All Things Witham

Lorenzo Charles, 1963-2011

2011-06-27T21:04:00.000-04:00

Grocery Wars: Which store is winning the battle in Richmond?

2011-06-20T21:47:00.001-04:00

Well, apparently adding beer and opening seven days a week doesn't quite win over the Richmond shopper. Actually, it only made Martin's "just like everyone else".....

Food Lion took over the market share lead in Richmond from Ukrops back in 2009, mostly because they have double the amount of stores in the area. This brick and mortar advantage kept Food Lion ahead in 2010 as well.

A few thoughts....

1) This market is up for grabs. Even with the remodeling of many of their stores, Food Lion is nothing special. There's no personality, and no driving force product-wise that makes me think, "I want to go to Food Lion". I think about going to Martin's because of the salad bar, or the Ukrops fried chicken. I love Kroger's macaroni salad. Food Lion? Eh.........

2) Martin's, as I mentioned on this blog a year ago when Martin's came to town, is Giant with another name. And Giant died in Richmond once before.....they may have some "Ukrops" products, but they have the charm of.....well, Food Lion.

3) Kroger is expensive as crap.

4) Walmart has cheaper prices. But I hate Walmart. I go when I HAVE to. Keyword: HAVE.

5) It's funny watching these other guys fighting for the 3 to 6 percent market share (CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc....). For all the talk about organic foods, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's barely make up two percent of market share. Yes, I know they have hardly any locations, but the way I hear people talk, you'd think there were lines out the door of those places constantly....

6) Farm Fresh needs to pack it in.

Click on the title link, see the numbers broken down, and tell me what you think, where you shop, and has it changed in this "Post-Ukrops" Richmond....

How Obama Got Elected... Interviews With Obama Voters

2011-05-31T19:12:00.000-04:00

Here is the biggest stumbling block to making Barack Obama a one-term President.

Barney Frank knocked on his Fannie

2011-05-26T13:28:00.001-04:00

You MUST read paragraph #2 of this article (click on the title link). Frank argues his point, and by doing so, proves the point of many of his critics, including myself. BOTH political parties see Washington through this nasty prism and it is a major reason why we are in the $14 trillion debt mess we find ourselves in.

The new "in" word in Washington needs to be "recuse".

KATV Little Rock Pre-empts Oprah Finale With Storm Coverage

2011-05-26T11:52:00.001-04:00

Awwww.....too bad Oprah fans. Some Little Rock viewers are incensed when they can't watch the finale of their favorite TV show. Click on the title link for some of their choice comments to local station KATV.

A gentle reminder--TV and radio stations are licensed by the FCC. When those licenses are up for review and renewal, a major component is whether the owner of said station "acted in the public interest".

It is much, much more "in the public interest" to warn thousands of people of life-threatening weather than it is to run a talk show. The primary purpose of TV and radio locally is to INFORM. Secondary is entertainment.

People who whine that their show is preempted when tornadoes are all around them are, in my opinion, a bag of fries short of a Value Meal, if you know what I mean.

Somehow I don't think alot of people in Joplin, Missouri cared about whether the Oprah finale aired in their market yesterday. They were busy with this.

Stifling dissent on a bumper sticker, Back to the Future of 1967, and Vince McMahon blew it big time.....

2011-05-23T21:52:00.004-04:00

So, if you don't like political or controversial talk, you might want to skip over this entry......

1) Media Matters Goes After Fox News----Again.....

Usually the people who scream for tolerance are the most intolerant. Such is the case with Media Matters and their friends on the uberleft, who now offer the masses bumper stickers that say "Turn Off Fox: Bad News For America". I've seen two of them on the road in recent days and it reminded me of the following.....

I watch ALL cable news channels. I still believe CNN beats the tar out of Fox News when breaking international news takes place (and Fox was AWFUL last night when the Joplin tragedy came to light. CNN was all over it, while Fox dedicated its time to the Casey Anthony case). But the bottom line is, anyone who takes the actual time to watch the channels have to admit (as a new Suffolk University survey shows) that Fox is, indeed, the most trusted and fairest news organization on television.

It's simple. If I disagree with a Keith Olbermann or Rachel Maddow or whoever on the left, I can offer my opinions and rebuttals. But one thing I've never done, and never will do, is call for their removal from the public square.

The fact that Media Matters wants people to "Turn Off Fox", all the while pressuring advertisers to leave them as well, proves that they can't handle dissent. They can't handle when people disagree with them. You see, Media Matters knows what's best for you. Don't you understand that? Just give them your life and your brain and everything will be just fine.........

Be weary of ANYONE who wants opinion stifled, and speech eliminated. There's always a reason, and it's never a good one.

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2) Obama says "Welcome Back to 1967".........

I shake my head listening to all the Obama zombies in the media yelling and screaming about how "all the President did last week by invoking the 1967 borders is to publicly use a starting point for negotiations that have been in talks privately for YEARS!!"

Apparently, pointing out that a new idea is not "new" makes it right. Good. Acceptable. Great for all parties. I mean, my Lord, we are talking the Democratic Messiah, right, so he has to have the solution!

Jimmy Carter got Anwar Sadat and Menacham Begin together at Camp David in 1978 for about 12 days, and, in the end, we got the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty. The Camp David Accord. What did it produce? Sadat's assassination three years later, and 33 years of, at best, a cold peace, all the while Israel having to fend off the other Palestinian haters around them.

The same ones who want to play Pac-Man and eat up more real estate to place their mortal enemy in a position to be eliminated.....

....which is what Hamas wants anyway. Just read their charter sometime.....

Prime Minister Netanyahu schooled Barack Obama in the White House last week. I loved every minute of it. The realist, the man on the ground in the Middle East who knows the realities, knows the threats to his people, took the Harvard professor to school in Middle East Reality 101.

Just because George W. Bush privately discussed a proposal doesn't mean it's good.

President Obama squarely placed his ball in the court of the Arabs. No surprise there. Apparently over the 20 years he spent not listening at Rev. Jeremiah Wright's church, an issue not brought to his attention was the history of Israel and how God will protect His people, no matter what.

And taking America away from Israel can only mean bad things for America.

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Now, from a totally different universe.

Vince McMahon, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Please, spare us the "too little, too late" idea of posthumously inducting the late Macho Man Randy Savage in 2012. It would just be that.

What a horrible injustice, a horrible shame.

The meteroric rise of the then "WWF" was built on the shoulders of three wrestlers in the 1980s: Hulk Hogan (the hero), Andre The Giant (the villain), and Randy Savage, the one who could be counted on to pick up the big ball and run with it.

Thus was the case in 1988 when, smartly, McMahon realized Hogan couldn't be champion forever, and created circumstances whereby Wrestlemania IV was headlined by a tournament for the WWF Championship. And Savage, without having to face Hogan, got to wear the strap.

And he did it well. Then, when the inevitable turn to heel in early 1989 occurred to place him and Hogan in the main event at Wrestlemania V, Savage did a tremendous job, realistically portraying the heel character in a way today's wrestlers can only dream of.

And I haven't even discussed his Wrestlemania III match against Ricky Steamboat, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest matches, if not the greatest, technical match, in wrestling history.

McMahon diminished Savage's role in the company as the 1990s progressed to the point where he wanted out. McMahon gave it to him, and kudos to him for that. He must have thought Savage's tank was dry. He was wrong.

He gave another five years of compelling performances in WCW, and his 1997/1998 feud with Diamond Dallas Page was one of the best in the later years of that company. Remember, Page was a retread manager/midcard wrestler at best over the years, and Savage was the one whose feud with Page gave DDP "the rub", launching him into a main event status.

For whatever reason, McMahon and Savage haven't exchanged Christmas cards in recent years. I have no clue why. But before a 46 year-old Shawn Michaels was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, there should have been a Macho Induction. He should've been in the Class of 2010, or 2009, or 2008......I could go on.

Now, in light of the tragic end to his life Friday in Florida, if McMahon decides to induct him, it will be so hollow, and, as stated earlier, too little, too late.

My Dad used to praise parishoners from the pulpit when they did things never wanting to be noticed or praised, saying, "We should give bouquets to the living so they can enjoy them, rather than to the deceased."

He's so right.

I'm sorry that Savage's widow will now have to stand in for him whenever McMahon finally does the right thing. Macho deserved that last moment in the sun, the cheers from the crowd and from peers and the next generation of wrestlers, the ones who grew up watching him.

Vince McMahon's ego gets in the way of alot of good decisions. This is definitely one of them.

While I'm at it, may I go on record as saying McMahon missed a chance at genius this spring. With Wrestlemania in Atlanta, it was the perfect opportunity to induct someone extremely worthy into the WWE Hall Of Fame......

Ted Turner.

Yes. Ted Turner. The guy who tried to put Vince out of business with that "WCW rasslin'!"

Long before McMahon was top dog, Turner showcased wrestling, using it to build his cable empire, and giving the industry/sport exposure it had not enjoyed since Dumont Television in the 1950s (Gorgeous George, anyone?).

His decision to battle head-to-head with McMahon in the 1990s created the super-era of professional wrestling in the late 1990s, which set the stage for the current landscape (with its ups and downs.....). If anything, he should thank Turner for pushing him into having to "become a billionaire himself" in order to fight off the challenges of "Billionaire Ted" back in the day.....

Vince should have named him to the WWE Hall of Fame AND should have inducted him.

Big men do that sort of thing.

The Morning Show with Bowman and Henderson

2011-05-14T11:53:00.000-04:00

A MUST SEE VIDEO for long-time Richmonders like me! Click on the title link to see Bill and Floyd in action. I salute WHAP in Hopewell for having the fortitude to allow two legendary personalities, long since forgotten by "corporate media" to continue to entertain and inform audiences.

Long live Bowman and Henderson! THIS is radio!

Rip Van Witham

2011-05-07T23:53:00.004-04:00

I've been mulling over this blog post for quite some time now, and, in light of tonight being one of those nights where I find myself "tired, but not sleepy", I'll take the opportunity to opine.

I can pretty much tie anything that happens in life to an episode of my all-time favorite television show......"The Flintstones".

One of the more thoughtful episodes was at the Slate Company picnic, where Fred begins in his usual rotten mood, not wanting to partake in the annual three-legged race. He ends up getting away to himself and actually falling asleep somewhere in the park.....

....and he dreams that it's 20 years later. A gray-haired Fred, complete with LONG beard, proceeds to run back to Bedrock to discover what's happened to Wilma, Pebbles, the Rubbles, et al in the 20 years since his apparent demise. It made him realize he should enjoy every moment.

Even the three-legged race.

He wakes up, goes flying back to the picnic, and he and Barney are the hit of the day.

Carpe Diem.

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After completing my fourth week at a job yesterday, this is a good time to share my "similar to Fred" story. Going back to Aunt Sharon's sudden passing in February, my life schedule started to get back to a reasonable normalcy. It certainly has since April 11th. And I've realized how much has come and gone over the past nine years.

For example:

--I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that it's 2011. It doesn't seem like it's been almost 10 years since 9/11.
--I've realized how much pop culture has come and gone, much of which I don't know, know bits and pieces of......now, don't get me wrong, it's not that I regret it, it simply is a barometer of the volume of what's gone on while I've slept.....

....and slept.....and rested......and tossed......

Now, add to that the egregious error of allowing myself to live at my job at Clear Channel the last four years I was there, and it all adds up.

My son is now 19?
My daughter starts high school in September?
What happened to Blues Clues?
Has it honestly been seven years since we left Longdale Elementary in rezoning?

Some of what I've experienced (and missed) the past several years was truly out of my control. Concoct a potion of sleep apnea, depression, bipolar, then throw in some diabetes, and there have been many days where I may have wanted to conquer the world, but, in the end, I was lucky to get to the bathroom. I know some who read this will truly not understand. That's okay. I certainly never want you to experience it simply so that you'll "get my point".

Other things, though?

One of the coolest things about the new workplace is everybody looks at each other just before 5:30 each day and implores the others to "get up and get out". We get there at 8:30, we work throughout the day (thankfully it's close enough to home where I can come home for lunch and check on Harry!), but then, when it's time to go home, WE GO.

I'll never make that mistake again. Am I saying I'll never stay late? Of course not. But if I ever get back to working 70/80 hours a week again (and I KNOW that can't happen in my current physical condition), somebody slap me silly.

Fourteen years of mostly seven day a week newspaper delivery, having 2 or 3 jobs for 17 straight years, working 80 hours a week in the mid-2000's....they all had a hand in the permanent crater that now occupies my half of the mattress, I'm sure.

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But what I'm really trying to convey is simply this.

1) Remember what's important in life, and focus the most on it. I gave Clear Channel the bulk of my energy and devotion, and it got me.....a pink slip. I married Bonnie, I'm hired to do jobs. BIG difference.

2) When the kids are young, breathe it in. ALL OF IT. Even the hard times. Rachel and I are at Roy's Big Burger in Lakeside today and in line is a dad with his son, probably three years old. Some of the boy's behavior reminded me of Rachel when she was that young. Then I smiled, looked at the practically grown Rachel in front of me....part of me kept smiling, part of me sighed with great disappointment. That Rachel, the one looking for her binky, is gone forever.

3) Enjoy the current moment. If you've experienced/are experiencing similar regrets to what I've shared here, DO NOT dwell in them. Period. You must live in the moment, enjoy what's happening NOW, otherwise "now" simply becomes an extra day in the regret column.

In the past ten years, I missed many things in life. Some I couldn't control. Others I could have. Those which I can, from here on out I will. I suggest you join me. :)

Bin Laden Dead---What's Next?

2011-05-02T00:31:00.003-04:00

Some rapid-fire thoughts on the historic news breaking tonight.....

1) Congratulations to the dedicated men and women of our Armed Forces, the "boots on the ground", who never gave up in spite of waning public support at home. Special thanks to the special forces who were involved in the raid at Abbottabad, Pakistan to put an end to this scourge on humanity.

2) Congratulations to President Obama and his National Security Team for not dropping the ball, painstakingly planning from a tip on August, 2010 all the way to the execution of the raid that finally got the job done.

3) A reminder of thanks to the previous Bush Administration for their tireless work, much of it during withering criticism and pressure at every turn, to prove a surge works (Iraq), which set the stage for Obama to surge in Afghanistan, quelling any Taliban or Al-Qaeda gains, all the while looking inside Pakistan for the big catch.

4) All U.S. interests, both foreign and domestic, should be extremely vigilent in the days and weeks to come. If they can pull it off, those who side with Bin Laden will want to retaliate, quell our victorious feeling, and return us to that feeling of "this war will never end...."

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Which brings me to my final point, and I believe it is the most important. In light of this development, some issues are going to rocket to the top of discussion.

A) If the reason for going to Afghanistan was to "get Bin Laden", isn't it now time to come home? If the President does not do this, he risks making the hard left in America very, very upset just as the 2012 election campaign is ramping up. Meanwhile, Bin Laden's demise takes much of the wind out of the sails of those who want to continue in Afghanistan. On the other hand, April was the deadliest month for Americans in IRAQ since 2009. And we're ramping down there. What happens when we're gone?

B) How much political hay will Obama be able to make from being the one who authorized the successful raid on Bin Laden? Much, I suspect, and deservedly so. I could care less which President got him, I just wanted him gotten. This is a time to give credit where credit is due, and foremost, it goes to Obama and his National Security Team. Conservatives should not try to politicize this. There's nothing here to politicize.

C) What about the body? Yes, remember, in Islam, burials are normally done within 24 hours, and the fact that the "infidels, the Americans" have, in their possession, the body of their martyred leader, Osama Bin Laden, is really going to stir their passions, their hatred. Let us be vigilant.

As someone posted on Facebook tonight, now we know where Jack Bauer went after the final season of "24"....... :)

Mortimer Witham.....

2011-04-29T00:04:00.000-04:00

Rest in peace, Mortimer.

We Say Goodbye To Two More, and, What I'm Thankful For...

2011-04-28T22:07:00.003-04:00

2011 can end anytime now.

My brother's family lost their "puppy" this morning when Mortimer was killed by a vehicle. Apparently he and another of their dogs dug a tunnel underneath their fence, got out, and Mortimer headed straight for the road. It's a busy highway. Thankfully, he didn't suffer. He was barely a year old.

Last weekend when we were in Carolina we marveled at the fact that he had gotten SO BIG. Definitely had some Great Dane in him. Of course, he still thought he was a puppy, so he thought he could sit in everyone's lap, although he was HUGE. That didn't matter! LOL.....

He was so playful, so innocent. Gone way, way too soon.

Then, this evening, Rachel headed to piano practice and learns that our piano teacher's awesome dog, Ladybug, had to be put down a few days ago. Dementia. She was 16 and enjoyed a long, wonderful life, and we're grateful for that. But it won't be the same coming down the long driveway to Ms. Ann's house and not see Ladybug hanging around the house. We knew she was hard of hearing and didn't move around too well, so we were always careful coming and going......

Mortimer and Ladybug. Rest in peace, and make sure to meet up and swap Rachel stories. Just don't talk to Katie Pickles. She only has memories of a young, curly-mopped Rachel pulling her tail all the time...... :)

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Only 1/3 of the year done and I've experienced all the death I care to experience for this year, next year, and many more. Add to that digging out of the huge hole of long-term unemployment, daily health battles, a sputtering economy, $4/gallon gas, overseas unrest.....

But I need to focus on that which I'm thankful.

--I'm thankful for MY NEW JOB! And the WONDERFUL co-workers I now enjoy daily. They make me smile. :)
--I'm thankful that my home is intact after watching the devastation in North Carolina two weeks ago, Alabama yesterday, and elsewhere this month.
--I'm thankful my son turns 19 tomorrow healthy, employed, and getting closer to beginning to get his chance to realize his dream.
--I'm thankful my daughter is on the Honor Roll and is doing so well with violin and piano. Her first dance is tomorrow night. Pics will be posted.
--I'm thankful my dog Harry is, well, Harry. I love him dearly. I'm beginning to better understand why my Mama used to be so attached to her dog, Teddy.
--I'm thankful that it looks like our Patrick Henry games will be heard on the FM dial this fall.
--And....I'm thankful my wife doesn't charge me more a month to live here. :)

Soap Operas in Critical Condition---Two More Cancelled!

2011-04-14T14:30:00.002-04:00

In a letter to ABC-TV affiliates today, the following announcement was made:

"Brian Frons, President ABC Daytime, has announced a new daytime programming strategy, cancelling two (2) of ABC’s long-running daytime dramas and replacing them with new, innovative talk and lifestyle programming. After more than 40 years on the air, “All My Children” will end its run in late September of this year, and the premiere of a dynamic new show, “The Chew,” will immediately follow. “One Life to Live” will bring its long run to a close in January 2012, when the new lifestyle show, “The Revolution,” will premiere. Today’s announcement does not affect “General Hospital,” which is currently the number two show in daytime television, and will continue to be part of ABC’s daytime line up, along with “The View.”"

General Hospital is the last one standing on ABC.

March Madness----Down to 32

2011-03-19T00:33:00.004-04:00

.....and two of them are from Richmond, VA!!!!!

Saturday, The Richmond Spiders playing the biggest cinderella so far, Morehead State, around 5:15pm. They certainly have a shot to win to make it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1988, and they won't overlook Morehead. Chris Mooney would never let that happen.....

VCU, tonight, played arguably their best game ever in the NCAA's (their biggest win was the Duke victory in '07, tonight's win over GTown was more complete and dominant, therefore their "best"....) and, if they can keep the momentum going, they certainly can hang with Purdue. Richmond beat Purdue earlier this season, so it is definitely doable.

Other Tourney thoughts after one round....

---My Final Four is intact (Ohio State, Kansas, Connecticut and Pitt)
---Seven of my Elite Eight are alive (Darn you, Xavier!!)
---I have VCU making the Sweet Sixteen. I hope I'm right!
---I have Richmond losing in Round 3. I hope I'm wrong!

Finally----WILL N.C. STATE PLEASE CALL SHAKA SMART AS SOON AS VCU'S SEASON IS OVER!!!

Thank you.....from a concerned Wolfpack fan of 37 years....... :)

Let The Madness Begin! ESPN Final Four Picks, too.....

2011-03-13T20:48:00.003-04:00

Some thoughts about today's action and bracket selections as we start a new era in March Madness.

---CBS' new graphic package looks like TNT's. Why do that? At least they didn't ditch the classic theme song, but put a new variation on it (like they did in 2004).

---VCU was savaged by the ESPN crew, along with UAB. To their credit, they got VCU coach Shaka Smart on the air a few minutes ago and, as expected, Smart was extremely classy in the interview. I did not expect VCU to make it, but am glad they did.

---The BIGGER story, to me, is how weak the Selection Committee viewed the ACC this year. As soon as I saw Florida State, who finished THIRD in the conference, as a #10 seed, I knew Virginia Tech was toast, and posted as much on Facebook. This year, Tech can blame themselves for two BAD losses in the final week of the season (especially at home to Boston College), but also the whole ACC, which is as bad as I've ever seen it, and I've been watching since 1973-74....

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My picks? I'll post them before Tuesday's new "First Round". That'll take some time talking about the "third round" this coming weekend.....

ESPN's PICKS? (champ in BOLD)----

JAY BILAS: Syracuse, Connecticut, Kansas, Pittsburgh

DIGGER PHELPS: Ohio State, Duke, Kansas, Florida

HUBERT DAVIS: Ohio State, Texas, Kansas, Pittsburgh

DICK VITALE: Ohio State, Duke, Louisville, Pittsburgh

Qaddafi's Concert Series!

2011-03-02T18:11:00.004-05:00

I suspect that, somewhere, sometime, at some point, Nelly Furtado, Beyonce, Usher, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey have all, privately or publicly, whined about how much they can't stand Sarah Palin and that she's a threat to America. Yadda yadda yadda.....

But, apparently, Libyan leader Qaddafi and his wacky son are okay by all of them! Each of them has reportedly received LOTS of money (up to $1 million) to perform at private events of the Libyan dictator/murderer. Apparently, Mariah sang four songs. $250K a pop. Not a bad gig if you can get it. That is, if you don't mind accepting blood money.

Now, Nelly Furtado announces she will "donate" the $1 million she made to charity. Gee, it only took her FOUR YEARS and a possible revolution in Libya for her to have this sudden "change of heart". Beyonce is claiming she "donated" her cool million to Haiti relief last year. You know, get ahead of the damage curve, you look better that way.

An old saying tells us, "You are known by the company you keep."

This story tells me much about the mindset of today's music, movie and TV "stars", and how naive and stupid some of them really are.

The above named artists deserve every bit of criticism they receive for going to bed with a terrorist. Instead of "15 minutes of fame", call it "45 minutes of infamy".

I'm taking bets.....who's the first artist named above that will organize a concert for our troops? You know one of them will......

Rachel's Unforgettable Birthday, aka TNA Wrestling Review, and Other Notes....

2011-03-01T23:57:00.001-05:00

I’ve never been so happy to see a month end than I am concerning February, 2011. At the snap of a finger, February went from a normal month to a nightmare. We’re now ten days removed from Aunt Sharon’s sudden passing and, slowly, things are returning to “normal”, as it will now be defined post-2/19. Bonnie has good days and bad days, Robbie is a rock and Rachel is back at school, and, as I type, is practicing with the Richmond Symphony Youth Sinfonettia at Ginter Park United Methodist Church.

Plans continue to come together for the Celebration Of Life Service for Sharon, set for next Saturday (3/12). All details will be in Sunday’s Times-Dispatch, if I do my job correctly. 

Now, to take a few minutes and blog about a GREAT experience!!! As low in the valley as we all felt on Saturday night, 2/19, Rachel rebounded to about as high an experience as you can get just seven nights later. Some background…..

Rachel started paying attention to wrestling around 2006. By 2007, she began to root for the Hardy Boys (Matt and Jeff), specifically Jeff. By 2008, we were in full “crush” mode. 

The closest Rachel had ever been to him was at a WWE house show at the Richmond Coliseum late in 2008, when we sat at the end of a row on a raised platform of seats above the lower level, a perfect position to reach your hand out when a wrestler came back to slap ‘em. Nicely. Thus Rachel got a “high-five” from Jeff Hardy that night.

Could it get any better?

Fast forward to this past Saturday night. Jeff has been with TNA Wrestling for over a year now, and, Rachel only watched their shows when he was on. Otherwise she couldn’t stand TNA. Too many old wrestlers, she said. I agree, but that’s another story.

TNA came to Richmond for a live show at the Landmark Theatre Saturday night. I was skeptical about the venue, but it turned out to be fantastic. I used money saved up from my football season work last fall to take Robbie and Rachel to their first TNA event.

OH! I forgot to say Saturday was Rachel’s 14th birthday. Okay, NOW the stage is set. 

I had read online earlier about TNA’s show in Norfolk on Friday and got a clue that it was possible that the Hardys would be available to pose for pictures after the show was over. I carefully reserved remaining money, just in case they followed the same pattern in RIC.

Before the show, Robbie got to meet his favorite female wrestler, Patrick Henry graduate Mickie James. I had met her at the radio station in my Clear Channel days when she was with WWE. So, part of Robbie’s birthday (April) gift came a little early, and he didn’t mind. He also got to meet Jeff Jarrett before we left and Robbie told him he wanted to work for them on day (Jarrett and his dad founded the company nine years ago). Jarrett said he “took a mental picture” of Robbie and will be looking for him. Don’t be surprised, Jeff……don’t be surprised…..

Sure enough, after the main event, it was announced you could have your picture taken in the ring onstage with the Hardy Boys. I knew we’d wait in line, even if it took all night. Hundreds of others joined us in a series of about four lines that all snaked their way through the seats of the floor section of the Landmark. I thought we’d be there 60 to 90 minutes waiting (because we had to come from upstairs in the cheap seats to get in line), but they knew what they were doing, and it took less than 40. I was very impressed.

Of course the only downside to that is you got in the ring and had about 10 seconds with Matt and Jeff, long enough to shake hands and pose for the picture. Rachel REALLY wanted them (ESPECIALLY Jeff) to wish her a happy 14th birthday.

So, it was finally Rachel’s turn. She went up, shook their hands, accidentally stepped on Matt’s foot (OOPS!) and…….

……all of a sudden, the girl taking pictures couldn’t take any.

I heard someone say, “did they pull the power cord??”. They were in the midst of tearing down their set, and, apparently, someone disconnected the power to their photo computer system. So, there was…..A DELAY.

And Rachel was there. With the Hardy Boys. Oh, darn!  

So, instead of her “10 seconds of fame”, she ended with about 2.5 minutes of fame with Matt and Jeff. Matt was the talkative one, carrying on a nice conversation with Rachel (Jeff looked tired!), and long after it was done, Rachel kicked herself for not talking to Jeff, but I told her it all worked out the way it was supposed to be. Robbie and I, standing onstage outside the ring, had time to grab our phones and take additional pics of the three of them.

The people left in line HAD to be wondering, “What’s so special about THAT GIRL?” 

Then, power was restored, the picture taken, and the moment was complete. Couldn’t ask for a better one, if you ask me. Strike one off Rachel’s bucket list! And, for those with access to her Facebook page, they saw that it was the “best BDay EVER!!!!!”. I would agree…for her. My favorite Rachel birthday was in 1997…..the day she was born. 

By the way, kudos to TNA Wrestling. They are MAJOR fan-friendly. Many other wrestlers were out signing autographs onstage after the show while the line worked its way to ringside. They are a much smaller operation than WWE, but they take advantage of having smaller crowds (I’d say somewhere between 1200 and 1500 people were there Saturday night) by being able to offer picture and autograph sessions before, during and after events. This will help them continue to build a solid fan base.

The only show complaint I had was the introductions for wrestlers were WAY too long. It shouldn’t take ten minutes to introduce six wrestlers for a nine-minute match. Well, that and the fact that my favorite wrestler (Ric Flair) and Robbie’s favorite (Sting) weren’t in attendance. So, Rachel has one up on both of us. Hee hee…..

And now we heartedly welcome March, hoping for a month without shock and tragedy, filled with all those boring things that compile every day life.

On a personal note, I have slept better the past two nights with my C-PAP machine than I have in years. Today I felt good enough to work around the house, take Harry for a walk and bring Rachel to Symphony practice, and it’s only 5:30! You have to understand, these are BIG steps for me. Anytime I am out of bed more than 12 hours in a calendar day is a great thing. And, in the past several days, it’s happened more than not.

I’m SO grateful to God for these little things that, when put together, make my life one of more functioning and less simple “existence”. We learned all too harshly in February that none of us have time to simply “exist”.

Rachel has a concert at school tomorrow night, Sharon’s Celebration of Life Service on the 12th, I believe, will be a healing experience for many people, and, lest we forget…..

It is March. It’s my favorite sports month of the year. Let the Madness begin! 

A Celebration Of Life......

2011-02-23T16:26:00.002-05:00

On behalf of Bonnie and the kids, my deepest thanks for your prayers and concern for us these past several days since the sudden loss of Sharon last Saturday. We've experienced myriads of emotions, all of us have been "a little clingy" to say the least, and are slowly beginning to see some routine return to daily life. I'm happy that Bonnie got back to work today, and Rachel spent 1/2 day at school yesterday and a full day today. Robbie even got some time in at his apprenticeship and continues tomorrow. Me? Filed unemployment, sold and listed sports cards on eBay, and shortly, back over to those dreaded job web sites. Note: It was easier to find a job WITHOUT the Internet.

NOW, to the business at hand. A "Celebration of Life" service is being planned for Sharon. Here are the particulars:

---Saturday March 12th, begins at 1pm

---Held at Walkerton Tavern, 2892 Mountain Road, beside the Cultural Arts Center.

Brian and the children have done an incredible job with planning this event. There will be lots of pictures on display, the service will be focusing on the vast reach of Sharon's life, and then, as Sharon would definitely want, we'll all get together and eat afterwards. :)

Sharon requested that she be cremated, so there will be no viewing scheduled. The death notice should appear in the Times-Dispatch tomorrow, with another listing for the memorial service appearing Sunday, March 6th.

Click on the above link for information and maps for Walkerton Tavern, a home filled with history (and a curator will be on site that day). Seating will be somewhat limited for the service, so bear that in mind.

Thanks to everyone for your patience, as I know alot of you have been anxious to get details on services. Keep lifting up Brian, Sarah, and Seth. Thanks everyone!

A Tremendous Loss

2011-02-19T23:23:00.002-05:00

Our family has suffered a tremendous, devastating loss on this day. Rather than dwell on the events of today, I'd rather focus on the wonderful gifts God gave my wife for almost 45 years, and my family circle since I met her.

Sharon Hornberger was the last of Myrtle Semones' 14 children, born in January of 1966. At this time, Bonnie's mom was pregnant with Bonnie. She was born that July. Even though Sharon was, "officially", her aunt, they were more like twin sisters, except that they weren't sisters, and they weren't twins. I hope that makes sense and I don't use that description jokingly. I try to use it to help explain to you just how close Sharon and Bonnie have been their entire lives.

Bonnie grew up in a huge family and everyone was close-by. I had the opposite experience growing up, with all my extended family living in Maine or North Carolina. I saw my cousins once a year, or every few years. Bonnie saw her family constantly. Especially on Sundays. So, while I cannot relate to it personally, I have seen over the years how important that has been in my wife's development, and, I'm so glad my kids' cousins have been in close proximity to them for most of their childhoods.

In 1989, Bonnie and I moved to our second apartment. Around the same time, Sharon and her husband Brian and their then young daughter Sarah moved in as well, down the street. The day, in 1992, when Sharon called Bonnie at work and said, "Brian and I are buying a house!", Bonnie immediately called me at work and said, "If they can do it, why can't we?"

Four days later, we signed a contract with their real estate agent, and, on Halloween of that year, we all left the apartment complex and moved into our homes, on the same street. We're the second house on the right, they are the fourth on the left. And it has remained that way until the present time.

If the phone rang, it was 50/50 it was Sharon calling. Always checking on Bonnie and all of us. And, as situations came and went (my Mom's death, Robbie's health issues, my health issues, etc.), she was the constant that made sure nothing needed to be done. In many cases, she obviously sensed something because she would show up at the house with something we needed and we had never asked for it.

In late 2006, Bonnie and Sharon were among a group who got to go on a Caribbean cruise. As an aside, Bonnie was so glad Sharon would go, since she knows she'll never get me near a boat, much less out in an ocean.....

In the summer of 2007, they, along with Rachel and my sister-in-law, took a trip to Las Vegas. The guys stayed home. These are wonderful memories that now Bonnie, as well as Rachel, get to hold and cherish.

Here's how important Sharon has been to us:

1) She was the only other person besides me in the delivery room when Rachel was born in 1997.

2) The aforementioned trips together.

3) The sixth sense that constantly carried on between Sharon and Bonnie.

4) She helped spawn the second phase of Rachel's musical career, giving her a violin that she had had put away for many years. Rachel named it "Scribbles". She played it at a Richmond Symphony concert at Richmond CenterStage this very morning. Little did we know.....

Oh, I did forget to mention one important item. Since 1997, Sharon has been sick, fighting a host of medical issues, most notably, Crohn's Disease. So, all this time while she watched out for us from across the pavement and took care of her Mom, who passed 17 months ago at age 85, and helped out her 13 siblings, AND helped out strangers, and friends of friends.......she was in and out of the hospital so many times I suspect we've all lost count. She couldn't work any longer, but she could still be, even bedridden at times, an inspiration and a source of solutions for a myriad of people. Disability does not take away God's ability to use you.

Today, about three weeks after celebrating her 45th birthday, she went to take a nap, and did not wake up. The Henrico EMT's were incredible in their work to try to save her during the struggle; we thank them for that. And, over the past almost seven hours, dozens of calls have been made and family and friends have poured into the house across the street.

Tomorrow, Lord Willing, we wake up to face a new day, but all of us, most notably her husband of 25 years, and her two fantastic children, begin a new reality. Please pray for them, and for my wife as well, as she has truly lost her best friend.

We will go on and help each other. She set the example, even while facing incredible odds. It's the least we can do.

Dear Richmond, If You're Gonna Build A Coliseum.....

2011-01-28T00:26:00.005-05:00

So the proverbial "next step" has at least been spoken by those who, thanks to $150K from four area companies, did a study on where to put a replacement for the Richmond Coliseum and how big it should be built.

Of the four proposed locations, they like a parcel of land next to the current Coliseum, which opened about 40 years ago. Sadly, this parcel is the smallest of the four and provides the least flexibility for parking.

(Insert pause to fume slightly here.)

Meanwhile, the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park is withholding judgement on the site, because it is currently seen by them as a bridge connecting their endeavor with VCU Medical Center.

So, according to the article in the Times-Dispatch, here are some "good points":

1) The Mayor likes the recommended site.
2) The Greater Richmond Convention Center and the Convention and Visitors Bureau likes it, as it keeps the arena next to them. The article also states how it keeps it close to entertainment venues, which I can agree with if we're talking The National and Richmond CenterStage. Shockoe Bottom? Not so much.

-----------------------------------------

Now for my thoughts......

1) Why pick the smallest parcel of land available? If this parcel is adjacent to the Coliseum site, why not use a block or two of it as well? Especially in light of the two most important things, in my view.

PARKING AND SEATING CAPACITY......

2) This article, as many before it, use the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament as a "measuring stick" or "holy grail" of sorts as to what kind of seating capacity you'll need in a new arena in order to successfully bid for events of this nature. Right now, the plans are around 14,000 with a stage, 15,000 in the round. Apparently some people connected with this study think 15,000 seats are plenty to get the Tournament back to Richmond for the first time since 1996.

I was there when the Tournament first came to Richmond in 1990. It was an incredible experience, the type Richmond rarely gets to enjoy and take advantage of. The nation's eyes watched us. In 48 hours, there was a major upset due to a 28-foot shot near the end of a game, the end of Terry Holland's career as head coach of UVA, both Jim Boeheim and Digger Phelps brought their teams to play, and future NBA stars like Derrick Coleman took the floor. CBS Sports was there, in fact, their "A" team, at the time, of Brent Musberger and Billy Packer were there. Yes, there were three other sites playing games on the same two days, but suffice to say Richmond, Virginia got its name all over CBS that wonderful March weekend. You can't buy that sort of publicity, even today.

I do NOT think 15,000 seats will be enough to make this a reality again in the RVA. Let's look at the sites being used for the 2011 Tournament, remember that there's now four "play-in" games as the field is up to 68 teams.

PLAY-IN GAMES: University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, OH--Capacity: 13,455

(Note: Dayton has hosted the one play-in game in previous years since 2001....)

FIRST/SECOND ROUND: Verizon Center, Washington DC--Capacity: 20,173
McHale Center, Tucson, AZ--Capacity: 14,545
Pepsi Center, Denver, CO--Capacity: 19,155
St. Pete Times Forum, St. Petersburg, FL--Capacity: 20,500
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH--Capacity: 20,562
Time Warner Arena, Charlotte, NC--Capacity: 19,568
United Center, Chicago, IL--Capacity: 20,917
BOK Center, Tulsa, OK--Capacity: 17,839

We see the following trends:

1) Only two arenas seat less than 18,000. The smallest, in Tucson, is on a college campus (University of Arizona) with a long history of tourney success, though not recently.

2) Five of the eight arenas are used by NBA teams.

3) Richmond's best (and in my opinion, only) hope, by building a 15,000 seat arena, would be to steal the first games from Dayton. But, trust me, to many die-hard March Madness fans, the one game these past 10 years have been forgettable. Heck, people don't even count them in the office and online pick 'em games and pools. Now, the two-night doubleheader concept starting this year may add some luster to it, but frankly, if you want any chance of having the best teams in any given year to come to your town's arena in the first two rounds, you better have the seats available to host what I still call Rounds One and Two, but will henceforth be called "Rounds Two and Three".

-------------------------------

Away from basketball, Richmond is constantly in competition with other metro areas for major arena "events" (concerts, wrestling, MMA, preseason NHL and NBA, etc.), and, Richmond usually loses. With the opening of the beautiful John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville a few years back, C'Ville actually jumped ahead of Richmond when it came to a great choice for concert promoters, et al. This was a collective slap in the face to Metro Richmond.

So why would Richmond now build something new that has essentially the same seating as Charlottesville? Don't we need to differentiate ourselves from JPJ?? As for concerts, the lure of JPJ being located at a place as prestigeous (and full of 20-somethings) as the University of Virginia sure looks better to me than the Richmond response of VCU, as a fair number of students there don't live on campus.

-------------------------------

So, Richmond, if you're gonna build a Coliseum, and I know it may not be a reality for another ten years, take this time and opportunity to build in increases in seating, parking, and amentities (suites, etc.) so two things happen:

1) When it opens, Richmond FINALLY has a first-class arena worthy of a city twice our size, rather than settling for one which is equal to one in a city MUCH SMALLER than us 1.3 hours up I-64....

2) Thus, build it for the year 2040, not the year 2020. I expect 20,000 seats will be needed for events long before 2040 due to natural population growth.

CLOSING: My fear is they build a 15K seat arena that will disappoint. My hope is that they would take some space from the current Coliseum site, if they adjoin, and make it an 18-19K seat arena that will position Richmond for a number of economic opportunities in the future.

After all, did any of you think, 15 years ago, that Oklahoma City, with a population even with Richmond, would be home to a successful NBA franchise? I bet someone was forward-thinking in OKC years ago, which made this a reality.

WHY NOT RICHMOND?

Random Football Thoughts.......

2011-01-06T02:46:00.004-05:00

1) Now I'm a fan of Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler for two reasons. First, he's a good punter on my favorite team. Second, he's got guts to speak his mind over the inane decision by good ol' Al Davis to let Tom Cable go as head coach. Just as it looks like the Raiders are FINALLY pointing the ship in the right direction, they let go a coach loved by the players. And the old-timers, like Lechler, have now seen six coaches come and go

2) Another bad domino falling here is the development of Jason Campbell. Yes, if Hue Jackson is promoted to head coach, the offensive scheme will stay, but what if he goes to San Francisco? How many times did Campbell have to change offensive schemes during his Washington tenure with their "coordinator coaching carousel"? Coming to Oakland was supposed to end that.

3) They (the Raiders) better keep McFadden and Bush happy. The only way our renaissance continues is with the continued improvement of our running game. Look where Kansas City is thanks in large part to Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.

4) Could someone please show Derrius Heyward-Bey the door? Our first round drafting in odd years lately has been, ah, suspect.

2009: Heyward-Bey
2007: JaMarcus Russell (oh my word....)
2005: Fabian Washington (now in Baltimore)

Thankfully, we can look back at 2003 and see success in Nnamdi Asomugha.

2001: Derrick Gibson (retired)
1999: Matt Stinchcomb (retired after leaving for Tampa Bay)

Needless to say I am not holding out much hope for the 2011 Draft, but at least we won't be picking in the Top 5, right? :) BTW, if the Raider War Room needs advice, draft DEFENSE! Only exception is to get a can't miss offensive lineman.

----------------------------------------------------

ITEM: Vince Young and Tennessee part ways. Excellent move by the Titans. I don't think Young's career is over, he just has to land in the right spot where there are people who can put up with him. He also needs to stay healthy! And, yes, I'm already hearing rumblings about Vince and the Raiders. Just what we need, THREE possible answers to "Who's at quarterback this week??"

I'll look back at my 2010 Preseason predictions soon. I whiffed on some (San Francisco, anyone?), nailed others (Cincinnati) and was right in saying no team coached by Wade Phillips or Norv Turner would make it to a Super Bowl.......

Unlike most TV and internet talking heads, who now "re-predict" the post-season, since my original Super Bowl picks are alive, I'm staying with them. It'll be an NFL miracle if they make it, but if they do, the Colts and Packers both will have to win three to get there, and Green Bay will have to do it ALL on the road (Indy gets the Jets at home Saturday night in their Lucas Oil finale.....)

We'll see! In the meantime, check out my new favorite weather site, where the buzz is of a possible southern snowstorm come Tuesday.

Short Pump Lottery Ticket: $250,000 Ticket Sold in Short Pump, VA - wtvr

2011-01-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

No multi-millionaire, but someone in the area is at least $250,000 richer today.

Early Wednesday Random Thoughts.....

2011-01-05T05:06:00.005-05:00

Our first two deaths of note for 2011:

1) Gerry Rafferty--I owned several 45s of his music in the late 70s; he was easily one of the most underrated male pop vocalists of that era. One reason? Radio played "Baker Street" to death and ignored other songs that were as good or better (Home and Dry, Get It Right Next Time, Right Down The Line, The Royal Mile....). I suspect some thought all these years he was a one-hit wonder. Only 63. Sad.

2) Hanover County loses a fixture as Gospel Chickenhouse founder Ray Pollard passed away at age 89. I remember it opening in Montpelier in the 1970s and going there as a little boy and all the excitement that little idea on a farm generated then, and continues to do so. Ray may be with the angels, but the ministry, I hope, will keep on rolling (if I may use an egg analogy).

-------------------------

TV, RADIO, INTERNET, et al.......CUT the Christmas commercials. NOW! I'm sick of Lexus and Hyundai specifically. It's January 5th. That "December to Remember"? Only a memory now, guys. Enough is enough.

-------------------------

Congrats to Jason Paige for becoming the new Production Director over at Main Line Broadcasting (The Wolf, Liberty, Big Oldies). Good find. I would have loved to have been offered the position, but alas. One day my ship WILL come in.

-------------------------

Note to ESPN---I am available to fill Ron Franklin's position, and will refuse to call any woman there "sugarcakes" or whatever it was he was stupid enough to say. Good Lord, it's 2011, not 1911!

-------------------------

There MUST be more worry than being let on in public around inner NFL circles about a possible work stoppage in 2011. In any other year, with so many coaches on the grill, would we see this little activity? No. Marvin Lewis? Gone. Gary Kubiak? Probably out. Jack Del Rio? Maybe.

But instead, Minnesota keeps their interim (good move!), Dallas may end up doing the same, Carolina is looking at some OC's and DC's around the league, while Jacksonville, Houston, and, shockingly, Cincinnati are staying put. And the name Bill Cowher is not coming up much at all.

All of this non-action is telling me that things aren't as sure-fire for an eventual deal as this fan would hope.

The NFL has THE BEST thing going in sports today, bar none. No one comes close. For the love of Pete (Rozelle), how could these sides NOT go in and just hammer out an agreement to keep this money machine rolling.

Because if they DO have a work stoppage and even the pre-season is affected, it will affect the NFL. They are playing with so much dynamite it isn't funny. Please, do not add 2011 to 1982 and 1987.

Just ask the NHL what cancelling a season does........
Or baseball canning a World Series in the middle of a hot pennant race......

Enjoy the playoffs, gang. It could be all for awhile.

New Years Day---New Normal

2011-01-02T00:10:00.003-05:00

New Years Day ain't what it used to be.

Once upon a time, college football ruled the day.

I know, some of you are thinking I'm nuts, because, what, six games were played today? But only one "mattered", and even that one has no implication on a so-called 'champion'.

New Years Day used to mean the Cotton Bowl on CBS with Lindsey Nelson, the Sugar Bowl on ABC with Keith Jackson, the Rose and Orange Bowl doubleheader on NBC, and the crowning of a 'mythical' National Champion. No BCS. Heck, I remember when the Fiesta Bowl was first moved to New Years Day!

Thus, no meaningless bowl games. Even if the two teams playing in a New Years Day bowl didn't have a chance to be voted number one, you were guaranteed the absolute best teams were playing.

As opposed to today, where Connecticut falls to 8-5 and Penn State 7-6. Texas Tech beats Northwestern. Yawn.

What should have happened today:

--Oregon beats Wisconsin in the traditional Pac-10/Big Ten Rose Bowl matchup.
--Arkansas outlasts Stanford in the Cotton Bowl
--Auburn beats Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl
--TCU upends Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.

The AP votes Auburn, the UPI votes Oregon #1. And we all get to talk.

Yeah, yeah, this year we get to "settle it" on the field. But, do we really? TCU is unbeaten and proved today it can hang with "the big boys". No matter who wins in Glendale on 1/10, they won't be the only undefeated team.

And thus, not really "National Champs".

--------------------------------------------------------------

In other thoughts to kick off 2011---

--Long live the NHL Winter Classic! Even with the rain, the game was awesome. Whoever came up with this idea should replace Gary Bettman as Commissioner. Immediately.

--Robbie's room is painted in one night. He, Travis, and later Rachel, get the job done. So, some of Robbie's UPS-made money goes to a room makeover. Red with some black. Carolina Hurricanes? Yu-Gi-Oh?

--New Years Day on a Saturday throws me off. Monday morning is gonna jolt alot of people, I suspect.

--Oh, and it sure didn't feel like New Years Eve/New Years Day. For the first time, last night driving home from Stafford and moving Daniel, Krista and Cora in, it didn't "feel" like NYE.

Bring on week 17 of the NFL! :)

Ad Watch--Taxes and Bob Barker

2010-12-27T18:38:00.003-05:00

I am VERY hard to impress when it comes to creative commercials. I've written and produced so many, heard so many, et al, that it takes a really good one to catch my eye/ear and gain my applause.

I've actually seen two in the past hour watching a meaningless bowl game.

1) H&R Block---great answer to the question, "How do you refresh an age old message of 'let us do your taxes'." Send some Block reps to a public location, invite people to bring their past returns, and they'll see what they might be able to find in $$$ that you shoulda gotten back but didn't. The best part? At the end, having the group together with "real people" coming onstage revealing to all in attendance (at a food court, perhaps?) how much "new" money they have thanks to H&R Block.

Old story, told in an effective new way simply by changing the scenery. It's not the stuffy agent talking to someone you don't care about at a cubicle at one of those temporary H&R Block locations. It's now shown as an event. Great work.

2) State Farm---if singing their jingle really changed your life instantly, I'd leave my current insurance, sign with them, sing the jingle and scream "FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT!" But I digress. The newest spot has a guy opining for the one and only Bob Barker, who, in turn, introduces a new car.

Bob Barker never gets old. BUT, State Farm should note that since I've now seen this spot 3 times in 45 minutes, they should worry quickly about rotation burnout (see "Geico" spots!!).

My 30 Favorite Beatle Songs--30 Years After John's Passing

2010-12-08T20:59:00.004-05:00

I went to sleep that Monday night 30 years ago before Howard Cosell announced the death of John Lennon near the end of Monday Night Football.

I learned the next morning around 6am, when I started hearing Beatle songs on every radio station and wondering why. Then I heard the news.

I was never a Beatle disciple, and certainly didn't care for some of their life choices, but I loved their music. So, the sadness for me that morning was realizing that the hope that the Fab Four would, at some point, reunite for something special, was now dead, too. The Beatles, in the flesh, were history.

So, 30 years removed from that night, how about looking at my 30 favorite Beatle tunes. I like focusing on the music anyway. :)

30) Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite
29) Rocky Raccoon
28) Maxwell's Silver Hammer
27) Love Me Do
26) The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
25) When I'm Sixty-Four
24) I Am The Walrus
23) The Night Before
22) Something
21) Please Please Me
20) Paperback Writer
19) Lady Madonna
18) Ticket To Ride
17) Back in The USSR
16) Twist and Shout
15) Eleanor Rigby
14) It Won't Be Long
13) Eight Days A Week
12) Anytime At All
11) I Feel Fine
10) Tell Me Why
9) A Hard Days' Night
8) Got To Get You Into My Life
7) Revolution #9
6) It's Only Love
5) Lovely Rita
4) Drive My Car
3) She Loves You
2) I Wanna Hold Your Hand
1) Hey Jude

BORING, DEATHLY BORING FRIDAY NIGHT....

2010-12-03T21:25:00.003-05:00

So, I sit here in darkness. The girls are at Starbucks visiting a friend before she moves away (what is it about wifey and her BFF's? They all move away eventually.) The boys are dueling, and let's just say "Friday Night at the Yu-Gi-Oh" isn't my cup of tea.

This is my first Friday night at home since September 3rd. I hate it.

This is the worst Friday night of the year. Every year. What Friday, you ask?

The first Friday that I DON'T have a high school football game to cover.

I was TRULY blessed in 2010, in that we had good weather every Friday, so no "Monday makeup" games, plus the radio station where I call the Patrick Henry games was able to put together a package for another county team when they proceeded into the playoffs. That extended my "season" for two weeks, delaying this inevitable night...

....until now.

It's 9:30 and I'm ready for bed. No high school highlights to wait for. The state semifinals are tomorrow afternoon. Robbie's alma mater has to play in Virginia Beach and if I had money, he and I would hit the road to root for the Herm.

But, as I approach the end of my 15th month of unemployment (save these few football games), who's got money?

Alas, all the more reason to go to bed.

UPDATE: NFL Top 100 from below post

2010-11-04T20:05:00.001-04:00

I think I figured out the 10th player: Don Hutson

NFL's Top 100 Players----Top 10 Revealed Tonight

2010-11-04T19:51:00.002-04:00

It's on at 9pm here on the East Coast.

I've figured out nine of the ten:

Jim Brown
Johnny Unitas
Joe Montana
Jerry Rice
Reggie White
Walter Payton
Lawrence Taylor
Dick Butkus
Peyton Manning

....but I can't figure out #10. I thought Sammy Baugh, who came in at #14, deserved to be in the top 10, and not Peyton Manning. Peyton never punted, never intercepted a pass, and only has one title.

LIVE BLOG: Election Night 2010

2010-11-02T19:20:00.045-04:00

Alright friends, at 10:50pm, I end live blogging. More tomorrow. :)

10:45pm: CBS reports money advantage to the GOP of $100 million this election cycle, out of around $3.2 billion spent. Sharyl Attkisson admitting, "not as big an advantage as people were saying". I'm telling you, they're smoking weed at the CBS Broadcast Center tonight.....Eric Cantor on CBS in a few, BTW.

10:43pm: MSNBC says nothing from White House tonight. Oh, I'm sure. They've buried their heads in their hands. Tomorrow's 1pm Presser should be very interesting.

10:41pm: US Chamber of Commerce gave $750K to Feingold's opponent in Wisconsin. Oooh....spooky! LOL!!!

10:37pm: Wilder thinks Americans don't mind taxes. He didn't hear the electorate tonight. MSNBC now calls Feingold a loser in Wisconsin, saying it was "close all night", though it is a 15 POINT MARGIN. Wonder if Olby has urinated under the desk yet tonight? Oh, and when a Dem loses tonight, MSNBC always blames "outside money". Robinson says Feingold losing is a "shock". He doesn't listen to the American people, does he?

10:36pm: Doug Wilder on MSNBC admitting he gerrymandered Bobby Scott's Virginia Congressional District 20 years ago. Thanks, Doug!!!

10:32pm: More GOP gains in the House. MD-1, LA-3, PA-7, PA-10, ending Carney's four-year run. My friend Blonde Sagacity must be happy.

10:27pm: Palin vs. Ferraro on Fox News right now. Geraldine calls Pelosi, "smart as hell". Apparently not smart enough to keep her Speakership.

10:23pm: Diane Sawyer wants to know Ed Rendell (D-Pa)'s "feelings" because she heard something in his voice. Oh, God. BTW, will Sawyer be drunk on the air again like she was after the inauguration of her buddy, Barry?

10:17pm: Chris Matthews recalls Obama's 2004 DNC speech when he talked about exceptionalism of America and he wishes he'd go back to that. Chris, he won't do that. Remember, he doesn't believe in it like the typical American does.

10:14pm: Laura Ingraham notes how the China/Free Trade issue being big in 2012, especially since it may have saved Sestak in Pennsylvania. Indeed, China SHOULD be a big issue. We owe them way too much! On an unrelated note, Laura looks like she's got a bad cold. :(

10:11pm: Meanwhile, back to PMSNBC. "People are frustrated with lack of progress. We're not moving our economy fast enough."---Ed Schulz Duh. He doesn't think Tea Partiers know how to create jobs. Oh, and now he bemoans the "corporate contributions" that will be around for 2012. Like Dems can't raise any corporate money. Heard of Harrah's, Schulz??

10:06pm: ABC's Jonathan Karl speculates on Pelosi's future. She stays if the GOP majority is just a few seats. If it's a drubbing? "Virtually everyone I've spoken to says she would go back to California....", i.e.---she'll be gone. Diane Sawyer steps in to defend her.

10:04pm: "It is a big referendum on Barack Obama...."---Katie Couric. Bob Schieffer concurs. "The Administration raised these expectations above the moon."--Bob Schieffer.

10pm: Katie Couric muddles her way through a CBS News update. Stop drinking, Katie! Meanwhile, the returns begin from Nevada. Meanwhile, Donna Brazille leaves CNN for ABC. "This is a woman who fought for America's families,", Brazille says about Nancy Pelosi. Keep drinking the Kool-Aid, Donna.....

9:56pm: "We feel really strong about the ground game there....", DNC Chair Tim Kaine on the Nevada Senate race. Must be talking about the union thugs desperate to get their rank and file on buses at Vegas casinos to vote. Don't know what I'm referring to? Click HERE.

9:51pm: Doug Wilder now on Fox Business. Three GOP pickups in the House in Virginia alone tonight. Wilder: "It is big", commenting on GOP picking up PA Governor slot. Wilder: "If Democrats don't get their act together, they're gonna be some tough times coming about....", as he notes the 2012 Presidential Campaign, correctly, starts tomorrow.....

9:47pm: My thoughts going in were a gain of 62 seats for Repubs in the House, 7 in the Senate, giving us a split Congress. We'll see......

9:40pm: Christine O'Donnell concedes, a moment of glee for MSNBC, as they are talking of how big the margin of victory is. They talk of how her future as a polished TV personality and so she'll end up at Fox News. O'Donnell talks of the losses in the "Palin column". These guys have NO clue. Matthews says the Tea Party will be around in two years. DUH! Eugene Robinson asks, "which Tea Party?" Poor elites, they don't understand anything grassroots.....

9:35pm: Liberals across the nation are peeing in their pants. Marco Rubio giving an incredible speech. 2012, anyone?

9:31pm: Marco Rubio speaks in Florida after winning the US Senate seat. Goodbye Charlie Crist. Wonder if MSNBC's panel will spend time talking about how a Latino-American won tonight.......nah, he's the wrong kind of Latino-American!

9:29pm---Screw MSNBC, turn on CNBC! Spirited discussion on debt, spending and the future! Robert Reich is getting his head handed to him. 48 percent of voters on CNBC's exit polling say repeal health care, and 40 percent disapprove of Obama. Carl Quintana says he and Money Honey's jaws are "on the floor" over those. If they'd been listening to America the past year, they wouldn't be surprised at all.

9:25pm: "We have to talk about the spending, that will take care of the deficit."---CNBC Commentator Michelle Caruso-Cabrera to former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich. He doesn't respond.

9:22pm: "The rebuilding starts tomorrow."--Senator Elect Joe Manchin, West Virginia. Will he tell that to Obama face-to-face?

9:21pm: Ed Schulz throws in a "birther" reference. They're all aghast. I love it! Still waiting for the "news anchors" to take over on that network. Oh, they don't have news anchors? What? Brian Williams too busy with those 90 second updates on NBC when The Biggest Loser isn't on??

9:12pm: MSNBC reaction to Rand Paul....

1) "A rousing, if somewhat boilerplate speech..."---Keith Olbermann
2) They debate the quote Paul used as the mantra for his speech, to make him look stupid, of course.....
3) "If you got him under sodium peninthal...."---Chris Matthews
4) O'Donnell tries to kill Rand Paul on stopping debt by having to raise the debt ceiling, which the liberals created, of course. I love it, Lawrence wants to hold us hostage and MAKE US raise the debt ceiling....."worldwide depression!!", he says.
5) Maddow recalls the '95 government shutdown. Oh, I'd LOVE the government to shut down awhile.

9:11pm: Ut oh, Paul used the term "enslaved". Somehow people will say that means he's racist. Oh, those Tea Party Racists......

9:09pm: "America is exceptional because we embraced freedom."--Senator Elect Rand Paul. Let's hold him accountable, Kentucky!!

9:05pm: MSNBC the last channel to join the Rand Paul victory celebration in Kentucky. I know it so pains them.

8:56pm: Keith Olbermann has to cut off Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) due to time, which is understandable, but the least he could do is LOOK AT THE CAMERA when speaking to her!!!! RUDE!!!!!

8:54pm: Sad. Both Luke Russert AND Michael Steele can't pronounce Rick Boucher's last name correctly.......

8:51pm: MSNBC FINALLY calls Alan Grayson the loser tonight in Florida CD8, saying he was a "scalp sought by the Republicans". Couldn't be that his constituents were tired of his work.....

8:48pm: Good analysis by Campaign Carl Cameron on Fox News as to how Manchin helped himself win the West Virginia Senate seat. Manchin positioned himself as a social/fiscal conservative, meaning he, if he keeps his word, would be voting against Obama policies, because his win tonight is only for two years to finish the Byrd term. He faces the voters again in 2012, this is not a full six-year term victory. If MSNBC'ites are celebrating Manchin's win, they sure are grasping at straws!

8:44pm: MSNBC bemoans the loss of an Obamacare vote and will commiserate by talking to a Union head. Their election night bumper music sounds like they're at a funeral! What, no hopey changey for ya? :)

8:41pm: GOODBYE ALAN GRAYSON! There's a dirty politician that got what he deserved!

8:39pm: Rachel Maddow thinks Dick Blumenthal, who LIED about serving in Vietman, would be a great leader for the Democrats on returning veterans issues. Yeah, first he needs to gain their trust, since they SERVED and he DID NOT.

8:35pm: Burr returns from North Carolina. HURT WINS Virginia District Five! That Obama trip to C'Ville didn't work......

8:32pm: I could watch Shannon Bream read the dictionary. :)

8:25pm: How can Maryland send Barbara Mikulski back to DC? Good Lord.....

8:22pm: Just finished cooking hot dogs. I see O'Donnell loses in Delaware (no surprise) and Rubio wins in Florida (no surprise). Tim Kaine is on CNN now spinning like mad. Think his job is in jeopardy??

Boucher and Periello STILL down. Looking good. :)

7:46pm: MSNBC blames EVIL unknown money from Karl Rove-types for Rand Paul winning. No, couldn't be Obama isn't popular in Kentucky. Again, MSNBC and elite Libs say Americans can be BOUGHT and are STUPID. Keep digging your grave, guys.

7:45pm: Time for hot dogs on the grill. More blogging to come. I'm sure it pains Keith Olbermann to say that Rand Paul won Kentucky. LOVE IT!!!!

7:35pm: Hurt leads Perriello by 15, but only about 12 percent of the precincts in. LONG way to go here. Wonder how many votes Jeff Clark has. A friend of mine just told me on Facebook that he's the "third party" candidate that MSNBC didn't bother to find his name or face but are praying he helps Perriello pull out a win.

7:31pm:

1) Is anyone in Pennsylvania mourning the loss of Arlen Specter's name on today's Senate ballot?

2) Polls now closed in North Carolina and Ohio and West Va. Welcome Rob Portman to the U.S. Senate. We'll be watching you. :)

3) Rick Boucher is behind here trying to hold onto his House seat in Southwest Virginia.....ut oh.

7:24pm----Well, Rand Paul is in the U.S. Senate. MSNBC is hoping third party conservative candidates will derail GOP hopes to take the House, but no one in their graphics department even took the time to find the NAME and FACE of the third party candidate in Virginia District 5. Yet they pray he/she kills Robert Hurt's hopes.

I didn't even know there was a third candidate and TV spots for D5 candidates have been all over the place the past ten days.

The media spin coming up tonight will be monumental, and VERY SAD.

Oh, MSNBC allows "commentators" to anchor election coverage (Olby and Matthews).
Fox News, that EVIL network, does not.

LIVE Blogging: TNA--Before The Glory

2010-10-07T21:00:00.017-04:00

9:00pm---Already off to a horrible start, as Abyss "kidnaps" Dixie Carter. Ugh, ugh, and double ugh. He should be fired now that he's the equivalent of "going postal".

And I had such high hopes for the show tonight........

9:04pm---Oh, boy. Eric Bischoff. There's some muscle. Think Eric and Abyss are in cahoots?

9:06pm---Wolfpac, with the Pope playing the role of Konnan. Welcome back to Thunder!

9:13pm---Konnan, er, ah, Pope faces off with Bischoff. Lots of talk about nothing.

9:18pm---Hogan's 8th back surgery. Bischoff offers himself as a sacrificial lamb. This whole Hogan back surgery, Twittering updates.....fishy. Or maybe I've seen one too many wrestling angles.

9:19pm---MICKIE'S BACK!!!!! About time!!

9:26pm---Nice package on the title match. TNA's strongest production element is their backstage work. Looks investigative, rather than staged WWE backstage dialogue.

9:27pm---I was about to tell you to count the fake blondes, but one just showed up in true colors! LOL-----

9:30pm---Miss Hancock....er, ah, Alexandra York....no, no....Miss Tessmacher is watching with a clipboard. So 1989.

9:34pm---Nice to see Mickie back. Hail Patrick Henry hail! :)

9:43pm---Gonna fire Abyss, eh? Well, if I were the boss, I would.

9:43pm---Here comes my favorite wrestler, 10 years removed from when he should have retired! Flair/Foley would have been money......a LONG time ago.

9:47pm---Crimson mask alert! Crimson mask alert! Foley better not go after Dixie with that bat, he'll be fired, too.

9:51pm---Is it possible Flair will bleed out by the time we get back from break?

9:52pm---Hitting Foley with a book. Hilarious!

9:53pm---"For those not familiar with office supplies, those are thumbtacks."--Thank you, Taz!!

9:54pm---How convenient. I mean, I always make sure there's a board of barbed wire near me wherever I go.

9:56pm---Oh, and let's not forget to have a table around, just in case. I'd really be impressed if someone pulled a blender or microwave from underneath the ring, just for variety's sake.....

9:58pm---Wait! Flair's top rope move NEVER works. Look at those boots. I'm glad it's over. Getting too nasty for me.

10:01pm---Please, we can skip the kissing part. UGH!

10:06pm---Wait. In weeks past, they handled office gripes in private. Why not fire Abyss backstage? Will they give him a "future endeavors" box to carry Janice in? I bet he blew severance after kidnapping the boss.....

10:12pm---RVD pleads for Abyss' job? Well how ironic is that?

10:13pm---Ooops, cut off Bischoff live to go to Philly. So far, only noticeable glitch of the night.

10:18pm---Oh no, an Orlando Jordan sighting. Ugh. I bet this quarter hour is the lowest rated of the night. We'll find out in a couple of days and this site will post. Best wrestling news site around.

10:26pm---I am officially lost. Eric Young is nuts.

10:27pm---"Home of the Lethals"? How would you like to move into your new home, and, upon answering the door, someone is on your porch with a Bundt cake saying, "Hi! We're your neighbors, The Deadlies. Welcome to the neighborhood!" :)

10:32pm---Burger King commercials only get worse. No wonder they have problems....

10:33pm---Aw....Dixie trusts RVD. Who's turning?

10:34pm---Oh, dear. The Shore? Hey wait! My son is Robbie!!! HE deserves that name when HE makes TNA! I'm officially throwing a fit..... :)

10:37pm---The clicking noise you hear outside is 300,000 households leaving TNA for another channel.

10:40pm---Another good film package promoting the PPV.

10:41pm---Will the ring intros for the battle royal last longer than the battle royal itself?

10:43pm---Oh, gauntlet style. My bad. :)

10:45pm---Commercial break during an intro during a gauntlet event. Bad move. Should have treated this commercial-free. Makes it a bigger deal, now it feels like any other main event, even with the money on the line. It's the little things, folks!

10:49pm---Jeff Jarrett arrives to the sounds of crickets.....

10:53pm---Wait? ANOTHER break????

10:58pm---And Kevin Nash has walked...SLOWLY...to the ring.

11:02pm---Do you blame Abyss? He's fighting for his last paycheck.

11:03pm---I hope Rhino isn't paid by the hour......

11:04pm---Can someone remind Samoa Joe to NOT come off the ropes running full steam?

11:07pm---Abyss has a future as a bouncer.

11:07pm---That was a LONG 45 second interval between the last wrestler and RVD. Someone's Timex backstage quit ticking.....

11:08pm---Can someone remind RVD to NOT come off the ropes running full steam? And did Abyss mess up that spot?

11:09pm---Kurt wins $100K. $33K to the government, probably $15K to Karen.

FINAL SCORE: 6.5 out of 10.

BEST?---

1) Mickie James is back!
2) Flair/Foley was better than I thought it would be.
3) Film production setting up angles and PPV.

WORST?---

1) Kidnapping a woman.
2) The continued misuse of Samoa Joe.
3) Any TV time devoted to Orlando Jordan.

FINAL THOUGHT: That thing that Dixie signed was not what Eric said it was. It was probably a form giving Eric full control of TNA, setting up Dixie for her to get duped by "them".

Thank you, and good night. :)

Genius!

2010-10-03T00:33:00.002-04:00

Click the link to enjoy 17 years of media denial regarding Islamic extremism. :)

Rob's Fearless 2010 NFL Predictions

2010-09-09T01:25:00.004-04:00

Everybody else does 'em..........so why not? :)

You'll see predicted order of finish for each division, wild card choices, Conference Championship Game picks, and my fearless (probably way off) Super Bowl XLV prediction at the end. You can't stand the suspense, can you? :)

-------------------------------------------------------------

NFC East

1) Dallas Cowboys
2) New York Giants
3) Philadelphia Eagles
4) Washington Redskins

NFC North

1) Green Bay Packers
2) Minnesota Vikings
3) Detroit Lions
4) Chicago Bears

NFC South

1) New Orleans Saints
2) Atlanta Falcons
3) Carolina Panthers
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West

1) San Francisco 49ers
2) Arizona Cardinals
3) Seattle Seahawks
4) St. Louis Rams

DIVISION CHAMPS: Dallas, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Francisco
WILD CARDS: Atlanta, Minnesota

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Green Bay over Atlanta

------------------------------------------------------------

AFC EAST:

1) New England Patriots
2) New York Jets
3) Miami Dolphins
4) Buffalo Bills

AFC NORTH:

1) Baltimore Ravens
2) Pittsburgh Steelers
3) Cleveland Browns
4) Cincinnati Bengals

AFC SOUTH:

1) Indianapolis Colts
2) Tennessee Titans
3) Houston Texans
4) Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC WEST:

1) San Diego Chargers
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) Denver Broncos
4) Oakland Raiders

DIVISION CHAMPS: New England, Baltimore, Indianapolis, San Diego
WILD CARDS: Tennessee, Houston

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Indianapolis over Baltimore

SUPER BOWL XLV: Indianapolis over Green Bay

NOTES:

---I have been on the Green Bay bandwagon for a Super Bowl Champ pick until tonight. I heard someone on TV (that's dangerous) talk about Peyton Manning having a bad taste in his mouth after the Saints' loss. With Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez returning, a DEEP receiving corp, Donald Brown emerging in the run game, and Freeney sacking QB's, I can now see Peyton making this a season of redemption for that team. I wouldn't want to be in their way. Thus, my last minute migration to the Colts in a rematch of that wild preseason shootout, won, ironically, by Green Bay.

QUICK THOUGHTS ON EACH TEAM:

DALLAS: They're talented, but Wade Phillips is their coach. That means a playoff appearance and exit.

NEW YORK GIANTS: What happened to their defense? And their running game? I only picked them 2nd in the division because.....

PHILADELPHIA: Kevin Kolb jerseys won't be flying off the shelves as Christmas presents this year. Can Mike Bell and LeShon McCoy save him? Doubt it. And Vick isn't the answer, either.

WASHINGTON: Lucky to get five wins. Shanahan is in for a LONG year. McNabb will probably miss 7 or 8 games due to injury. Another lost season in DC.

GREEN BAY: See paragraph on Super Bowl.

MINNESOTA: It's possible Brett Favre won't even throw a TD pass to Sidney Rice this season. By the time Rice gets back from injury, Favre may be on the shelf. He won't last 17 weeks. BTW, I'm really rooting for Toby Gearhart to do well, I really liked his power running style at Stanford last season.

DETROIT: If they were in the NFC West, they'd challenge for the division crown. Jahvid Best is a stud, and Stafford takes the next step.

CHICAGO: Who does Cutler throw it to, when he's not throwing it to the other team? Knox? Hester? Not impressed. This may be Lovie's swansong, which sucks because I admire him.....alot. He can come to Oakland after we fire Cable. :)

NEW ORLEANS: Offense keeps clicking, but defense won't be the same without Darren Sharper. And they better not lose Brees. Can you name their #2 QB?

ATLANTA: My comeback pick for 2010. Healthy Turner and Ryan to go with White, Gonzalez, et al, and I think they'll do very well. Of course, I picked Atlanta to play Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIV....shows what I know. :)

CAROLINA: Matt Moore. My jury is out. RB's keep getting hurt, and I'm ticked they didn't keep Josh Vaughn (Hermitage, U of R).

TAMPA BAY: Quick---name their wideouts.

SAN FRANCISCO: I LOVE Mike Singletary. Alex Smith? It's time for him to put up or shut up. A healthy season out of Frank Gore will do wonders.

ARIZONA: Good move cutting Leinart. Bad news? You're left with Derek Anderson. I may regret picking Larry Fitzgerald for one of my fantasy teams.....

SEATTLE: They only finish third because.....

ST. LOUIS: With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.......

NEW ENGLAND: If Randy Moss pulls an Oakland on them, they'll be fine with Welker and Edelman. Defense is young.....but I think that's a positive.

NEW YORK JETS: MOST, MOST, MOST overrated team of 2010. The Colts try to win their regular season game and the Jets aren't even in the playoffs. They jettison leaders like Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Alan Faneca, give Revis the preseason off basically, and Rex Ryan can't shut up. 9-7 tops, 8-8 more likely.

MIAMI: I can't get fired up over Chad Henne. If he does better than I think he will, this team might finish 2nd instead of the Jets, but neither make the playoffs.

BUFFALO: Edwards can throw the deep ball. C.J. Spiller is a stud. But who's blocking?

BALTIMORE: My alternate AFC Super Bowl choice. Flacco has so many weapons now. Imagine the Ravens DEFENSE being the question mark......wow.

PITTSBURGH: They survive September, get Ben back, and still miss the playoffs. They will be a tough win for anyone who does get the "W" over them. Love Mike Tomlin.

CLEVELAND: Delhomme has a one-year resurgence, and Josh Cribbs runs up and down every field he can find. But it's only enough for six wins.

CINCINNATI: One word---MELTDOWN. Second most overrated team of the year. T.O. and Chad won't survive the season together, and Cedric Benson? Well, I'll believe him when I see him duplicate '09. Prediction: Marvin Lewis is out after lackluster, super-disappointing season.

INDIANAPOLIS: See Super Bowl paragraph......

TENNESSEE: Watch out. I really think Vince Young is ready and Kenny Britt is going to explode onto the scene this year. This is a gut call, but I trust Jeff Fisher. He wouldn't have placed so much hope in Young if he didn't know a payoff was coming.

HOUSTON: Will battle Tennessee for 2nd in the division, but both teams make the playoffs by winning their NFC matchups and games outside the division.

JACKSONVILLE: Sorry, Jack. Jones-Drew can't do it all; they go 0-6 in the division.

SAN DIEGO: They win the division by default. Norv Turner is their coach, which guarantees a playoff exit (See: Dallas and Wade Phillips above).

KANSAS CITY: Jamaal Charles gets help from Thomas Jones, takes some pressure off Matt Cassell, and their running game helps turn the franchise around to a seven-win season.

DENVER: Calling Tim Tebow. How about the resurrection of John Elway? It's gonna get ugly in the Rockies.

OAKLAND: Boy, I really want my boys to improve, but, even with Jason Campbell at QB, the wideouts are STILL Murphy and Heyward-Bey and Darren McFadden is still in uniform. McClain looks good, and at least Russell and Fargas are gone. Still another 10 plus loss season, though.

So, what do YOU think? :)

Terry Sisisky: 1952-2010

2010-07-22T23:39:00.002-04:00

Long live the T-Man. He will be missed greatly. Read my thoughts on Terry's impact at my Patrick Henry Sports website here.

Simple, Thanks to Borders......

2010-06-09T12:12:00.000-04:00

BREAKING--CCM Pioneer Dana Key Passes at 56

2010-06-07T11:52:00.001-04:00

Dana Key, one half of the legendary CCM duo DeGarmo & Key, has passed away at the young age of 56 due to complications from a blood clot.

No other details are available at this time. Please keep Dana's family in your prayers. Praise the Lord for the incredible music legacy he left, both with Eddie and as a solo artist.

Bilderburg----Heard of it?

2010-06-06T21:27:00.001-04:00

Click HERE. You NEED to know about it.

Helen Thomas tells Jews to go back to Germany

2010-06-05T04:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your objectivity.

So It Stormed In Chicago Today........

2010-05-31T22:21:00.002-04:00

Hmmmm......

A wide open opportunity here to wonder out loud if the Almighty really wasn't interested in what President Obama had to say on Memorial Day, so he sent an "interruption" to Chicagoland today......

Talk amongst yourselves......

"24" Series Finale Preview HERE

2010-05-18T23:24:00.001-04:00

Click on the title. Can't wait until Monday!

Expensive "controlled substance" is available free, and other Miss USA gaffes

2010-05-18T00:12:00.001-04:00

Click on the link. Good grief.

Another wonderful move brought to you buy the City of Richmond

2010-05-13T00:57:00.001-04:00

Click the title for the hilarity.....well, at least the 500 computers are still "new", I guess.....

Breitbart.tv » Al Sharpton: We Won’t Have True Social Justice Until Everything Is ‘Equal in Everybody’s House’

2010-05-07T00:08:00.001-04:00

I dare Rev. Sharpton to go to Oprah and tell her to start sharing her wealth first........

This clip shows us an example of the WRONG kind of "social gospel". (little "g" intended!)

Breitbart.tv » Al Sharpton: We Won’t Have True Social Justice Until Everything Is ‘Equal in Everybody’s House’

Why Didn't I Think Of Global Warming??

2010-05-05T17:50:00.003-04:00

I could have Al Gore's real estate portfolio now instead of looking for work and worried about my one piece of property. You know, the one I live in.

I could've scared the world, skewed scientific "data", made a scary movie......

Darn.

Wanna see what Al's done with $9 million of his "climate change-made" dollars? Click HERE.

Personally, I think he and Kevin Trudeau should be locked in the villa alone for six weeks and see who comes out alive.....

Media Elite Yuk It Up, Spend Millions.....is that Rome I smell??

2010-05-05T01:23:00.000-04:00

Carol Joynt has probably lost a few friends in Washington.

This article is DEAD-ON about the White House Correspondents Dinner, which has become a DAYS LONG event in Washington, the elite in government and media spending millions on themselves while ABC fires tons of people and unemployment continues to be abnormally high.

These idiots have no clue....no, wait. Take that back. They DO have a clue, and they DON'T CARE. READ and view the pics of the opulence at the link.

5.3.10: Washington Social Diary | New York Social Diary

Richmond area hit by minor earthquake | Richmond Times-Dispatch

2010-04-29T17:08:00.000-04:00

Richmond area hit by minor earthquake | Richmond Times-Dispatch

An Open Letter To My Adult Son

2010-04-29T06:19:00.003-04:00

Dear Son,

Wow.

It really, truly seems like just yesterday. But, on this date 18 years ago, I experienced a kind of joy the likes of which I'd never had before.

I became a father.

We had been expecting you for several months, obviously. I had seen you squirm in your safe surroundings and you had even kicked my butt in the bed a time or two. You were nine days overdue, so we kinda had to evict you from your Mom to give her a break, you know!

So, off to the hospital, early that morning. To register, get settled, induce labor, and wait. And wait.

And wait.

You little booger, you didn't wanna come out. :)

40 percent effaced, and that's the best we got that day. And after showing signs of wanting to move UP the birth canal, the doctor thought it best that we surprise you.

The wait turned to preparation for surgery, then off to the operating room, and me, your "squeamish at any nasty talk" father saw insides of your mom and other stuff all around the room and it didn't bother me at all. I had tunnel vision.

It was all about you.

Mind you, I was keeping watch over your poor Mom, who became sick due to the anesthesia and threw up over and over, so much so that she wouldn't even get to hold you until the next morning......

But at 5:45pm, the doctor found you. You came out crying.

And everything changed.

Your mom and I were no longer "just the two of us". There were three. I had to change the answering machine.

I remembered the first thing I said to you in the warmer after you were wrapped up and placed inside.

"Hey there".

Such historic words, eh?

And now, 18 years later, at around 6:30 on this Thursday morning, I'm about to go into your messy room and wake you up for school. And say....

"Hey there. Happy birthday, young man."

Congratulations, son. You did it! There were plenty of people these past 18 years who didn't know how you would turn out, even I admit nights of worry. I know two people, though, who never gave it a second thought.

Your mom, who sleeps peacefully beside me at the moment, and your Nana, who would be SO proud of you today. Just like she was when she saw you, for the first time, 18 years ago this evening.

I look forward to seeing your next 18 years, and couldn't be happier or more proud than to be your Dad.

:)

Katie Couric Argues for Commenter Civility

2010-04-29T02:12:00.001-04:00

Katie Couric Argues for Commenter Civility

Wholeheartedly agree! Click on the link above for some good comments on "comments" from Katie Couric.

Richmond Radio Format Change: Goodbye Mix

2010-04-22T15:43:00.002-04:00

103.7 is a blowtorch signal in this market and has been underperforming for years, in my opinion.

Other than Jack & Jen (until their departure last fall, first Jack to Baltimore, then Jen to other opportunities), Mix 103.7 essentially was a jukebox that ate up alot of electricity. Other than promoting their "commercial-free drive at 5", they did nothing. There was NO personality 148 hours out of every week.

Enter "The River".

Triple A comes to Richmond. Click HERE for details from my buddy Robert over at VARTV.com.

Melissa Chase, coming off her non-compete with Clear Channel, should be coming on-air soon. Now the question is, will they have a personality? Will they really "do" radio the way it should be?

"24"---LIVE Blogging.......

2010-04-19T21:01:00.007-04:00

Well, the final hours are here. Renee is gone. Let's see how Jack reacts and what former President Logan has up his sleeve......

It's 9am.......

As Jack leaves the operating room, he's about as "Jack-less" as I've ever seen. Absolutely stunned. When will he snap?

The body is wheeled out. The grieving continues.

Ah, the phone rings. Here comes Jack. :)

9:05am----Jack is back. Chloe gives Jack the info he needs.

9:06am----Ethan is Superman!

9:07am----Logan finds the Russian at breakfast. It's not at McDonalds. Some Russians do well financially.......

9:09am----Blackmail over espresso.......

9:11am----At the court, Sergei sees Jack......and actually wants to talk to him. Jack turns the tables quickly, and offers greetings for the family.

"Wait, wait!"

9:13am----Jack's word goes a long way.
9:14am----Time to visit Dana.

9:18am----The Russians are coming!! Logan is stoked, but Ethan is curious. There's definitely an ulterior motive with Logan. Is he working WITH the Russian Government??

9:20am----I hope Chloe got a temporary pay raise!!

9:22am----Yeah, here we go. What will Logan do? Poor guy. Thinks he can get even with Jack....another deft move by the producers to use his character in all this. Logan is one of the best characters, by far, in "24" history.

9:24am----"You think I'm gonna kill her?", Jack to Chloe when looking at Dana. Gotta keep the cameras on. TMZ might want footage.

COMMERCIAL BREAK THOUGHT: I've only seen two radio stations advertise so far on TV during the Spring Arbitron book......96.5 KLR and Q94.

9:31am----President Taylor is back, now with the widow turned leader.
9:31am----Fox News plug. :)

9:32am----The two Presidents collide. Taylor learns of Walker's demise. Logan wants Bauer stopped. Finally, some pushback from Taylor.

9:35am----Classic, classic Logan trying to win the argument with Taylor over Ethan. Oh, and now we don't tell Dalia Hassan she's signing a deal with the guys who killed her husband. Appealing to her "legacy". Classic Taylor wouldn't accept this.

Well?

9:36am----Jack calls. She doesn't take the call?!?!?
9:37am----Oh, she's going instead. Hmmmm.......

COMMERCIAL BREAK THOUGHT: Too bad Season VI was so subpar and ruined the momentum for "24". Seasons seven and eight have been excellent, but will never get the mass appeal amount of eyeballs they deserve like Season V did.

9:41am----President's calling......for Chloe. And wants to see Jack. Chloe didn't say "goodbye" beofre hanging up? :)

9:43am----CTU must be REALLY close to the UN.

9:44am----Jack and Madame President.

"I want justice".---Jack
"I want peace."---President Taylor

9:47am----"You're locking me down?" Wow. Guess there's a breakout renegade Jack finale coming.......

9:50am----Did Jack and Chloe make eye contact for the last time???

9:53am----The President tells Chloe about Dana and Jack. President Taylor has gone completely "peace" blind. Logan's magic works again.......hmmm......

9:56am----Chloe and Jack will tag team something. Don't worry.

9:58am----The copter lands to carry Jack away.......
9:59am----No, Jack will take the copter away.......even Chloe can't stop him.

NEXT HOUR???

Well, when Jack finds out Logan is hangin' with Taylor.......that'll explain lots. Jack goes rogue. Next time. :) :)

"These are my people. Americans."

2010-04-16T19:44:00.001-04:00

Who's projecting race into the Tea Party movement? Dare I say the white NBC Nightly News reporter seems to be obsessed with thinking it's 1954 all over again.

What rubbish.

Tea Party Saboteurs----The Alinsky Way

2010-04-14T17:48:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of Michelle Malkin, a reminder of what some leftists are willing to do tomorrow to try to paint real, honest Americans upset with big government as racist pigs.

Talk about projection.......

I saw Johnny Carson live on this day!

2010-04-14T08:36:00.001-04:00

Cool web site with the history of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson episodes. I looked up June 16, 1983, and there were the details of the show I attended while on vacation in Los Angeles that summer.

An hour I'll never forget. Click on the the title above for the details. :)

"24" Fan Alert!!! Preview pics of Jack's last hours....until he hits theatres. :)

2010-04-14T01:24:00.002-04:00

Click on the title for a good article from The Daily Mail in the UK on Kiefer's thoughts on the show's conclusion, currently being filmed, plus plans for the theatrical release we "24" fans have been hoping for.

Obama loves the press?

2010-04-14T01:18:00.001-04:00

Think again.

Dana Milbank at the Washington Post with some thought-provoking commentary on this nuclear meeting farce that's been going on in DC, with Obama "in control".

Honest. Just ask the press. Who saw almost none of it.

Click HERE.

Meanwhile, at the Ukrops........

2010-04-13T21:43:00.003-04:00

.....so I end up at Ukrops on Staples Mill tonight, again on the family run. Specifically told to go to Ukrops and not Martins.

It felt like I was at a viewing at a funeral home. I expected the employees to be on morphine drips.

Sad. Stripped walls. Signs gone. Lots of half-empty shelves, some completely bare. And this store doesn't close until May 1 for its "transformation".

Those of you who think, "get over it, it's JUST a grocery store!", I don't know what to tell you. Maybe you haven't lived in Richmond 42 years like me, I dunno.

But after spending some time in a Martins last night and a Ukrops tonight, all I can say is something "definitive to Richmond" is dying. And it will be a sad day come May 8 when the final doors close.

Don't get me wrong; Ukrops is NOTHING like it used to be, in its high point of 20 years ago, but I've seen the future, and so far, I'm not impressed.

Martin's: Some Quick First Thoughts......

2010-04-13T01:05:00.004-04:00

Well, now that the "Ukrops" era is truly wrapping up here in Richmond, I found myself on my way home Monday night given the task of buying the wifey Diet Snapple.

And the Ukrops that was conveniently located between point A and point B was closed last week, being transformed into a "Martin's". A store that had "never" been in the Richmond area before.

A few thoughts.....

1) I've seen this store before. It's called Giant. Really, there's no difference between the two that I could find, aesthetically, other than the name.

2) The carts are outside. That made room for......

3) For those of you who were righteously indignant (how ironic) that the Ukrop family would not sell beer or open on Sunday, Martin's made sure you knew the SECOND you walked in that you are now in Coors Country.

4) There are THREE MILLION price tags on the aisles. Very bold print on the prices, trying to figure out what the actual price is is an adventure. Gotta get used to them. Ukrops' tags were at least cleaner, easier to read, and color-coded (look for the yellow, avoid the red, they are tricks!)

5) NO Ukrops "feel" whatsoever, NOT that I expected any! That comment is just for those of you who were hoping the White House Rolls and Lemon Chess Pie might keep a bit of the magic alive. The term "Ukrops" now looks like, oh, "Breyers" or "Arm & Hammer"......

----------------------------------

The checkout was an adventure, as I realized before even arriving that I did not have whatever type of "customer card" Martin's provided. BUT, I had read on Facebook from a friend that shopped at the Short Pump store earlier in the day that they were providing them at checkout.

Not at Virginia Center.

The young man who checked me out was very nice and our conversation was very pleasant, as I asked how he/they were surviving the "first day". New computers, HUGE font on the checkout screens (they SCREAM at you), but no cards. He waited awhile for a manager to come use one of theirs. They were running around doing a million other things.

I asked how to get a permanent one during our wait. He replied that there were two tables set up at each entrance, but they had RUN OUT of cards. Oops.

In the end, he used the card of the lady behind me, waiting patiently, in line, who either figured out how to get a Martin's Card before today or drove all the way from Waynesboro. (insert rimshot here)

He did explain how to go online to get your card (print out a temp while the real one is mailed to you), which was cool.

And, the last impression, during my conversation with the Ukr...err...Martin's bagger who accompanied me to the Hyundai? Right after I asked how having the carts outside was affecting things, asking, "Have you seen any in the parking lot?"....I turn to my right, and there was one staring me in the face. Welcome to Food Lion. :)

I'm certainly willing to give them a chance (my Spaghettios and Meatballs were 40 cents cheaper!!), but my first grade is C+.

PROS: Familiar faces, bright stores, no huge layout differences.
CONS: Customer cards should have been mailed out two weeks ago to all Ukrops Cardholders, there are TOO MANY price tags staring at me, and the Richmond feel is gone. I felt like I was in Stafford or something.

My two cents. :)

And On This Day----January 3

2010-01-03T23:19:00.002-05:00

--The Giants quit.
--The Steelers wondered how they lost to the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns.
--JaMarcus Russell played his last game as a Raider (I hope!)

More importantly, I had lunch and a great time with one of my bestest friends, which doesn't happen enough.

Now, I hit the hay to start a new chapter in the AM. And it'll be cold outside. Good. I'll need the invigoration. :)

And on this day.......

2010-01-03T00:19:00.001-05:00

The medicine used to help me sleep early also helped me sleep too late into the day itself. :(

Therefore I didn't do as much as I wanted to, but did get some important groundwork done on some things this afternoon, then proceeded to Ukrops, followed by a game of Life and Scrabble with the kids while Mom served that expensive coffee.

What's YOUR New Year's Resolution?

2010-01-01T23:46:00.001-05:00

Leave a comment on the post and tell us what you hope to accomplish in 2010!

And On This Day.........

2010-01-01T23:39:00.002-05:00

We rang in 2010 in the midst of a Scrabble Doubleheader at my brother's house in New Bern, North Carolina. Out of four players, I finished last in the game played mostly in 2009. I won the game played mostly in 2010. Good sign.

My brother had his scanner on through the evening and we listened to the rowdies of New Bern, et al, cause their New Year's Eve heartaches. Who needs cable when you have a scanner?

The usual overnight insomnia commenced and I finally fell asleep around 5:20. Got up at noon, packed, ate, and we left for Virginia at 1:15. 3 1/2 hours later (record time for my driving) we were home.

Mom went to work at Starbucks, Dad ran up to Ashland to do a radio station log for tomorrow, then came home to play a monster game of Scrabble against Robbie and Rachel.

I won that one, too.

A good Day One of 2010. So glad to have the "00's" behind me. :)

The easiest way to catch up with All Things Witham.....

2009-10-28T19:42:00.002-04:00

....is to find me on Facebook. Click on the title above. :)

Miami should've listened to Dr. Z!

2009-10-01T00:13:00.004-04:00

So.....with Chad Pennington on the shelf....

Imagine if the Miami Dolphins, in 2001, had listened to Dr. Z at Sports Illustrated, and took the man he suggested in the draft some eight years ago.

Think things might be different today?

OMG! Albright thinks she's a hottie!

2009-09-30T22:05:00.003-04:00

Click the title and see CNN's John Roberts blush at Madeline Albright. Thank you, Marty at Chickaboomer!!!

I'm sorry, but I can't think of anything Albright could do that would make me blush, or react at all, for that matter. I'm sorry, but, well, she's not all that.

I'll be nice and leave it at that.

Ugh!

January 20 vs. September 12

2009-09-15T00:03:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Blonde Sagacity for this one. Please click on the title. Pictures speak thousands of words. :)

My 2009 NFL Predictions....

2009-09-10T18:27:00.003-04:00

Hey, why not? Everyone else does? :) :)

NFC:

NFC East--Philadelphia
NFC North--Green Bay
NFC South--Atlanta
NFC West--San Francisco
NFC Wild Card Berths--Chicago and New Orleans

NFC CHAMPION: Atlanta

AFC:

AFC East--New England
AFC North--Pittsburgh
AFC South--Houston
AFC West--San Diego
AFC Wild Card Berths--Baltimore and Tennessee

AFC CHAMPION: Pittsburgh

SUPER BOWL XLIV: Pittsburgh over Atlanta

2010 Draft--#1 pick to the Oakland Raiders!

#2--Cleveland
#3--Buffalo
#4--St. Louis
#5--Detroit

Oh, and Brett Favre won't make the trip to Green Bay in early November. He'll either be hurt or will have retired for the 38th time.

Let the football begin!!!

MJ's choice for Hall of Fame presenter? David Thompson | Richmond Times-Dispatch

2009-09-08T14:51:00.001-04:00

FANTASTIC choice, Michael! The original high-flyer from North Carolina will present Jordan. A Tar Heel deferring to a Wolfpack. At least one Tar Heel has some sense.....tee hee.....

Classy move, Michael Jordan; thank you for remembering David. :)

MJ's choice for Hall of Fame presenter? David Thompson | Richmond Times-Dispatch

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Learn More About PTO's

2009-09-07T16:46:00.002-04:00

Click on the title link and learn about the independent parent-teacher groups across America who opt not to spend their money with a politically-motivated National PTA and keep their money at their childrens' schools as PTO's (and other acronyms!)

As we start a new school year, I can't think of a better site to highlight and recommend to parents!

And a "Van" goes under the bus......plus, how one lefty blog handles dissent

2009-09-06T15:08:00.006-04:00

Van Jones resigns in the middle of a Saturday night on a holiday weekend. Just as what people had figured would happen.

When you have someone this incriminating near you (or during Watergate, when people are coming close to the truth), they like to dump you on Saturday nights.....

BUT--if you think Van Jones doesn't have a voice or a "seat" at the President's table, think again. He's still going to be around. He just doesn't get to be in the public eye as a "czar".

BUT NOTE THIS:

If you click on either the title of this link or Van's name at the start of this post, and you'll go to the story of Van's resignation as reported by:

ThinkProgress.org.......typical lefty blog.

Scroll down to the comments section, and note how many times you see the following statement:

"This comment has been voted down. Click to read."

Apparently, some comments that are in opposition to the beliefs of ThinkProgress.org are "semi-censored".

Yes, you can read it by clicking on a link, so technically they aren't "censored". But, these comments are "labeled" as "losers" or "wrong" by whomever the powers that be are over at ThinkProgress. Could be editors, could be fellow commenters.

They will argue, "WE'RE NOT CENSORING! JUST CLICK ON THE LINK TO READ IT; IT'S RIGHT THERE!!"

I respond with, "Why do you pronounce a comment as "voted down" before allowing any critical thinking human being, no matter what their political persuasion, to come to their own conclusion?"

BUT---apparently the "vote downs" aren't reserved for those evil right-wingers. Here are a few that get the "scarlet letter"......

"Bad move. Libs & Dems always quit. Conservatives stay & fight.
How can we win when we're always quitting?"

"yeee hawwww"

"Guess he couldn't stand the truth comming (sic) out about what he really was."

"that is one less Panther suporter (sic) we have to worry bout, too bad it had to take public humilty (sic) to remove him tough (sic)"

"Buh-bye to a hater. Van Jones is pure trash. Good riddance."

And now, to be fair and balanced, a few comments deemed acceptable and appropriate for viewing without an extra click and an editorial comment.....

"It's unfortunate that Van Jones quit. He's a good and talented man who is worth an infinite number of Glenn Becks. He would have done a great job for the country.
It's also unfortunate that Beck hasn't choked on his own foul spittle, but that's another subject entirely. While I'm on the subject: Fox, a christian station? Give me a break. Fox is a festering boil on the ass of America. Time to lance that sucker and solve the problem."

"Mr. Van Jones,

Don't let the sh-t faced Repuglian liars chase you out. We need people with courage like yours to stay in the fray and fight! Don't let the basta-ds win like this.
I am ashamed of the putrid foul degenerates above who cheer your leaving. Typical Repuglicans, foul to the end."

"Let's hope that this frees him up to carry on the battle in a different, stronger way. Those not in official positions may have more latitude to kick the crap out of these idiots."

"Kit Bond called for an investigation on Van Jones? Because he said all republicans are as*holes? He should have said they were all racist crackers."

So, there you go. But here's one final comment that, as an earlier post referred to, echoes my earlier sentiment that Mr. Jones will now only fade into the woodwork, still with plenty of pull.

"Now Van Jones is free to retaliate without any impediments. Good."

This "Van" will come out from underneath the bus in fine condition.

Rob on education, politics, and the whole Obama speech thingy.......

2009-09-04T14:44:00.005-04:00

Lots of comments regarding my Facebook and Blogger postings of a couple of days back regarding my deep concern over the plans to show all students a speech by the President this Tuesday. I even saw a comment that led me to believe some may believe me to be a racist over all this. Can I first say that I could care less if our President is purple, green, or blue? I look at substance.

And thus the reason for this post. For those of you who think this is a knee-jerk reaction on my part, I present to you a history lesson.

----From the moment I stepped foot into Longdale Elementary School in August, 1997 to meet my son's Kindergarten teacher, I have been very, very involved in my childrens' education. I've been proud to be a Co-Class Mom, a Class Mom, then eventually a Vice-President and two-time President of the school's PTA and one-term President as the school's PTO. I loved every minute I spent at school with my kids, their friends, their teachers and the rest of the staff. My FAVORITE part would be when kids would see me in the hallway and greet me with either "Hi Robbie's Dad!" or "Hi Rachel's Dad!". That was THE BEST. :)

Let me take you back several years to my two years as PTA President at Longdale. Upon doing much studying and observing of the PTA on a local, state, and national level, I became extremely uncomfortable with the tenets of that organization. Though some of the "reasons" given for their hearty lobbying efforts "on behalf of education" seemed innocuous enough, further review revealed a definite bias toward one political ideology over another.

Whenever you begin to involve yourself in politics, you immediately, as an Association, should go under the microscope to be scrutinized as to what said group does with their dues, donations, etc. And, too many times, PTA monies, mostly on the National level, were being used in ways where it was abundantly clear who the PTA was comfortable associating with politically, and who did clearly did not care for.

This led me to study the then-growing movement of schools nationwide leaving the PTA in favor of PTO's, which are "Parent-Teacher Organizations", and concentrate their efforts on the local school. Period. If they choose to partner with other schools in their district, or county, or across the country, they could, but they were not forced to do so, as is done via the National PTA with mandatory dues.

Each year, Longdale families were giving more than $1,000 to the National and State PTA and essentially getting nothing in return except the "privilege" of calling themselves a PTA. Want "leadership training"? That's more $$ and a trip out of town for a weekend. I always wondered why a non-profit group would pay good money to send willing "leaders" to a "leadership conference". Isn't that something that could be done on the local or area level for free, thanks to the expertise of all the volunteers in said local or area group?

Somehow, I never thought their members magazine was worth the $1,000 plus dollars.

Well, the year I was NOT part of the PTA Executive Board, the wheels were put in motion to leave the PTA and re-form our parent group as a PTO.

What did the PTA do?

Per bylaws, we had a meeting where they sent a representative to speak to the membership to implore them not to leave, which was perfectly fine. Per bylaws, if we voted to leave, any monies that were raised as a PTA would go......to the State and National PTA.

And not to the children.

You would think the PTA people would want the money to go to help the children of the school, but I digress......

Long story short, we left the PTA for the non-political PTO, which is, by the way, NOT an "National" organization. There is no such thing as a "National PTO". Any dues you collect as a PTO stay at the school. Heck, you don't even have to CHARGE for membership, if you don't want to!

THE PTA RESPONSE:

1) They always paint PTO's and other type groups that are not associated with them "fundraising groups for schools". This is their "slime tactic" against anyone not aligned with them. Remember, for each school that there is no PTA, that's hundreds of kids and thousands of adults that do not receive their money (dues), hear their politically slanted message and less numbers they can add to their "total membership" tout of clout at State Capitals and on Capitol Hill.

Truth be told, even though the PTA's say they have a "3 to 1 ratio rule" of projects to fundraisers, you don't get flyers and handouts the first week of school about the latest PTA projects. You get hit with a huge fundraiser. PTO's can do as many projects as they want and as many or few fundraisers as necessary, all based on what's best for the school and THE KIDS. Gee, what a novel concept.

2) We were the first school in Henrico County to leave the PTA. The rest of the PTA's then, in essence, shunned us. How hard would it be for a County body to change their name from "County Council of PTAs" to "County Council of PTAs and PTOs"? That didn't happen. Nor were we included at the beginning in any activities. Our school's voice was silenced....by them, not us.

3) In 2004, when Longdale families constituted a majority of new parents and students at the then-new Greenwood Elementary School, we simply asked the new principal that, since groups from three different schools were coming together to start the new school, that both the PTA and PTO option be presented to the parents and let them decide how to organize the group at Greenwood.

The PTAers hated that idea. We had a meeting, though. The PTA representative attempted to grandstand and take the entire alloted hour of speaking, knowing the hall was being used by another group later and that we'd have to vacate. My wife had to go find the principal, who had left the room, to come back in and basically shut him up.

The parents voted to form a PTO. At the first meeting of parents interested in wanting to form it, a group of PTA supporters came and effectively staged a coup d'etat. How did they eventually win?

A formation committee packed with Pro-PTA'ers botched up (on purpose, I suspect?) the formation process to the point where they then later came back and convinced enough people that the ONLY way to get the group going was to form as a PTA so the PTA could help them.

For example, they said it would cost thousands to lawyers to form the PTO. Lie. We did it at Longdale for free.

It went on and on and on. For months.

Almost AN ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR went by, and these people were perfectly content to waste all this time where THE STUDENTS could be benefiting, simply to get their way.

--------------------------

When people are motivated by politics, it's amazing how many of them make decisions and do things which actually go against what they claim their core beliefs are. For example, if you are "only looking out for the children", why spend so much money that could be used in the classroom strengthening an association whose existence has already been proven to be not necessary?

Did you know around 3 out of every 4 "parent-teacher" groups in America are NOT PTA's?

No wonder they're going nuts! Where will they get the money to "promote their cause"? Dry up the dues and you're in trouble.

-------------------------

Why did I and do I support PTOs? One big reason is that they are NON-POLITICAL.

Public school classrooms, the students, and their lesson plans should never be used for any political purpose. Period. On either side.

And that brings us to President Obama's speech on Tuesday.

The fact that he wants to speak to the nation's schoolchildren is not the big issue here.

The big issue is THE PLANS SURROUNDING AND FOLLOWING UP THE SPEECH. You know, the ones I highlighted on this blog the other day. The ones which want students to focus on "what the President wants" throughout the entire school year. The ones which didn't focus on children achieving their best in educational endeavors or on what we can do to be better citizens and help our country and our neighbors......

Obama's speech will be very innocuous, I'm sure. Even moreso now that people like me have blown the whistle on all this.

Friends, all politicians present their messages through a uniquely defined political prism. This goes against my "non-political" stance of what life should be like in the Pre-K through 12 classrooms of this nation. They can't help it, whether from the right or the left.

POINTS TO PONDER:

1) How can the same Administration, who cannot even pay car dealerships for their "clunkers" in the Cash For Clunkers program even after tripling their workforce to get the paperwork processed, somehow masterfully pull off sending lesson plans for a year-long project to every classroom in some 100,000 schools with nary a whisper to the public who pays for those schools? When an Administration can administer some things better than others, one begins to wonder what priorities cause the success and failure....

2) WHY has the White House now spent MORE taxpayer money to REVISE the lesson plans to take the focus more away from the President??? Was it just an "oversight" of Education Secretary Arne Duncan and his gang, just thinking that citizens would assume "following a President" meant "following a nation"? Heh. Think again. We caught them red-handed. If these lesson plans were so innocuous, THEY WOULDN'T BE REVISING THEM, now would they?

3) Guilt by association. In its short history, the Obama Administration has placed itself in a position by which doing this very exercise guaranteed the grassroots response.

--Appointing more "czars" with no Congressional oversight than any other President
--Trying to ram through Health Care Reform before August, before there could be discussion.
--The stimulus package that HAD to go through or we would be in a Depression.

Once a group plays "ramrod" with the American people for awhile, the people awaken and say enough. And thus, they begin to question everything they do. Why? Because past history indicates questioning is a GOOD thing to do.

The latest indication? Van Jones, the President's "Green Jobs" czar. According to Van's own words, I'm a white polluter, an "a**hole" (even though I'm an independent and NOT a Republican) and I live in a country where the last Presidential Administration colluded to kill 3,000 Americans eight years ago on 9/11.

I rest my case.

-------------------------------------------------------

In closing.......

1) I want no publicly elected official having the control of speaking to all of the nation's children without first announcing such intentions to the entire nation. Schools are for LEARNING. Learning about politics in schools belongs in Social Studies, US History, and US Government classes. I wouldn't want kindergarteners asking themselves "What Would Reagan Do?" any more than "What Would Obama Do?" I should have found out about this speech from news reports straight from the White House and not from the Drudge Report and radio talkers.

2) What would liberals be saying today if George W. Bush had created "lesson plans" to give to the nation's children so they could wonder "What does George W. Bush want me to do today"? Remember just a couple of years ago when some liberals were demanding that President Bush's pictures be taken down from public school walls?

3) Our society is in grave danger due to stupidity. You read me right. You can't read a chyron graphic on CNN, Fox, or another news or sports channel these days without seeing MULTIPLE misspellings. Adults can't name the 50 states, their Senators, or how many Justices are on the Supreme Court. How many kids don't know their times tables, 0X0 through 12X12, by heart? How many kids have to learn the Gettysburg Address by heart?

May the President's speech be short and full of direction sending all American children to their textbooks, so we can get back to reading, writing, and arithmetic.

As opposed to "What does (insert any political leader name here) want me to do??"

Follow Up to Below Post------Obama to be prayer day no-show - Washington Times

2009-09-02T17:06:00.001-04:00

Why did a Christian tradition come to an end? Your thoughts.......be sure to read the post BELOW this one to get the whole story here.....

Obama to be prayer day no-show - Washington Times

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Obama hosts Ramadan dinner at White House - Washington Times

2009-09-02T17:05:00.001-04:00

I have no problem with this, and am glad he hosted a Passover Seder last April. But what troubles me will be posted separately, when we remind ourselves of a decision he made in May.

Obama hosts Ramadan dinner at White House - Washington Times

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What The???????-----Obama speaks to captive audience......

2009-09-02T10:55:00.003-04:00

Here it is, friends. The outline that will grace America's classrooms THIS TUESDAY before Dear Leader "speaks" to OUR children----without our permission.

PreK-6 Menu of Classroom Activities: President Obama’s Address to Students Across America
Produced by Teaching Ambassador Fellows, U.S. Department of Education
September 8, 2009

Before the Speech:
• Teachers can build background knowledge about the President of the United States and his speech by reading books about presidents and Barack Obama and motivate students by asking the following questions:
Who is the President of the United States?
What do you think it takes to be President?
To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking?
Why do you think he wants to speak to you?
What do you think he will say to you?
• Teachers can ask students to imagine being the President delivering a speech to all of the students in the United States. What would you tell students? What can students do to help in our schools? Teachers can chart ideas about what they would say.
• Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? Why is what they say important?
During the Speech:
• As the President speaks, teachers can ask students to write down key ideas or phrases that are important or personally meaningful. Students could use a note-taking graphic organizer such as a Cluster Web, or students could record their thoughts on sticky notes. Younger children can draw pictures and write as appropriate. As students listen to the speech, they could think about the following:
What is the President trying to tell me?
What is the President asking me to do?
What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about?
• Students can record important parts of the speech where the President is asking them to do something. Students might think about: What specific job is he asking me to do? Is he asking anything of anyone else? Teachers? Principals? Parents? The American people?
• Students can record any questions they have while he is speaking and then discuss them after the speech. Younger children may need to dictate their questions.

After the Speech:
• Teachers could ask students to share the ideas they recorded, exchange sticky notes or stick notes on a butcher paper poster in the classroom to discuss main ideas from the speech, i.e. citizenship, personal responsibility, civic duty.
• Students could discuss their responses to the following questions:
What do you think the President wants us to do?
Does the speech make you want to do anything?
Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?
What would you like to tell the President?
• Teachers could encourage students to participate in the Department of Education’s “I Am What I Learn” video contest. On September 8th the Department will invite K-12 students to submit a video no longer than 2 min, explaining why education is important and how their education will help them achieve their dreams. Teachers are welcome to incorporate the same or a similar video project into an assignment. More details will be released via www.ed.gov.

Extension of the Speech: Teachers can extend learning by having students
• Create posters of their goals. Posters could be formatted in quadrants or puzzle pieces or trails marked with the labels: personal, academic, community, country. Each area could be labeled with three steps for achieving goals in those areas. It might make sense to focus on personal and academic so community and country goals come more readily.
• Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.
• Write goals on colored index cards or precut designs to post around the classroom.
• Interview and share about their goals with one another to create a supportive community.
• Participate in School wide incentive programs or contests for students who achieve their goals.
• Write about their goals in a variety of genres, i.e. poems, songs, personal essays.
• Create artistic projects based on the themes of their goals.
• Graph student progress toward goals.

NOTE how many times the kids are asked to focus on THE PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!
As opposed to THE COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!

This is sick.

Happy For Stacey Dales!

2009-09-01T12:54:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry, but I don't get the whole Erin Andrews thing.

Yes, she's attractive, but there are several "reporters" who put her to shame.

And as for strong personalities on television, ESPN let one get away and now NFL Network gets to reap the benefits.

Welcome Stacey Dales to NFLN, who I will personally take over EA anyday! Click on the title for the story.

Oh, great......

2009-08-28T13:15:00.004-04:00

From one of my FAVE bloggers, Chickaboomer......

You gotta check out the goods on Mark Lloyd, the choice for "FCC Diversity Czar".

Add this to the news breaking today that Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, West Va) has been working for months on a bill to give the White House emergency powers over PRIVATE internet sources in "an emergency".

Get the dissenters off radio, off TV, and off the Internet? Sure seems like a growing foundation to attempt it to me.

Priceless!

2009-08-21T13:14:00.001-04:00

U.S. To Trade Gold Reserves For Cash Through Cash4Gold.com

Giving new meaning to "missing a 'head' line".....

2009-08-20T11:19:00.003-04:00

This post isn't about the 2nd Amendment, or about those who, for whatever reason, choose to show up outside Presidential appearances packing heat.

It is, however, about a "news organization" conveniently editing a very important portion of a story concerning the above subjects so as not to allow the facts to get in the way of their agenda.

MSNBC's logic is:

1) President is black.
2) Man shows up outside Presidential appearance with rifle and gun.
3) Man says he did it, "because he can".
4) Man is racist.

But, notice in the video clip, MSNBC only shows you the middle of the man packing heat, then switches to video of AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT PERSON being interviewed by someone.

That someone with all the bullets? He's black.

Click on the blog title.

New Meaning To Term "Political Pundit Works Poll".....

2009-08-17T17:02:00.002-04:00

Monica Crowley and Mika Brzezinski Ready to "Work the Poll"

Former FishbowlNYer Ron Mwangaguhunga was listening to "The Joe Scarborough Show" on radio this morning and caught an offer from Monica Crowley that Mika Brzezinski might not be able to refuse.

Last week Ed Norwick, general manager of SCORES, offered Mika Brzezinski $10,000 -- to be given to a children's charity -- to try out at Scores West. Norwick was on the show to discuss the much-discussed Miley Cyrus pole dancing routine at the Teen Choice Awards. Brzezinski, a suburban mother, said no. Joe Scarborough has pressed the issue, saying that it would be "for the children."
This morning former Nixon foreign policy aide [and MSNBC show host] Monica Crowley appeared on the Scarborough radio show and made an offer. If Mika Brzezinski took up the challenge, she agreed to "work the pole" with the MSNBC host.

ROB'S NOTE---I must admit to the world that, if given the chance, Monica Crowley's performance would be one I wouldn't mind seeing.

There. I said it. Let the flogging begin. :)

Five Years---1,006 Posts.......

2009-08-10T18:07:00.003-04:00

Wow.

Five years ago today, I started All Things Witham. This is post #1,006. Five years, around 200 posts a year.

SO much has happened. SO much has changed. Pardon me while I ramble.

1) I spend most of my "social online" time now on Facebook, so I am not the rabid blogger I used to be. I also split my blogging time now between three blogs.

2) I have SO enjoyed being able to have a tiny sliver of a lectern in the social media universe. I'm not leaving anytime soon.

3) This blog has always been about everything that has to do with The Withams. Lately a lot of my posts have been political in nature. I can't help it. What's happening in our nation right now is so scary. I must speak out. I appreciate those who comment on the posts, no matter what your political persuasion.

FIVE YEARS AGO/TODAY:

--I worked at Clear Channel/I'm a member of the Facebook group "I Was Fired By Clear Channel".

--My kids were going into the 7th and 2nd grades, respectively./Now I have Robbie's Senior Portraits and Rachel is going into the 7th grade.

--I was married./Still am.

--I was overweight./Still am. :(

--I had sleep apnea./Still do, and now am a Type II Diabetic.

--I was depressed./Not so much anymore! :)

--I was pastoring a church./I'm in year #4 of a sabbatical. It could go on 'til eternity.

--I loved "24"./Some things never change. :)

Tropical Storm Gaston, Bush/Kerry, Jib Jab, Patrick Henry Football, Big Brother, wrestling, "24" live blogging, New Years Eve blogging, fantasy football, Final Four picks, photos, vacation reports, job upheaval, current events thoughts, and the best of my kids. Just to name a very few highlights of five years of ATW.

Thanks for stopping by, once, or multiple times. I'll be back. Hope you will be, too. :)

Obama: Top Income Earners are just Lucky

2009-07-22T17:40:00.003-04:00

Obama: Top Income Earners are just Lucky

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Whatever happened to 18 hour days, hard work, and "my father built this business after immigrating from (insert name of country here)"???

Needed Weekend Levity

2009-07-18T17:31:00.002-04:00

From the blog-read "Chronicles of An Exhausted Mom".........

These are GREAT.

Page 16: Government ends private health care

2009-07-18T16:57:00.003-04:00

No...the Federal Government doesn't want control over your life. No way!

Ahem.

The Libs in Congress, I would've thought, would have tried to bury this provision a little deeper than just PAGE 16 of the 1,018 page Obama Death Care Bill.

It just proves they think you and I are robot morons who will do whatever they want you to. I can hear Nancy Pelosi now....

"They're so busy wagging teabags and listening to talk radio, they won't make it to page 16."

Investors Business Daily has. Click the title for the truth on death care.

Awful Announcing: The NHL Officially Announces Details Of 2010 Winter Classic

2009-07-17T13:42:00.001-04:00

This is SO awesome; another GREAT strategy move by the NHL.

Awful Announcing: The NHL Officially Announces Details Of 2010 Winter Classic

Sorry, Susan!

2009-07-16T16:19:00.004-04:00

Susan Roesgen Out at CNN

Breaking: TVNewser has learned CNN correspondent Susan Roesgen's contract will not be renewed and she will be leaving the network.

Roesgen, you'll recall, was criticized for her coverage at the tax day tea parties in April, when she said the event she was covering in Chicago was, "anti-CNN since this is highly promoted by the right-wing, conservative network Fox."

Roesgen took a break for a few weeks after that reporting and returned to the air in May covering the Drew Peterson arrest. Most recently, she covered Michael Jackson's death from Los Angeles. Roesgen joined CNN in 2005.

When TVNewser asked whether Roesgen's comments at the Chicago tea party rally had anything to do with her not being renewed, a CNN spokesperson said, "I can't comment on personnel matters."

-------------------------------------------------------------

Rob's Commentary: After her ABOMINABLE performance trying to take up for President Obama at her fateful "tea party" report, this is deserved. I am not "happy" over her losing their job, but do believe she dug her own grave in Atlanta. Her Fox comments that day weren't what really ticks me off, it was her unbelievably condescending "know-it-all" attitude while "conducting" alleged "interviews" which she tried to turn into verbal spats or "liberal teaching moments".

But relax, Susan fans. She'll be at MSNBC before you can say Rachel Maddow.

Rebuttal to my First Lady at the homeless shelter picture post

2009-07-09T12:34:00.006-04:00

So, a few weeks back I post a link to a picture of a homeless person getting a free meal served by the First Lady. The point of the post was to show the presence of a cell phone that the homeless (?) person was using to take a photo of this historic moment in their life.

So, I get an anonymous (figures) response:

Anonymous said...
"I'm not sure what you find "priceless" about homelessness. What exactly do you find objectional about this photo? Is it that a person in line for a meal has a cell phone? Do you think that the homeless should not be allowed to have cell phones? Can you imagine trying to find a job without having a phone on which to receive call-backs for interviews? In this economy, how do you know this person wasn't recently homeless with a family to feed? How do you know this person was homeless at all and not a staff member at this shelter or simply someone who wanted a photo of the first lady? And by the way, this is not a governmental funded shelter. The first lady was volunteering at a privately funded organization called Miriam's Kitchen. It never ceases to amaze me that so-called Christians are always the first to find humor in the plight of others."

So, if I may, a rebuttal.

1) Cell phones are NOT life necessities, unless you have no home phone. If I'm homeless and jobless, who exactly is paying the phone bill? Friend or family member? Fine. But let's be real, there are MANY people with very screwed-up priorities. And there are things called Trac-Fones. You know...pay as you go, pay when you can. This shows exactly how many people think they "deserve" that which you are to work for. When I LOST MY JOB 20 months ago, the cell phone that came with it was gone, too. Thus, for awhile, UNTIL I COULD AFFORD ONE, I (gasp!) DID NOT have a cell phone.

2) There was nothing in the photo that even discussed whether the food was coming from the government or not, so you've brought into the conversation a point that's irrelevant to the post.

3) I apologize if I referenced finding "humor" in the picture. What I was trying to reference was an example of WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE AND WHAT IS NOT.

I could feed my family, if my cell phone was, say, 50 bucks a month, for several days without needing a handout. What's wrong with giving out a neighbor or family member's phone number to a prospective job contact? Or do we "deserve" to all have our own 21st Century technology?

When I was a kid, I had no cell phone, no answering machine, no microwave, no FM radio in the car, no cable, no computer, no Internet, no email. I got my first job. Then my second (using my Dad's car), then my third (borrowing a friend's car at college, I might add), and so on.

And we wonder why millions of people honestly believe they should be given everything. And don't tell me that's not a true statement. It's very, very real.

To me, after pondering this, I now think a new perspective should be placed on the picture.

What about the woman behind the man? What if she represents the truly needy people in this world who have their priorities straight and really need that hand up as well as temporary hand out?

Why don't we focus on her, and those she represents. In the meantime, I suggest Anonymous go find the guy with the cell phone and find out if he truly can live without it.

Ohio.com - Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family

2009-07-09T12:29:00.002-04:00

My belief is that ALL crimes are hate crimes. So, if you subscribe to the theory of "declaring" certain crimes done out of hate, you must also be able to accept that "hate crimes" can occur in what I will call a "non-traditional" manner (based on the standards of the MSM).

Akron police "aren't ready" to call this a hate crime?? What are they waiting for, audio of the shouts of this gang of thugs to confirm???

I CANNOT FIND word on this story from CBS, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, even Fox. Had this been a group of white punks attacking a black family shouting "This is a white world", it would have been breaking news on ALL those channels. Double standard? Of course there is. Ohio.com - Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family

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Here's the email message I just sent my two Senators regarding Cap and Trade......

2009-07-08T11:55:00.001-04:00

Senator ___________:

Now is the time for true leaders to stand up and announce that the current direction of our nation's economic and climate policy is wrong and will, in eventuality, cripple our nation and its ability to survive.

Nations are more apt to be taken over from within, via economic collapse and so on. With millions out of work or underemployed, this is NO time to be passing an alleged "global climate" bill known as Cap and Trade, which, at its core, is simply a gigantic tax increase on the heart of the American economy, which is its people, whether consumers or small businesses.

Thousands of dollars out of the pockets of families and small businesses annually in the name of "climate change" is despicable. The earth has undergone warming and cooling phases throughout its long history, and to believe we, as humans, as tiny as we are on the grand scale of the universe, have the ability to do what has been alleged by our former Vice President and others, is simply unattainable.

With many (and the number is growing) scientific scholars and leaders questioning the supposed "global warming crisis" to its very core, Al Gore has now resorted to using veiled accusations which equate those who merely question "climate change" to Nazis. This is desperation to the worst degree.

Senator Webb, I implore you to stop spending my children's and my grandchildren's money and stop bleeding the American citizen dry financially by boldly standing up and voting NO to the Cap and Trade legislation. Make Virginia proud that you provide common sense, open-minded leadership, wishing to engage all sides in a discussion.

If we are, as our President has stated repeatedly, in the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression, then a massive tax on American society would only enable us to surpass the horror of the 1930s economically.

Please vote NO. Thank you.

Well, now I'm 42......

2009-07-07T12:24:00.003-04:00

....nothing like being two weeks late for an annual birthday post. :)

It was a quiet day, just like I like it.

I worked.
I got LOTS of WONDERFUL GREETINGS from friends at my Facebook page. :) :)
I got my favorite pizza.
I got a portable radio for my bedside (how appropriate!).

So, knock one more year off the future......as fast as time is going, I'll be 43 in about 20 minutes.

Another reason why this car company is doing so well, but I wonder where their money is coming from--------Hyundai offers $1.49 gasoline guarantee for buyers | Richmond Times-Dispatch

2009-06-30T13:59:00.001-04:00

Hyundai offers $1.49 gasoline guarantee for buyers | Richmond Times-Dispatch

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Chick-fil-A Beefs Up Fifth Annual Cow Appreciation Day Celebration with Online Photo Contest for Cow-Clad Kids

2009-06-23T13:04:00.000-04:00

Chick-fil-A Beefs Up Fifth Annual Cow Appreciation Day Celebration with Online Photo Contest for Cow-Clad Kids

I would just need to add black spots; I'm big enough for slaughter already. Tee hee......

Priorities at the soup kitchen, featuring a cameo from the First Lady!

2009-06-20T13:57:00.001-04:00

Click HERE to see my first blog love show and tell of a picture that is, indeed, priceless.

I have a bone to pick with Fox News.......

2009-06-16T11:42:00.003-04:00

Where was Red Eye last weekend?????

I (obviously!) can never catch this great program at its 3am (3AM!) ET weeknight slot (and I'm a poor dote without TIVO), so on Saturday nights at midnight I would enjoy an encore broadcast (new to me!)

This week, it's off the schedule, as the presence of Mike Huckabee entered my living room an hour later than usual (I don't usually watch his show unless I find a guest to be interesting.....).

Where's Greg? Where's TV's Andy Levy? Where's the "insert Fox Hottie here"?

C'mon Fox News! I want my Red Eye!

VH1 "introduces" OCD?

2009-06-15T13:50:00.003-04:00

Click on the title for the announcement of a new "reality" series about people with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

As one of approximately 7 million Americans who really have OCD, I will withhold judgment on this project until its fruition.

I will say this: If you think some viral videos and the TV series "Monk" reveal the "real world" of OCD to the depths which we who experience it daily know all too well about, think again.

Some Europeans are beginning to get it "right".....

2009-06-09T15:43:00.001-04:00

Good blog entry from the London Telegraph. Read it and think.

Caption This-------

2009-06-08T13:18:00.001-04:00

My new radio love!

2009-06-08T13:08:00.002-04:00

Move over, Rush.

I'll take Tammy Bruce from noon to 3 any day!

Click the title and meet someone who isn't afraid to tell truth.

Houston Libertarian Examiner: Why does Obama need so many czars? Looking past the chain of command

2009-06-05T14:45:00.001-04:00

Houston Libertarian Examiner: Why does Obama need so many czars? Looking past the chain of command

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That great thumping sound you heard underneath your feet early this morning.....

2009-06-04T13:33:00.002-04:00

Was our 44th President pounding away again at America's foundation and greatness.

Click the title to read Monica Crowley's latest blog entry that focuses on the one statement the President made today that really stood out with me.

It's so nice to know our President doesn't think we're any better than the British, or the Mexicans, or the Iranians, or the........

questions while thinking out loud......

2009-05-31T22:28:00.004-04:00

1) As of tomorrow morning, the Federal Government will become the majority owner of two of the "Big Three" automakers. Now you know why Ford rejected bailout money and chose to go its own way. I've heard the Government's involvement in GM ownership could be, at a minimum, five years. I thought the President said he didn't have time to run car companies.

2) The liberals and Dems used to scream to high heaven when President Bush went to Crawford, Texas. You know....."HOW DARE HE take a vacation when our troops are in harm's way!!!"

But apparently it's okay by them for President Obama to golf on Memorial Day (after the Arlington ceremony), then spend five figures in taxpayer money to "take Michelle on a date" to the Big Apple last night.

3) Companies continue to file for bankruptcy, and the monthly unemployment rate continues to climb and climb, with some experts expecting it to top 10% before the worst is over in this recession.

--When's the stimulus package gonna kick in??
--When does Obama begin to accept blame for rising unemployment rates, rather than saying they were "inherited"?
--When Joe Blow's road work job, provided for by stimulus money, is done and there's no more stimulus money, where does Joe Blow report for work the following Monday?

4) Why does the world care as much about Susan Boyle as they do Kim Jong-Il?

5) President Obama said he would meet with the President of Iran with no preconditions. Now said Iranian President wants to debate Obama at the UN. Was this Obama's idea during the campaign, or did the bearded guy get another one over on him politically?

6) Would anyone in the world watch Hugo Chavez on a four-day TV-thon if you, well, weren't forced to by his minions?

7) The Detroit Red Wings-----are they man or machine? Aren't half their players over 50 already? And they're still winning??

8) Me thinks Lebron James thought he was on cruise control to an NBA title. After losing last night, his season over, he left the arena in Orlando without going to the post-game press conference and without shaking hands with the Magic on the court after the game. Poor sportsmanship. Hopefully he will learn from this, because me also thinks he'll be close to another title shot again soon.

9) My Denver Nuggets and Carolina Hurricanes both fell a series short of their goals of the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals, respectively. My hats off to them, though, as the Nuggets hadn't been that deep in the NBA playoffs in 24 years and the Hurricanes had a coaching change in mid-season and didn't look like a playoff team.

10) Oh, and they're FINALLY playing the feud in the Stanley Cup Final!!!

Good night. :)

Clear Channel, Bless Their Hearts.......

2009-05-20T12:47:00.002-04:00

I wonder if they'll let any of the 2,500 EMPLOYEES THEY FIRED IN 2009 ALONE take advantage of this opportunity.

Not to mention the thousands like me in years and years before that, regardless of the "economic climate" of the time.

From Radio-Info.com

Clear Channel gives unemployed listeners in 21 markets a chance to find a job using radio

It’s a reality show that’s all too real in this economy – each station will pick five entrants a week, who will then record a quick :30 resume for airing within a station-produced spot. Potential employers can then follow up and check details on the station website. CC Radio president John Hogan says “We realize this is a difficult time for many individuals and families…radio is all about community and serves as the perfect platform to connect job seekers with employers.” The 21 participating stations include an urban AC in Detroit, WMXD (92.3), a talk station in Sacramento, KFBK (1530) and a rock station in Youngstown, WNCD (93.3).

What will post 1,000 be?

2009-05-19T13:33:00.003-04:00

In line at the grocery store this AM with my sliced grilled chicken for salad and my wife's Diet Snapple (on sale!), I remembered that I'm almost at post number 1,000 here at All Things Witham.

I wondered what that post would discuss? Should it be a blockbuster celebration, a nostalgic look back?

I guess we'll find out in 18 posts, because this sentence thus ends post #982. :)