Christmas Movies - Best and Worst

I know that most of these have something profound to say but, right now, I'm in one of those "holiday" moods. You know........just want to drift and think of simple things.....like my best and worst Christmas movies.
Let me get the worst out of the way first. Starting my top 5 would have to be "Santa Claus - The Movie" starring Dudley Moore. It was billed as a Christmas blockbuster back in the early 80's wih its effects, etc. Well.......what a bomb. Dudley Moore as the elf who saves Christmas. Imagine that!
At number 4, Deck the Halls with Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick......need I say more with that combination in the same movie. At #3, Jingle All the Way.....at least now, Arnold has something else to do. #2....Bad Santa - Billy Bob Thornton as Santa.....Yikes!!....I figure any Santa movie that you can't show to kids has to be on this list! And my number one worst Christmas movie is pretty recent...the infamous "Fred Claus" with Vince Vaughan, who, I think, somewhat redeems himself in Four Christmas's, by the way.
Now, on to my favorites.....I have alot that could have made this but I'll just give my top 5...at #5, Scrooged....Bill Murray's monologue about Christmas Eve is worth the whole movie......at #4....The Christmas Story...even though we will see this, ad nauseum, on TBS, it still captures so well what goes though a young boy's mind at Christmas time. And tell me you still don't howl at the "leg" lamp. #3 is probably in everyone's top 5 - "It's a Wonderful Life"....for obvious reasons.......#2, and this was close..."National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"......so many good scenes and lines in this movie....my favorite is when Clark's feet go through the ceiling while he was in the attic. Watching him trying to get warm from the air of the house was hilarious! And....(drum roll)...my #1 Christmas movie of all time is a pretty recent one but it's one that always brings out the "kid" in me every Christmas - Polar Express....which contains one of the all time great Christmas songs in Josh Groban's "Believe".
Yes, there are those that almost made it.....Tim Allen's "The Santa Clause"...or his one with Jamie Lee Curtis "Christmas with the Kranks"..the ORIGINAL "Miracle on 34th Street"...."Home Alone" (the first one"....David Stern steals the movie, in my opinion as Joe Pesci's criminal accomplice. There are more but I'd like your list. Let me know and, hey,....have a Merry Christams!!! Believe! (Did you hear the bell?)

Less Christmas Cards Than Ever

Call me old-fashioned....old school...whatever...but I miss that glut of Christmas Cards that would have arrived by now during past Christmas seasons. Because, now, we have instant ways of being in contact (see Facebook and Twitter), the idea of sending a greeting card is slowly, but surely, disappearing (an actual study has the statistics to prove this!). And, no, I don't count those "E-Cards", either. That, to me, is a second-rate way of letting someone know you were thinking of them. What that tells me is that you WERE thinking of them.....for about 10 seconds...fast enough to send a card via e-mail and then you can move on to the next thing in your life. An actual, MAILED, greeting card means that person took some time and effort to find and send something to you to express his/her feelings to you - even if they may be superficial. It's the fact that they made the effort. That means something......at least it does to me. Let's not let go of all of the old holiday traditions. This is the season to give thanks and appreciate all that you have and all who may be close to you. Let's take the time......send a card! And....yes...Merry Christmas!

There Is a Time and Place for Everything

Most of you don't know but, last week, while I was the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville for our annual broadcsat from there, a specific incident occurred involving Billy Ray Cyrus and one of the other radio stations at the broadcast. As most of us may have heard, Billy Ray and his wife announced that they were divorcing several weeks ago and, then, it surfaced that his wife had been unfaithful to him and had been involved with an ex-rock star. The broadcasts at the CMA awards are very much artists being, literally, herded through a maze of radio station broadcast areas to spend a maximum of 5 minutes with each participating station mostly talking about the awards, their music and, maybe, a few other fun things. The reason Bily Ray Cyrus was being paraded through the area was that he had released an updated version of his 90's hit "Some Gave All" in time for Veterans' Day later that week. Well, this one, particular radio station decided to, right out of the chute, ask Billy about the divorce. Of course, his reaction was less than positive.
Since that time, people in our industry have been debating whether or not the question should have been asked and, more importantly, whether or not we should treat artists with "kid gloves". I mean LOTS of debate.
Here's my bottom line: Do listeners want to hear an artist try to "squirm" out of a situation or would they rather learn something they didn't know about that particular artist? I suggest the latter. There are enough tabloid shows to deal with that. (I will tell you I get embarrassed for my profession every time I see someone go too far even on one of these shows). We are, for the most part, radio DJ's and not even close to the stature of Mike Wallace or anyone else on "60 Minutes" so let's act accordingly. Let's give the listener something new about this person. Let's make them feel close to the artist rather than uncomfortable.

Walking Through The Union Mission

Had a chance to take a tour of the new Union Mission headquarters here in Hampton Roads. I must say those folks are doing some nice work but there is still more to accomplish. Tomorrow (11/11), all day, 97.3 The Eagle will be asking you to donate $38 on your credit card in order to feed 20 people this holiday season who are hungry and hurting in this community.
Before the tour, I had a picture of alot of single men who are homeless and need the help but it was touring the family section of the Mission that really hit me. Seeing little beds made very nicely with stuffed animals on the beds drove home the fact that we're talking about lots more women and children this year. One of the directors at the Mission told me that amount of families being helped by Union Mission has grown the most of any group. I read in the newspaper several weeks ago that the biggest need this holiday season is not clothing.....it's FOOD! I can't help but think of the little children with their moms there at the Mission just trying to get through each night. Please help us when we ask you to call in or go online and donate. We have lots to be thankful for this holiday season so why not pass some of that thanks on to someone who needs to be encouraged.

IT ALL CHANGES WHEN YOU PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE

Our business is one of the more (if not, most) volatile out there. The question "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" lives loud and clear with us on a daily basis. With that come some fairly unique pressures, especially on a daily basis now since our business has, technologically, changed so much in the past 10 years. It's very easy to carry the pressures and stress into other areas of your life. Leave it to an 11-year old to shed some very specific light on that. When you hear that this question had been asked, "Is Daddy going to be sad again tonight?", you definitely sit up and take notice. You realize what REALLY takes precedence in your life and it's not those everyday pressures. What those really represent are God's way of helping each of us grow. What you have to realize is that you will not be ultimately judged on how long or hard you worked; or how much profit you helped generate or how high your ratings have gone. You WILL be judged on how you treated your fellow human beings; on how much positive influence you have had on someone/anyone; on how much you loved and lived as a breathing example of the Christian ethic. When you put THAT all in perspective, those "sad" days will be disappearing faster than can you say "done"!

The Cheers Do Help

I had my brother, sister-in-law and niece visit this past Labor Day weekend - the main occasion being my niece wanting her dad and I to run with her in the annual Rock & Roll Half-Marathon here in Virginia Beach. I ran a couple of marathons (2 Dallas and 1 Boston) about 20 years ago and did a half-marathon at Nauticus in Norfolk back in '04 so it's been a while but I accepted. What the heck!
I will tell you that 20 years DOES make a difference in the pain you feel, for sure. It's 13.1 miles so I had to make sure I was ready for some pain because I experienced it, for sure, during several training runs..... nothing strong enough to stop running but enough to play with your head and try to CONVINCE you to stop. So I made sure I had my I-Pod shuffle ready to go with lots of good "running" music. I bought a special set of earbud headphones that would stay in no matter what. I wanted to "get lost in the music" while I ran. The music did wind up helping somewhat. I finished in the top 40& - a slow time, but I finished. I have to tell you that it wasn't as much the music as it was all those folks cheering along the route. Not one face was recognizable BUT the encouragement was genuine and you had to feel it. Every time I would run past a larger crowd or group, any pain subsided and I was able to glide for that particular distance. The finish line area was totally awesome as far as those cheers were concerned. As "Feeling Stronger Everyday" by Chicago played in my head, ironically, the crowd was thick and loud at that finish area and they were the main reason I finished the last 100 yards in a dead sprint. So....if you ever hear anyone say that the crowd did not affect them, don't believe it. A crowd of positive, encouraging folks DOES make a difference. If you were part of that crowd Sunday at the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half-Marathon, here's a special thanks from one participant for helping me finish strong! You all deserve a medal!

And They Call Themselves Parents

My wife related a story to me yesterday that I have to pass on to you and, maybe, just maybe, two of the folks reading this are the parents in question.
My wife and one of her friends to the beach several days ago (bayside) to enjoy a little bit of sun and, of course, company. As she describes it, the day at the beach was coming to an end so she and her friend went out into the water one last time. The ventured out to about 4 feet or so in depth. As they spoke, my wife faced the shore and her friend, the bay. Suddenly, my wife's friend had a look close to panic on her face and pointed to her left. My wife turned and saw a little girl, who couldn't have been more than 3 years old, literally, fighting for her life in that 4 feet of water after falling off of the "boogie board" she was on. She was NOT wearjing a life vest and there was no one within 20 yards of her. My wife hurried over to this little girl and, literally, scooped her up. The little one had taken in some water so there was alot of coughinh and, then, crying. My wife looked around and saw two children, probably early teens, floating on their boards on their backs not even noticing. As she walked to the shore, my wife saw a group of people whom she assumed has something to do with this little girl. Keep in mind that this little girl is still crying and scared out of her mind after fighting to stay afloat out as far as she was.
As my wife approached the group, she asked who the mother might be. Another woman walked up to her and pointed to another woman in the group who still hadn't noticed her crying little girl in my wife's arms. The woman, who approached, took the little girl and walked back to the group. No "thank you" or anything for my wife. Then, the whole group began berating the two young teens in the water for not watching the little girl close enough (look at the example these two kids had!).....and, then, they all went back to their group "discussion" never acknowledging my wife or her friend for, pretty much, saving the little girl from drowning.
Whe she told me this story, I couldn't help but remember a line from the movie "Parenthood" from, all of all people, Keanu Reeves, which I'll paraphrase - "You have to get a license to drive, heck you even need a license to fish but they'll let anyone be a parent".
One can only wonder how this will affect the little girl. I do hope parents eventually realized the error of their ways.

You Want Me Out fo Danger But You Still Want Pictures

Late last afternoon and night (7/29), we had some horrendous storms in the Hampton Roads area - several tornado warnings, flash floods, big thunderstorms with lots of lightning.......it was, as the paper said this morning a "Super Soaker". Of course, we provided some coverage of it, with our limited staff, on our radio stations. I monitored the TV stations so we could get a feel for the storm from the various meteorologists. During this whole process, one thing struck me. Here we were, in the midst of several tornado warnings, and they're telling us to take cover, yet, in the same breath, they ask for us to send any pictures in that we might have taken. I'm trying to wrap my arms around that one. Go to cover but make sure you peak out and send us some of what's happening outside near you. I actually saw one home-made video of someone walking in the rain, wind, etc., IN A HALF OF A FOOT OF WATER while the warning was still on!!!! Then, they showed a reporter knee deep in another flooded area as she walked through it. As THAT report ended, they wondered aloud why so many people were out. Ya think?
Wouldn't be a good idea to recommend cover and then, when the storm subsides, THEN, ask for the pictures and video? I really believe they are sending mixed signals in an attempt to get eyewitness accounts. I'm in favor of sacrificing sensationalism for bit in the name of safety. How about you?

Hot Enough for Ya?

Okay, what are oyu going to do when the next person comes up and says "Hot Enough for Ya"?.....answer "Yes" and see what happens. Stops them in their tracks.
So what do you when it's this hot? Swim?.....you still have to deal with the heat when you get out of the pool or lake or ocean.
Here's a thought...use it to spend some time INSIDE with a loved one or two and play a board game (not to be confused with "bored" game), watch a movie together or just talk to each other (there's something novel). This is a great chance for all of you NOT to go your separate was with your separate agendas. Use the time wisely and I'll bet it'll reap some future benefits.

No One Is THAT Important

Now that it's four days after "The Decision", I have digested all that's happened in Miami, Cleveland and points in between. Of course, it may be contradictory if I did admit that I did watch Lebron James one-hour ESPN special, especially, after I reveal my feelings about this whole situation. I guess I would have had to seen something in order to have any opinion, don't you think?
I watched as a man turned away from his home area because, as he said, he wants to win multiple championships. Who knows if that will happen? Only time will tell, of course, and, when I bring up the names of Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant (all of whom had opportunities to leave their original team and didn't), you see the deck is stacked against Lebron.
Over and above all of that is how I saw this man, literally, lose sight of himself as this story unfolded. His "handlers" (as we learned) approached ESPN about the 1-hour special. He handpicked (and paid) the so-called "journalist" doing the interview - a man I thought had LOTS more scruples than this - Jim Gray. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with the decision the man made. I am flabbergasted by the manner in which he did it! Lebron James lost sight of where received his talent to play basketball. He lost sight of what's most important to HIM! To top it all off, 13,000 screaming fans fueled his "self-centerdness" the next day at a "rally" in Miami.
Is anyone really this important? In my lifetime, I know of only one and He IS the One! Hopefully, some day, before it's too late, Lebron James will realize this.

Wrong Place Wrong Time

Now, the holes in Michael Vick's story about his birthday party last weekend begin to surface. Whether they are real "holes" or not, remains to be seen BUT it is obvious this man STILL hasn't learned. Why would you put yourself in a position to be in public at a party with hundreds of people you do or do not know? I noticed they charged $50 a ticket to get in to the party. What they didn't do is screen every guest so anyone, with the money, could get in. And that means "anyone"! What were Michael and his "advisors" thinking? This has nothing to do with his involvement in the situation there or not. It is more to do with thinking through everything he is doing. His livelihood is at stake here. I'm sure if it were you or I, we may be thinking twice (or three times) about putting our jobs in jeopardy. There is no second chance for this man and I have a feeling this thing is about to blow up - justifiably or not. We can only hope that this is a close call for the man and he learns that this whole "party" thing is not a good idea.

Spend the Time Before Its Too Late

Last week I had the pleasure of being in Nashville (what else is new these days for me?)for the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Fest. We were involved in live broadcasts for both,BUT - that wasn't the main reason I was there. I was getting some "Daddy-Daughter" time with my grown daughter. As I booked my trip, I decided to get her into Nashville at the same time. She'd never been there so this would be a great experience for her with all the events of the week. On top of all that, we hadn't had Daddy-daughter "alone time" in about 20-25 years. It was long overdue.
What a week we had!!! We were both totally comfortable doing this and just enjoyed the week. Lots of great memories packed into a little over 3 days. The one main thing that came to mind when it was over was let's do this again so we plan to do it - same time, same place, next year.
What I learned from the week is that I shouldn't have waited this long to do this. 25 years? I am darn lucky we're both still here after that long to enjoy each other's company. I know, now, that this same "daddy-daughter" time needs to be taken with my 11-year old, too. And not in 25 years!!!!
My advice to you if you're a parent...or, heck, even if you are a child? Make the time for your parent(s)or child (children). Make the time to spend with them privately. Enjoy their company and savor every moment. I'm sure glad I got to do that before it was too late!

The Power of the Human Spirit

I've spent the past couple of days in Nashville on business and, while here, of course, I had a chance to take a look at some of the damage from the floods of two weeks ago. There were some very sad sights - one which, particularly, struck me was seeing the side of a brick home blown out by flood waters. It looked as if it had exploded. What I also noticed were people helping each other. Neighbors helping one person with his collapsed garage. A group of folks assisting another couple with moving out some furniture.
The common theme with all of this was the fact that all of these folks were moving forward; doing what they could to make things better. You can feel it in the city from the mayor on down. Driving through most of the town, one would never know that that alot of it was under water two weeks ago. Shows you what can happen when all differences are put aside for one common good. Skin color didn't matter; religious or political persuasion was totally insignificant. No one complained about being ignored. The community has just banded together to get it done and they are.
I've seen this before right here in Suffolk two years ago and when Hurricane Isabel hit almost 7 years ago. It's the power of the human spirit.

Just a Very NIce Observation

In my position and business, I get to experience some things that some don't get to experience in a life time. This past weekend, I was privileged to, not only be in the audience for the Martina McBride/Trace Adkins concert, but I was also, with my wife and a couple of others, given the added privilege of sitting in the sound board area to watch the show. That turned out to be a memorable experience but NOT for the reason you might think. You see, Martina McBride's husband, John, is her sound engineer. He controls the sound board for her part of the show. He is one of the best in the business being the man behind the legenday Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Trace Adkins rocked as he normally does and then the show took a bit of a turn, obviously, with Martina with lots of love songs, ballads, etc. There was one point in the show when Martina made her to the back of the arena to a small circular stage right by, you guessed it, the sound board. Again, the memory is not what you might think. As Martina sang several of her exceptional love songs, I couldn't help but notice John running the controls and turning back looking at Martina with a loving smile. He did this over and over again and that's when it occured to me that this is the same show she has been doing since the beginning of the year, week in and week out, yet there was John looking at her proudly and lovingly on what was the 10th or 11th week of the show plus probably the 10th or 11th YEAR he's been doing this with her. That my friends is total, true love. He sees the same thing over and over again from his wife yet still shows the real feeling he has for her. It was a fabulous show and that was the icing on the cake. Take the time to notice those everyday things that you have always loved about your loved ones. I'll bet you'll be smiling proudly and lovingly.

Nothing Like Being There In Person

In case you haven't figured it out, I'm a huge sports fan. Love watching them all, especially live and in person. And nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to being at a live, professional baseball game. Here, we are fortunate to have a Minor League Triple-A team, the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles affiliate). Got to my first game this season recently and walking into a ballpark conjures up all kinds of memories. You've got the smell of freshly cooked hot dogs and french fries; two big rosters of players warming up for the game; LOTS of souvenirs. PLUS - no hot dog tastes better than one that is served and eaten at a ballpark. It's totally psychological but it's the best!
Every time I walk into a minor or major league ballpark, I'm reminded of the first time I ever walked into one - in my case, the old Connie Mack Stadium in Phildelphia. What a feeling seeing all of that - the fans, the players in the white and bright red Phillies' uniforms and, of course, the chance to pick out the stars from each team and just stare in awe. Plus, you know what?....every game I've attended, I can tell you, I was into the game, the atmosphere and the experience. Any job issues, family "things" or personal problems all were forgotten for that time period. Spring and baseball - what a combination! Enjoy it when you can.

Find Out Who Your Friends Are

Listen to the words of Tracy Lawrence's song "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" (with Tim and Kenny). If that doesn't hit home for you at some point in your life, nothing will.
If there haven't already been, you can be guaranteed there will be times when things aren't going as well for you as they may be now. It may be your job, your marriage, your kids, whatever. Something in your life will present some serious challenges for you. It is times like these(those)that you really find out who your friends are. Don't accept the "It's Just Business" excuse ever. If they are a friend, they are a friend in business, too. There are too many fair-weathered friends out there with whom to waste your time. You find out who those folks are during the trying times. Believe me, I have whittled down my share of "friends" through this process. The "It's just business" folks are no longer in any address book of mine. I want friends I can count on no matter what and vice versa.
Remember the ones who were absent when the chips were down and, especially, remember those who were there with you when those chips were all but gone. I salute my true friends and am thankful for each of you each day of my life. I know now who they are, for sure!

It's Been A While So Some Random Observations

It's been a while since I graced you with one of my blogs so I thought I would just throw out some random observations over the past few weeks:
1) I'm trying to understand why the U.S. Census Bureau sends out a warning to you that they will be mailing your Census form to fill out. I was trying to imagine how much that set us (the taxpayers) back, financially. PLUS, they also send press releases every week to us to make sure we also remind you. I would think that the releases are a bit cheaper than the mailed reminders, don't you? And why wouldn't they suffice?
2) Interesting what's happening with the Norfolk Public Schools and the alleged cheating with the SOL's. Makes me wonder how many other school systems in this country may be doing the same thing with these standardized tests. Do you think maybe it would be better to actually TEACH the kids? Seemed to work okay for past generations.
3) Is it me or is the American Idol TV show a shell of what it used to be? The talent doesn't appear to be as well-rounded and the judges have overtaken the show. I think Ellen DeGeneres is a refreshing addition in one sense but what makes her an expert on music? Last I checked she hasn't written, sung or produced any hit music. Imagine what it will be like without Simon.
4) Finally, in the past 6 months, I have been travelling alot - particularly to Nashville and back. I'm part of a neat, little monthly industry gathering which has been very rewarding BUT what I have realized with all of these trips is how much I really appreciate my family. I really miss the nights I do spend at home with my wife and 11-year old. Those are alot more rewarding than what I'm doing here, although this has been an excellent learning experience. I had the opportunity to spend 3 days, earlier this week, with the little one for her Spring break. What a joy that was to just "hang" with her. Out for lunch....doing a little "sightseeing" or getting my clock cleaned in Wii Sports Resort, it will be a lasting memory! I have a grown daughter, too, and I wish I had spent that time with her when she was growing up but I had been more concerned with being upwardly mobile in my job- more like obsessed. She never complained but I know it had to bother her. Now,I think very differently. Priorities have changed. If you haven't had the same talk with yourself, you should. Very enlightening.

What a Week So Far

This has been one heck of a Country Radio Seminar, especially with music. Yesterday, we had the fortune of seeing Universal Music Group's entire roster perform, at least, one song on stage - Easton Corbin, Mallary Hope, Ryan Bingham (up for Oscar for song from "Crazy Heart"), David Nail, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Billy Currington, Vince Gill(!)and Sugarland. George Strait and Shania were the only no-shows. David Nail was awesome and what a thrill to see Vince Gill. Then., I had the chance to sit with Jason Aldean in an intimate setting in his suite with just a few folks. He is the next superstar for sure. Today, at lunch, Danny Gokey gave me a preview of what we will see at Eagle Winterblast 2010 on March 21st at Hampton Coliseum. You won't want to miss him. (BTW - He will perform on next Thursday night's American Idol show). Following Danny?....Alan Jackson who played for a good half hour including a new cut off his forthcoming album about the working man - typical AJ, of course!
Then, tonight, we were on the General Jackson for a show put on by the Sony Music folks. Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Josh Thompson, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood performed...then Brooks and Dunn got on stage and were joined by 80's superstar Bryan Adams for "Summer of '69". Then Bryan did a solo of his hit "Run To You". He and Carrie Underwood sang his hit "It's Only Love" and, finally, Brad Paisley jumped onstage for "Cuts Like a Knife". Another great night.
We also found out that Brad's concert at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater will have a "water" theme with some water "events" around the venue. Also, on the show will be Josh Thompson, Darius Rucker and Justin Moore. WOW!!!
More to come tomorrow night.

FIRST NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend the Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner honoring some DJ's, radio managers and Brooks & Dunn for Career Achievement. Two big momemts - Taylor Swift came onstage to intro one of the DJ's (no, not Jimmy Ray!). The second was Dierks Bentley performing with the bluegrass band, The McCoury's, and doing a blue grass version of "Red Dirt Road". Really cool rendition and you can tell that Dierks really likes the bluegrass thing. Don't be surprised if he hits town with this band and does a bluegrass show some time soon.
Big disappointment? Brooks and Dunn came on to accept their award and didn't even do a song, acoustically. Would have really enjoyed that considering every Career Achievement winner prior to this year has performed, at least, one song. Quite underwhelming just to hear them speak.
Biggest news so far is that Ronnie and Kix are BOTH working on solo projects to come out later this year or early next year. Lots of neat stuff tomorrow as the seminar really gets rolling.

WAS HE SINCERE OR NOT? SHOULD WE CARE?

I was one of the millions, obviously, who watched Tiger Woods' televised apology yesterday and, like others, I watched again a couple of more times just to see if my first reaction would stick....and it did. I know it was somewhat orchestrated and very controlled. I know it was Tiger reading from a piece of paper. I know there were to be no questions. So I listened and watched. And I listened and watched....AND I listened and watched. Three times. Same reaction. The man did what he needed to do for us, the viewing and listening public. He has no responsibility to us beyond that. He apologized;he took full blame and responsibility;he knows that he let everyone down. I'm satisfied with that. And we ALL should be. What drove me crazy (and being in the media, it was somewhat embarassing to watch and hear) were all the "reactions" and "analysis" of what each "expert" thought of this. Enough! Let's now move on and pray that the man can get his life straight, turn himself around and, most of all, become that family man he said he wants to be. What happens now is between Tiger, his wife and the rest of his family. It is no one else's business. How about we nake sure our own live's are headed in the right direction?

SPEAKING OF FURLOUGHS AND PAY CUTS.........

Our schools in the Hampton Roads area are living through a bit of paranoia this week after our new Governor's announcement of some massive budget cuts in the state, particularly in education. My wife is a state employees who works within a school system here and has relayed to me how stressful the week has been for teachers, administrators, and other school staff members. It led me to wonder, first of all, how many of THESE people are actually responsible for the state's high deficit. I am going to guess barely 0.5%, if that. Yes, it's the state government, who set these past budgets and did the actual spending who gets away, somewhat, scott-free! The same applies, obviously, to our federal government. Have we seen ANY senators or congressman taking pay cuts or unpaid holdays ("furloughs" as they are called)? If there is one, please tell me. These folks are the ones responsible for our government's budget being in the state it is yet we (and especially educators) are the ones who suffer. I think we would all be able to handle this situation in a more positive sense, if we saw our own lawmakers sacrificing as we are. Somehow, I don't feel this is a team effort. Let's hope we don't permanently debilitate our education system with these cuts.

Is the Big Game Really Super?

Have you noticed all of the advertising that refers to the Super Bowl as "The Big Game"? The NFL has certain restrictions on the use of the name "Super Bowl" since they have it trademarked. They don't permit anyone using the name for any type of financial gain UNLESS, of course, you are a Super Bowl sponsor - meaning you're willing to shell out the millions it costs to be one.n That's okay, of course!
Let's be real here! Does it really make that big of a difference if a local TV store sells their TV's for "The Big Game" or the "Super Bowl"? We all know what the "Big game" is (unless we've been under a rock for the past month). Heck, this event is so big that someone in Congress has even brought up the consideration of making the following Monday a holiday. The Super Bowl IS an American event so why should we not be able to capitalize on it. We do for Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, etc. So, if somebody decided to trademark Valentine's Day and follow the same restrictions as the NFL, would advertisers have to refer to that day as "Your Day of Love" in lieu of the trademarked name? Ridiculous.
So, I'm having a Super Bowl party during which I'll be playing various "games" that require participants to drop a small amount of cash into a "kitty". Since there is possible financial gain there, is the NFL coming to my house on Sunday to present a "cease and desist" order? Or YOUR house? If so, they better get busy printing up about a million! Of course they won't. How can they police it if we all just decide how ridiculous this trademark is and just call the "Big Game" what it is - THE SUPER BOWL!!! Enjoy your Super Sunday.
(BTW - I'll take the Saints!)

One Sad Observation

My 11-year old is not into sports. She claims if she has to sweat, that isn't good. So, our definite "girly-girl" has become a cheerleader. (Between you and I, I won't tell her that you sweat twice as much and work twice as hard doing this!). Because of her decision, my wife and I get to see her cheering at weekly basketball games and we get to see the games from a very different perspective. We get to see how some parents really can be an encouraging force in a young child's life and how some can be a definite negative influence, too. It's the latter that makes me write this today. Last night, we had the "misfortune" of sitting next to a man who thought he was Dean Smith and John Wooden all rolled into one. (For those who don't know, they are Hall of Fame, retired college basketball coaches.) This man had two 11-year olds playing in this game and, throughout the game, he persisted in chastising each of the boys for not "going to to ball" or "hustling down the court". At one point, when one of the boys had an open shot as the ref blew his whistle for a foul on the other side of the court, he turned and said. "He wouldn't have made it anyhow". We withstood his frustrating grunts and groans throughout the game and I watched as the boys would look over at him on the court with both fear and embarrassment. I watched two other sets of parents constantly encourage their children whether it be for something good or for some on court mistake. It didn't matter to them. They were just happy to see their sons having fun playing a game. The man next to us, though, was treating this game as if it were the NCAA Championship. Little did I know that the worst was yet to come. After the game had ended and everyone was filing out to their respective transportation, here was this man berating the two boys for their play on the court. The boys were tired, frustrated and, you can tell, once again, embarrassed by his display. As they walked away, I could hear him say that this was "constructive criticism". I did all I could to stay away. All I could do was leave with a sad feeling as to how this night will affect those boys in future games and in the future, in general.
Let this be a lesson to all of us who are parents. Let's remember to allow our children to make mistakes and learn from them. Let's allow our children to be what they are, children. Let 'em have some fun before they really grow up.

HOW PROMINENT WAS THIS STORY?

Okay, so we hear, day in and day out, about this athlete or that athlete blatantly breaking the law or doing something else that sheds a negative light on them. Of course, those stories are PLASTERED all over the paper and our TV screens. Well, here's a story that merited 3 paragraphs in the paper and not ONE mention on ESPN News this morning.
Did you see what Hampton Roads' native (and former NBA Star) Alonzo Mourning has done to help the Haitians? He and current NBA star Dewayne Wade established The Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund and, with the help of a number of athletes, raised $800,000 in a matter of a weekend. NBA stars Lebron James, Chris Paul and Wade all donated $100,000 or more. They, along with Alonzo are known for their philanthropy, but now check out the other names on the list: Gilbert Arenas of the NBA's Washington Wizards (for those who don't know, he's the NBA player who brought unloaded guns into his team's locker room recently); Donte Stallworth (Remember him? The NFL suspended him for the year for a DUI accident that killed a pedestrian); Michael Vick (Need I say more here!); Patriots' Receiver Randy Moss (Never considered a saint by anyone), Buffalo Bills' receiver Terrell Owens (he's the one who has a habit of wearing out his welcome everywhere he plays)and many more from both the NBA and the NFL. Okay, so some of the athletes, I have mentioned, are not angels BUT here's living proof that they are actual human beings who believe in improving the human condition but, since it wasn't negative news, we'll have to search to find it and that, to me, speaks volumes. So, let's cut these athletes a break and give them SOME credit for having a heart. This is one media guy who wants the world to know.

IS THIS REALLY A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME?

Texas and Alabama tonight for the BCS Division 1 college football championship. Strart time? 8:37pm! 8:37PM!!!!!!!!!!! You and I both know that , by the time they kick off, it'll be close to 9 so you're talking a game that won't end until around Midnight. Last I checked most of us have school or work tomorrow. Heck, even the NFL takes our workday into consideration, at least, for the Super Bowl with a 6:20pm start. This is THE college football version of the Super Bowl. What are they thinking? Or is this just me? Well, I guess I'll see the highlights tomorrow morning because there is NO way I'm up for the end of this one....not to mention any youngsters who just might be football fans. Nice to see that college football has followed the lead of Major League Baseball's World Series.