Grouch." "Correct" the moderator said.."The scab's are the new Quiz Bowl champs." Castle could not believe what had happened. He immediately asked that a protest be filed halting the outcome of the championship match..To his dismay it was denied. "Oscar was only part of the answer, the answer was specific..It was Oscar the Grouch, not Oscar." the ruling committee stated. After exhausting all of the WOM's options. Castle was forced to accept defeat, not to mention handing over 5 bills to Riggins..It turns out Justin Krug had placed a $50 dollar wager with Riggins at 10-1 on the scab's winning. "Here you go Riggins" Castle was getting ready to hand over the money he had lost..to add insult to injury, Riggins told Castle to give the money to Krug. Castle then walked over to Krug handed him the money and walked away without saying anything..As he was walking away, Krug yelled at him..Castle turned around to acknowledge...Krug than said.."Castle, i've been waiting a long time to tell you this..Thanks Scab."
"Heah Riggins, what do you have the WOM going off at in the league tournament" Kenny Riggins was the town 'bookie' and Bob Castle wanted to know what the line was for the WOM. "Castle I have the WOM at even money (bet a dollar win a dollar)" "What's the line for our closest competition?" Castle asked Riggins.."The scab's are going off at 10-1 (bet a dollar win 10 dollars)"..The scab's were the second team quiz bowl unit at Mayfield High..They were lead by a young up-start named Justin Krug..Krug and the rest of the scab's had served as punching bags for the WOM for most of the year. Every once in awhle they would give the WOM a run for their money, but never, and I mean NEVER, had they beaten the WOM in a head to head Quiz Bowl meet. "The scab's are the nearest competition" Castle thought to himself.."Riggins give me 5 bills on the WOM to repeat as champs" Castle stated..Riggins nodded his head and stated simply "You got it, 5 bills on the WOM to win it all." Castle was so confident that the WOM would trounce all of the competition, the thought of actually losing never entered his mind.
The scene was set, it was the finals of the leauge tournament and as expected the WOM had trounced all of their competition. By some miracle the scab's had made it to the finals.."The title and the money is as good as mine" Bob Castle thought to himself as the championship match was about to begin. Now most people think that Quiz Bowl competitions are mundane. You want to know how to get past that feeling? Wager some money on it! Castle had 5 bills riding on the WOM winning the championship and everything was looking good..All they had to do was beat the scab's one more time, and the trophy was theirs. One hitch, Sam Worthington, the ace player on the WOM was disqualified from the title match for excessive celebration in the previous match..That was gonna leave the WOM one man short, but Castle was still confident that the WOM had enough fire power to win.
It was the final question of the championship match. The score was tied and whichever team answered the last question correctly was going to be crowned leauge champions..At this point, Bob Castle was starting to get really nervous about the WOM..Not only were they going for their 3rd straight league title, but Castle had 5 bills riding on the WOM winning. If they lost he was going to be out his entire bankroll. Castle glanced across the room and noticed two things..Justin Krug, the captain of the scab's was mouthing "the WOM's going down" to him..Kenny Riggins, the town bookie was standing in the corner waiting to collect his money from Castle if the WOM lost..Everything was riding on the final question! You could hear a 'pin drop'..To this day Castle still remembers the final question..
The narrator asked "what Sesame Street character lived in a garbage can?" Without hesitation, Castle pushed the buzzer and answered "that would be Oscar".."Yes" Castle yelled out..He had the correct answer and the WOM had their '3-peat', not to mention Castle was 5 bills richer.."I'm sorry that answer is incorrect" the narrator replied.."WTF" Castle yelled..The next thing Castle knew, Justin Krug the dreaded leader of the scab's pushed the buzzer and answered "that would be Oscar the Grouch." "Correct" the moderator said.."The scab's are the new Quiz Bowl champs." Castle could not believe what had happened. He immediately asked that a protest be filed halting the outcome of the championship match..To his dismay it was denied. "Oscar was only part of the answer, the answer was specific..It was Oscar the Grouch, not Oscar." the ruling committee stated. After exhausting all of the WOM's options. Castle was forced to accept defeat, not to mention handing over 5 bills to Riggins..It turns out Justin Krug had placed a $50 dollar wager with Riggins at 10-1 on the scab's winning. "Here you go Riggins" Castle was getting ready to hand over the money he had lost..to add insult to injury, Riggins told Castle to give the money to Krug. Castle then walked over to Krug handed him the money and walked away without saying anything..As he was walking away, Krug yelled at him..Castle turned around to acknowledge...Krug than said.."Castle, i've been waiting a long time to tell you this..Thanks Scab."
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The mayor of Mayfield
Saul Bean wasn't your ordinary Mayfield High student, at the tender age of 18 Saul was elected to the town council in Mayfield. Bob Castle had always noticed that Saul was a little different than most of his peers at Mayfield High. 99% of the guys at Mayfield High spent their time thinking about girls, partying, cars, etc..(all the normal things that kids think about) not Saul, he spent most of his free time preaching politics. At first, Bob Castle thought that Saul was a little bit odd, but then he started to pay attention to Saul's political views. The more Castle listened to Saul, the more he started to agree with him. Saul was still in high school when he decided to run for his first political office. Castle decided that he wanted to help Saul's campaign efforts and since he didn't have any money to make a nice contribution, he volunteered to be Saul's campaign manager. Since Saul didn't have any money either, and Castle was volunteering his time, Saul gladly excepted Castle's offer.
"Saul, who are we running against?" Castle had been brushing up on his backroom politics and figured he would try an find some dirt on Saul's opponent. "I actually have two opponents Castle" Saul stated. "Who are they? I need to get to work! I need to find out their positions on key issues, so we can start formulating a strategy for their ruination. What's their names?" Castle stated emphatically. Saul smiled and stated "The first one is unopposed & the second one is write-in." Who? Castle had never heard of unopposed and write-in. He knew everyone in Mayfield and those names were not ringing a bell. "Unopposed and write-in? I've never heard of them Saul. Are you sure they live in the Mayfield voting district?" At the time Castle was thumbing through a list of registered voters in Mayfield and couldn't find either one of them. "Something is amiss Saul, as your campaign manager it's my duty to get to the bottom of this. I'm going down to the election board right now! We need to get to the bottom of this! The rules are very clear! Only registered voters in Mayfield are allowed to run for city council!" Castle was hell-bent on getting to the bottom of this. After Castle was done ranting he looked at Saul and asked him what his plan was. Saul then told Castle "Castle why don't you leave the politics to me. Here, take these flyers and go hand them out, and for god's sake don't say anything to anybody!" Castle thought that Saul was being a little cavalier about things, but he was the boss so he did what Saul told him to do.
Election day came and went, Saul ended up carrying over 90% of the vote. During his victory speech he thanked all his supporters, and his campaign staff. Castle was the only member of Saul's staff, so he patted himself on the back a few times. Castle felt that he had played a pivotal role in the young Mr. Bean's first political triumph. "Saul you killed Mr. Unopposed & Mr. Write-In..Look! They didn't even have the courage to show-up and congratulate you on your victory." Castle had thought that very odd, but what the hell he was new to the politcal game and figured they were just lousy canidates. "Saul, I gotta admit. I see big things in our future, one of these days you are going to be governor and I want to be your right hand man." Castle was sure that Saul would be all for that idea, to his dismay:> Saul looked at Castle and told him these words "Castle I appreciate your effort, but YOUR FIRED.."
"Saul, who are we running against?" Castle had been brushing up on his backroom politics and figured he would try an find some dirt on Saul's opponent. "I actually have two opponents Castle" Saul stated. "Who are they? I need to get to work! I need to find out their positions on key issues, so we can start formulating a strategy for their ruination. What's their names?" Castle stated emphatically. Saul smiled and stated "The first one is unopposed & the second one is write-in." Who? Castle had never heard of unopposed and write-in. He knew everyone in Mayfield and those names were not ringing a bell. "Unopposed and write-in? I've never heard of them Saul. Are you sure they live in the Mayfield voting district?" At the time Castle was thumbing through a list of registered voters in Mayfield and couldn't find either one of them. "Something is amiss Saul, as your campaign manager it's my duty to get to the bottom of this. I'm going down to the election board right now! We need to get to the bottom of this! The rules are very clear! Only registered voters in Mayfield are allowed to run for city council!" Castle was hell-bent on getting to the bottom of this. After Castle was done ranting he looked at Saul and asked him what his plan was. Saul then told Castle "Castle why don't you leave the politics to me. Here, take these flyers and go hand them out, and for god's sake don't say anything to anybody!" Castle thought that Saul was being a little cavalier about things, but he was the boss so he did what Saul told him to do.
Election day came and went, Saul ended up carrying over 90% of the vote. During his victory speech he thanked all his supporters, and his campaign staff. Castle was the only member of Saul's staff, so he patted himself on the back a few times. Castle felt that he had played a pivotal role in the young Mr. Bean's first political triumph. "Saul you killed Mr. Unopposed & Mr. Write-In..Look! They didn't even have the courage to show-up and congratulate you on your victory." Castle had thought that very odd, but what the hell he was new to the politcal game and figured they were just lousy canidates. "Saul, I gotta admit. I see big things in our future, one of these days you are going to be governor and I want to be your right hand man." Castle was sure that Saul would be all for that idea, to his dismay:> Saul looked at Castle and told him these words "Castle I appreciate your effort, but YOUR FIRED.."
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Confucius sayings of Mayfield
Bob Castle could tell early on that keeping a girl like Lila Barlona happy was going to be a very daunting task. Lila was a solid 10 and Castle was a 5 at the best. When Castle & Lila first started dating, everyone thought that Lila had lost her mind. Lila was the most beautiful girl in Mayfield and she had a number of 'would be' suitors waiting to steal her away from Castle. Castle was well aware of this fact & did everything humanly possible to avoid this fate..Unfortunately, in the end, losing Lila was the only thing that was a 'given' for Castle.
"What do you mean? Your dumping me for Ricardo" Castle had finally gotten the news that he had been anticipating for quite some time. Lila was breaking-up with him, she had found a new boyfriend. "Why? All I ever did was try an make you happy..What's Ricardo got that I don't?" To this day, Castle wishes he would have never asked Lila that question. "For starters, he is smart, well-schooled, well-traveled, extremely handsome, rich, polite, sincere, thoughtful, kind, shall I go on? Basically Ricardo is everything that you aren't." Lila stated profoundly. "He won't love you like I do" Castle stated emphatically. Castle had been sensing this moment for quite some time and was having a hard time dealing with it.
"You act like I am a piece of your property, not to mention your broke. Honey you can't afford a girl like me. Don't take this the wrong way, I still care about you, but us being together is over!" Lila stated firmly. Castle had not been this verbally 'thrashed' in a long-time, but he deserved it. Lila was way out of his league and everyone knew it. "Please give me another chance! I promise I will change." Castle was now on his hands and knees begging Lila to reconsider her decision of dumping him.."You are so pathetic! It's over! Now get the hell out of here. Ricardo is coming over and I am making him dinner. Now leave and take your stupid dog with you." Castle had given Lila a miniature dachshund for Valentine's Day. It turned out that Lila was a cat person, but Castle was to self-centered to realize that.
That night Castle called his buddy Shorty Sanders to tell him what had happened.."Shorty, Lila dumped me. Where are you at?" Castle could hear girls giggling & Motley Crue music in the background. "I'm at the 'house of ill repute'..Why don't you come on down? It will make you feel better, don't worry about Lila, I can fix you up with one of my girls." Shorty Sanders was the 'stripper king' of Mayfield and he was at 'The House'. The House, was a strip joint/good-time girl/betting parlor kind of place located on the out-skirts of Mayfield. Shorty called the place home. Castle had been avoiding these kind of places ever since he hooked-up with Lila.."What the hell" Castle thought to himself.."Save me a spot! I will down their in 30 minutes." Castle was plenty upset about his break-up with Lila, but he was starting to get a tinging feeling that everything would be OK..
Confucius say:
"Man in doghouse soon find cathouse".
"What do you mean? Your dumping me for Ricardo" Castle had finally gotten the news that he had been anticipating for quite some time. Lila was breaking-up with him, she had found a new boyfriend. "Why? All I ever did was try an make you happy..What's Ricardo got that I don't?" To this day, Castle wishes he would have never asked Lila that question. "For starters, he is smart, well-schooled, well-traveled, extremely handsome, rich, polite, sincere, thoughtful, kind, shall I go on? Basically Ricardo is everything that you aren't." Lila stated profoundly. "He won't love you like I do" Castle stated emphatically. Castle had been sensing this moment for quite some time and was having a hard time dealing with it.
"You act like I am a piece of your property, not to mention your broke. Honey you can't afford a girl like me. Don't take this the wrong way, I still care about you, but us being together is over!" Lila stated firmly. Castle had not been this verbally 'thrashed' in a long-time, but he deserved it. Lila was way out of his league and everyone knew it. "Please give me another chance! I promise I will change." Castle was now on his hands and knees begging Lila to reconsider her decision of dumping him.."You are so pathetic! It's over! Now get the hell out of here. Ricardo is coming over and I am making him dinner. Now leave and take your stupid dog with you." Castle had given Lila a miniature dachshund for Valentine's Day. It turned out that Lila was a cat person, but Castle was to self-centered to realize that.
That night Castle called his buddy Shorty Sanders to tell him what had happened.."Shorty, Lila dumped me. Where are you at?" Castle could hear girls giggling & Motley Crue music in the background. "I'm at the 'house of ill repute'..Why don't you come on down? It will make you feel better, don't worry about Lila, I can fix you up with one of my girls." Shorty Sanders was the 'stripper king' of Mayfield and he was at 'The House'. The House, was a strip joint/good-time girl/betting parlor kind of place located on the out-skirts of Mayfield. Shorty called the place home. Castle had been avoiding these kind of places ever since he hooked-up with Lila.."What the hell" Castle thought to himself.."Save me a spot! I will down their in 30 minutes." Castle was plenty upset about his break-up with Lila, but he was starting to get a tinging feeling that everything would be OK..
Confucius say:
"Man in doghouse soon find cathouse".
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Warren Buffett of Mayfield High
"I don't give a f@#@ what anyone says Collective Buying Power is not a freaking fad" Bob Castle was reading the latest addition of The Bloomberg News. He was paying particular notice to the article about Groupon & Goldman Sachs. Apparently, the CEO of Goldman Sachs was in Chicago pitching the idea of an IPO (Initial Public Offering) to Groupon. Why would Castle think this is big news? What is Collective Buying Power?
Bob Castle's alter ego Rob Astle:> has been paying a lot of attention to Groupon & the CBP process.
A brief synopsis of Groupon & the Collective Buying Power Process.
Groupon was created in November 2008. It started out as a 'call to action' site called the Point.com. These kind of sites were designed to bring attention to certain civic duties that were being neglected. EX: If there was graffiti on a public wall and it needed to be painted..A website like The Point would enable many people to call for the graffiti to be painted. Thus enabling a (VOLUME) approach to a civic duty by the government. Basically, there are 'power in numbers'. The Point was having such good luck with this strategy, a decision was made to apply the process to businesses in their local market (Chicago).
The timing for Groupon could not have been better (November 2008). The recession was just starting, businesses were exploring new ways to promote their products & services. Groupon had everything ready to go. The Groupon model was immensely successful in the initial target market, so they decided to open new portals, etc. etc. Groupon is now on the verge of becoming a 'behemoth' in the business world.
Bob Castle's alter ego Rob Astle:> has been paying a lot of attention to Groupon & the CBP process.
A brief synopsis of Groupon & the Collective Buying Power Process.
Groupon was created in November 2008. It started out as a 'call to action' site called the Point.com. These kind of sites were designed to bring attention to certain civic duties that were being neglected. EX: If there was graffiti on a public wall and it needed to be painted..A website like The Point would enable many people to call for the graffiti to be painted. Thus enabling a (VOLUME) approach to a civic duty by the government. Basically, there are 'power in numbers'. The Point was having such good luck with this strategy, a decision was made to apply the process to businesses in their local market (Chicago).
The timing for Groupon could not have been better (November 2008). The recession was just starting, businesses were exploring new ways to promote their products & services. Groupon had everything ready to go. The Groupon model was immensely successful in the initial target market, so they decided to open new portals, etc. etc. Groupon is now on the verge of becoming a 'behemoth' in the business world.
How do you make money using the Collective Buying Power process?
Groupon reportedly keeps up to 50% of all the revenue it generates. EX: I live in Las Vegas, one of my favorite bars in town was advertising a voucher on Groupon. They were offering a $50 voucher for $25. The deal lasted for 24 hours, and the bar sold 1320 vouchers. Do the math+++++
1320 (vouchers sold) * $25 (cost of a single voucher)= $33,000 (total revenue generated by deal)
Groupon uses an encrypted server, that means they collect all of the money up front. After the deal is complete, Groupon will keep its share (up to 50%) and distribute the remaining portion to the vendor. Do the math again++++
$33,000/2= $16,500 (Revenue entitled Groupon).
Remember! The $16,500 is just one deal, in one portal. Groupon offers a vast array of deals everyday through a number of portals.
How would you start a Collective Buying Power site?
First & foremost..A website supporting the CBP process must be created. I have consulted with a number of quality web designers & architects. Long story short, the technology and maintenance of a CBP site is not that big of deal..Of course you have to have people who know what they are doing..HINT>>HINT..Lots of quality web people looking for work..
How much will it cost to create the site?
This is the question I get asked most often..The cost will revolve around the scenario, I have a number of different estimates..One set of professionals was quoting 40-50k plus a monthly maintenance fee. I have also approached other 'would be' designers about a future equity stake versus a discount on up-front fees and maintenance. Creating the site will cost. How much ? It depends on the sort of people who get involved.
Where should a CBP site start? What should be the initial target market?
Economically distressed places tend to produce economically distressed businesses. CBP is a tool that serves as an effective "recession buster" if done correctly. Living in Las Vegas, I see a mammoth amount of potential customers for the service. Remember CBP done correctly is all about (VOLUME). A number of new businesses and ideas are going to use the CBP process in the future. Calling CBP a big part of the new 'sub economy' is appropriate. I like the idea of starting a CBP site in Las Vegas. Lots of quality people are looking for a new idea, recruiting people to help with the process is very doable.
Community is the other side of this argument, if a CBP site can be directed at a strong community. The chances of it being successful will increase. EX: Everyone knows about Face Book. It was started by a 'college community' and just kept growing. Imagine a CBP site that targets a community of that nature. Students, alumni, surrounding areas. Two of the great things about a well functioning 'community? Commonality & Cooperation.
One last thing! There are 29 million small businesses in the United States (The government classifies any business with 500 employees or less as a small business). LOTS OF ROOM FOR THE CBP PROCESS..
My next post will describe some 'gorilla marketing' techniques..I am not the only guy who is thinking about this..ALL FEEDBACK IS WELCOME..The 'key word' is COLLECTIVE. Thanks Rob Astle
I
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Rucker Park of Mayfield
The scene was Hoover's goal, the stakes were high. Bob Castle & Kenny Riggins were taking on Stoffo Artininelli & Garren Yoder in the finals of the Hoover Classic. The Hoover Classic was a 2-2 basketball tournament held every summer in Mayfield, all of Mayfield's finest b-ball players converged to the Classic. Winning the Hoover Classic was a big deal in Mayfield! It meant bragging rights for the year. Bob Castle, Kenny Riggins, Garren Yoder & Stoffo Artinelli were the best of friends in Mayfield, but when it came to playing b-ball 'all the rules got thrown out the window.' Castle had a further dilemma, he had promised Lila that he would take her to Las Vegas next week for some 'fun in the sun' The problem? He was broke:< Castle was thinking that him and Riggins might have an outside chance of winning the Classic, so he decided to place a wager with the town bookie. Riggins & Castle were an 8/1 underdog to win the Classic. Castle figured his proposed trip to Las Vegas with Lila would cost 8 bills, so he decided to wager $100 on him and Riggins winning it all.
"Ball! Ball! Ball" Riggins had Stoffo posted up and was calling for the entry pass. The score in the final match was tied at 10-10. The rules of the tournament were very simple, each basket counted as 1 point, the first team to 11 points won the match. There weren't any coaches, it was a 'mano y mano' event. The Hoover Classic was Mayfield's version of Rucker Park in NYC. The only thing it was missing was the elevation:> One more thing, the goal's were all lowered to 8ft, by doing this? It was now possible for Bob Castle to dunk a basketball, Castle couldn't touch the rim of a regulation size goal. The basketball played on the courts of Hoover Park was more akin to the 'European' style..aka..It was physical!!
Castle made the entry pass into Riggins. Riggins then made a drop-step to the basket, Stoffo had the inside position on Riggins. Riggins looked back at Castle and yelled "Make a move towards the rim!" at that moment Castle shoved Yoder out of the way & made a V-line towards the rim. Riggins lofted a picture perfect pass which Castle caught & jammed through the rim. Remember the goal at Hoover Park was only 8 ft. high:> Castle & Riggins were the Hoover Park champs! Not to mention, Castle was 800 dollars richer:>
"Thank-you very much" Castle stated as he was collecting his $800 from the town bookie. Castle had a new girlfriend that looked like Salma Hayek, and she was getting very expensive, but Castle was in love, so he was 'hustling' anyway he knew how. "Riggins, one of these days I am going to be in on something big, I still believe people would love the idea of Collective Buying Power! If I can just convince the right people on how it works." Castle felt strongly that Collective Buying Power (CBP) was in the infancy stage, and if he could convince the right people to help him, Maybe? himself and others would be able to profit from it? "I will see you later Riggins, I gotta tell Lila the good news about our Las Vegas trip..She has never been to Vegas." Castle stated. Castle was so relieved that he had the money for Lila and his trip to Vegas that he didn't want to think about anything else.
"Ball! Ball! Ball" Riggins had Stoffo posted up and was calling for the entry pass. The score in the final match was tied at 10-10. The rules of the tournament were very simple, each basket counted as 1 point, the first team to 11 points won the match. There weren't any coaches, it was a 'mano y mano' event. The Hoover Classic was Mayfield's version of Rucker Park in NYC. The only thing it was missing was the elevation:> One more thing, the goal's were all lowered to 8ft, by doing this? It was now possible for Bob Castle to dunk a basketball, Castle couldn't touch the rim of a regulation size goal. The basketball played on the courts of Hoover Park was more akin to the 'European' style..aka..It was physical!!
Castle made the entry pass into Riggins. Riggins then made a drop-step to the basket, Stoffo had the inside position on Riggins. Riggins looked back at Castle and yelled "Make a move towards the rim!" at that moment Castle shoved Yoder out of the way & made a V-line towards the rim. Riggins lofted a picture perfect pass which Castle caught & jammed through the rim. Remember the goal at Hoover Park was only 8 ft. high:> Castle & Riggins were the Hoover Park champs! Not to mention, Castle was 800 dollars richer:>
"Thank-you very much" Castle stated as he was collecting his $800 from the town bookie. Castle had a new girlfriend that looked like Salma Hayek, and she was getting very expensive, but Castle was in love, so he was 'hustling' anyway he knew how. "Riggins, one of these days I am going to be in on something big, I still believe people would love the idea of Collective Buying Power! If I can just convince the right people on how it works." Castle felt strongly that Collective Buying Power (CBP) was in the infancy stage, and if he could convince the right people to help him, Maybe? himself and others would be able to profit from it? "I will see you later Riggins, I gotta tell Lila the good news about our Las Vegas trip..She has never been to Vegas." Castle stated. Castle was so relieved that he had the money for Lila and his trip to Vegas that he didn't want to think about anything else.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The 'Reality TV' star of Mayfield
I want to pose a question to everyone reading my blog..Do you ever watch Reality television? The reason I ask? Las Vegas is turning into a hotbed for reality television. I was watching 'Pawn Stars' the other night, for those of you not familiar with 'Pawn Stars'. It's a reality television show based upon a family that runs a pawn shop in Las Vegas. It has turned out to be a very popular attraction for Las Vegas, and deservedly so. This is what I am thinking.
Create a viable product or service for distribution. I have been pressing the idea of a Collective Buying Power site for quite some time. A number of potential investor's for the idea have all been asking me the same question. How would you get traffic to the site? The obvious answers are impression spending, social media advertising, site content, etc. All these functions have to be done regardless..Reality video could be used to enhance and compliment everything else.
Organize a number of people in Las Vegas, have them go out and promote a new service or product (CBP). In the process of promoting that service or product a video documentary would be created..The plot line would revolve around the promotion of the business and the sales force promoting it. I want to ask everyone to use their imagination for a moment. This is the scenario I am picturing..
Las Vegas has a number of talented actors and models who are looking for work, a 'semi-scripted' platform would be created for them to follow. The goal would be to keep it as 'real' as possible with a few liberties for viewer enhancement. I had a potential investor ask me to give him an idea that was 'outside the box' on promoting a product or service. I don't know how much more 'outside the box' I can get? Pretend for a moment that everything is in place..Look at this scenario below
Collective Buying Power website + Reality video production promotion + models & actors + Las Vegas setting= ???..This idea might seem a little odd to the viewers of my blog. It's not the conservative approach that many of you might be accustomed too. Remember, I live in Las Vegas, so following the same 'old path' for promotion of a service or product doesn't work for me anymore. I hope everyone is getting off to a good start in 2011. If anyone has feedback.Please share it with me. Thanks Rob
Create a viable product or service for distribution. I have been pressing the idea of a Collective Buying Power site for quite some time. A number of potential investor's for the idea have all been asking me the same question. How would you get traffic to the site? The obvious answers are impression spending, social media advertising, site content, etc. All these functions have to be done regardless..Reality video could be used to enhance and compliment everything else.
Organize a number of people in Las Vegas, have them go out and promote a new service or product (CBP). In the process of promoting that service or product a video documentary would be created..The plot line would revolve around the promotion of the business and the sales force promoting it. I want to ask everyone to use their imagination for a moment. This is the scenario I am picturing..
Las Vegas has a number of talented actors and models who are looking for work, a 'semi-scripted' platform would be created for them to follow. The goal would be to keep it as 'real' as possible with a few liberties for viewer enhancement. I had a potential investor ask me to give him an idea that was 'outside the box' on promoting a product or service. I don't know how much more 'outside the box' I can get? Pretend for a moment that everything is in place..Look at this scenario below
Collective Buying Power website + Reality video production promotion + models & actors + Las Vegas setting= ???..This idea might seem a little odd to the viewers of my blog. It's not the conservative approach that many of you might be accustomed too. Remember, I live in Las Vegas, so following the same 'old path' for promotion of a service or product doesn't work for me anymore. I hope everyone is getting off to a good start in 2011. If anyone has feedback.Please share it with me. Thanks Rob
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