Very cool story of how something that starts as a seamingly small idea can snowball into something that makes a difference in peoples' lives.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Michelle OBama spoke out against childhood obesity. Sarah Palin had issues with that.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/11/24/martin.michelle.obama.palin/index.html?hpt=T2
What's offensive about encouraging people to eat more healthily? Didn't Swartzeneger promote the same as Bush's Health Czar?
I'll admit I eat too much fast food as a matter of convenience and it's an aim of mine to curb that. It's gonna be tougher for some people of lower ecomomic means, but at the same time, plenty of well to do's eat fast food all the time.
It's b/c it's there on every corner. And we can't legislate against a McD's at every highway exit any more than we can against a liquor/convenience store on every urban corner.
But we can encourage nutritional responsibilty and there's an open opportunity for healthy "fast food" companies to fill the void that's missing.
In the end, it's up to us what we put in our bodies - and to an extent what parents put in their childrens' bodies - and we are living in an age of convenience that wasn't around 30 plus years ago, and overall, that was probably a healthier time.
No government can legislate a healthy lifestyle, but it's kind of like the seatbelt law. You don't want your insurance to go up but when people get in accidents and are severly injured or killed b/c they weren't wearing a seat belt or didn't have an airbag in their vehicle, it costs the insurance companies more and the buck is passed down to us.
It's the same when it comes to having a healthier society. Guidelines for a healthy lifestyle should never be admonished since they benefit the individual, the family, our communities and our nation.
Our government has its hands in more issues now than in 1783 bc times have changed and while our quality of life is much better than it was 227 years ago in terms of comfort and convenience, many of those sources of comfort and convenience have created new risks that were neither present nor foreseeable to our Founding Fathers.
Open your eyes people. The times, they are a changin', they've been a changin' forever and they will continue to change. And we have to be both proactive and reactive in all areas of life.
We only get one chance here on earth, but the way live, the decisions we make and the standards we set impact the lives of generations to come. And if we care about ourselves, our families, our communities and our nation...well, we should do something about it to affect positive change.
What's offensive about encouraging people to eat more healthily? Didn't Swartzeneger promote the same as Bush's Health Czar?
I'll admit I eat too much fast food as a matter of convenience and it's an aim of mine to curb that. It's gonna be tougher for some people of lower ecomomic means, but at the same time, plenty of well to do's eat fast food all the time.
It's b/c it's there on every corner. And we can't legislate against a McD's at every highway exit any more than we can against a liquor/convenience store on every urban corner.
But we can encourage nutritional responsibilty and there's an open opportunity for healthy "fast food" companies to fill the void that's missing.
In the end, it's up to us what we put in our bodies - and to an extent what parents put in their childrens' bodies - and we are living in an age of convenience that wasn't around 30 plus years ago, and overall, that was probably a healthier time.
No government can legislate a healthy lifestyle, but it's kind of like the seatbelt law. You don't want your insurance to go up but when people get in accidents and are severly injured or killed b/c they weren't wearing a seat belt or didn't have an airbag in their vehicle, it costs the insurance companies more and the buck is passed down to us.
It's the same when it comes to having a healthier society. Guidelines for a healthy lifestyle should never be admonished since they benefit the individual, the family, our communities and our nation.
Our government has its hands in more issues now than in 1783 bc times have changed and while our quality of life is much better than it was 227 years ago in terms of comfort and convenience, many of those sources of comfort and convenience have created new risks that were neither present nor foreseeable to our Founding Fathers.
Open your eyes people. The times, they are a changin', they've been a changin' forever and they will continue to change. And we have to be both proactive and reactive in all areas of life.
We only get one chance here on earth, but the way live, the decisions we make and the standards we set impact the lives of generations to come. And if we care about ourselves, our families, our communities and our nation...well, we should do something about it to affect positive change.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The DIP Party
I'm creating a new political party. The Domestic Infrastructure Party, aka, the DIP.
We focus on intelligent spending, making things at home and improving our lot at home. Transportation and Safety - building and fixing new and existing roads, bridges, rails and buildings -, Education - committing to the best public schools in the world and sustainably subsidizing private school tuition in challenged areas - Economic Development (and anti-monopolistic/polypolistic regulation on big business) and Healthcare.
We are committed to technology and making things at home, bringing jobs back to America, exporting more than importing and ensuring all citizens have affordable health care that doesn't drive up insurance premiums for the general public yet ensures healthcare for all and protects those w/pre-existing conditions and debilitating illness and injury.
We aim to increase GDP and decrease national debt before we become victims to China and other nations that hold much of our debt. We are cautiously proactive rather than reactive and we seek to lead w/positivity and confidence in light of and despite current economic and political circumstances.
We are pro-America, on the cutting edge of international business, socially progressive, and increaslingly isolationist, though looking abroad and studying/implementing international programs and policies that will benefit our lot and invest in a golden future at home.
We are not the Tea Party, nor do we wish to increase taxes for the general public, rather lower them where and when possible and redirect current spending away from international policing and other wasteful spending.
We support a progressive tax system that drastically reduces federal income tax for the majority of workers, allowing nearly all Americans to retain up to 90% of their earnings, though requiring a higher percentage from those earning more than half a million per year, even more from those earning over 5 million per year, and slightly more from those earning more than 25 million annually, capped at 30% taxation, though giving a 5% tax break for all those earning over 500K who donate at least 3% of their income to a legitimate non-profit organization of their choosing.
Finally, we'd rather not incarcerate 5 times more people per capita than competing nations and we'd rather not spend more on miltary/defense than the next highest 26 countries combined, 25 of which are our allies.
We want to spend smartly, we want to re-emerge as a global leader in the 21st century and we want to have a good time. We want to be skinny, and we want to DIP.
Please repost if you support the above stated DIP values and goals.
We focus on intelligent spending, making things at home and improving our lot at home. Transportation and Safety - building and fixing new and existing roads, bridges, rails and buildings -, Education - committing to the best public schools in the world and sustainably subsidizing private school tuition in challenged areas - Economic Development (and anti-monopolistic/polypolistic regulation on big business) and Healthcare.
We are committed to technology and making things at home, bringing jobs back to America, exporting more than importing and ensuring all citizens have affordable health care that doesn't drive up insurance premiums for the general public yet ensures healthcare for all and protects those w/pre-existing conditions and debilitating illness and injury.
We aim to increase GDP and decrease national debt before we become victims to China and other nations that hold much of our debt. We are cautiously proactive rather than reactive and we seek to lead w/positivity and confidence in light of and despite current economic and political circumstances.
We are pro-America, on the cutting edge of international business, socially progressive, and increaslingly isolationist, though looking abroad and studying/implementing international programs and policies that will benefit our lot and invest in a golden future at home.
We are not the Tea Party, nor do we wish to increase taxes for the general public, rather lower them where and when possible and redirect current spending away from international policing and other wasteful spending.
We support a progressive tax system that drastically reduces federal income tax for the majority of workers, allowing nearly all Americans to retain up to 90% of their earnings, though requiring a higher percentage from those earning more than half a million per year, even more from those earning over 5 million per year, and slightly more from those earning more than 25 million annually, capped at 30% taxation, though giving a 5% tax break for all those earning over 500K who donate at least 3% of their income to a legitimate non-profit organization of their choosing.
Finally, we'd rather not incarcerate 5 times more people per capita than competing nations and we'd rather not spend more on miltary/defense than the next highest 26 countries combined, 25 of which are our allies.
We want to spend smartly, we want to re-emerge as a global leader in the 21st century and we want to have a good time. We want to be skinny, and we want to DIP.
Please repost if you support the above stated DIP values and goals.
High speed rail continued
High speed trains def mean 200+ mph. That it takes 7 hrs to travel b/t charlotte to richmond on rail is a joke. I understand there's not the density of travel is the SE as the more densely populated NE, but folks in urban areas in the southeast are no less sophisticated than our neighbors to the north. Atlanta has a highly sophisticated metro rail system, but we are discussing intercity ridership here. The NE certainly has more everyday biz riders than the SE due to population density and the proximity of major cities. However, as one or 2 anons said, we are looking to move fwd, not backward, and investing in our transportation system and catching up w/our international rivals is a huge investment in our future with tremendous future ROI.
Someone mentioned Obamacare is 20% of our annual spending, but that person is badly misinformed. Just like folks who say the bailout was wasteful spending by our government even though it's slated to turn a profit for the govt and reduce our national debt. That same person mentioned wasteful spending on unneccessary wars - a point w/which I wholly agree - and looking to our future I believe we are in for a long long bumpy ride if we don't begin to invest again at home.
Infrastructure, education, corporate regulation to protect citizens, and ensurance of healthcare rights for all are our most important priorities at home.
I would like to either see the GOP move back twd the center right and away from the ultra conservative, or we should just move to a multiparty system w/representation from everyone from the TP/Libertarian to the Green Party, to extreme lefists, as well. Americans comprise one of the largest citizen populations in the world, and there are certainly more than 2 political views. There's no longer any such thing as black and white, though many are disillusioned enough to believe there is.
Someone mentioned Obamacare is 20% of our annual spending, but that person is badly misinformed. Just like folks who say the bailout was wasteful spending by our government even though it's slated to turn a profit for the govt and reduce our national debt. That same person mentioned wasteful spending on unneccessary wars - a point w/which I wholly agree - and looking to our future I believe we are in for a long long bumpy ride if we don't begin to invest again at home.
Infrastructure, education, corporate regulation to protect citizens, and ensurance of healthcare rights for all are our most important priorities at home.
I would like to either see the GOP move back twd the center right and away from the ultra conservative, or we should just move to a multiparty system w/representation from everyone from the TP/Libertarian to the Green Party, to extreme lefists, as well. Americans comprise one of the largest citizen populations in the world, and there are certainly more than 2 political views. There's no longer any such thing as black and white, though many are disillusioned enough to believe there is.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Rail Transit
Contractors subsidize large projects by taking out loans and betting on their profitability, then bidding out work to subcontractors. When it comes to billion dollar and multimillion dollar govt projects, states can't always build the required revenue at home, so, as the top subcontractor, they rely on the big contractor (the feds) to help subsidize state run projects, i.e., infrastructure and transportation. Our rail system as it stands pales in comparison to the Euro rail network, which actually requires international cooperation - though geographically Western Euro govts placed on a North American map would be divided into several regions, some state and some regionally sized. Yet, they have a more developed and effiencient rail system than the US. If done properly, our rail system could rival the Euro system, but it would take a great investment into our national infrastructure.
I'm going home to VA for a wedding next week and debating an 8hr amtrack ride from CLT to Richmond vs a 4.5 hr drive. With a high speed, Euro style train system, I could be home in 2-3 hrs, including stops, likely for a few more dollars than the current Amtrak rate, though much less than airfare, which I'm not even considering since it costs 5-6 times more to fly home vs train or roads.
I much enjoy the train and I'd like rail travel to become a more efficient means for Americans to travel between cities, as well as within urban areas.
Improving our transportation networks - rail, air and highway - is an investment in our future, not stealing from the future.
The same can be said for investing in public school education and offering benefits to companies who actually manufacture products within our borders.
We live in a world nearly devoid of economic borders, and while we must continue to assert ourselves as an international leader in commerce, we cannot look to the outside world while turning our back on our domestic responsibilities.
In order to contine to be a great nation, we must have the foresight, the gall and the will to take care of home, first and foremost.
If we want to continue as a, nee, the premier nation in which to live in the world, we must take care of our own and grown and build our own resources.
I'm going home to VA for a wedding next week and debating an 8hr amtrack ride from CLT to Richmond vs a 4.5 hr drive. With a high speed, Euro style train system, I could be home in 2-3 hrs, including stops, likely for a few more dollars than the current Amtrak rate, though much less than airfare, which I'm not even considering since it costs 5-6 times more to fly home vs train or roads.
I much enjoy the train and I'd like rail travel to become a more efficient means for Americans to travel between cities, as well as within urban areas.
Improving our transportation networks - rail, air and highway - is an investment in our future, not stealing from the future.
The same can be said for investing in public school education and offering benefits to companies who actually manufacture products within our borders.
We live in a world nearly devoid of economic borders, and while we must continue to assert ourselves as an international leader in commerce, we cannot look to the outside world while turning our back on our domestic responsibilities.
In order to contine to be a great nation, we must have the foresight, the gall and the will to take care of home, first and foremost.
If we want to continue as a, nee, the premier nation in which to live in the world, we must take care of our own and grown and build our own resources.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
On Hard Hits in Football...Don't Turn the NFL into the NHL (No Hitting League)
Football is no more violent this year than it was a year ago or 2 or 5 or 10 years ago. Granted, players are bigger, faster and stronger than they were 30 or even 20 years ago (William "Refrigerator" Perry was among the first 300 lb players in his 1985 rookie year), but not so much more physically enabled than they were, say 10-15 years ago. In fact, if anything, players have become quicker and more nimble now as a necessary response to today's prevalent offensive style of play predicated on spreading the field and isloating mismatches, much like in today's NBA.
However, tackle football at every level, from peewee ball to high school, from college and to the pros, is a violent sport. To maintain the integrity of the sport, this can not be allowed to change.
Now, I understand and appreciate protecting players, especially those who are in defenseless positions - and the NFL and lower levels of football have correctly and admirably outlawed dangerous "horsecollar" tackles, chop blocking, etc. - but the NFL should not legislate against hard hits.
As an 8 year old association player and throughout my high school career, I was taught to move at full speed and to tackle with my head up, more for my safety than my opponent's. High speed hat-to-hat collisions were, and should be, discouraged, but "knocking your opponent's block off" and "puttin his you know what in the dirt" were encouraged and praised, as they should be.
Maybe helmets need to improve - perhaps everyone in a Steve Tasker helmet - and whatever happened to wearing neck braces to prevent whiplash?
I am all for enforcing punishment on dirty play, and the Merriweather (Patriots) helmet hit on Todd Heap was dirty and suspending him for a game would be justified, but fining and suspending professional football players for hitting too hard is antithethical to the spirit of the game.
Ronnie Lott's finger would roll in its jar...or wherever it ended up.
However, tackle football at every level, from peewee ball to high school, from college and to the pros, is a violent sport. To maintain the integrity of the sport, this can not be allowed to change.
Now, I understand and appreciate protecting players, especially those who are in defenseless positions - and the NFL and lower levels of football have correctly and admirably outlawed dangerous "horsecollar" tackles, chop blocking, etc. - but the NFL should not legislate against hard hits.
As an 8 year old association player and throughout my high school career, I was taught to move at full speed and to tackle with my head up, more for my safety than my opponent's. High speed hat-to-hat collisions were, and should be, discouraged, but "knocking your opponent's block off" and "puttin his you know what in the dirt" were encouraged and praised, as they should be.
Maybe helmets need to improve - perhaps everyone in a Steve Tasker helmet - and whatever happened to wearing neck braces to prevent whiplash?
I am all for enforcing punishment on dirty play, and the Merriweather (Patriots) helmet hit on Todd Heap was dirty and suspending him for a game would be justified, but fining and suspending professional football players for hitting too hard is antithethical to the spirit of the game.
Ronnie Lott's finger would roll in its jar...or wherever it ended up.
My thoughts on Broncos after Week 6 loss to the Jets
I thought Denver played well vs the Jets and would've won if not for the questionable PI call on Cox (Holmes put his hands on Cox first to get position which could have cancelled out the facemask) and even still had a chance till the bad shotgun snap to Orton by a rookie center. Still, I would’ve loved to win that game.
I’m cautiously optimistic about the 2010 Broncos, though, and think that in this year’s AFC West, with the Chargers playing poorly, the team has a chance eclipse 8-8 for the first time in 4 or 5 seasons.
At the start of the season, I said I’d be happy w/9-7 or 10-6 but could not reasonably expect any better. I mainly wanted to see improvement, and I have…especially w/the run game stepping up last week.
2011 is the bellweather year for Coach McD, and though I was critical of the young coach and the wholesale moves made by the team early on – I was admittedly angry at Bowlen for canning Shanny when we had the #2 offense in the league and really just needed a defenisve overhaul – I am now in his corner and buying into his system.
I think Josh McDaniels will be an outstanding coach and have a great career and hope he has the success in Denver to make it a long run and restore my Donkeys to the caliber of our glory days teams of the 80s and 90s.
I don’t expect to ever have another Elway come along, and we’d be lucky to get a second coming of TD in the next 10-20 years, but I feel good about the team and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and coming down to the wire with at least a chance to play a 17th game. That’s all I’m asking for…just a chance!
Go Broncos!
I’m cautiously optimistic about the 2010 Broncos, though, and think that in this year’s AFC West, with the Chargers playing poorly, the team has a chance eclipse 8-8 for the first time in 4 or 5 seasons.
At the start of the season, I said I’d be happy w/9-7 or 10-6 but could not reasonably expect any better. I mainly wanted to see improvement, and I have…especially w/the run game stepping up last week.
2011 is the bellweather year for Coach McD, and though I was critical of the young coach and the wholesale moves made by the team early on – I was admittedly angry at Bowlen for canning Shanny when we had the #2 offense in the league and really just needed a defenisve overhaul – I am now in his corner and buying into his system.
I think Josh McDaniels will be an outstanding coach and have a great career and hope he has the success in Denver to make it a long run and restore my Donkeys to the caliber of our glory days teams of the 80s and 90s.
I don’t expect to ever have another Elway come along, and we’d be lucky to get a second coming of TD in the next 10-20 years, but I feel good about the team and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and coming down to the wire with at least a chance to play a 17th game. That’s all I’m asking for…just a chance!
Go Broncos!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Get off your soapboxes, Boise Haters! aka, Hokies...
What is with all this vitriol I've seen spewed at the Boise State football team after beating Va Tech on Monday? It was a great game, Boise took advantage of early Tech mistakes (a fumbled qb exchange under heavy pressure from the Boise D-line), a block on a punt deep in their own territory (Beamer Ball?) and fell behind by 17 before managing to come back and take the lead. Boise St, though, came through down the stretch and won the game. It's called football. As for the Broncos' ranking...it's deserved based on what they've done in previous seasons and esp last season w/20 starters returning after an undefeated season and BCS bowl victory.
I still say, let's have a playoff of some sort, but don't hate on Boise State. Va Tech, you could've at least won what was essentially a home game in your own backyard.
I still say, let's have a playoff of some sort, but don't hate on Boise State. Va Tech, you could've at least won what was essentially a home game in your own backyard.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Football Season is here
College football season officially kicked off tonight and I couldn't be happier to watch games that actually count. I began the night watching USC East (the Gamecocks) demolish Southern Miss and now watching a tight Pitt v Utah game. USC West is playing Hawaii now over on ESPN, so once this Big East/Mt West nail biter is over, I'll be sure to switch over. Looks like this one could go to overtime, though.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Towns
Oh, Charlotte, NC. You're a tempstress. I'm a resident. I'm a lover of all you have to offer. Your golf courses. Your weather. Your major professional sports teams. Your music venues. And even your lakes. Try as I may to think I'm too far from the water, your lakes are right there. In my face.
Oh Richmond, you're so romantic, though, at least in my eyes. You host my family and many of lifelong friends. My traditions. The James River. The sunshine (not that Charlotte doesn't have it!). No matter what, you're still my "home." Or, at least, my hometown.
Who knows where I'll end up. Oh Denver. Oh San Francisco. Oh DC. Oh New York. Oh...Charlotte.
People are the connections to my hometown. Richmond. The town I miss and long for, though Charlotte has at least as much to offer. If only I could make the James flow a few hundred miles to the southwest. Lord.
Lord have mercy! There's something worse to ask for than choosing b/t a great place or 2 to spend your time.
Oh Richmond, you're so romantic, though, at least in my eyes. You host my family and many of lifelong friends. My traditions. The James River. The sunshine (not that Charlotte doesn't have it!). No matter what, you're still my "home." Or, at least, my hometown.
Who knows where I'll end up. Oh Denver. Oh San Francisco. Oh DC. Oh New York. Oh...Charlotte.
People are the connections to my hometown. Richmond. The town I miss and long for, though Charlotte has at least as much to offer. If only I could make the James flow a few hundred miles to the southwest. Lord.
Lord have mercy! There's something worse to ask for than choosing b/t a great place or 2 to spend your time.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Bounce around the room
So, I'm chilling here in North Carolina at the moment, sick of my job, missing home a bit, into music tremendously and on the verge, the precipice, the edge. There's the option of staying here and doing the same. Staying here and getting a new and more exciting job. Going back home to the place and people I love. Or picking it up and making a reactionary move to pick up and go to San Diego in 3 weeks. And either to stay or pick up and head over to Denver. And maybe just bounce around the room a bit. Eventually I want to settle down, not neccessarily to a place, though, but to people, to family. I could just up and bump around a bit though. Money I make here be damned, b/c it's not enough. Money I make there, we'll see. I'm not ever going to starve. I will never lack a roof over my head. If I pick up and go I will live a new life again. And this time there's no hesitation. I will live a new type of life. Bouncin round to world Bouncin round the US, at least.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Got ta do.
I want it all in life. I want fishing, I want family. I want music, I want sports. I want risk and I want stability. I want laid back without worry, I want action without injury.
I tend to glorify the lives of others, the folks I see on tv announcing the games, the musicians on stage traveling from town to town, the life my parents gave me growing up on the water...fishing, crabbing, sailing, clamming.
Oh boy, they were DOers! Just like I wanna be.
I have a decent job - no great shakes, but I enjoy it - but it's mediocre at best. I've always strived for more in life, more in daily life, and I typically haven't been afraid of making a change, but I have found that when a change is needed...and when it's most difficult to pull the trigger, it's the right time to pull it.
I'm a loyal sonuvabitch, no questions asked, and that can be a great attribute, but there are hundreds of times throughout life when it's just time to cut the cords and to take a risk, and that's the only way to get to the next level in life. Whether it's socially, spiritually, creatively, financially, physically, etc.
Sometimes, and definately, SOMETIME, a man has got ta do what a man has got ta do.
I tend to glorify the lives of others, the folks I see on tv announcing the games, the musicians on stage traveling from town to town, the life my parents gave me growing up on the water...fishing, crabbing, sailing, clamming.
Oh boy, they were DOers! Just like I wanna be.
I have a decent job - no great shakes, but I enjoy it - but it's mediocre at best. I've always strived for more in life, more in daily life, and I typically haven't been afraid of making a change, but I have found that when a change is needed...and when it's most difficult to pull the trigger, it's the right time to pull it.
I'm a loyal sonuvabitch, no questions asked, and that can be a great attribute, but there are hundreds of times throughout life when it's just time to cut the cords and to take a risk, and that's the only way to get to the next level in life. Whether it's socially, spiritually, creatively, financially, physically, etc.
Sometimes, and definately, SOMETIME, a man has got ta do what a man has got ta do.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
I had the best trip/vacation just a week ago to Gettysburg, PA. Toured the Gettysburg Battlefield and the museum and learned a ton about the famous Civil War battle, but also had a great musical experience at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival at Granite Hill. Saw performances from Mountain Heart, Blue Highway, The Seldom Scene, Infamous Stringdusters, Dehlia Low, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and Alison Kraus and Union Station, among many other great performers.
My dad recently purchased and has started playing/practicing w/the mandolin and I toyed w/it, as well, and have decided I could actually play a string instrument. Debating b/t the mando and the guitar. Leaning twd acoustic guitar. Opening my mind to all the possibilities.
My dad recently purchased and has started playing/practicing w/the mandolin and I toyed w/it, as well, and have decided I could actually play a string instrument. Debating b/t the mando and the guitar. Leaning twd acoustic guitar. Opening my mind to all the possibilities.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Crystal Bowersox - An American Idol for the ages
How did a blonde haired, dreadlocked cross between Jewel and Allison Kraus sneak into the American Idol competition?
I mean, how did a talent like hers go unsigned to a major record label before her audition on the show?
Granted, there are other talented performers on the show like Lee DeWise, Tim Urban and "Big Mike" Lynch, but Crystal Bowersox is in a class all her own.
I'm not a music producer, manager or critic, but I will tell you what my own ears hear. This girl is something special.
And though she may be among the best in the nation, I will tell you there are countless local and regional bands that will knock your socks off with more talent, charisma, live performance ability and chutzpah than 95% of the signed, recorded and played artists out there.
Crystal Bowersox is American music. She is soulful, genuine, edgy, herself, bluesey and even bluegrassy. She is that rare talent that makes your hair stand on end and your eyes go moist when you hear her voice.
I mean, how did a talent like hers go unsigned to a major record label before her audition on the show?
Granted, there are other talented performers on the show like Lee DeWise, Tim Urban and "Big Mike" Lynch, but Crystal Bowersox is in a class all her own.
I'm not a music producer, manager or critic, but I will tell you what my own ears hear. This girl is something special.
And though she may be among the best in the nation, I will tell you there are countless local and regional bands that will knock your socks off with more talent, charisma, live performance ability and chutzpah than 95% of the signed, recorded and played artists out there.
Crystal Bowersox is American music. She is soulful, genuine, edgy, herself, bluesey and even bluegrassy. She is that rare talent that makes your hair stand on end and your eyes go moist when you hear her voice.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Is the Tea Party Destined to Inspire That Which it Most Fears: A more European American Political System?
A few days ago, I read the April 16, 2010, USA Today article covering the Tea Party's 2010 Tax Day protests in DC (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-04-15-tea-party_N.htm), and I cannot comprehend the fervor based on factless misinformation propagated by this group.
I personally received the largest tax return I've ever gotten this year, as I'm sure many Tea Partiers also did, and I'm told 98% of Americans actually paid less taxes this year than last. Also, there are more tax credits and deductions for small business, middle-class citizens, and home and car buyers than I can remember.
I am all for the reemergence of the eroding Middle Class, reforming an antiquated Federal Income Tax first established in the 19th Century to support the war cause and since expanded with nearly every conflict, and SEVERELY lessening the power and influence of corporate lobbyists in DC.
However, the Tea Party seems, to me, to be a hoodwinked digital militia based on vitriol and coded language fueled by FOXy sound bite propaganda and fear-mongering rhetoric with a baseless agenda.
Do the TPs have a plan? Have they proposed a bill or a solution? Do they have a firm grasp on the Constitution which is also, quite possibly, a bit outdated? Do they care that Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave? And where were they from 2001-2008?
All that said, I'm not sure the Tea Partiers come without some benefit to American politics. The greatest contribution to the American politcal system I envision coming from the sanguinary voice of the TP's/Tea Baggers, is the inevitable emergence of other non-Dem/non-GOP/non-centrist groups, and hopefully parties, to extend the political discussion beyond the dominant two-party system traditionally, but now less so, battling from just over either side of middle.
Then, the Tea Partiers may find they have sparked the creation of that which they fear the most: a more European style of American governance.
I personally received the largest tax return I've ever gotten this year, as I'm sure many Tea Partiers also did, and I'm told 98% of Americans actually paid less taxes this year than last. Also, there are more tax credits and deductions for small business, middle-class citizens, and home and car buyers than I can remember.
I am all for the reemergence of the eroding Middle Class, reforming an antiquated Federal Income Tax first established in the 19th Century to support the war cause and since expanded with nearly every conflict, and SEVERELY lessening the power and influence of corporate lobbyists in DC.
However, the Tea Party seems, to me, to be a hoodwinked digital militia based on vitriol and coded language fueled by FOXy sound bite propaganda and fear-mongering rhetoric with a baseless agenda.
Do the TPs have a plan? Have they proposed a bill or a solution? Do they have a firm grasp on the Constitution which is also, quite possibly, a bit outdated? Do they care that Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave? And where were they from 2001-2008?
All that said, I'm not sure the Tea Partiers come without some benefit to American politics. The greatest contribution to the American politcal system I envision coming from the sanguinary voice of the TP's/Tea Baggers, is the inevitable emergence of other non-Dem/non-GOP/non-centrist groups, and hopefully parties, to extend the political discussion beyond the dominant two-party system traditionally, but now less so, battling from just over either side of middle.
Then, the Tea Partiers may find they have sparked the creation of that which they fear the most: a more European style of American governance.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Lefty
I just wanted to espouse on Lefty, aka, Phil Mickelson's triumphant victory at Augusta on Sunday. It was amazing...not really espousing, but just wanted to put it on the record. What an amazing victory, and Phil becomes our generation's Arnie.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
The War Was In Color - Carbon Leaf, lyrics
I've pasted links to the song, lyrics (which I've copied below) and comments below. I saw Carbon Leaf tonight in Charlotte and they performed this song, which is one of my favorites, and I completely lost myself. There are about 3 songs I hear in church that were played at funerals that choke me up everytime, and there's this song, which reminds me of my grandfather and the atrocities of war, and one by Dave Matthews, "The Maker," which reminds me of my grandmother, that get me every time. YOu owe it to yourself to listen to the song and read the lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P7umAnAcvE
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/The-War-Was-In-Color-lyrics-Carbon-Leaf/E57E2080CAB5947F482570DD001DFB5E
I see you've found a box of my things -
Infantries, tanks and smoldering airplane wings.
These old pictures are cool. Tell me some stories
Was it like the old war movies?
Sit down son. Let me fill you in
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo don't capture the skin
From the flash of a gun to a soldier who's done
Trust me grandson
The war was in color
From shipyard to sea, From factory to sky
From rivet to rifle, from boot camp to battle cry
I wore the mask up high on a daylight run
That held my face in its clammy hand
Crawled over coconut logs and corpses in the coral sand
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo don't capture the skin
From the shock of a shell or the memory of smell
If red is for Hell
The war was in color
I held the canvas bag over the railing
The dead released, with the ship still sailing,
Out of our hands and into the swallowing sea
I felt the crossfire stitching up soldiers
Into a blanket of dead, and as the night grows colder
In a window back home, a Blue Star is traded for Gold.
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo don't capture the skin
When metal is churned. And bodies are burned
Victory earned
The War was in color
Now I lay in my grave at age 21
Long before you were born
Before I bore a son
What good did it do?
Well hopefully for you
A world without war
A life full of color
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo never captured my skin
Once it was torn from an enemy thorn
Straight through the core
The war was in color
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P7umAnAcvE
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/The-War-Was-In-Color-lyrics-Carbon-Leaf/E57E2080CAB5947F482570DD001DFB5E
I see you've found a box of my things -
Infantries, tanks and smoldering airplane wings.
These old pictures are cool. Tell me some stories
Was it like the old war movies?
Sit down son. Let me fill you in
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo don't capture the skin
From the flash of a gun to a soldier who's done
Trust me grandson
The war was in color
From shipyard to sea, From factory to sky
From rivet to rifle, from boot camp to battle cry
I wore the mask up high on a daylight run
That held my face in its clammy hand
Crawled over coconut logs and corpses in the coral sand
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo don't capture the skin
From the shock of a shell or the memory of smell
If red is for Hell
The war was in color
I held the canvas bag over the railing
The dead released, with the ship still sailing,
Out of our hands and into the swallowing sea
I felt the crossfire stitching up soldiers
Into a blanket of dead, and as the night grows colder
In a window back home, a Blue Star is traded for Gold.
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo don't capture the skin
When metal is churned. And bodies are burned
Victory earned
The War was in color
Now I lay in my grave at age 21
Long before you were born
Before I bore a son
What good did it do?
Well hopefully for you
A world without war
A life full of color
Where to begin? Let's start with the end
This black and white photo never captured my skin
Once it was torn from an enemy thorn
Straight through the core
The war was in color
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Bobcats Continue Winning Ways In Epic Comeback Vs. Thunder on Jordan's First Day As Owner
Okay, so this isn't gonna be a full fledged article, but I just wanna say, "How about them Bobcats!" The team was down by 19 to a streaking OKC team and potential league MVP candidate, Kevin Durant, and they came back to win by 8 tonight going away. This team is for real, this team has heart and they play hard. They are a team that I'm proud to be a fan of and if they continue playing this way, I would not be surprised to see them not only make the Playoffs for the first time, but to advance. The only question is whether they can win on the road. They are great at home and improving away from Time Warner Cable Arena, but their overall win/loss record is much much better in Charlotte than when they play out of town.
This team has done as much as or more than any other team to improve through fortuitous trades thoughout the season and they are peaking at the right time. They've also been playing particularly well since Michael Jordan announced this intended purchase of the team (approved and ratified today) and it seems his presence on the bench, alongside players who grew up watching and idolizing the best to ever play the game, has helped the team's performance. This is a defensive minded team, this is a gritty team and this is a very very athletic team.
The Charlotte Bobcats have finally arrived on the NBA scene and, hopefully, they are here to stay.
This team has done as much as or more than any other team to improve through fortuitous trades thoughout the season and they are peaking at the right time. They've also been playing particularly well since Michael Jordan announced this intended purchase of the team (approved and ratified today) and it seems his presence on the bench, alongside players who grew up watching and idolizing the best to ever play the game, has helped the team's performance. This is a defensive minded team, this is a gritty team and this is a very very athletic team.
The Charlotte Bobcats have finally arrived on the NBA scene and, hopefully, they are here to stay.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
American Idol
American Idol is back! Watching the Top 12/Rolling Stones tribute show right now and as Randy would say, "Yo! Yo! Yo dog! That was hot!" Favs so far are Tim Urban and Siobaon Magnus. Lee DeWise is lookin good too and looking fwd to the last few performances.
Why a Ship is Called a She
This is one of my favorite simple stanzas and it's framed and hanging above my toilet, so I'm constantly reminded.
WHY A SHIP IS CALLED A SHE
A ship is called a "she" because she's all decked out and usually pretty well stacked. She has pleasing lines from stern to stern, and there's generally a gang of men around her.
It's not her initial cost which breaks you, it's upkeep. Her riggin costs a fortune, and she always looks her best in a new coat of paint.
Bows and bells are standard equipment and sometimes she wears a bonnet. There's usually a lot of bustle about her, but she usually manages to show off her superstructure to advantage.
When entering hom port she heads straight for the buoys. When sailing she usually knows her destination, but this is not common knowledge. When you want to attract her attention a whistle's the signal.
Once you really get to know her you never want to leave her. On a balmy night, or a calm moonlit night, she can make tired men forget their troubles.
Finally, she has as many tricks and treats as any woman, and consequently it takeks a very capapble man to handle one properly.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
WHY A SHIP IS CALLED A SHE
A ship is called a "she" because she's all decked out and usually pretty well stacked. She has pleasing lines from stern to stern, and there's generally a gang of men around her.
It's not her initial cost which breaks you, it's upkeep. Her riggin costs a fortune, and she always looks her best in a new coat of paint.
Bows and bells are standard equipment and sometimes she wears a bonnet. There's usually a lot of bustle about her, but she usually manages to show off her superstructure to advantage.
When entering hom port she heads straight for the buoys. When sailing she usually knows her destination, but this is not common knowledge. When you want to attract her attention a whistle's the signal.
Once you really get to know her you never want to leave her. On a balmy night, or a calm moonlit night, she can make tired men forget their troubles.
Finally, she has as many tricks and treats as any woman, and consequently it takeks a very capapble man to handle one properly.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Brady Quinn to the Broncos
QB Brady Quinn was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Denver Broncos today for RB Peyton Hillis and a future 6th round draft pick.
As a Broncos fan, I approve this trade.
Denver has a solid backfield with 2009's leading rookie rusher, Knowshon Moreno, returning but the Broncos need help at QB and Quinn will be a welcome competitor to try to unseat single-term incumbent Kyle Orton.
Orton is a solid, Trent Dilfer-esque quarterback who makes few mistakes and can manage the game as long as he is supported by a strong rushing attack and a top shelf defense, both of which he enjoyed early in the 2009 season, but the former Chicago Bear field marshall lacks the ability to stretch the field with his arm.
With Orton at the helm, Denver's offense is limited and struggles to put up huge offensive numbers, as was evident last season.
Quinn will enter Denver's training camp with the opportunity to compete for the starting spot and he should benefit from Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels' tutelage at the QB position.
Cleveland should benefit from this trade, as well, by improving their back field.
Peyton Hillis is a solid and shifty, if not spectacular, runner and has had success at times in the league, most notably during a late season stretch during the 2008 season in which he had several impressive performances before being injured, including a performance against the New York Jets in which he rushed for well over 100 yards and scored a couple of TDs at the Meadowlands.
Though Quinn is not yet a polished NFL quarterback, he has the potential to become a very good football player.
The former Notre Dame All-American possesses the physical tools required for NFL success and he has the arm strength and accuracy to make the throws required of a top flight professional quarterback.
Quinn merely needs to demonstrate that he can do so at the highest level.
Denver is amontg the league's elite at the receiver position as long their existing trio of Brandon Marshall (doubtful), Eddie Royal (almost certain) and TE Tony Scheffler (hopeful) remains intact, and Quinn has the arm strength to help Royal return to his first year form in which ex-Bronco signal caller Jay Cutler helped the former Virginia Tech wideout set the NFL rookie record for most catches in a season.
Either Denver quarterback stands to benefit greatly from the afformentioned mile high value targets as long as each remains in the Mile High City for the 2010 season.
That notwithstanding,I would still like to see the Broncos move up high enough in the 2010 NFL Draft to select to select Texas Longhorns QB, Colt McCoy.
This time of year, though, we can only wait and see.
As a Broncos fan, I approve this trade.
Denver has a solid backfield with 2009's leading rookie rusher, Knowshon Moreno, returning but the Broncos need help at QB and Quinn will be a welcome competitor to try to unseat single-term incumbent Kyle Orton.
Orton is a solid, Trent Dilfer-esque quarterback who makes few mistakes and can manage the game as long as he is supported by a strong rushing attack and a top shelf defense, both of which he enjoyed early in the 2009 season, but the former Chicago Bear field marshall lacks the ability to stretch the field with his arm.
With Orton at the helm, Denver's offense is limited and struggles to put up huge offensive numbers, as was evident last season.
Quinn will enter Denver's training camp with the opportunity to compete for the starting spot and he should benefit from Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels' tutelage at the QB position.
Cleveland should benefit from this trade, as well, by improving their back field.
Peyton Hillis is a solid and shifty, if not spectacular, runner and has had success at times in the league, most notably during a late season stretch during the 2008 season in which he had several impressive performances before being injured, including a performance against the New York Jets in which he rushed for well over 100 yards and scored a couple of TDs at the Meadowlands.
Though Quinn is not yet a polished NFL quarterback, he has the potential to become a very good football player.
The former Notre Dame All-American possesses the physical tools required for NFL success and he has the arm strength and accuracy to make the throws required of a top flight professional quarterback.
Quinn merely needs to demonstrate that he can do so at the highest level.
Denver is amontg the league's elite at the receiver position as long their existing trio of Brandon Marshall (doubtful), Eddie Royal (almost certain) and TE Tony Scheffler (hopeful) remains intact, and Quinn has the arm strength to help Royal return to his first year form in which ex-Bronco signal caller Jay Cutler helped the former Virginia Tech wideout set the NFL rookie record for most catches in a season.
Either Denver quarterback stands to benefit greatly from the afformentioned mile high value targets as long as each remains in the Mile High City for the 2010 season.
That notwithstanding,I would still like to see the Broncos move up high enough in the 2010 NFL Draft to select to select Texas Longhorns QB, Colt McCoy.
This time of year, though, we can only wait and see.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Train Sporting - A Tale of 2 Days
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
6:14A: I awake with slight urge to get out of bed much much earlier than normal, glance at my alarm clock, and notice my alarm clock is going to go off in less than 1 minute.
6:15A: You guessed it...EEEECCCKKKK!! EEECCCKKK!!! EEECCCKKK!!! EEECCCKKKK!!!! I'm already out of bed.
6:25A: I fix coffee and a bagel and turn on morning news to hear the neighboring apartment complex has been fighting a 4 alarm fire for the past 3 hours. Good thing I didn't move into that place!
6:45A: Hop in for a quick shower...it turns into a 10 minute shower as that hot water feels too good early in the morning.
7:00A: Out of the shower, dressed, and pulling all my bags together to head out for the train station. All aboard and pulling out of the station in 40 mins. Google maps tells me I'm 11 mins away by car. I actually like being up early. It's the first 5 mins of waking up and getting out of bed that always pose the biggest problems.
7:15A: Pulling out of my parking spot and on my way to the station. Fire trucks and police cause me to detour slightly but GPS puts my arrival time 10 mins before departure.
7:20A: Little to no traffic...I'm good.
7:24A: Uh-oh. I think I made a wrong turn. Confusing exit ramp sign placed just behind side street. Yep, I made a wrong turn. Nuvi recalculate! I'm still on pace to get arrive at the station a few mins before departure, but I'm cutting it close. And I know it.
7:28A: Uh-oh and a few expletives. In a scene reminiscent of the Griswolds' European vacation, I circle the same block 3 times b/c my GPS' 2008 maps don't account for the 1-year old mixed use property I'm am now driving through and around as it keeps telling me to pull into the parking deck. I may as well pull in and stay a while. Train station ETA is now 3 mins beyond scheduled departure.
7:32A: FUBAR. SNAFU. Status quo.
7:36A: Finally, I've broken free from the vortex. I think watching that Discovery Channel special on whirlpools may have just helped save my life, or at least gotten me out of this GPS and driver-inflicted roundabout and back on track. To the tracks! There's little point, though, unless the train is running about 10 minutes late, which it rarely does.
7:47A: Arrival! I pull into the carpark and sprint into the station. Any chance my train hasn't left? Nope, it departed a minute late, or 6 mins ago. Any chance I can make it to the next stop in Kannapolis? The ticket window workers all laugh as one gentleman says, "Son, that train is going 75-80 mph and doesn't have any traffic to contend with. Unless you plan on driving like Mr. Kannapolis himself, the late, great Dale Earnhardt,Sr. and can somehow avoid getting a ticket and/or crashing into a wall, I'm gonna say no." I consider this for a moment and then remember that I drive a 10-year old Jeep Cherokee. The time for denial and wishful thinking has passed. I am forced to accept the fact that...
7:50A: I'm not going home today. Oh well, at least a nice lady working the window printed a ticket for me to use tomorrow. Next train to Richmond departs in 23h50m.
7:51A: I walk outside, call a friend to tell my story about how I missed the train and I suddently realize that I'm up early and it's a beautiful day. I'm going golfing.
10:45A-5:45P: 18 holes of golf. I shoot close to 90 and love my new putter and chipper. I was rolling them in from all over the place. Renaissance is a tough course and I'm confident I will play consistenly in the 80s this spring with just a bit of practice. A couple rounds of softball bp. I swing and miss at first 5 pitches. I've gotten too used to hitting a ball just sitting there still on the ground. Loosen my grip, open my stance, and improve my patience. I don't miss for the rest of this round or the next and begin hitting laserlike shots into the gaps. Vinnie's on S. Blvd. Oyster Po'Boy and a $1 ice cold domestic bottle. Mmmmmm. Zzzzzz. Time to go home and sit on the couch.
6:00P-Midnight: Couch. Nap. Shower. Catch up on dvr. Nap. Idol. Bobcats. Write article. LOST. I reflect on the day and smile to myself as I realize all the pros and cons of Jimmy Time have been encapsulated into one topsy-turvy, exhausting, and incredibly full and enjoyable day.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
6:12A: Really? 2 mins earlier? I'm gonna snooze at least once this time, though, b/c I'm all packed and ready to roll.
6:15A: EEECCCKKK!!! EEECCCKKK!! EEECCCKKK!!! Snooze.
6:22A: Same as above.
6:29A: I'm up, I'm up! Abbreviated version of yesterday morning.
7:03A: On the road. Headed back to the Charlotte Amtrak station.
7:18A: I made it.
7:30A: On the train. Mama, I'm coming home.
7:40A-Noon: Coffee. Paper. Movie. Sandwiches. Music. Stretch. Take pics to post on fb and document trip. I really like taking the train. I also somehow managed to sit by myself despite the cab nearly reaching capacity in Raleigh. I cleared out the window seat, then kept my head down, Bose headphones over my ears and my eyes fixated on a very boring Val Kilmer "suspense" movie called Double Identity. Val's love interest is sexy (Isabella Mika? Miko? Something like that...) but that's about it. If you haven't see it, rent The Saint instead.
12:05P: Begin writing this blog and spread out now that the train unloaded about half our cab in Wilson.
12:30P: Publish post and...Naptime.
12:31P: I remember this train doesn't have wi-fi. Guess I'll publish it when I get home. Gonna walk around the train now, then...Naptime.
4:00P: Back home in RVA!
6:14A: I awake with slight urge to get out of bed much much earlier than normal, glance at my alarm clock, and notice my alarm clock is going to go off in less than 1 minute.
6:15A: You guessed it...EEEECCCKKKK!! EEECCCKKK!!! EEECCCKKK!!! EEECCCKKKK!!!! I'm already out of bed.
6:25A: I fix coffee and a bagel and turn on morning news to hear the neighboring apartment complex has been fighting a 4 alarm fire for the past 3 hours. Good thing I didn't move into that place!
6:45A: Hop in for a quick shower...it turns into a 10 minute shower as that hot water feels too good early in the morning.
7:00A: Out of the shower, dressed, and pulling all my bags together to head out for the train station. All aboard and pulling out of the station in 40 mins. Google maps tells me I'm 11 mins away by car. I actually like being up early. It's the first 5 mins of waking up and getting out of bed that always pose the biggest problems.
7:15A: Pulling out of my parking spot and on my way to the station. Fire trucks and police cause me to detour slightly but GPS puts my arrival time 10 mins before departure.
7:20A: Little to no traffic...I'm good.
7:24A: Uh-oh. I think I made a wrong turn. Confusing exit ramp sign placed just behind side street. Yep, I made a wrong turn. Nuvi recalculate! I'm still on pace to get arrive at the station a few mins before departure, but I'm cutting it close. And I know it.
7:28A: Uh-oh and a few expletives. In a scene reminiscent of the Griswolds' European vacation, I circle the same block 3 times b/c my GPS' 2008 maps don't account for the 1-year old mixed use property I'm am now driving through and around as it keeps telling me to pull into the parking deck. I may as well pull in and stay a while. Train station ETA is now 3 mins beyond scheduled departure.
7:32A: FUBAR. SNAFU. Status quo.
7:36A: Finally, I've broken free from the vortex. I think watching that Discovery Channel special on whirlpools may have just helped save my life, or at least gotten me out of this GPS and driver-inflicted roundabout and back on track. To the tracks! There's little point, though, unless the train is running about 10 minutes late, which it rarely does.
7:47A: Arrival! I pull into the carpark and sprint into the station. Any chance my train hasn't left? Nope, it departed a minute late, or 6 mins ago. Any chance I can make it to the next stop in Kannapolis? The ticket window workers all laugh as one gentleman says, "Son, that train is going 75-80 mph and doesn't have any traffic to contend with. Unless you plan on driving like Mr. Kannapolis himself, the late, great Dale Earnhardt,Sr. and can somehow avoid getting a ticket and/or crashing into a wall, I'm gonna say no." I consider this for a moment and then remember that I drive a 10-year old Jeep Cherokee. The time for denial and wishful thinking has passed. I am forced to accept the fact that...
7:50A: I'm not going home today. Oh well, at least a nice lady working the window printed a ticket for me to use tomorrow. Next train to Richmond departs in 23h50m.
7:51A: I walk outside, call a friend to tell my story about how I missed the train and I suddently realize that I'm up early and it's a beautiful day. I'm going golfing.
10:45A-5:45P: 18 holes of golf. I shoot close to 90 and love my new putter and chipper. I was rolling them in from all over the place. Renaissance is a tough course and I'm confident I will play consistenly in the 80s this spring with just a bit of practice. A couple rounds of softball bp. I swing and miss at first 5 pitches. I've gotten too used to hitting a ball just sitting there still on the ground. Loosen my grip, open my stance, and improve my patience. I don't miss for the rest of this round or the next and begin hitting laserlike shots into the gaps. Vinnie's on S. Blvd. Oyster Po'Boy and a $1 ice cold domestic bottle. Mmmmmm. Zzzzzz. Time to go home and sit on the couch.
6:00P-Midnight: Couch. Nap. Shower. Catch up on dvr. Nap. Idol. Bobcats. Write article. LOST. I reflect on the day and smile to myself as I realize all the pros and cons of Jimmy Time have been encapsulated into one topsy-turvy, exhausting, and incredibly full and enjoyable day.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
6:12A: Really? 2 mins earlier? I'm gonna snooze at least once this time, though, b/c I'm all packed and ready to roll.
6:15A: EEECCCKKK!!! EEECCCKKK!! EEECCCKKK!!! Snooze.
6:22A: Same as above.
6:29A: I'm up, I'm up! Abbreviated version of yesterday morning.
7:03A: On the road. Headed back to the Charlotte Amtrak station.
7:18A: I made it.
7:30A: On the train. Mama, I'm coming home.
7:40A-Noon: Coffee. Paper. Movie. Sandwiches. Music. Stretch. Take pics to post on fb and document trip. I really like taking the train. I also somehow managed to sit by myself despite the cab nearly reaching capacity in Raleigh. I cleared out the window seat, then kept my head down, Bose headphones over my ears and my eyes fixated on a very boring Val Kilmer "suspense" movie called Double Identity. Val's love interest is sexy (Isabella Mika? Miko? Something like that...) but that's about it. If you haven't see it, rent The Saint instead.
12:05P: Begin writing this blog and spread out now that the train unloaded about half our cab in Wilson.
12:30P: Publish post and...Naptime.
12:31P: I remember this train doesn't have wi-fi. Guess I'll publish it when I get home. Gonna walk around the train now, then...Naptime.
4:00P: Back home in RVA!
Charlotte Bobcats Are Contenders...Maybe (OK, Definitely) Not for the Title, But Certainly for the Eastern Conference Playoffs
The Charlotte Bobcats have arrived. They are relevant both in the NBA and in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are finally, dare I say it, Players.
With a gutty, catlike 82-78 win over the visiting Miami Heat tonight, the Bobcats are seriously in the Playoff race for first time in the franchise's nearly six year history.
With 20 games remaining in the regular season, Charlotte's 31-31 record is good enough for 7th place in the NBA's Eastern Conference, meaning that if postseason play started tomorrow, Larry Brown's team would be booking a flight to Orlando and the Bobcats would be Playoff participants for the first time ever.
More than 18,000 fans poured into Time Warner Cable Arena tonight for the third straight game, but this time they didn't come to see Kobe Bryant and the Lakers or hometown hero and current Golden State Warrior Steph Curry, as they did on consecutive Friday and Saturday nights last weekend.
Okay, so perhaps a few tickets were sold because Michael "Heir" Jordan goes to the games now and has become a familiar face at the far end of the Bobcats bench in recent weeks since becoming the team's presumptive majority owner, but still, tonight was different.
Tonight was a Tuesday night in Charlotte, a night in which the Bobcats typically play host to much smaller crowds. Tonight, fans showed up en masse to support their Charlotte Bobcats.
Charlotte trailed most of the game after the Heat got off to a quick start and held a 30-20 lead after the first quarter, but the Bobcats out hustled, out scrapped and out rebounded the Heat to win each of the last 3 periods.
In fact, the NBA's 2nd best scoring defense held Miami to under 20 points in each remaining period, including a game low 12 points in the decisive fourth quarter, and a total of just 30 second half points.
The Bobcats' Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace fought especially hard defensively to contain the Heat's Dwayne Wade in the second half and Charlotte finally took and protected its first lead since early in the first quarter on a Raymond Felton three pointer late in the final period.
Though Felton later missed the first of two free throw attempts that could have secured victory in the game's waning moments, he was the Bobcats' offensive star tonight with 15 points and 11 assists.
Fortunately, teammate Boris Diaw bailed out his point guard's charity stripe gaff with a pair of made free throws just seconds later to give Charlotte its victorious 4-point margin.
Perhaps more importantly, though, the Charlotte Bobcats reminded players, fans and teams around the nation and the Tarheel state that this is basketball country, even at the professional level.
HOOKS, UPPERCUTS AND BODY BLOWS:
*The energy at TWC Arena was transparent through the television and I could feel the energy from the 18,000-plus in attendance shouting "D-Fence! D-Fence!" throughout the last 7 or 8 minutes of the 4th quarter as if this were a pivotal playoff game, or at least a meaningful regular season contest, which it was.
**I've been to 5 Bobcats games this season, including Steph Curry's return to the QC last weekend, and the atmosphere has been great all season, but with the playoffs on the line, it's getting better each night.
***The Lakers/Warriors/Heat trio of games may have done for professional basketball in Charlotte what the Winter Olympics did for hockey in the US a couple of weeks ago and what the World Cup does every four years. Hopefully the Bobcats can build on their momentum to solidify and further expand their fan base.
****Charlotte may have recent homecourt victories over Kobe's L.A. Lakers and LeBron's Cleveland Cavaliers, but tonight's come from behind win over the visiting Heat and the league's third superstar, D-Wade, stands alone as its best win of the season. Tonight's performance was special because it was such a hard fought and pivotal contest for both teams vying for postseason berths, and the Charlotte Bobcats won.
*****Good riddance George Shinn, get the hell outta the way Bob Johnson and get real nice and comfortable at the end of the Bobcats bench, Mike!
With a gutty, catlike 82-78 win over the visiting Miami Heat tonight, the Bobcats are seriously in the Playoff race for first time in the franchise's nearly six year history.
With 20 games remaining in the regular season, Charlotte's 31-31 record is good enough for 7th place in the NBA's Eastern Conference, meaning that if postseason play started tomorrow, Larry Brown's team would be booking a flight to Orlando and the Bobcats would be Playoff participants for the first time ever.
More than 18,000 fans poured into Time Warner Cable Arena tonight for the third straight game, but this time they didn't come to see Kobe Bryant and the Lakers or hometown hero and current Golden State Warrior Steph Curry, as they did on consecutive Friday and Saturday nights last weekend.
Okay, so perhaps a few tickets were sold because Michael "Heir" Jordan goes to the games now and has become a familiar face at the far end of the Bobcats bench in recent weeks since becoming the team's presumptive majority owner, but still, tonight was different.
Tonight was a Tuesday night in Charlotte, a night in which the Bobcats typically play host to much smaller crowds. Tonight, fans showed up en masse to support their Charlotte Bobcats.
Charlotte trailed most of the game after the Heat got off to a quick start and held a 30-20 lead after the first quarter, but the Bobcats out hustled, out scrapped and out rebounded the Heat to win each of the last 3 periods.
In fact, the NBA's 2nd best scoring defense held Miami to under 20 points in each remaining period, including a game low 12 points in the decisive fourth quarter, and a total of just 30 second half points.
The Bobcats' Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace fought especially hard defensively to contain the Heat's Dwayne Wade in the second half and Charlotte finally took and protected its first lead since early in the first quarter on a Raymond Felton three pointer late in the final period.
Though Felton later missed the first of two free throw attempts that could have secured victory in the game's waning moments, he was the Bobcats' offensive star tonight with 15 points and 11 assists.
Fortunately, teammate Boris Diaw bailed out his point guard's charity stripe gaff with a pair of made free throws just seconds later to give Charlotte its victorious 4-point margin.
Perhaps more importantly, though, the Charlotte Bobcats reminded players, fans and teams around the nation and the Tarheel state that this is basketball country, even at the professional level.
HOOKS, UPPERCUTS AND BODY BLOWS:
*The energy at TWC Arena was transparent through the television and I could feel the energy from the 18,000-plus in attendance shouting "D-Fence! D-Fence!" throughout the last 7 or 8 minutes of the 4th quarter as if this were a pivotal playoff game, or at least a meaningful regular season contest, which it was.
**I've been to 5 Bobcats games this season, including Steph Curry's return to the QC last weekend, and the atmosphere has been great all season, but with the playoffs on the line, it's getting better each night.
***The Lakers/Warriors/Heat trio of games may have done for professional basketball in Charlotte what the Winter Olympics did for hockey in the US a couple of weeks ago and what the World Cup does every four years. Hopefully the Bobcats can build on their momentum to solidify and further expand their fan base.
****Charlotte may have recent homecourt victories over Kobe's L.A. Lakers and LeBron's Cleveland Cavaliers, but tonight's come from behind win over the visiting Heat and the league's third superstar, D-Wade, stands alone as its best win of the season. Tonight's performance was special because it was such a hard fought and pivotal contest for both teams vying for postseason berths, and the Charlotte Bobcats won.
*****Good riddance George Shinn, get the hell outta the way Bob Johnson and get real nice and comfortable at the end of the Bobcats bench, Mike!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
New Digs
Hi, I'm Jimmy.
Well it's been over a year since I last (and first) posted on here, but I've decided to start a blog. Errr...restart a blog. I'm mostly doing it for myself, though also for whomever is interested, just to put my thoughts and experiences out on public record, though I will continue to keep my own personal journal for the random drib drab and those super secret and disturbing thoughts I'd prefer to ink in pen and keep in a safe. Hopefully one, or the combination of both, will turn into a book deal one day.
Anyhow, this entry is about my new digs in Charlotte, NC. I've lived in the QC this time for right about a year and some days and finally moved into my own place in a neighborhood I selected for all the right reasons after living in other peoples' homes for I don't know how long. Actually, I do know, and it's been a long time. I love it here, though, and I'm adjusting quite well to living on my own (though the first post-move-in rent check hasn't had to be cut yet and I'm spending like crazy!).
I moved in a week ago and I've already seen a drastic improvement in my quality of life. My back porch sitting has increased exponentially, I am slightly less embarrassed to walk around my apt naked and I've found myself to be exceedingly neater, which seems to be a bit of a anomaly (oxymoron wasn't the right word, was it?) since before I needed to be concerned w/my housemates' needs. Either way, I've swept, vaccuumed and wiped more in the last 7 days than I did in the past 7 months! My sleeping habits and enhanced-water consumption haven't improved much just yet, but I am confident they will as I settle comfortably into my new adobe...I mean, abode.
Since moving in, I've purchased a new putter - which I can now practice with on my non-slick carpets which are about 10 times slower than most Charlotte area greens, but my stroke is pure! - I've taken the Lightrail to Uptown for an NBA game in which the hometown Bobcats defeated a couple Golden State Warriors' Charlotte natives and fan favorites Anthony Morrow and Stephen Curry, and broken into my own apartment after locking myself out on the front porch on opening night. To be fair to myself, I didn't really lock myself out, but the non-secured security bar on my sliding glass door decided to drop into the wrong place during an outdoors visit and it's since been removed. I won't tell how I got back in, but it involved a coathanger and MacGyver intuition.
I'm also excited about having my own place in a cool neighborhood b/c it means I can write more often - this blog, for instance, in addition to my sports articles, screen plays and to-do notes - experience more of the surprisingly diverse culture Charlotte has to offer, listen to my upstairs neighbors "get it on" and, hopefully, bring home more ladies of my own.
Finally, I am looking forward to going home to the great Commonwealth of VA this week to visit friends and family, eat a few home cooked meals and bring home the final pieces of furniture, nick nacks and my family's version of Garfield, aka, Max, to truly make this place home. Does that mean I'm responsible for scooping his litter box everyday now?
Anyhow, I'm also looking forward to blogging more on this page about sports, politics, food, life and whatever I feel like typing and sharing it w/whomever gives a dame...no, that's damn.
Cheers!
Well it's been over a year since I last (and first) posted on here, but I've decided to start a blog. Errr...restart a blog. I'm mostly doing it for myself, though also for whomever is interested, just to put my thoughts and experiences out on public record, though I will continue to keep my own personal journal for the random drib drab and those super secret and disturbing thoughts I'd prefer to ink in pen and keep in a safe. Hopefully one, or the combination of both, will turn into a book deal one day.
Anyhow, this entry is about my new digs in Charlotte, NC. I've lived in the QC this time for right about a year and some days and finally moved into my own place in a neighborhood I selected for all the right reasons after living in other peoples' homes for I don't know how long. Actually, I do know, and it's been a long time. I love it here, though, and I'm adjusting quite well to living on my own (though the first post-move-in rent check hasn't had to be cut yet and I'm spending like crazy!).
I moved in a week ago and I've already seen a drastic improvement in my quality of life. My back porch sitting has increased exponentially, I am slightly less embarrassed to walk around my apt naked and I've found myself to be exceedingly neater, which seems to be a bit of a anomaly (oxymoron wasn't the right word, was it?) since before I needed to be concerned w/my housemates' needs. Either way, I've swept, vaccuumed and wiped more in the last 7 days than I did in the past 7 months! My sleeping habits and enhanced-water consumption haven't improved much just yet, but I am confident they will as I settle comfortably into my new adobe...I mean, abode.
Since moving in, I've purchased a new putter - which I can now practice with on my non-slick carpets which are about 10 times slower than most Charlotte area greens, but my stroke is pure! - I've taken the Lightrail to Uptown for an NBA game in which the hometown Bobcats defeated a couple Golden State Warriors' Charlotte natives and fan favorites Anthony Morrow and Stephen Curry, and broken into my own apartment after locking myself out on the front porch on opening night. To be fair to myself, I didn't really lock myself out, but the non-secured security bar on my sliding glass door decided to drop into the wrong place during an outdoors visit and it's since been removed. I won't tell how I got back in, but it involved a coathanger and MacGyver intuition.
I'm also excited about having my own place in a cool neighborhood b/c it means I can write more often - this blog, for instance, in addition to my sports articles, screen plays and to-do notes - experience more of the surprisingly diverse culture Charlotte has to offer, listen to my upstairs neighbors "get it on" and, hopefully, bring home more ladies of my own.
Finally, I am looking forward to going home to the great Commonwealth of VA this week to visit friends and family, eat a few home cooked meals and bring home the final pieces of furniture, nick nacks and my family's version of Garfield, aka, Max, to truly make this place home. Does that mean I'm responsible for scooping his litter box everyday now?
Anyhow, I'm also looking forward to blogging more on this page about sports, politics, food, life and whatever I feel like typing and sharing it w/whomever gives a dame...no, that's damn.
Cheers!
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