Beware the Ides of March Madness

As an old and getting older English teacher, I had to do it. Today's headline signifies the date Julius needed to heed as well as the date when insanity begins to reign centuries afterward in a land unknown to Romans. Julius had to beware cuz his senators were mad and were going after him with their knives. I don't think we have any knife-wielding senators these days, but they seem to have their own share of madness about their leader.

But who wants to talk politics when madness of a different nature threatens to consume the hearts, minds and working ability of millions here in these United States of America. I read in the paper this morning that employers have learned, in many cases, to avoid trying to fight off the uncontrollable zeal associated with the NCAA basketball tournament. In fact, some are going easy on their employees, knowing the alternative is fruitless.

Years ago, my son showed his true leadership by sidling up to the school librarian and convincing her that it really would be a good idea to put that television set out among the tables where more students and teachers could sneak out of class and watch a few minutes of Michigan, UCLA or Kentucky trouncing their Cinderella opponents in NCAA pair-offs. Little did we know it, but young William was, indeed, getting his education for future pursuits.

Now he goes to work where televisions stay alive 24 hours a day with sports news and events. He gets paid to know all about who's going to pair off for the final dance of this year's national tournament. Well, he also has to follow some track, baseball, tennis, soccer and whatever other spring sports are keeping high school kids on the go in Southern Idaho.

And, up north his family, including Grandma, have developed the same excitement he experienced each March when he'd convince Bonnie Spitzer to keep those televisions wired up. Grandma's got all her notes and everything off the Internet that his Aunt Barbara printed off for her regarding the tournament. No doubt, at this very minute she's getting that Zags sweatshirt out and ready to wear.

We, at the Lovestead, have our "GO ZAGS" sign supplied by the Spokesman-Review taped and facing outward from the living room window. We don't want anyone maneuvering the mudholes on South Center Valley Road to forget that the Zags play tonight at 6:55 p.m. And, we can't forget the Cougs. We'll admit to being Zag diehards, but we're proud that the WSU Cougs have made it to the dance. They'll be playing later this morning, and some of us will be watching.

Bill's got a bit of a struggle because he has to miss the first part of the Zags game tonight due to a Lenten service. But I'm sure the Presbyterian praying will be helpful as our team takes on the Indiana Hoosiers. I just don't know, however, if Nancy's going to allow Bill to wear his Zags hat at the church service.

Yup, it's madness all right, more than 2,000 years after Julius fateful day. Think of it. If those Romans had just had TVs and the NCAA tournament to keep them occupied, Julius may have avoided their wrath. History could have been a LOT different.

GO ZAGS !! ---- GO COUGS!!

Special note: On Monday I plan to feature a "Drive Your Chevy to the Levy" posting about the Lake Pend Oreille School District levy election next Tuesday, March 20. In fact, I'll have a guest writer that day who has happily agreed to answer any questions anyone has regarding the levy. Her name is Mindy Cameron. She's on the school board, and she's a journalist who knows how to dig for every answer.

So, if any local readers have questions about the levy, she'll be happy to answer them. You can put your questions on the comments section of today's and tomorrow's postings or send them to me at malove@imbris.net. I told Mindy I'd send her questions by Friday night, so keep that in mind.