About a month ago, I bookmarked a story on a young boy who was about to go blind. All I remember seeing was the headline that read, "As Little Boy Loses Sight, He Asks To See USC Football As Final Wish." You can say what you want about USC and coach Pete Carroll...over-rated, spoiled, cocky. And believe me, I'm guilty as well. But at least for this year, I think they can be looked up to. Sure, it would have been hard to tell this kid no, and any other program in the nation would've done the same given the opportunity. But USC not only granted his wish, they took him in as their family. And in a season where USC struggled (for their standards), this kid taught them more about life than the wins and losses. Check it out...
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
12/12/09
NBA referees...let the discussion begin. We all love to hate them. Seriously though, the NBA needs to get their officiating figured out. Each year there is a point of emphasis: palming, hand-check, shuffling feet off catch and pump-fakes, illegal defenses, and high screens. Yet they seem to forget the basics. Watch Lebron James. Is it natural ability to go from the 3-point line to the rim with one dribble? At first glance, absolutely. But watching replays, it is clear that he is given three full steps. Last I checked, basketball only allows two and a half steps. While Lebron is merely an example, this is seen all over the league by various players.
Second basic rule lost in emphasis...the pivot foot. A few weeks ago I watched Josh Boone catch the ball at the top of the key and change his pivot foot not once, not twice, but three times. Was there a whistle? Nope. Maybe it's a given that NBA players won't change their pivot foot. Regardless, it is a fundamental rule that should be called without being emphasized.
The third basic rule lost in emphasis...over the back dunks. This is a play that will land you on ESPN's top ten plays of the day. Yet somehow, the basic rule of over-the-back is lost in translation. The shot goes up, the defensive player blocks out, yet the offensive player comes down the key, skies, and throws it down over the top of the defensive player with inside position. If the offensive player comes down with the rebound without dunking, or the rebound is lost to another player, the whistle blows with an over-the-back call. As it should. But for some reason, that rule is left out when there is a top-ten play to behold. This is once again, a basic rule left out as flare has become more important in the NBA.
There are so many "ticky tack" points of emphasis, that the basics are being left out. I'm not saying that reffing in the NBA is easy or that they do a horrible job. I just think that they are making things harder than they need to be, and instead of having so many points of emphasis that they are forced to watch, maybe go back to the basics. Keep things simple, and make the calls that break the FUNDAMENTAL rules of basketball.
Signing off.
Second basic rule lost in emphasis...the pivot foot. A few weeks ago I watched Josh Boone catch the ball at the top of the key and change his pivot foot not once, not twice, but three times. Was there a whistle? Nope. Maybe it's a given that NBA players won't change their pivot foot. Regardless, it is a fundamental rule that should be called without being emphasized.
The third basic rule lost in emphasis...over the back dunks. This is a play that will land you on ESPN's top ten plays of the day. Yet somehow, the basic rule of over-the-back is lost in translation. The shot goes up, the defensive player blocks out, yet the offensive player comes down the key, skies, and throws it down over the top of the defensive player with inside position. If the offensive player comes down with the rebound without dunking, or the rebound is lost to another player, the whistle blows with an over-the-back call. As it should. But for some reason, that rule is left out when there is a top-ten play to behold. This is once again, a basic rule left out as flare has become more important in the NBA.
There are so many "ticky tack" points of emphasis, that the basics are being left out. I'm not saying that reffing in the NBA is easy or that they do a horrible job. I just think that they are making things harder than they need to be, and instead of having so many points of emphasis that they are forced to watch, maybe go back to the basics. Keep things simple, and make the calls that break the FUNDAMENTAL rules of basketball.
Signing off.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
11/26/09
On a day where we are to be so thankful and with family, this video has plenty to offer. It is love that binds us together. Check out this video of the greatest teacher of all time, and be thankful. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.
Signing off.
No words of wisdom today, for I can't compete with John Wooden.
Signing off.
No words of wisdom today, for I can't compete with John Wooden.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
11/22/09
I had to add one quick post to put a link to the greatest hitting instructional video of all time. Author: Kyle Lamson
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104855706192260&ref=mf
Signing off.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104855706192260&ref=mf
Signing off.
Friday, November 20, 2009
11/20/09
Jobs jobs jobs...hard to get one, lucky to have one. You're even luckier if you enjoy yours. Oh how the times are tough. Is it not depressing listening to the unemployment rates around the country? The once thriving Motor City is now experiencing one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation of around 30%. Can you believe that? Oh and by the way, the Silverdome stadium which was the former home of the Detroit Lions, was sold for $580,000. Incredible. Some of the homes I have painted this past summer are worth more than that. Enough about that depressing news.
I am making a bit of a change to my blog. Since I no longer live in Salem with three or four other guys, I can't blog about the activities going on in that house. So I sit here at a stand-still. Unsure of what to blog about. Do I go with a sports approach, ie. blazers, huskies, or an employment approach of my daily experiences at work, or....I have no idea. I am open to suggestions. Another change is the advertisement on the side bar. I wish I could tell you why it's there, but I can't. Lastly, I will add a words of wisdom section at the bottom of the page. While working at the power company, I would receive a weekly newsletter that had words of wisdom in it. I kept each one of them, and will now begin to share to you.
One thing is for sure, and that is it's getting colder outside. I look at the calendar and we are one week shy of Thanksgiving. It seems like all the kids just went back to school and it's already Thanksgiving. And then four weeks after that and it's Christmas already. So I realized that yesterday and got a jump start on my holiday shopping. While the purchases were lacking, I did observe all that the stores have to offer my family members. Typically I wait until the last minute, but with a thinner wallet this time around, I figured I should space out my purchases and let my paychecks pay them off.
For those who don't know, I am still painting houses. I am on my third franchise manager, but I feel as though James and I are managing ourselves. We have to make all the trips to Sherwin Williams, make all the on-site decisions, and work with the customer. At least we don't have to pay for the supplies. The weather is the biggest dictator for whether or not we work. Today is another off-day with the siding being too wet to paint so it is back to craigslist.org to apply for more jobs. I NEED SOMETHING ELSE.
I will be starting up classes at Portland State University January 4th in a final hoorah. 45 credits is all I need, which equates to about 3 quarters. So I really need to find a part-time job to fill in when I'm not at school. If anyone knows of anything, please please let me know. I do my best, but it seems like I need to know someone to get a position now days.
So as the winter storms start to pummel the northwest, drive safe. Traffic is bad enough. I do not want to get stuck in the traffic jam that you started. Nor do you want to be the cause of a traffic jam.
Words of Wisdom: I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. –Ettiene De Grellet
Signing off.
I am making a bit of a change to my blog. Since I no longer live in Salem with three or four other guys, I can't blog about the activities going on in that house. So I sit here at a stand-still. Unsure of what to blog about. Do I go with a sports approach, ie. blazers, huskies, or an employment approach of my daily experiences at work, or....I have no idea. I am open to suggestions. Another change is the advertisement on the side bar. I wish I could tell you why it's there, but I can't. Lastly, I will add a words of wisdom section at the bottom of the page. While working at the power company, I would receive a weekly newsletter that had words of wisdom in it. I kept each one of them, and will now begin to share to you.
One thing is for sure, and that is it's getting colder outside. I look at the calendar and we are one week shy of Thanksgiving. It seems like all the kids just went back to school and it's already Thanksgiving. And then four weeks after that and it's Christmas already. So I realized that yesterday and got a jump start on my holiday shopping. While the purchases were lacking, I did observe all that the stores have to offer my family members. Typically I wait until the last minute, but with a thinner wallet this time around, I figured I should space out my purchases and let my paychecks pay them off.
For those who don't know, I am still painting houses. I am on my third franchise manager, but I feel as though James and I are managing ourselves. We have to make all the trips to Sherwin Williams, make all the on-site decisions, and work with the customer. At least we don't have to pay for the supplies. The weather is the biggest dictator for whether or not we work. Today is another off-day with the siding being too wet to paint so it is back to craigslist.org to apply for more jobs. I NEED SOMETHING ELSE.
I will be starting up classes at Portland State University January 4th in a final hoorah. 45 credits is all I need, which equates to about 3 quarters. So I really need to find a part-time job to fill in when I'm not at school. If anyone knows of anything, please please let me know. I do my best, but it seems like I need to know someone to get a position now days.
So as the winter storms start to pummel the northwest, drive safe. Traffic is bad enough. I do not want to get stuck in the traffic jam that you started. Nor do you want to be the cause of a traffic jam.
Words of Wisdom: I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. –Ettiene De Grellet
Signing off.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
08/27/09
So anyway, the tournament didn't go so hot. But it was still a great time. For those who haven't enjoyed the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament, maybe make some plans to catch it next year. It's worth it. Aside from that, many folks are getting themselves ready to head back to school. I wish I were one of them, but it appears I'll be waiting until winter quarter to begin my last year. Although to be honest, I do wish I were heading back to Salem. It'll be weird not playing ball and living with teammates. Life does move on apparently.
I got my wisdom teeth pulled today. 9:15 appointment and it took three shots of the sleeper fluid to knock me out. My goal was to beat it and I did best two shots. But the third one knocked me out. I always love a good challenge. To be honest, I have never been as drugged out as I was when I woke back up. All I know what happened are through the stories, but if you are interested in hearing some, just get a hold of the Dealer. She knows them quite well. Now my mouth is starting to feel the pain as only vicodin is keeping it tolerable. But even though they are now out, I still wouldn't recommend it.
The summer is wrapping up and I am in need of some more work. You can only paint for so long so if you know of any openings, give me a jingle. To Beard, if you want to join me we could do a joint venture and open up a whey protein shop outside of workout gyms. I still think it would be a hit. Until next time, enjoy these last few days of summer before hitting the books. I do envy you. Signing off.
I got my wisdom teeth pulled today. 9:15 appointment and it took three shots of the sleeper fluid to knock me out. My goal was to beat it and I did best two shots. But the third one knocked me out. I always love a good challenge. To be honest, I have never been as drugged out as I was when I woke back up. All I know what happened are through the stories, but if you are interested in hearing some, just get a hold of the Dealer. She knows them quite well. Now my mouth is starting to feel the pain as only vicodin is keeping it tolerable. But even though they are now out, I still wouldn't recommend it.
The summer is wrapping up and I am in need of some more work. You can only paint for so long so if you know of any openings, give me a jingle. To Beard, if you want to join me we could do a joint venture and open up a whey protein shop outside of workout gyms. I still think it would be a hit. Until next time, enjoy these last few days of summer before hitting the books. I do envy you. Signing off.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
08/05/09
This weekend is the annual beach volleyball tournament out at seaside, or. If any of you are bored and want to come support Nitro, the tournament starts friday and concludes on saturday. Lots of people, lots of fun, and lots of volleyball. It's a great time and you wouldn't regret it. See you out there. Peace and love. Signing off.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
08/04/09
Hello all! What a summer it's been so far. Can't complain about too much. The weather has been amazing. Ok maybe too hot for some of you, but come January when it's 30 degrees, we will all be wishing it were 110 outside. At least I know I will be. Anyway, it's been a long time so there's plenty of updates. The baseball season didn't turn out too well. A young team mixed with a few injuries led to a below par season for what our expectations were. And for what our talent level was. But that's life and we had a good time with some fireworks to end the season that included Kev being ejected.
Then graduation came along and those seniors that deserved and earned it walked across the stage inside the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center. And yes the Dealer was included among those graduating. It was extremely crazy with the baseball season ending, the school year ending, and moving out coming all on the same weekend. That left for horrible planning and preparation as to where I would be working over the summer. After a month and a half "vacation" (lack of work), College Pro Painters finally hired me on. Although it's minimum wage for tough labor, it is a job and has served me well to this point. The only downfall is commuting through the portland I-5 traffic everyday to and from work. Oh yeah, and by the way, you can't paint in 110 degrees. Our crew didn't get that memo until after we tried and all the new paint blistered. Top knotch training at college pro. I'm still looking for other work to carry me into Fall when I pick up classes at Portland State to finish my Math degree. So if you hear of something, let me know.
Also worth mentioning is that I moved. I am still in the 'couve, but inching my way towards Oregon. My mom sold her house and decided to move into a condo down on the columbia river. Although I still wouldn't have done what she did, the condo is really nice and has a pool to swim in! It is always nice to have access to a pool. So I'm starting to get used to living in a smaller place.
As for everyone else, they are doing good. The Dealer took a three week CNA training course to get licensed to work as a Certified Nurses Assistant. She is now working at Terwilliger Plaza as a CNA there and starting to get used to it, and also living near Portland State University at her friend's apartment. The experience she receives there will serve her well with her future in nursing. Kev and Beard seem to be doing well also. Although conducting shady business, saving the planet one step at a time is worth it! If those punks would ever make time in their busy schedules to try wakeboarding. Oh well. Boomer is doing good and has since quit from our NABA team. Summer baseball doesn't seem to work out too well for him. Cliffy made a surprise appearance for a wedding a month ago and was hosted by Kev and Beard. It was great seeing him.
That's just about all that I can think of to blog about at this time. Huskies open in just about one month and can be seen on ESPN. Take care, enjoy the sun, and be safe. Signing off.
Then graduation came along and those seniors that deserved and earned it walked across the stage inside the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center. And yes the Dealer was included among those graduating. It was extremely crazy with the baseball season ending, the school year ending, and moving out coming all on the same weekend. That left for horrible planning and preparation as to where I would be working over the summer. After a month and a half "vacation" (lack of work), College Pro Painters finally hired me on. Although it's minimum wage for tough labor, it is a job and has served me well to this point. The only downfall is commuting through the portland I-5 traffic everyday to and from work. Oh yeah, and by the way, you can't paint in 110 degrees. Our crew didn't get that memo until after we tried and all the new paint blistered. Top knotch training at college pro. I'm still looking for other work to carry me into Fall when I pick up classes at Portland State to finish my Math degree. So if you hear of something, let me know.
Also worth mentioning is that I moved. I am still in the 'couve, but inching my way towards Oregon. My mom sold her house and decided to move into a condo down on the columbia river. Although I still wouldn't have done what she did, the condo is really nice and has a pool to swim in! It is always nice to have access to a pool. So I'm starting to get used to living in a smaller place.
As for everyone else, they are doing good. The Dealer took a three week CNA training course to get licensed to work as a Certified Nurses Assistant. She is now working at Terwilliger Plaza as a CNA there and starting to get used to it, and also living near Portland State University at her friend's apartment. The experience she receives there will serve her well with her future in nursing. Kev and Beard seem to be doing well also. Although conducting shady business, saving the planet one step at a time is worth it! If those punks would ever make time in their busy schedules to try wakeboarding. Oh well. Boomer is doing good and has since quit from our NABA team. Summer baseball doesn't seem to work out too well for him. Cliffy made a surprise appearance for a wedding a month ago and was hosted by Kev and Beard. It was great seeing him.
That's just about all that I can think of to blog about at this time. Huskies open in just about one month and can be seen on ESPN. Take care, enjoy the sun, and be safe. Signing off.
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