Tuesday, November 18, 2014
It's Jimmy On...: It's Jimmy On Why the Holiday Season Can Be a Grea...
It's Jimmy On...: It's Jimmy On Why the Holiday Season Can Be a Grea...: It is that time of year again. Leaves are falling from the trees and there is a hint of Arctic chill in the air. Retailers have wrapped u...
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Day One, 2014
Happy New Year! Today is the first day of 2014 and, of course, today is the day we all make resolutions for the new year which we will stick to for exactly 72 hours (or maybe even an entire week) before going back to our previous ways.
Some people will resolve to be healthier or to lose weight in 2014. Others aim to be kinder to strangers and to spend more time with the most important people in their lives. Still others will make promises to themselves and others to go back to school, get a better job, and quit putting off that project they've been putting off for so long.
Also, because I successfully quit using tobacco products cold turkey last year at this time simply by deciding I was done smoking and dipping, I know I can successfully reach my goals once I set my mind to it. Cutting WAY back on the alcohol in the past 2 years has also had a tremendous impact on my mindset, sense of accomplishment and clarity and enjoyment of life.
Some people will resolve to be healthier or to lose weight in 2014. Others aim to be kinder to strangers and to spend more time with the most important people in their lives. Still others will make promises to themselves and others to go back to school, get a better job, and quit putting off that project they've been putting off for so long.
I'm not unlike others, though I have an unfair advantage over others who made New Year's resolutions. First, I began my healthy resolution on December 30 by unfreezing my gym membership and getting in there to work out before the new year. So, technically I did not wait until 2014 to begin my journey to get back in shape, lose 50 pounds of fat and put on 20 pounds of muscle.
Also, because I successfully quit using tobacco products cold turkey last year at this time simply by deciding I was done smoking and dipping, I know I can successfully reach my goals once I set my mind to it. Cutting WAY back on the alcohol in the past 2 years has also had a tremendous impact on my mindset, sense of accomplishment and clarity and enjoyment of life.
Look, all it takes is 21 days to make or break a habit, so as long as I'm vigilant at the start of the year, momentum will take care of the rest.
My other resolutions this year include focusing on putting others' needs ahead of my own in the spirit of "he who is first shall be last and he who is last shall be first." I want to help others and to serve others, both in my profession and in my personal life, so that by giving more of myself I will receive infinitely more in return.
I want to be the best husband, friend, adviser, Realtor, writer, athlete--you name it--I can be and 2014 is the year it all kicks into gear.
I'm letting go of negativity and stress and creating a positive environment between my ears so that I have the energy and mindset to succeed in 2014.
My other goals include writing at least a little bit every day, becoming a full-time independent contractor through Real Estate and freelance writing and marketing work (with Real Estate being my full-time job and the main bread winner), buying my first house and (God willing) becoming a father, doubling my income from 2013, playing more than 30 rounds of golf (and breaking 80 at least 5 times) and catching a billfish on the Gulf of Mexico.
What's that saying? Shoot for the moon and you may hit a star? I'm aiming for the heavens in 2014. Who's coming along for the ride?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Bleacher Report
Well, I've been writing on Bleacher Report off and on for a few years now, but recently I decided to step it up a notch. So, I applied for and earned the title Featured Columnist and now I'm writing articles on assignment for the first time ever.
There's a ton to learn about how to put together the best articles, whether to use standard format or slideshow, and how to maximize SEO, or search engine optimization.
I haven't even figured out how to add my twitter feed to my Bleacher Report page, but I'm gonna! Right now, I'm in the process of linking Jim's Jabs to my B/R profile.
Wish me luck and keep checking back! Oh, and you can read my sports articles for B/R at http://bleacherreport.com/users/52423-jimmy-grappone
Till next time!
There's a ton to learn about how to put together the best articles, whether to use standard format or slideshow, and how to maximize SEO, or search engine optimization.
I haven't even figured out how to add my twitter feed to my Bleacher Report page, but I'm gonna! Right now, I'm in the process of linking Jim's Jabs to my B/R profile.
Wish me luck and keep checking back! Oh, and you can read my sports articles for B/R at http://bleacherreport.com/users/52423-jimmy-grappone
Till next time!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
HP's Loss, Samsung's Gain - My Decision to Purchase a Galaxy Tab 10.1 for Full Retail
I went to sleep last night and woke up this morning fully intent on diving head first into the HP Touchpad fire sale that had geeks camping out in front of Best Buy for the recently discontinued WebOS tablet going for a fifth of its initial launch price just 7 weeks earlier.
Much to my dismay, my friend I planned to meet in front of Best Buy along with his 2 y.o. daughter, called me as I was lacing up my running shoes and announced that our "early morning" efforts were futile thanks to the 100+ geeks who camped overnight outside the big blue box store with a Saturday morning shipment of 60 Touchpads.
I was initially upset I wouldn't get a tablet today at a bargain price, apps or no apps, which was the main reason for the disappointment of early adapters. Well, that and the fact that HP jumpkicked WebOS to the curb.
I feel bad for the HP marketers that had to tell Manny Pacquiao the product he promoted was about to get KTFO!!
However, I was so enamored by the idea of owning a tablet that I started looking at the iPad when I finally visited my local Best Buy campsite 20 mins AFTER the store opened and for the first time considered paying $500 for a tablet.
I went home to ruminate over the decision - after a trip to Lowe's to look at faux wood flooring for my girlfriend's recently flooded kitchen floor - and returned to another Best Buy around 1pm, fully expecting to purchase a 16GB WiFi iPad2.
Admittedly, I read a few iPad2 reviews on my Android phone between BB visits and arrived ready to purchase an Apple tablet, though once in the store, I googled and read another review on my phone - iPad2 v Gingerbread tabs - and made a snap decision to purchase the 16GB Samsung Galaxy Tab complete w/case, screen protectors and docking keyboard.
My decision to go w/Android over Apple ultimately hinged on the review which favored the customization of Android products and the comparable specs on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
That, along with 18-month interest free financing and a new policy that waives restocking fees. I guess there is an advantage to a down economy when it comes to purchasing high end ticket items!
I entered the tablet market two days earlier when a friend came home with a Touchpad and the speed and ferocity with which I decided I needed a tablet in my life was phenomenal, particularly considering I've sold a limited array of Tablets for T-Mobile for nearly a year now.
Long story short, the readiness of information and first-adapter reviews certainly influenced my purchasing decision and I'd be willing to bet that HP's firesale not only cleared most shelves of the Touchpad, but also influenced increased - if not record - tablet sales this weekend and likely benefitted Android tablets across the various manufacturers more than iPad sales.
Much to my dismay, my friend I planned to meet in front of Best Buy along with his 2 y.o. daughter, called me as I was lacing up my running shoes and announced that our "early morning" efforts were futile thanks to the 100+ geeks who camped overnight outside the big blue box store with a Saturday morning shipment of 60 Touchpads.
I was initially upset I wouldn't get a tablet today at a bargain price, apps or no apps, which was the main reason for the disappointment of early adapters. Well, that and the fact that HP jumpkicked WebOS to the curb.
I feel bad for the HP marketers that had to tell Manny Pacquiao the product he promoted was about to get KTFO!!
However, I was so enamored by the idea of owning a tablet that I started looking at the iPad when I finally visited my local Best Buy campsite 20 mins AFTER the store opened and for the first time considered paying $500 for a tablet.
I went home to ruminate over the decision - after a trip to Lowe's to look at faux wood flooring for my girlfriend's recently flooded kitchen floor - and returned to another Best Buy around 1pm, fully expecting to purchase a 16GB WiFi iPad2.
Admittedly, I read a few iPad2 reviews on my Android phone between BB visits and arrived ready to purchase an Apple tablet, though once in the store, I googled and read another review on my phone - iPad2 v Gingerbread tabs - and made a snap decision to purchase the 16GB Samsung Galaxy Tab complete w/case, screen protectors and docking keyboard.
My decision to go w/Android over Apple ultimately hinged on the review which favored the customization of Android products and the comparable specs on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
That, along with 18-month interest free financing and a new policy that waives restocking fees. I guess there is an advantage to a down economy when it comes to purchasing high end ticket items!
I entered the tablet market two days earlier when a friend came home with a Touchpad and the speed and ferocity with which I decided I needed a tablet in my life was phenomenal, particularly considering I've sold a limited array of Tablets for T-Mobile for nearly a year now.
Long story short, the readiness of information and first-adapter reviews certainly influenced my purchasing decision and I'd be willing to bet that HP's firesale not only cleared most shelves of the Touchpad, but also influenced increased - if not record - tablet sales this weekend and likely benefitted Android tablets across the various manufacturers more than iPad sales.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
PGA Championship Wraps Up a Great Majors Season
Great finish to a great Majors season. Looking back, Charl Schwartzel held off a group of nearly a dozen late contenders to win the Masters, Rory McIlroy lit up the golf world and almost got us to forget about Tiger with his record setting US Open performance, Darren Clarke won an emotional British Open as the sentimental favorite and a couple of relative unknowns in Keegan Bradley and Jason Dufner provided the most exciting and nerve-wracking finale of the year based on what was at stake.
I would say I can't wait till they tee it up at The Masters, but then I'd be forgetting that we have an NFL and college football season, the MLB Playoffs and World Series, the Daytona 500 and March Madness between now and then. Man, I love sports!
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/08/14/2529398/pga-win-included-comeback-collapse.html#ixzz1V4SEXs8s
I would say I can't wait till they tee it up at The Masters, but then I'd be forgetting that we have an NFL and college football season, the MLB Playoffs and World Series, the Daytona 500 and March Madness between now and then. Man, I love sports!
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/08/14/2529398/pga-win-included-comeback-collapse.html#ixzz1V4SEXs8s
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
In Anticipation of Marshalling at the Wells Fargo Golf Championship at Quail Hollow C.C. (Charlotte, NC)
In just seven short days I will be among hundreds of marshalls and thousands of other volunteers working behind the scenes of the PGA's Wells Fargo - formerly Wachovia and Quail Hollow - Golf Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, NC.
My official tournament shirts and wind breaker arrived via FedEx sometime last week and I am set to pick up my official tournament credentials and hat at South Meck High School this weekend. After that I will head on over to the golf course for a walk-through and team meeting with my hole captain and fellow marshalls on the tenth hole.
Many people have asked me if I will be paid to work the tournament and my standard reply is, "No, I'm paying to work it!"
After gauging their universally quizzical facial expressions, I explain that I purchased a couple of $100 polo golf shirts, a short sleeved golf jacket, a hat, a 7-day tournament pass, two tickets to bestow upon a lucky friend or two, food vouchers and all the snacks I care to eat for the price of one of those shirts.
For this relatively small cost, I get the opportunity to watch - and possibly interact with - the world's greatest golfers in one of the PGA's highest profile non-Major events while helping ensure the event is pulled off as seamlessly as possible and with minimal distraction to the players.
My good friend, Kevin, and I first attended the tournament shortly after I first moved to Charlotte in 2006 and he immediately decided to sign up to work the tournament as a marshall, which he has done since 2008.
I finally signed up for the volunteer list in 2009 and after waiting two years, I learned in February that I'd been selected to join the team of marshalls on Hole 10.
The 10th hole is the longest Par 5 on the course, approaching and sometimes surpassing 600 yards in length from tee-to-green.
As for my role, I don't know much besides the fact that I'll hold up "Quiet Please!" signs, direct traffic and help locate the occassional wayward shot.
I will work the Thursday and Friday rounds and I am expected to be at the 10th hole ready to go around 6:30 AM. Parking is horrendous and expensive at the course, so I will take advantage of the free shuttle service running from nearby Carowinds Amusement Park just ten minutes from my house.
The first two days of the tournament have a larger field than the weekend rounds because no cuts are made until the conclusion of Friday's round, so there will likely be upwards of 140 players crowding the course during my shifts.
Tiger Woods will not be among the entrants, though, despite his assertion that this is among his favorite tournaments, due to a knee injury he aggravated at The Masters earlier this month.
While I always enjoy the opportunity to see Tiger play up close and in person, his absence will likely make my job easier since I will not have to deal with living, breathing, roaring mass of humanity that is a Tiger Woods golf gallery.
Due to the size of the field in the first two days, half of the players will tee off on the first hole and half will tee of on number ten.
This means I have to be ready to work bright and early, but it also means my marshalling duties will be complete earlier than most of my compatriots around the course since the finishing holes will be the 9th and 18th.
Thus, I will be free to either enjoy an hour or so of golf as a casual observer or head home early to catch the highlights on SportCenter.
I am excited about my upcoming experience as a first-time marshall in a PGA event and I look forward to sharing more about my experiences over the course of the next week and a half, both as a volunteer and as an observer and fan.
My official tournament shirts and wind breaker arrived via FedEx sometime last week and I am set to pick up my official tournament credentials and hat at South Meck High School this weekend. After that I will head on over to the golf course for a walk-through and team meeting with my hole captain and fellow marshalls on the tenth hole.
Many people have asked me if I will be paid to work the tournament and my standard reply is, "No, I'm paying to work it!"
After gauging their universally quizzical facial expressions, I explain that I purchased a couple of $100 polo golf shirts, a short sleeved golf jacket, a hat, a 7-day tournament pass, two tickets to bestow upon a lucky friend or two, food vouchers and all the snacks I care to eat for the price of one of those shirts.
For this relatively small cost, I get the opportunity to watch - and possibly interact with - the world's greatest golfers in one of the PGA's highest profile non-Major events while helping ensure the event is pulled off as seamlessly as possible and with minimal distraction to the players.
My good friend, Kevin, and I first attended the tournament shortly after I first moved to Charlotte in 2006 and he immediately decided to sign up to work the tournament as a marshall, which he has done since 2008.
I finally signed up for the volunteer list in 2009 and after waiting two years, I learned in February that I'd been selected to join the team of marshalls on Hole 10.
The 10th hole is the longest Par 5 on the course, approaching and sometimes surpassing 600 yards in length from tee-to-green.
As for my role, I don't know much besides the fact that I'll hold up "Quiet Please!" signs, direct traffic and help locate the occassional wayward shot.
I will work the Thursday and Friday rounds and I am expected to be at the 10th hole ready to go around 6:30 AM. Parking is horrendous and expensive at the course, so I will take advantage of the free shuttle service running from nearby Carowinds Amusement Park just ten minutes from my house.
The first two days of the tournament have a larger field than the weekend rounds because no cuts are made until the conclusion of Friday's round, so there will likely be upwards of 140 players crowding the course during my shifts.
Tiger Woods will not be among the entrants, though, despite his assertion that this is among his favorite tournaments, due to a knee injury he aggravated at The Masters earlier this month.
While I always enjoy the opportunity to see Tiger play up close and in person, his absence will likely make my job easier since I will not have to deal with living, breathing, roaring mass of humanity that is a Tiger Woods golf gallery.
Due to the size of the field in the first two days, half of the players will tee off on the first hole and half will tee of on number ten.
This means I have to be ready to work bright and early, but it also means my marshalling duties will be complete earlier than most of my compatriots around the course since the finishing holes will be the 9th and 18th.
Thus, I will be free to either enjoy an hour or so of golf as a casual observer or head home early to catch the highlights on SportCenter.
I am excited about my upcoming experience as a first-time marshall in a PGA event and I look forward to sharing more about my experiences over the course of the next week and a half, both as a volunteer and as an observer and fan.
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