Not how you start but how you finish
On Sunday, Jan. 2, there was an article titled ěBasketball speeds up.î The article predicts the final standings for the boys and girls of the North Piedmont, Central Carolina, Yadkin Valley, South Piedmont and Central Piedmont conferences.
In analyzing the NPC boys conference, the writer starts by saying Statesville is the favorite in a league with no great teams. It does not make this assumption for any other boys or girls conferences. I find it hard to believe that such a statement can be made, especially after this yearís football season. Davie Countyís War Eagles started the season on a down note, but finished within an eyelash of winning the state championship. I would still call them a great team. In fact, it seems more rewarding to have a season like this instead of blowing every opponent out.
Thousands of examples can be given from all types of sports. You cannot judge teams based on one or a couple games. You have to look at the whole body of work. The NPC boys are less than half way through conference play. After watching many of the above mentioned teams in the recent Sam Moir Christmas Tournament at Catawba, one thing was clear. Every team has talent. Some teams are still trying to put the football players in the scheme, while others are fighting injuries and discipline problems. East Rowan boys have not won a game, but they could put it together and win the conference tournament, and then go on and win the state.
You think that this is impossible? Remember the movie ěHoosiersî? This was a true story. The same thing could happen with the NPC boys. Maybe their hickories wonít crack.
ó Rick Houston
Salisbury
Job hunt frustrations
During my husbandís recent job search, he has endured constant disappointments. Many others are going through the same situation, as they hope to find a job that will provide security, income and greater quality of life.
Each day we browse the Salisbury Post and employment websites and submit numerous applications only to be told the following: women and minorities encouraged to apply, younger than 40, or 10 yearsí work experience. How does that help the man/woman who is more than 40? How does that help the person who has been laid off and canít account for 10 consecutive years of experience? It doesnít! Confirmation e-mails are sent to inform my husband the company is pursuing other applicants with no description of why he isnít being pursued. Today, he filled out an application and the office personnel seemed highly irritated by the fact he even stepped foot in the door. Those employees need to be thankful they have a job and can take their attitudes somewhere else.
To those who have been treated this way, I apologize on their behalf. I salute those who are actively seeking employment and not sitting around receiving government assistance just to reap what so many employees have spent their careers providing for you. To those of you who do receive government benefits and work ěunder the table,î shame on you. You are making it extremely difficult for honest, hardworking citizens to feed their families, pay their bills and enjoy life to the fullest. For those of you who have no intention of providing equal opportunity and offering less than minimum wage, just remember you will reap what you have sown.
It is my prayer that my husband and those who deserve it will receive a job, soon.
ó Megan R. Wyatt
Landis