2012: One Last Look.....

Boy, I didn't blog much here, did I?

I was a little bit busy on my other blog, carefully disguised as a web site that I am extremely proud of (www.hanovercountysports.org), and its corresponding Twitter page.  It's been up less than eight months and we've already eclipsed 1,000 followers, thanks to a lot of great people.

So, let me catch up on my 2012 in one fell swoop, shall I?  When I think of 2012, I will think of, in no particular order, the following:

--Getting to watch my kids' teams in the NFL playoffs, my son's team almost make it back to the Super Bowl, and my second favorite team winning it for the 4th time....
--BBC World News (a great addition to our cable lineup)
--Speaking of cable, GOODBYE COMCAST!  Thank you, Verizon FiOS.  So far, so good.
--My fifth evening with The Moody Blues, and, for the first time, with my brother, in Durham, North Carolina...
--Watching Bubba Watson win the Masters at a Virginia Beach restaurant on an overnight trip and being so impressed with his humility.
--The London Olympics.....in spite of NBC....
--The Patrick Henry girls basketball team's 23-3 season, and following Katie Anderson over to Randolph-Macon...
--Speaking of Macon, what a beautiful new football facility!  The press box is incredible, the field even moreso...
--Trips up I-95 North to watch:
     --The Patrick Henry softball team play for a state championship
     --Mechanicsville Post 175 play for an American Legion state championship
--Happily eating Chick-Fil-A
--Me-TV, added by one of our local stations to their digital lineup in February.  Perry Mason and The Untouchables were nightly appointments, The Fugitive on Sunday nights...
--Our second trip to Cincinnati to see Rachel's Bengals battle MY RAIDERS....and, ah, beat the living tar out of them....:)
--Going to Cincinnati with an extra hole in my head, thanks to my crown coming out the night before after coming home from a football game...

Oh, did somebody say football??

--13 straight weeks of tremendous high school action, including seven Hanover games, three games that ended on the final play, watching Morris Jackson score some of his 33 touchdowns for Atlee, watching Chris Simpson and his offensive line from Lee-Davis manhandle opponents, and another regional championship for the Hawks.
--The end of the Central Region (thanks, VHSL....no, really, thanks.  Not.)
--My daughter's stage debut in "Guys and Dolls" and subsequent first speaking role in "It's A Wonderful Life" at Glen Allen High School
--My son's summer with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, keeping vendors straight, fans fed, and even meeting  Bret "The Hitman" Hart...
--My wife's move after years in Short Pump to the Virginia Credit Union branch in the DMV Building next to the Science Museum....
--Welcome, Chanel Ann Witham!  I have a chihuahua, over 30 years after losing Teko.... :)

Milestones...

--24 years of wedded bliss.....for the most part.....;)
--Robbie turning 20!!!
--Rachel turning 15!!!
--Our 20th anniversary living on Tavern Way.  Hard to believe I've been in this house longer than I lived in Beaverdam...
--Speaking of which, an October trip to Beaverdam with Rachel to relive memories and make new ones reporting on Heritage Days for the Herald-Progress...
--Speaking of which, my work all year with the Herald-Progress, writing most of the sports section, and, unbelievably, teaming with my former English and Advanced Novel teacher from high school, Nick Liberante, as a devastating tag team!  I shoot from the hip, he shoots with a Canon.  It's a win-win relationship.  Who knew?  One day my toughest teacher would become my sports superhero partner. :)

People we said hello to in 2012:
--Bonnie's new best friend at work, Margaret
--Great coaches I worked with in various sports like Matt Crowder, now AD at Patrick Henry, John Earley, Jackie Davis, Brian LeTourneau, Phillip Cobb, Leslie Nuckols, Curtis Carpenter, Sharon Gaston, Zac Hayden, and Eddie Gates, ONLY to name a few.....:)
--Janice Murias at the Herald-Progress, just as sweet as they come...
--Our new editor, Lee Francis!

People we said hello again to in 2012:
--High school friends I ran into again in my newspaper travels like Melissa, Kara, Claudia, Lyn, Julie, Charlotte, and Logan....for starters...

What I'd Like To Forget About 2012:
--The Presidential Election and its 5,210,443 commercials in this, a swing state...
--Bonnie's November blood pressure scare...
--Nausea
--Medical Insurance and Co-Pay hassles
--The Kardashians
--Anything "Gangham Style"
--"We Are Young"....

People We Said Goodbye to in 2012:
--Randy Barnhill
--Elsie Rusnak
--Donnie Sipos (just yesterday...)
--Barbara Nicely
--Jack Moynihan (my first postmaster at the Beaverdam Post Office)...
--Dick Clark (boy, tonight's so different without him...)
--Neil Armstrong
--General Norman Schwarzkopf
--Donna Summer
--Jack Klugman
--Earl Scruggs
--Andy Williams
--Ernest Borgnine (I need to watch The Poseidon Adventure again...)
--Joe Paterno
--Whitney Houston
--Etta James
--Andy Griffith
--George "Goober" Lindsey
--Junior Seau
--Mike Wallace (of "60 Minutes")
--Larry Hagman (Major Nelson to me moreso than J.R.....)
--Deborah Raffin
--George McGovern
--Robert Hegyes ("Epstein" of Welcome Back, Kotter fame...)
--Davy Jones
--Gary Carter
--Freddie Solomon
--Chuck Colson
--Don Cornelius
--Maurice Sendak
--Kathryn Joosten (just weeks after her character on "Desperate Housewives" died...)
--Bob Welch
--Richard Dawson
--Ray Bradbury
--Frank Cady ("Mr. Drucker")....
--Phyllis Diller
--Ron Palillo ("Horshack" of Welcome Back, Kotter fame...)
--Steve Sabol
--Zig Ziglar
--Dave Brubeck
--Charles Durning

Songs of 2012 (not necessarily favorites, but what's scorched in my brain, thanks to Rachel):
--Maroon 5
--Maroon 5
--So Good, B.O.B. (was on Atlee softball's warm-up CD, heard it...A LOT)  :)
--50 Ways To Say Goodbye--Train
--We Are Never, Ever....you know the rest....--Taylor Swift

And for 2013?

--Our 25th wedding anniversary is up first...
--Robbie turns 21...
--Rachel hits Sweet 16 and....gasp....drives!
--And I just hope to live to see another year of ups and downs....with significantly less nausea and exhaustion.  :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  :)

Rob's 2012 NFL Season Predictions

So, here we go again........:)

NFC EAST:  1) Giants, 2) Cowboys, 3) Eagles, 4) Redskins
NFC NORTH: 1) Packers, 2) Lions, 3) Bears, 4) Vikings
NFC SOUTH: 1) Panthers, 2) Saints, 3) Falcons, 4) Buccaneers
NFC WEST: 1) 49ers, 2) Seahawks, 3) Cardinals, 4) Rams

SEEDS: #1--Packers
             #2--49ers
             #3--Panthers
             #4--Giants
             #5--Saints
             #6--Lions

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Packers over 49ers
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AFC EAST: 1) Patriots, 2) Bills, 3) Jets, 4) Dolphins
AFC NORTH: 1) Ravens, 2) Bengals, 3) Steelers, 4) Browns
AFC SOUTH: 1) Texans, 2) Colts, 3) Titans, 4) Jaguars
AFC WEST: 1) Broncos, 2) Chiefs, 3) Chargers, 4) Raiders

SEEDS: #1--Texans
             #2--Patriots
             #3--Ravens
             #4--Broncos
             #5--Bengals
             #6--Chiefs

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Ravens over Texans

SUPER BOWL XLVII: Packers 23, Ravens 20

MVP: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
ROOKIE OF YEAR: Andrew Luck, Colts
COACH OF YEAR: Ron Rivera, Carolina

BIG SURPRISES: Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts
BIG BUSTS: Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers

2013 NFL DRAFT ORDER:

1) Cleveland Browns
2) St. Louis Rams
3) Arizona Cardinals
4) Oakland Raiders
5) Miami Dolphins......

Lovely To See You...For The Fifth Time!!!!

Lorenzo Charles, 1963-2011

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

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

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

Barney Frank knocked on his Fannie

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

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.....

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

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

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.

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

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?

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.....

Rest in peace, Mortimer.

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

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!

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

.....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.....

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!

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....

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......

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!