This might be a Coors Field Nugget, but I think there are broader issues to contemplate. I probably can't say too much about the specifics, for fear of disclosing too many identifying details, but I feel like I need to write about this.

In the past 3 or 4 weeks, we have had two groups come in to the reception lobby at Coors Field, each with problems. The first group was nearly an hour late for the meeting time for an on field, pregame ceremony. I know from personal experience that people invited to this sort of thing get very detailed instructions on when to meet, and where. There is a little give in the scenario, but not an hour's worth. There are just too many people arriving, some larger groups must be escorted at all times while in the tunnel, smaller groups directed to the green room, and so on. The woman who brought the late arrivals refused to acknowledge that she was the one who had not met the deadline. Every thing involved was the fault of the Rockies and various staff levels. Her complaints escalated to tears, then cursing, then a loud and louder voice. Eventually the children in the group, including at least one preschooler, joined in the angry profanity. They were eventually persuaded to enter the stadium and watch what remained of the game. {The brouhaha had extended into the fifth inning.}

The second group was a ticketing mixup. Somehow, they had ended up with two sets of tickets; one which had been voided and reprinted; and the second set which was valid. The person holding the two sets of tickets got them confused, and distributed the voided tickets to his family, which included at least 12 people.

The complaints were more or less a repeat of the views of the late arriving group, including slamming doors, profanity, and personal insults delivered face to face to those who were trying to help and get the mess straightened out. Including yours truly. This group also included several children.

I came away from the whole mess each time wondering what would have been so terrible if someone from each group had said: "You know what? I goofed up pretty badly, how can I help get the situation back on track?" The fact is that being cursed and insulted does very very little to encourage the helpful side of my personality.

And, as I think each incident over, I wonder at what kind of lesson each set of kids was learning? Calmly admit a mistake, and cooperate in its resolution? Or pound the desk, scream, curse, and blame everyone in sight for a failing of your own?

Rant mode off!