In Lamar's Own Words

2009-09-30T10:15:00.002-04:00

So many of us take so much for granted, and what each of us does with what we have been given, well, that is up to each individual. We all have our own ways going about life. We all do what is necessary in order to strive and be what we want to be. For many, when we think that we finally have it all, we really do not. Of course, we all have our own ways of making it through life and doing what we have to do to get to that point. But before we know it, something will happen to each of us, something that will change our life or make us look back on our life. That’s when most of us will see that we never really had it all in the first place.

When I think it about and all that I have for granted, I see my family, I see my good job, I see the many friends I have that have blessed my life. I see a lot of things that make it complete. Then, I think, there is still something missing. Something either that I have not accomplished yet, or something simply missing because it is gone. This has made me think about writing this blog. I know I cannot speak for others, but I can at least think about myself and things that are now missing from my life. So, if you would indulge me for a few minutes, I am going to ponder things that are missing in my life.

A master’s degree in English: I never thought that English would be my forte, but when I entered college (for the second time), I had a professor that changed all of that. He brought the love of English out in me. He made me see what English exactly was and how literature changed the face of the world. He made me see that English was more than words or stories or novels; he said it was all how we interpreted what we read. In other words, it was what we wanted it to be. This professor’s name was Wayne Chilcote, and to this day, I think about him and wish that I could see him, once again, walking the halls of the college where I work and once attended as a student. But I do know he is in a better place and I will see him again one day myself.

The black GM Goodwrench number 3: All of you that are reading this that know me, know that I am a NASCAR fan. Most of you know that Dale Earnhardt, “The Intimidator,” was my favorite driver (actually still is and always will be), and every Sunday (and occasional Saturday night) when I sit down to watch a NASCAR race, I always wish that I could see that black GM Goodwrench number 3 back on the track. The day that Dale Earnhardt was killed in that accident in the 2001 Daytona 500, my whole world stopped, but not just for me, it stopped for the whole nation. I felt as if I had lost a piece of my own family. At least I have his son, Dale Jr. to root and cheer for on the track. I see his daddy in him. And that still makes watching NASCAR fun for me.

The mellow voice of Lou Rawls: “You’ll never find. . .” another voice that was exactly like his. There was this quality to not only his voice, but to him that made him a sensation. His voice was one of those that one knew immediately. As soon as one of his songs came on the radio, one could not help but listening and singing along. Lou Rawls just had that quality about him.

A fourth quarter comeback from John Elway: Although I have been a Dallas Cowboy fan since I was five years old, I always enjoyed watching John Elway, the former quarterback for the Denver Broncos, make a sudden death comeback in the fourth quarter in order to lead his team to victory. I remember watching a Denver Bronco game where, in the last 30 seconds of the fourth quarter, John Elway led has team to victory. There have been many great quarterbacks in the NFL like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Jim Plunkett, and Peyton Manning, but in my years of watching football, nobody made a comeback like John Elway. But that is my opinion, of course. Other people may say otherwise.

Mrs. Bonnie G. Knight: Most of you who read this will not know who she is. I used to work with her. Notice I said “used to.” Due to some unfortunate situation, Bonnie was, let’s just say, “removed” from her position at the place I work for no reason at all. I lost a great friend from work that day. Bonnie was always there when I needed her shoulder to cry on at work. Now that she is gone, I can’t turn to her anymore. But, I still do have a friend in Bonnie. Bonnie will always be a great friend to me. Furthermore, she was the mother-figure we all could depend on for nurturing. I am grateful for meeting someone like Bonnie and I am blessed for still having her in my life, even though I do not get to see her smiling face and make her coffee anymore! Thanks Bonnie for being there, always!

Beatrice Arthur: Yes, the “golden girl.” I admit, I always loved watching The Golden Girls. It was a show that just made you laugh with meaning. And I still love watching the reruns on late at night. When I first heard that Bea Arthur passed away on April 25th of this year, I was saddened because Hollywood lost a premier comedienne.

Riding on a wheelbarrow full of pine straw pushed by my papa: When I was little, (which was a very long time ago), probably when I was 4 or 5, my papa would rake the yard and pile the pine straw in the wheelbarrow and he would lift me up and put me on top of it. I still remember the feel of the pine straw under my butt and how it would bounce up and down with my weight as my papa would push me around as I sat upon it. Times were fun with my papa, and I not only miss the wheelbarrow, but I miss him dearly.

Of course, I could go on and on with things that I miss, there are so many. However, if I did that, this list would be at least ten miles long or longer. The point here that I make, is that everyone misses something or someone in life. It’s a given. The most important thing here for us to remember, is even though we miss things and those that have graced our lives, we still have the memories to cherish. That’s why God made us to have memories, so we really would not miss things at all. As long as we can look back in our minds and bring those things we missed back to the front, we are normal. Therefore, those things that we think we miss, we really do not miss at all. They are always with us.

Political Correctness: Plants vs. Manikins

2009-09-13T21:29:00.004-04:00

I see all kinds of things when I shop. People, cars, dog, cats, many items I CAN’T afford, but still want, and things that leave a great deal to the imagination. The latter happened yesterday. Twice actually.

As I walked into Publix, I was passing by the floral department. I admit, I like gardening. Hell, my friends, that I went to high school with, know this because they all know I used to work at a vegetable/flower stand where I grew up. So, sometimes plants catch my eyes. Well, yesterday, it was not plants that caught my eyes; it was the sign that Publix had hung up on the wall in the floral department. It read, “Nearly Natural Assorted Plants.” I admit, I started to laugh.

Just listen to the first part, “Nearly Natural.” Doesn’t that just make you want to laugh? I got to thinking about it after I read it. What makes these plants “nearly natural?” Are they HALF real? Do they have “real” dirt in the pot? Is the stem real? Or the bloom? The more I thought about it, the more I laughed, to myself of course, harder. How can a plant be called “nearly natural?” What happened to the real word for this type of plants? Is there something wrong with calling them “artificial” anymore? Have we actually gotten to the point in America that we have to be politically correct about plants that are NOT real?

Now, I did say that this happened twice yesterday, so staying along the lines of “Nearly Natural,” I also went shopping at J. C. Penney. I really did not go in to purchase anything. It was one of those moments where I was killing some time, but, in all honesty, I did purchase a shirt. I got a real good deal on it too. It was originally priced at $48.00 and I got it for $6.97. That’s what I call a real deal. But I digress.

As I was walking around, I also walked upstairs and looked. While up there, I passed by, and I am not ashamed to say this, the “lingerie” department. Hey, it was there. And to tell you the truth, I am a man. What man is not going to stop and look and wonder, “Wow, I wonder what that would look like on. . .?” Well, I literally did not stop, but just slowly passed by. As I passed by, that’s when I noticed the manikins. Yeah, I know that manikins are synonymous with being in clothing areas and lingerie departments, but do they have to be “Nearly Natural?”

These manikins had everything but the kitchen sink. They were dressed in bras and panties, had painted on eyes of different colors, painted on eyebrows and eyelashes, and lipstick, and even painted on makeup. There were even a couple with lady’s nightshirts and guess what? They had nipples! Talk about “Nearly Natural!”

The manikins I can understand being called “nearly natural.” It would be inhumane (if that is the right word) for “real” live models to be standing up in the lingerie department. What a problem that would cause!

I know in today’s society that it is natural to be politically correct. However, some everyday things do not need to be categorized in that fashion. I feel that “Nearly Natural” plants is in this category. I mean, they are artificial; not real. We should leave the political correctness to things that are. Even the manikins are not real. But it is more politically correct to have them known as “Nearly Natural” than a plant. A manikin can be likened to a human being since they are based on one. And it would not be “politically correct” to have live models on the stands wearing bras and panties. That should be left for the bedroom. Much more fun and imagination happens there anyway!

Fan of Music: Songs of Country Humor

2009-09-10T11:33:00.009-04:00

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
May an elephant caress you with his toes
May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
--Little Jimmy Dickens

You may be asking yourself, “What the hell is that?” I could not blame you. Many of you may not recognize that chorus. Well, in this second blog installment of music that I promised, (finally), I am going to remedy your suspicions with my own thoughts on funny country songs.

As I said in my blog posted on July 15, I was saving another for later time. The time is now that I post with my own feelings toward funny, but yet meaningful country songs and lyrics. Yeah, I know, many of you may not care about this, but hey, I love to write and I love to just express my own ideals and well, this is my own blog, and I can put what I want here!

I started off with the chorus from May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose, sung by Little Jimmy Dickens on purpose. Just reading the lyrics makes one laugh or even just chuckle. I mean, hello, the thought of the “bird of paradise” flying up one’s nose is funny. But how, one may think, does the title of the song infer such meaning? It’s all in the songs lyrics. It’s not about the bird of paradise actually flying up one’s nose. Oh no. The way I see it and hear it, the song is about a cheapskate. And those that he encounters, are not happy with his cheapness, so what is said by those encountered in the song, is a slap-shot to the character’s own greed.

Little Jimmy Dickens is definitely not the only classic country artist to have humorous songs. Ray Stevens is prolific in the country humor department. Lets take one his most famous songs, Mississippi Squirrel Revival. Okay, maybe it is not one of his most famous songs, but definitely is one to cause one to laugh. Who would have ever thought of a squirrel running amuck in a church! What’s more, is how that squirrel provided religion to the parishioners of the church! Only in country music would one find that!

Okay, now that I have written about two classic country songs, let me step into the present. Almost everybody who listens to today’s country music, knows Brad Paisley. If one does not, well then, one should. Not only is Brad Paisley a singer of ballads, he is also a singer of funny country tunes. And a writer of funny country tunes as well. This is evident in his song, I’m Still a Guy, an anthem to all guys that seem to be overtaken by women, but still, deep down, are still guys through and through.

Well love makes a man do some things he ain't proud of
And in a weak moment I might
Walk your sissy dog, hold your purse at the mall
But remember I'm still a guy.
--Brad Paisley

A question for you guys that are reading this; how many times have you been put in the situation of holding your significant other’s purse at the mall? Or even walking her chihuahua around the block? Been there before, huh? Yeah, I have too. Not a good feeling. It does show one thing though. It shows that we love the women we are with and are willing to show them that we do, and that is all that matters. But in the end, as Brad Paisley says, “I don’t highlight my hair, I’ve still got a pair, oh thank God, I’m still a guy!”

Staying in the present, let’s take another Brad Paisley song as a humorous example. I’m Gonna Miss Her is one of his songs that starts out sounding serious, but then turns out to be a love song gone wrong. It is a sad day when a guy picks fishing over loving his woman. Although, I know there are guys out there that think this way and the women are okay with that. But to tell you the truth, I would pick a woman’s love over casting a line any day. That saying, “There are more fish in the sea,” may be true, but if I, as a guy, have already ‘caught my fish,’ why would I want to jeopardize ‘throwing her back’ and trying to land a new one? It does not make sense, but the song is still hilarious!

Now, we’ve all heard those lying, cheating, stealing, drinking, and love gone wrong songs. They are rampant in Country music. There is one country song in particular that is all about drinking. In fact, it also is about love, but from a different prospective. The song is by Alan Jackson and it is titled, I Don’t Even Know Your Name.

Well I was sitting in a roadhouse down on highway 41
You were wiping off some ketchup on a table that was done
I knew you didn't see me, I was in a corner booth
Of course you weren't my waitress mine was missing her front tooth
So I flagged you down for coffee
But I couldn't say a thing
But I'm in love with you baby and I don't even know your name

--Alan Jackson

Reading and listening to that one stanza from Alan’s song, already tells listeners the premise of the story. One can only imagine where it was going to go from that first stanza. But good country listeners could read into it and know for sure where it was leading. Drinking. Yeah, that’s right, drinking. And wouldn’t one know it, the character in the song ends up drunk in the end and with a love he did not know he was going to get.

So I ordered straight tequila, a little courage in a shot
I asked you for a date and then I asked to tie the knot
I got a little wasted, yeah I went a little far. . .

The next thing I remember, I was hearing wedding bells
Standing by a woman in a long white lacy veil
I raised the veil, she smiled at me without her left front tooth
And I said 'Where the hell am I and just who the hell are you?'
She said 'I was your waitress and our last name's now the same'
'Cause I’m married to you baby and I don't even know your name

--Alan Jackson

Now, how’s that for a happy ending from drinking? Yeah, I know, some of us have had those moments where we have a night of drinking, get drunk, and wake up with someone on the other side of the bed. Sometimes it’s a good feeling, sometimes it’s not. But one thing is for certain, getting married after getting drunk is more than likely, not a good thing. At least in Alan’s song, it was a dream. Well, at least the video made it out to be.

I could go on and on with humorous country songs. I could talk about A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash, The Girl on the Billboard by Del Reeves, Some Beach by Blake Shelton, Cow Patty by Jim Stafford, Thank God and Greyhound She’s Gone by Roy Clark, and Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off by Joe Nichols. Hell, I could go on and on with these there are so many. But if I did, this blog would get boring and lose its point. That is not my intention in this blog. The intention was to bring out the humor in everybody, using humorous country songs as an analogy. If you are sitting there having read this and laughing or even thinking about the truth in this blog, then, well, I have made my point. If not, then go listen to these songs I have named and hear for yourself. If you can’t find the humor in them and not have a slight chuckle, then your funny bone must be broken. We all have to remember, there is humor in almost everything in our lives of some sort. We just have to find it and have fun with it. Humor is good for the soul, that is why God made country artists with a sense of humor. He knew we needed to laugh!

Reason for no blog lately

2009-09-09T14:04:00.002-04:00

I had promised myself that I would try and keep my blog current. When I made that promise to myself, I was not inundated with work. As you can tell, it has been a while since I updated my blog, a clear indicator that I obviously got busy. That is no excuse however. But as been said before, “shit happens.”

My last blog, as you can see, was about music, and I said at the end of that blog that there would be a future music one. Well, as you can see, I never got around to writing it. However, I did find the time to write this! Yeah, go figure.

I do not have to explain why I never got around to writing that blog I had promised, but somehow, I feel the need too. Not that you all need an explanation. It just seems the right thing to do. I actually feel like I owe it to my readership.

For anyone that has a full-time job, they fully understand what I am going to say. A job takes a lot of time and effort. Many of us blue collar citizens put too much of our time and effort into the jobs that we hold. This has been the case with me lately. Being the bookstore manager of a regional campus of the University of South Carolina, the beginning semester can be quite exhausting. Making sure all of the textbooks are in order for all of the professors can be a job in itself. I have to make sure everything is in order and that not only are the professors happy, I have to make sure that the students are happy and can get their textbooks. Of course, there are times when textbook orders do not go as planned and we are sometimes without textbooks for classes, at least the first week anyway. The first two weeks are always the most treacherous. After that, it gets better.

So, now you know where I have been lately. I promise, I will write the second part to my music blog. I already know what I want to write about in it. It will be worth the read! Will let you know when I am done and have it posted!

Fan of Music: Different Genres

2009-07-15T13:55:00.006-04:00

I have always been a fan of music. All kinds appeal to me. Many kind do not. Opera, classical, and rap are the ones that I can do without. But that is just my own personal preference. I know others love that kind of music. Me, I have always been a fan of classic rock, rock, blues and country. Over the years, as I have grown older, my taste in music has changed. I would not say drastically, but changed more since I was in high school.

When I was in high school, I was a headbanger. Yeah, I was. Surprised? The friends that know me now will be anyway. Those that I went to high school with, and read this, will not be surprised. I listened to Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, and many other heavy metal bands. I admit, I still have a fondness to Metallica, but those who listened to them at the age of 18 and 19 as I was then, still, to this day, will have a fondness for them. I mean, when I still hear, The Unforgiven, Fade to Black, or Enter Sandman, my head still wants to bob up and down uncontrollably to the beat. Hell, I still put Metallica’s Black Album in my CD player and just fade away with the rhythm of Kirk Hammett’s lead guitar riffs, Lars Ulrich’s vicious drum solo’s, and James Hetfeild’s laboring drawn out vocals. I guess metal music is still in my blood somewhat.

And classic rock is still and will always be one of my favorites. I still have to have my dose of Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Eagles, AC/DC, and especially Cream. There will always be something about Stairway to Heaven, Dream On, I Can’t Tell You Why, Hell’s Bells, and God only knows how many Cream songs. From White Room to Sunshine of Your Love and I Feel Free to Spoonful, the songs for Cream get me every time. That’s because one of my favorite guitarists is Eric Clapton. The soulfulness of his artistic guitar playing riff solos just run deep into my blood as I listen to him play. I could listen to Eric Clapton from now until doomsday and I will be a happy man.

When it comes to rock, well there are just way too many artists to name here that I like. Bryan Adams, Eddie Money, Steve Miller Band, and one in particular comes to mind, John Cougar Mellencamp. Songs like, Cuts like a Knife, Take Me Home Tonight, The Joker, and especially Pink Houses, are now considered classics in today’s music era, and with all respect, they should be. Now I mentioned John Cougar Mellencamp. It did not matter what name he went by, be it John Cougar or John Cougar Mellencamp or simply John Mellancamp, he is a staple in American music. I like a singer/songwriter that tells a story with his/her music, and that is just what John Cougar Mellencamp did and still does. Those that tell stories in their songs relate to me personally. And that is the feel I get from him.

Now for the blues as I have mentioned that I like. I will never understand how somebody could not have a fondness for the blues. The blues just hits one in the gut and will not let go. To this day, I remember the first blues artist and song that I heard and it just took me in and I was hooked. That artist was Riley B. King. Better know as the great, B. B. King, and the song was The Thrill is Gone. When I heard his beckoning vocals and the wail of his guitar fondly named Lucille, I closed my eyes and fell into the wonder of such lyricism and tones that just took me away to another place. But, B. B. King is not that only blues artist that I listen too. Buddy Guy is another and with his song, Damn Right I Got the Blues, one cannot help but feel like one has the blues. Then there is the one blues artist that is my most favorite. Not because he was a blues artist, but because he was more than a blues artist. He was a musician. That artist is Stevie Ray Vaughan. Just like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan played with soul and integrity that showed through in his guitar solos and vocals. He was a lover of the music; a true Texan blues man. Almost all of his albums are in my collection and I listen to them frequently. When he got killed in a freak accident, the blues era was turned upside down and the blues lost a legend. At least his music and memory will live on in all of his fans.

But let me get back to something I said at the end my rock category. As I said with John Cougar Mellencamp telling a story with is rock songs, the one category that also fits here is country, which I mentioned I listen too also. I am not a country fan just because I am a southern guy. Oh no. I listen to country because almost all of the songs in this category tell a story. Those country artists that write songs and sing them most tell a story from experience and living the life. That appeals to me. Country artists like Clint Black, Patsy Cline, Reba, Phil Vassar, George Strait, Brad Paisley, and my personal favorite, Alan Jackson, have all sang songs that deal straight from their own lives. Listening to songs such as A Better Man , I Fall to Pieces, Whoever’s in New England, American Child, Troubadour, and Letter to Me, one can feel the words and feel the story behind the words.

However, I believe there is one more storyteller/singer/songwriter/ that stands out among all of those I listed. If you are reading this, you have already read his name. That country artist is Alan Jackson. I have all of his albums and I can honestly say, that on all of them, the songs all tell a story. From his ballads to his offbeat humorous songs, all have a story behind them. One can feel the story being told and the honor of each one that pays homage to those that were and are still in his life. Take for instance his song, Small Town Southern Man where he pays homage to his father like he did in Drive (for Daddy Gene). But then, Alan Jackson has also written songs like If Jesus was a Hillbilly and I Don’t Even Know Your Name, where the humorous side comes out. Those two songs may be humorous, but they still tell a story.

And this leads me to that part of country music that I will write in a second part blog. The humorous side of country music is a side that most people can relate too. From the classic country artist to the modern country artist, there are country songs that fill one with laughter and even keep you thinking. But, they all still tell a story. I will save this for another blog soon to come. Until then, as was said on Hee Haw, “That’s all folks!” At least for now.

Claiming my Blog

2009-07-13T13:46:00.001-04:00

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Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch: Coke Zero 400, Daytona, July 4th weekend

2009-07-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to write this blog since the Coke Zero 400 held in Daytona over July 4th weekend, but I put it off on purpose because I wanted to wait and see what was said about the incident that involved Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch. I am glad I waited.

While I am sure many of you will not want to hear my rantings on Kyle Busch again, this is a free world and, of course, I have the Freedom of Speech in this nation. So, once again, I am going to divulge my thoughts on this incident.

First of all, Tony Stewart did no wrong on the last lap of the Coke Zero 400. He was racing, and that is what a race car driver does. It was very unfortunate that Kyle Busch did get past him to try and win, but the way Kyle Busch went about it, was wrong. I do not care if anyone reading this thinks that my opinion is wrong as well. Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart were racing, each one doing what they are supposed to be doing to win, but when Kyle Busch blocked Tony Stewart, which he is supposed to do, he did in the wrong way. He wants to blame Tony for the wreck, but in all essence, it was Kyle Busch’s fault. He went to block that second time, and well, he caused his own self to be taken out.

Secondly, Tony Stewart had nothing to do with that incident. He was there, with the nose of his race car on the outside of Kyle Busch’s, and well, when Kyle went to block again, he caused the touch that sent him spinning. Tony was going for the win the right way, the only way he could, and Kyle tried to slam the door on him. Instead, he got slammed into the wall. All from his own wrongdoing. Kyle Busch is so hell bent on winning, he does not stop to think that he cannot win every time. I know that all the drivers out there think that they can win, and most of them will, but one must stop to think that one cannot win every weekend.

Thirdly, Kyle Busch needs to grow up and be a man and show some spirit, even if he does not win. Even if he does not win, but he comes in second, like he did over this past weekends Nationwide Series race in Chicago, he gets out and runs and declines to speak to reporters. This shows right there that he is a sore loser.

Tony Stewart was racing for the win. He did what he had to do in order to get that win at the Coke Zero 400. He should not have beat himself up over how he won the race. It was not his fault. The blame is purely Kyle Busch. He is the only one to blame for him not winning and not being a man.

"No Balls" Busch: Part Two

2009-06-13T17:01:00.000-04:00

By the time anyone sees the title of this blog, one may not want to read it. But this is my blog, so I am going to write what I want too here. So, if those that are reading this did not see the title, let me go ahead and tell you what this blog is going to be about. It is going to be about Kyle Busch again. Yep. You guessed it. Once again, Kyle Busch has gotten under my craw.

Last week, for those of you that do not follow Sprint Cup, Nationwide, or Camping World Truck Series racing, let me fill you in on something. During the Nationwide race in Nashville last weekend, Kyle Busch took the lead and kept it most of the night, and much to my demise, he won the damn thing. Yes, that’s right. I said he won the damn thing.

It’s not his winning that bothers me. Well, okay, you got me there. I know those of you that know me, know that I lied when I typed that last sentence. It does bother me. I cannot stand to see him win anything associated with NASCAR. I will be frank here. I cannot stand him! But that is already evident right? Oh, I guess I better clarify something here before I go on. I do not just hate Kyle Busch because I am a Dale Jr. fan and because of all the dirty jabs Busch has pointed towards Dale Jr. I have always hated him, even when he was a newcomer in what used to be the Busch (beer) Grand National series and I also hated him when he drove the number five car for Rick Hendrick. Okay, now that I have clarified that, let me continue.

What really bothered me is what Kyle Busch did after he won the race and was in Victory Lane accepting the trophy. The trophy for winning a race at Nashville Speedway is a Gibson Les Paul guitar. If you do not know why, think about why that is. Okay, thought about it? If you have not figured it out, it is because it is NASHVILLE! Home of Music City. Still do not get it? Okay, home of COUNTRY music. Get it now?

When Busch was presented with the Gibson Les Paul trophy, he did something that was unthinkable. In reminiscent of guitarist Pete Townsend, Kyle Busch tried to smash the guitar on the pavement of Victory Lane as if he were a rock guitarist. Busch says “I don’t regret it” and that he may not, but even I know, that is no way to treat a trophy for winning a race. I have three trophies that I won from doing outstanding work while in high school, but I would never throw them down to try and prove a point. Even fellow Nationwide driver, Carl Edwards thought it was foolish. Edwards said he would never do that to a trophy that he has won. Also, commentator and former driver, Kyle Petty said that was wrong. A trophy is something earned, something valued, and something to be proud of. It should be enjoyed, not damaged.

Yes, I admit, Kyle Busch was stupid in showing his ignorance once again. But him defying that trophy in that way is not what has started me to write this blog. It is what he has done by running his big fat mouth about Dale Jr. again. Well, it really was not about Dale Jr. this time. It was more about Dale Jr. fans. Kyle Busch, to quote him, said the following, “It was fun, and a lot of people enjoyed it and thought it was different. [It made] sports not so vanilla. A lot of people hated it, and I guess those are the ones with 88s tattooed on their arm. Or maybe still 8s. I've got no issues with Junior -- it's his fans that are crazy. But that's all right."

Okay, I do not take kindly to that remark being a Dale Jr. fan. I admit, I am a diehard Dale Jr. fan, but I am not, and I repeat, I AM NOT crazy! And neither are other Dale Jr. fans. We are just fans. That’s it. And why would Kyle Busch only think that it would be Dale Jr. fans that are the only ones that did not like what he did by destroying the trophy? I already stated that his fellow driver Carl Edwards did not condone what he did. I doubt very seriously that Carl Edwards is a “crazy” Dale Jr. fan since he competes against him on the Sprint Cup circuit.

Kyle Busch knows for a fact that it is not the Dale Jr. fans. He just does not want to admit it to himself is all. He knows the real reason. That is why he takes personal jabs at Dale Jr. Once again, Busch is showing his immaturity by being jealous once again. And also being a sore loser. All this animosity that Kyle Busch has inside his scrawny little body toward Dale Jr. being hired as the replacement driver for him at Rick Hendrick, has built up long enough. It has been a year and half now since that happened. Kyle Busch needs to get over it and get on with his life. He does not need to let his obvious hatred towards Dale Jr. run his life and take stabs at Dale Jr. every chance he gets.

Like I said in my last blog about Kyle Busch. He needs to grow the hell up and become a man. But once again, he proves that he cannot be a man because he has no balls. How can someone mature when their balls have not descended into the sack yet? We’ll never know. Until that time comes and he grows a pair, Busch will never become a man. He will continue to be the whiny-ass child he appears to be. At least Dale Jr. has a pair and is not afraid to lie on the porch with the big dogs. Dale Jr. takes these stabs from Kyle Busch like a man and goes with the flow. He does not retaliate towards Busch in anyway. Just goes to show who the real man with balls is here, doesn’t it?

"No Balls" Kyle Busch

2009-05-30T15:12:00.000-04:00

Once again, Kyle Busch, Sprint Cup series driver of the number 18 M&M’s Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has infuriated me again. And that does not take much. When it comes to me and Kyle Busch, I know where I stand. I also know that my opinion may not be of your opinion, but we live in a nation where Freedom of Speech is protected by the First Amendment of the United States. I take this time now to enact my right to speak.

Anybody that knows me personally, knows that I am a diehard NASCAR fan and I am a major fan of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. I was a major fan of his late father. I did not have to become a Dale Jr. fan. I did not begin to follow him just because his last name is “Earnhardt” and that I was and still am a fan of his father. I was a fan of his before his father was tragically killed in 2001. I have been a fan of his since he began his racing career. I could have started cheering for Carl Edwards or Tony Stewart, but I didn’t. I followed Dale Jr. because he is a genuine race car driver. He had to work and earn his spot where he is today. He was not just handed it because of his famous last name. He earned his spot in racing history like his father did.

But yesterday, Friday, May 29, 2009, was a day that Kyle Busch could not keep his mouth shut. A reporter asked him what he thought of Dale Jr. losing his crew chief, Tony Eury, Jr. and his comments were something left to be desired. His comments show just how immature he is mentally. Physically, he may be able to drive and race a car, but mentally, his brain never thinks before he opens his big mouth. Yes, Rick Hendrick, owner of the number 88 Impala SS driven by Dale Jr., announced that Tony Eury, Jr. would not any longer be the crew chief for Dale Jr. In the slumping year so far that Dale Jr. has had, it was only a matter of time for that to happen. It did not mean that Kyle Busch had to take a jab at Dale Jr.

When Kyle Busch said, “It’s never Jr., it’s always the crew chief,” shows just how bitter he is still that he lost his ride at Rick Hendrick Racing to Dale Jr. Busch is letting his jealousy run him. No, let me rephrase that. He is letting it “ruin” him. He just does not realize that it is. The bitterness and resentment he still has shows through his arrogance and he obviously does not care what his attitude is like. Taking jabs at a fellow driver is no way to condone the actions of others. Let alone his.

Dale Jr. is trying to make a living doing the same thing Busch does. Busch does not have to compare himself to someone he never will be. I know he thinks he drives more like Dale Earnhardt Sr., but there was one thing that “The Intimidator” had that Busch never will have. That is charisma. I bet Kyle Busch does not even know what that word means. There is no comparison between him and Dale Jr. when it comes to that. Yes, Dale Jr. has his own driving style and in a lot of ways, he does not drive like his daddy. I never expected him too. But, in a lot of ways, Dale Jr. does drive like his daddy and act like his daddy. Any true fan can see that. Put Dale Jr. beside his father, and you will see how much charisma shows through. Put Kyle Busch beside Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and only one thing is evident. The boy has none. The Intimidator would put him to shame. Hell, he already does.

Kyle Busch, while it pains me to even say this, he can drive a race car, but he goes about it in the wrong way. He has to realize that he cannot go out on the track thinking that he has the winning car all the time and try to prove it by running over other guys. I know all the competitors think they have the winning car, but many of them do not drive like a bat out of hell to prove it. And lord forbid, Kyle Busch does not win a race. If he does not win, he acts like a spoiled brat and goes running and hides because he is a sore loser. He has to realize that he cannot win all the damn time.

But personal jabs at competitors is not going to accomplish anything. The built up resentment and jealousy Kyle Busch has over Dale Jr. is not only humiliating, but downright nonsense. It’s time for him to become a man. He needs to finally grow a set of balls and learn exactly for which they are used. Just because he has a pair in all reality, does not mean they have “matured” yet. That is evident on the race track after a race because he goes running because he did not win the race. A man with balls would not go running. A man with balls will take the humiliation and even admit when he is wrong and take it like a gentleman. By Kyle Busch acting like he does, just goes to show that his balls are still stuck in his inguinal canal and have not descended yet. No wonder he does not know how to use them.

Restroom Etiquette

2009-04-13T18:53:00.000-04:00

You know, working at the place I work comes with many different perks and tribulations. Some good, some not so good, and some are just out of the ordinary. One of the things that has made this job enjoyable is working with so many different work-study students. I have had many over the years. All of them have character, all of them have views on things and all of them have been WOMEN! Don't get me wrong. I love being surrounded by women. I mean, what man wouldn't love that?

Since they have all be women, I have heard my share of things. Some things a man just doesn't need to know. From cell phones ringing and text messaging to hearing about birth control, boobs, and monthly cycles, I have heard it all. Honestly, I don't know what to think of that. I mean, it's obvious that they have all felt THAT comfortable to talk about those types of things in my presence, but I cannot commiserate with them. I AM A MAN! I don't have boobs or a vagina or monthly cycles. I don't know what it is like to have them. I know what it feels like to well, I won't say what I am thinking here (but if you can read between my lines, you'll know what I am thinking) because that would not be correct, so I will spare you the details. But I am a man, so anyone that reads this, should be able to figure out what am talking about.

Essentially, since I have heard my share of things, I would like to continue that point. Not that it matters any, but I like writing, so bear with me here. I may have heard all about women's problems and their disorders and such, but none compares to what I have heard from them about restroom etiquette, or should that be, "non-restroom etiquette?" I am not sure. To tell you the truth, I do not know what is politically correct in bathrooms anymore.

I remember the day when Dana, a former work-study student, told me that she hovered. I was like, "Huh?" and she knew I was confused. Obviously, the look on my face said it all. She had to explain it to me, and afterward, I was like, I could not believe that she actually did not sit on the commode. She just kind of squatted. Honestly, I didn't know that could be done. Well, let me rephrase that, I knew it could be done, I just didn't think it was normal. Little did I know, it ACTUALLY is a normal thing. Come to find out, last semester, when I hired a new work-study student, what was one of the first things that was mentioned in the bookstore? Yeah, you guessed it. Women's issues.

That particular work-study student is not shy with her mouth either. She announces when she has to pee. That's fine and dandy; that does not bother me. What I was surprised to hear was that Tamara said she hovered! HOVERED! That proves right there that when women go to the restroom, it is not just in groups to chat and primp, it's also to HOVER! And I understand why. I know how dirty things can get in a men's restroom. I can only imagine how dirty it can be in a women's restroom.

In order to be politically correct here, I better not just pick on the women I work with, or the women I hired. I believe I better mention what goes on in the men's restroom as well. I always thought, well, when I was growing up, I went in the men's restroom, did my business, and got out. That's the way it's supposed to be. Now, I am older and I have found out otherwise. I have found that time has changed. And to tell you the truth, I have found that men have actually become women. Now I don't mean we go in there and hover like they do. I mean, hello, we don't have to since we have something that hangs down in front of us and we can aim it. Sometimes. That's another point in itself. I'll get to that later. What I mean here, is we have now taken on the same thing as women and we have started chatting in the restroom.

I am okay with that, but as a man, when I go in there to do my business, I want to stand up, do it, and then get on with the rest of the day. I don't want to go in there, stand up, and have a conversation while doing it. That's just not right. Recently, however, I have found that is the new thing us "guys" are doing. I still don't like it. It's just not normal. And I will tell you what else is not normal. And this is a discussion I got into with two of my other work-study students, Renee and Kelli. Like they really wanted to know, but you know, as much as I have heard about the shenanigans of what goes on in a women's restroom, they could listen to me. I told them that I didn't know how many times I have been in a public men's restroom and be the only one in there, but then another guy would walk in, go up to the urinal, start using it, and before he was done, flush it, then finish, and flush it again! HELLO! What's up with that! Why? I mean why in the hell, does the guy need to flush while he is peeing? That's a waste of water. What is the use if you are just going to flush it at the end? But you know what, this has become normal. It happens almost every time I go in a men's public restroom. At least nine out of ten times, I would say.

Getting back to the aiming part, another thing I don't understand is since we have an organ that hangs down in front of us, it is almost impossible to miss, yet, when I have been in public restrooms, there are droplets. Not just on the urinal, but also on the floor. How? It's in front of us guys! How can we miss? I mean us guys all have a system for that not to happen. Either we are a tapper or a wringer. It's as simple as that. There is no excuse for droplets to be left anywhere! Maybe there wouldn't be if the guy wouldn't use one hand to flush while using it. So, there. That explains the droplets! A hand had to be lifted to the handle and the aim got off. Go figure!

But all in all, it is apparent that restroom etiquette has changed over the years. Women now hover and men now exchange words as they stand up. I guess that's the normal way now. Call me old fashioned, but I still think it should be the same old way. Women should sit and men should just stand. There's just some things that shouldn't change, and this is one of them. I know one thing, I'll always stand, and ONLY flush when I am done. That's the way it should be. Always.

Freedom

2009-04-13T18:49:00.000-04:00

What is it with some of the people in this nation? Really, some people do not know how to use their heads. I am not saying that I am the most perfect human in the world. I know for a fact that I am not. However, I know what I believe in and what I stand for. I guess that is my Freedom of Speech.

I understand people have their own freedom of speech, and I respect them for what they believe. But if there is one thing that really bothers me, it is the fact that people try to take God out of things that He created! Furthermore, God was the one that created man and woman, and caused these individuals to make what we have in the U.S. and all across this planet today.
I am speaking of what I heard on the radio today. Traveling down the road, I was listening to my favorite radio station and the D. J. had a press release, (I don't know if it was actually a press release, but my mind has gone blank at the moment, so that is what I am going to call it) of this man, who has tried to sue a certain group twice for the removal of "God" in any type of thing. Now, this man is joined by at least eighteen people and is trying to sue a third time to have the word "God" removed again. This time, he thinks he will win because he has more individuals behind him.

Who does this man think he is? God? I am sure that he is not that almighty. Furthermore, why would someone want to mess with God in the first place. Because you know, that is essentially what he is doing. Hasn't he been told, not to mess with God? Just because he does not feel like the word "God" should be included in everyday life, does not mean that others feel the same way!

I honestly do not think he realizes just how much God is in everybody's life. First of all, this nation, and I am speaking of the United States here, was founded on the glory of God. Our founding fathers of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, and Benjamin Franklin obviously knew that God had a hand in their writing of the Declaration of Independence. You know why? Because the first line states the following:

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

Would all of the founding fathers I mention previously NOT have put God in there for a reason? Of course they did. They all realized that God made the heavens and the earth. They also realized that God put them here for a purpose. If they had not believed in God, I feel that all those gentleman would have left God out on purpose!

And while the United States Constitution does not state the word God in it whatsoever, there is good reason. I will tell you my view first. My view is because the United States Constitution was written as a code of laws for the governing body of all fifty states. It is the law we go by. It is our judicial law and how we uphold things to make this nation a civil one. In other words, I am saying that the United States Constitution is not "God's law." They are "our laws." However, I must say there is a fine line here also between our laws and God's laws, so let me add a but here, and I will make it a big BUT! BUT I, however, believe that God's laws are still the true laws to abide by, so therefore, I believe they still need to be displayed in courts all over the nation. I do not think anyone has the right to have them removed.

The second view of the United States Constitution as to why the word "God" is not used in it is because it would be in the Preamble. Since the United States' Constitution's Preamble was modeled after the Preamble of the Articles of the Confederation, which makes no mention of God in it, that is the real reason why God is not stated. Does God have to be stated in something such as the Constitution? That's a question that our founding fathers may have answered and left it out on purpose. We cannot ask them now however. But we can continue to live as they wrote for us.

However, I come to another point. Isn't this man a United States citizen? Doesn't he have a job and make a living like most of us? If so, when he gets paid, and he draws some money out of the bank, and he puts it into his hot little hand, what exactly is he holding? And what about change he puts his fingers on? Yes, of course it is money, but it is more than just money. In his hand, whether it be bills or change, that guy is actually holding God. Not in the literal sense mind you, but in a figurative sense. Each bill, be it a one, five, ten, twenty, etc. . . and change, be it a quarter on down to a penny, has the phrase, "In God We Trust" printed and embossed on them somewhere. HELLO! Does he need to be knocked in the head? If he is so against God being in something, why does he make a living and hold money? It does not make sense. Maybe he should sue the United States Mint. Oh, let me shut up and not give him any ideas.

I guess my true meaning to writing this is that God is everywhere. Not just on an island in the Pacific or in the mountains of the Appalachians. God is where anybody wants him to be. God even shows up at the beginning of NASCAR races, and if you don't believe me, watch the beginning of the Daytona 500 coming up in February. You will see that they have a minister give an invocation before the start of the biggest race of their season. (And I do realize that, those who know me that read this, are laughing now, because I found a way to relate NASCAR to God!) Moreover, God is what anyone makes him to be. Just because one does not believe in God, does not mean one has to try and take away God from those that do. There are way much bigger things to worry about in this nation than one guy and a bunch of people trying to take God out of everything.

Frankly, if you ask me, God could care less because He is always around and watching. He is probably sitting next to St. Peter right now laughing at that guy for trying to do the almighty. God may even be sitting there and smiling at me for writing this. Whatever it is that God is doing, I am sure He is somewhat shaking his head and saying to himself, "I created this and look at what they have done to it." Maybe God needs to say, "Let there be dark," and be through with it all. Obviously, some people are living in the dark already.

References:

McDonald, Forrest. The Declaration of Independence. 1998-2004. The American Revolution Home Page. 31 Dec. 2008

New, David W. (Esq.) Where is God in the Constitution? 14 Oct. 2004 The Covenant News. 31 Dec. 2008

NASCAR and Its Issues

2009-04-13T18:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, there is no secret that you all know I am a NASCAR fan. Some of you will even say that is an understatement and say that I am a HUGE NASCAR fan. Quite frankly, you all would be right. I am a huge NASCAR fan. I cannot deny that.

Last Sunday, February 15th, was the start of the 2009 NASCAR Nextel Cup series with, of course, the Daytona 500. I was ready. More than ready. As always, a couple of weeks before the start of the NASCAR season, I always become antsy. It’s just natural with me.

I did the normal things I do before any race ever starts. Read, write, watch television and do whatever I feel like doing. Then I sit down at the beginning to watch the pre-race show and finally hear the national anthem, and I am in the zone. However, last week, last Sunday, I was ready, but I was not at all impressed with the Daytona 500 this year. Of course, it started out fine and that was good. But one of, if not driver I hate most, was in the lead most of the time. To say it sucked would be an understatement. How much of Kyle Busch can I take? Not much. I didn’t change the channel though.

Then finally, Dale Jr. took the lead, if only for one lap. Tony Stewart helped him get the lead and then took the lead himself. It was short lived for Dale Jr., but it was five extra bonus points for him for leading a lap. Thereafter, it went downhill for him.

You all know I am a Dale Jr. fan. So when he has a bad day, I feel for him. And did he have a bad 2009 Daytona 500. He missed his pit stall on pit road under a caution and had to go back around the track to pit. It messed him up. But he did find his way back to the front of the field and was doing very very well. Until another caution came out. When he pitted then, NASCAR officials said he pitted outside of the white line in the pit box with his right front tire and officials held him for one lap. Honestly, it was about an inch on the white line and I do believe NASCAR was at fault for penalizing him. He couldn’t do anything then. It was their word against his. That was not the end of it though. Once he was back on the track, he was the first car a lap down. He was on the inside lane like he was supposed to be. He wanted to get his lap back. And he did with virtue of a caution. The only problem, he was involved in making the caution happen.

It was not his fault though. I REPEAT, IT WAS NOT HIS FAULT!! On that restart, I question one thing? Why was Juan Montoya and Brian Vickers on the outside lane? I know they were a lap down. So it was said. The only reason they could have been up there was because they were on the tail end of the lead lap. Brian Vickers pushed Montoya out front and tried to pass him. Dale Jr. had a run on Vickers and then all hell broke loose. Dale Jr. went low to try and pass Vickers and Vickers came down to block, forcing Jr. below the yellow line. Jr. came back up on the track, but clipped Vickers and the melee ensued.

They all tried to blame it on Dale Jr. Frankly, Brian Vickers is the one to blame. He came down to block, which is something you are supposed to do, but he did it forcefully. Dale Jr. did the only thing he could do to keep being legal on the track. He went back up and in the process, nudged Vickers. It was a natural reaction. But, of course, other drivers had there say about it.

I won’t dwell on what happened because you all know what I naturally think. However, I do want to bring up another issue here.

Not long after that caution, it started to rain. With 48 laps left in the 2009 Daytona 500, it was red flagged because of the rain. NASCAR put the jet dryers out and proceeded to dry the track, but not ten minutes later, they were calling the race and making Matt Kenseth the winner. I have nothing against Matt Kenseth. I like him. But I do have a bone to pick about how NASCAR handled calling the race after only ten minutes.

NASCAR said they would not have enough time to dry the track and get it back to race conditions once the rain stopped. I say, they have lights at Daytona now. They could have made more of an effort to dry the track and get it running again. There was only 48 laps left. It could have been done.

But no, NASCAR was more concerned about the time constraint. I could understand that, a little. But we are fans. We would have stayed. We wanted to see the Daytona 500 run to the end. Furthermore, it would have been maybe, 10:00PM or 10:30PM on the east coast when they got it started back. That would mean 7:00PM or 7:30PM on the west coast. What about those fans that live out there? There was enough time for them to see the end of the Daytona 500.

I have long said that NASCAR needs to reevaluate some of their decisions. But I am not an official. Just a fan. A fan of thousands, that enjoy the need for speed. I am upset, but I am a true fan, so I will continue watching. It’s in my blood.

NASCAR: Championship in the midst

2008-10-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Well, it’s almost official. That is the NASCAR Sprint Cup series anyway. With three races left in the season, it looks like only three drivers have a chance at winning the big one; the Sprint Cup. It really only looks like one driver may have the best shot at taking it again, for the third year in a row. That driver is Jimmie Johnson.

I’ll be honest; I’ve never been a Jimmie Johnson fan. In fact, I despised him. Hell, I despised all of the drivers that drive for Rick Hendrick Racing, but especially Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. I did, however, like Casey Mears, but wasn’t happy he was driving for Rick Hendrick. That was until this year. When Dale Earnhardt Jr. started driving for Rick Hendrick, I changed my views a little. Not a lot, just a little.

I am still not a fan of Rick Hendrick, but I do respect him more. I respect him more because he was honest in hiring Dale Earnhardt Jr. I suspect that you readers have picked up on Dale Jr. being my favorite driver. I knew I was not going to be one of those fans that deserted a driver for defecting to drive for a nemesis. I understand why Dale Jr. chose to move from his daddy’s company to drive for a competitor. However, there was a part of me and still is a part of me, that doesn’t like Dale Jr. driving for Rick Hendrick. It was the correct move on his part though as I look back at Dale Jr’s decision.

Now, since Rick Hendrick hired Dale Jr., there is a part of me that sort of likes Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon a little. Of course, I am still not a big fan either. I don’t think I ever will be. But, I do have more respect for them now that Dale Jr. is their teammate. It’s only fair that I feel that way too. While there was a time I was actually screaming at the television screen when Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon was leading races and actually winning them, I don’t find myself doing that anymore. That doesn’t mean I am still a fan of them. I just have learned to accept them and respect them.

One reason I think that is when Rick Hendrick hired Dale Jr. to drive the eighty-eight Impala SS, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon became not only teammates, but also mentors, although all three of them are close in age. I believe that Dale Jr. has learned a lot from both of them and I feel that Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have learned a lot from Dale Jr. So, in a way, it was a win-win situation for all.

As for the championship standings, Rick Hendrick has three drivers in the top twelve. Jimmie Johnson is, of course, leading the points chase at the moment and Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr. are not far behind. However, with the lead that Jimmie Johnson has, it is almost going to be impossible for Jeff Gordon or Dale Jr. to catch him, especially with competitors such has Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, and Greg Biffle on his tail. But the main thing apparent here is that, once again, Rick Hendrick has put together championship caliber teams; something that has been instilled in his operations for many years.

With Jimmie Johnson well on his way of winning his third Sprint Cup in a row, with Jeff Gordon trying to catch him and with Dale Jr. running strong, it looks to be that Rick Hendrick Racing will be a contender for years to come. And with the addition of driver Mark Martin next year, Rick Hendrick is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Who knows, maybe next year, Rick Hendrick will have the top four spots in the championship chase. Lets just hope that Dale Jr. will be the one on top! I mean, he didn’t move over to drive for such a star caliber team to not lose the championship! His time will come, it’s just biding his time well that will make the difference!

Ashley Force: Hottest Female Athlete EVER!

2008-10-10T11:45:00.000-04:00

If any female athlete deserves to be number one, it is definitely Ashley Force. I am sorry to see that she wasn't number one on that yeeeeee.com website. Of course, I am definitely going to say that Ashley is the "Hottest" of all these women, but being the most beautiful, the most glamorous, or the most attractive woman in sports should not influence a single vote. It is what makes up the woman. If one looks at Miss Force, and what she endures every weekend that NHRA has an event, it's more than just pure beauty that makes her the most obvious choice for this poll. All these other women, being the sports stars that they are in the sports that they play, there may just be three sports that I see that could possibly come close to what Miss Force has to accomplish. Lets take a look at it this way: lets take Missy Gibson, Danica Patrick, and Ashley Force for example and the sports they participate in; surfing, INDY Racing League, and NHRA Funny Car.

All three of these sports, as compared to swimming, golf, tennis, volleyball, etc. are nothing compared to the three in which the women I list above compete in. They are all great sports in their own right, but the one thing that surfing, INDY racing, and NHRA have that those others don't, is the risk of losing a life.

It has been known that surfing could take the life of a surfer. I don't recall which male surfer it was that died during surfing, but it happened. It may not be commonplace in surfing, but it could happen during a wipeout and the competitor drowning.

And we have all seen INDY car drivers die on the track. Scott Brayton being one of them while practicing in 1996 for the Indy 500. With the speed those INDY cars generate, and the G-forces the drivers' bodies take each time they maneuver the cars around the turns, their lives are on the line every race. And they know this, but they still continue to perform their duty.

Now, for Miss Ashley Force. Being a Funny Car driver in NHRA, it was only natural for her to go the same route as her father. And her sisters, Courtney and Brittany are following along. Every time Miss Force takes the track, her life is on the line as she looks down that quarter mile. It takes a person with balls (although Miss Force doesn't have any herself, per say) to maneuver a 10,000 horsepower engined car almost shaped like a rocket, straight down a quarter mile track. With the heat surrounding her, the clutch dust blowing in her face (even though she wears a helmet), with the pistons burning raw fuel out of the exhaust pipes if a cylinder fails, and with the force the tires take on burnouts and all the other dangers of the sport, Miss Force drives that funny car like a woman scorned. Putting her life on the line if the engine blows up and bursts into flames, if the tires blow out and send her car into the wall, if the parachutes do not open and sends her car into the gravel pit and hits something hard (like the late Scott Kalitta's funny car hit the camera boom), Miss Force faces these risks every time she gets behind the wheel of her 320+MPH funny car. I mean, look at what happened to her father, John Force, last year. He almost lost his life. He came back full force (no pun intended) this year and has already won one race this season.

So, given all of that to think about, Miss Ashley Force should be the number one hottest female athlete ever. It does not always need to be beauty, brains, and boobs that get these women where they are in the sport that they choose. It has alot to do with how they act, how they perform, and how they choose to lead their lives. Looking at Miss Force, and observing her at the track after a run and the way she speaks, she is more than just a sports figure. She is a woman with a good head on her shoulders who comes from a good background, with great parents and loving sisters and she is doing what she loves to do. NHRA Funny Car racing.

As I stated earlier about her having the balls to do what she does and even though she does not have a pair per say, Miss Ashley Force has more balls to compete with the NHRA Funny Car big dogs that do, and that is why, in my book, that makes Miss Ashley Force the hottest woman athlete ever.

2008-10-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

There comes a time when God calls for one to join His great Kingdom. No one ever knows when that time will be. It could be tomorrow, seven days from now, six months into the future or even years. We all just have a number anyway. And while we don't know that exact number, God does. He put us on this earth and He is the only one that knows when He is going to take us.
He made us all individuals and what we choose to do with what He gave us, that is up to us. Most of us are just ordinary everyday people. Others are celebrities, be them singers, performers, comics, actors, actresses and even sport figures. The latter is the purpose of this blog.

Sport figures have all been a custom of this great world. We have many. Many that will become idols and heroes. Take Michael Jordan for instance. He is a hero to many young aspiring boys that want to make basketball a living. Mia Hamm is another hero for young women who want to venture into soccer. But sometimes, like all of us will meet death one day, God takes everyday heroes from people who idolize them. Often times, He takes them while they participate in the sport in which they have chosen to make a career. A great example of this is the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. In February of 2001, God chose to end "The Intimidator's" life by taking him in the season opener for NASCAR, the Daytona 500. We all watched in wonder that day, but we had no idea that it would be the day that God would take the greatest NASCAR driver ever near the end of it.

God chose to take another sports figure this weekend. His name was Scott Kalitta. Yeah, many of you probably do not know who he was. Scott Kalitta was a NHRA drag racer. First, he was a Top Fuel drag racer and then he retired. He came out of retirement years ago to try his run at Funny Car. He never was a Funny Car champion, but he was a two-time Top Fuel champion. This past Saturday, Scott Kalitta lost his life in a racing accident on the track. I was watching it when it happened. I knew the worst had happened. Instantly, I thought back to February of 2001 when I watched God take the seven time NASCAR champion, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. from the racing world. This weekend, God wanted another racing champion to join his Kingdom. He chose Scott Kalitta.

While death is one thing that none of us can avoid, it is something that some of us will find a blessing. We understand when one is sick with a terminal illness that death is inevitable and we come to terms with that and pray to God that that person will soon be out of the hurt here on earth. But, sometimes, as in the case with the racing accident that took Scott Kalitta's life, we have a hard time understanding why God would want to do that when Scott Kalitta had his whole life still in front of him to live. We will never know the answer to that. We just have to trust in God that He knew what he was doing.

Individuals that decide to make a sports career out of racing, be it NASCAR, INDY, Formula One, or NHRA drag racing, know that they risk their lives every time they get on the track. Dale Earnhardt, Sr. knew that. And Scott Kalitta knew that also. It's a risk they take to drive 200MPH, but in the case of Scott Kalitta, his would be driving a funny car over 300MPH, sometimes 330MPH. In any case, they know the consequences of entering such a dangerous sport. But it's the love of that sport that called them. It was the love of NASCAR that called Dale Earnhardt, Sr to be the seven time NASCAR champion. It was also the love of NHRA drag racing that called Scott Kalitta to be the Top Fuel champion twice. As one would say, it was in their blood. And it was competing in those types of sports where they died doing what they loved to do.

So, while we make role models out of whoever we want too, it's those people themselves that make them champions in what they do. It just so happens that God wants them too. He took a sports champion from us in 2001, and on Saturday, he took another champion from us in the form of Scott Kalitta. Now they both race for the greatest "Champion" of all.

Growing Up Mother Nature Style

2008-10-10T11:32:00.000-04:00

I admit, this blog will be a surprise to everyone. I also admit I probably should not even write it. But, there comes a point in a person's life where some things are better said than just being left alone. And I know, that this blog will not change anything, or for that matter, be relevant to many here. In fact, some of you may even be shocked by it because I am a man. Now, of course, that won't shock you. It's the fact that I am a man getting ready to write a blog on an issue that is sensitive. Very sensitive; but once you have read it, you will see my point in it, or at least get you to think; which is my sole purpose in writing it.

What it is with today's society where they try to make their children grow up too fast? Is it a crime for children to be children anymore? What happened to the days of girls playing with Barbie dolls or playing with doll houses? Do they even play dress up anymore or play like they are serving tea? Of course, I don't want to just single out girls here. What about boys? Do they still play cops and robbers? How about cowboys and indians? Or have they never heard of that?

With today's technological world, many are just playing on the computer or playing the Xbox or even with the Wii. When I was growing up, girls played with dolls, played dress up, and served tea with their friends or grandparents. Boys, well, cops and robbers and cowboys and indians was the thing, next to riding bikes and just enjoying a game of makeshift stickball with friends. What happened to those times? I mean, is it a crime to try and grow up normal anymore? But maybe there is no normalcy to it anymore. I understand that traditions change, but can't there be a little nostalgia still?

Let's pick on the girls of today's society for a minute. I have seen the type of shows that are geared primarily to the girls of today that will, in the future, be women of tomorrow. Shows like Brats, Zoey 101, and Hannah Montana. Which brings me to a point of discussion. Probably a discussion I should stay away from, but I just can't.

When I am in a store, primarily Walmart, I see all the Hannah Montana stuff. It is a definite that Miley Cyrus is making a killing by selling her face on things such as backpacks, lunch boxes, party supplies, and even tee shirts are among those items. But, you know there are other items of Hannah Montana for sale. One of which I was surprised to see.

In a bin, standing in the aisle leading to the frozen food department at Walmart, there are Hannah Montana items. Items for young girls that, while seem appropriate for their age, in my opinion, really are not that appropriate at all. It's not just sleepwear; it's more than that. Sleepwear that has Hannah Montana on it is fine for young girls, but in today's society, do we really need to make young girls of that age genre, grow up faster by wearing intimate apparel that is so much geared to teen girls and young women? Granted, I know it is fun to wear those types of items knowing Hannah Montana is on them; I even grew up wearing Spiderman and Incredible Hulk underwear. I know what it used to make me feel like; so strong and macho like the characters themselves. So I am sure that the young girls feel like a teen star singing their hearts out while wearing them also. However, as I passed by those Hannah Montana panties, and yes, I am a guy and I did say panties, they didn't look so much like little girl panties. They were more like thongs. I mean, shaped in the v-shape so as to let them ride between the one thing they are supposed to ride between. Do these young girls really need be exposed to that type of intimate apparel at such a young age? Of course, I could be wrong, but they were a little skimpier than what I believe young girls of that age should be wearing. I mean, what kind of message are we sending these young girls? Do they really need to feel sexy at that age while wearing them?

I know that the times have changed. I see that girls are maturing at a faster rate. I saw it while I was in grade school. I mean, my body was changing also, and as a guy, there would have been something wrong with me if I hadn't seen nature take its course with the girls, but do we really need to grow these young girls up quicker than they should be? I know that corporations are out to make money, and well, that is just what they are doing by making these items with the likes of Hannah Montana on them. And we, as Americans that have children, especially growing girls, are buying their stuff up in groves to please our children. I would probably do the same if I had a daughter. But then again, I would ask myself, do I want my daughter, my young daughter at that, wearing intimate apparel such as what I saw in Walmart? Honestly, I don't know how to answer that, but I can tell you, if they really were thongs, I know, without a doubt, that I would never buy them for my daughter. Thongs are something meant for older girls, mature enough older girls of, let's say, sixteen to nineteen and for the young women of today. These young girls growing up with Hannah Montana is a good thing, I agree, since Miley Cyrus is a role model to them, but honestly, do we have to make these young girls grow up faster by purchasing intimate items for them to wear?

I am not being sexist by any means. For those that know me, you know that is not my intention. So since I have picked on the young girls of today, let me pick on the young boys of today also. I was one once, I can do that!

Growing up in the late seventies, I grew up in a time when riding bikes and playing red rover was the "thing." Oh, and another two things, cooties and chasing the girls at recess. That was fun. I always loved chasing the girls at recess. But you know, the older I got, the more chasing girls turned into a chore. It was no longer chasing girls. It was more like playing hard-to-get! Hell, who am I fooling? It WAS playing hard-to-get and it still is! Which shows you right there that some things never change!

But really, as with young girls of today, young boys of today are much the same. I have seen Spiderman, Batman, and other action figure heroes on items geared for young boys; even on underwear. That was the "thing" when I was young. Put on a pair of those and you felt king for a day! Nowadays though, it's not all that. Gone is the time of being a fake superhero; now it's give me a gun and let me go blast some deer's head off. Yes, young boys are no longer young; it's us guys now. Just like the young girls trying to grow up faster by wearing suggestive attire, parents are trying to grow up their young boys faster by providing them with guns and ammo.

Growing up, I never was a young boy that loved to hunt. Yes, I killed my share of squirrels, but I never wanted to go after Bambi. It just wasn't something I wanted to do. I was more the fisherman. I loved the water. Casting a line out was something to enjoy. It still is. But providing a young boy of, let's say, ten, eleven or even twelve with a gun, to me, that is promoting not just violence, but also the act of being too mature too early. I do agree that at some point, subjecting boys to guns and stuff is good for morale, but at what is age is it really appropriate? It's a judgment thing. And I think being a good parent and judging something like that is all that matters.

Of course, not all young boys are into hunting. Some are just pack leaders, riding skateboards on the sidewalks and being together as one. Some still try to act all macho when in all actuality, inside, they are teddy bears.

In all, I guess what I am trying to say is, let the young girls and young boys of today, grow up in a manner that is suited to them. Let nature take its course. Let's let the signs of puberty carry them through the life changes that await them. We don't need to rush it. They are all going to grow up eventually right? Girls are going to form breasts, have hair in an area where it used to not be, and have periods. Boys are going to get taller, their voices are going to deepen, they too will have hair where it used to not be, and well, quite frankly, one part of their anatomy will get bigger and things will happen to it they didn't know could. Sorry to be so blunt and straight forward there, but it's all the truth. It's all a part of becoming women and men. It's just nature taking its course.

Do we, as the raising individuals need to rush a good thing? The young girls and boys of today are going to be women and men whether we like it or not. They are going to grow up and be somebody. Whatever that will be, we don't know yet. But let's let nature do what it does naturally. Let's just let them be young and free and let them grow up in a natural world where nature provides them the nourishment to be mature souls in an ordinary life. Remember, it's not always good to mess with Mother Nature!

Ice Cream and Puppies

2008-10-09T13:38:00.000-04:00

What I wouldn’t give to be young again. Maybe somewhere around the age of, well, lets see, say five or six. A time when I didn’t have any worries. A time when I was free to play, free to have fun, free to be a kid, and well, just be free. It was a time of kindergarten, playing red rover, chasing the girls around the playground at recess and cooties. Ah, I remember that well. I can’t help but smile as I think about those days. I am now a man. A man with a job. A man with my whole world in front of me. But what I wouldn’t give to go back to that time. The time of ice cream and puppies.

It was so much easier then. I didn’t know any better. I was just growing up a young boy in a small town, what I thought was a small town anyway. Now, that small town has become the mainstay of where I grew up. I was down there not very long ago and I didn’t even recognize it. Well, I did, but my how it has changed. So many businesses have sprung up on Maybank Highway. The gas stations seem to be placed strategically at every intersection that Johns Island has. Which is only two. That’s it. But there are two self-serve joe and go stops at one intersection and three at the other. Home is not the place it used to be when I was young and frivolous. No, home is now a booming town of busy highways which people travel just to get back and forth to work. They aren’t what they were when I was still there. It’s not a joyriding town anymore. Johns Island is now an industrial zone. No, let me rephrase that; it’s now a twilight zone.
But, that twilight zone is still my home place, and I cannot help but still love it. Although I now live in a different county than Charleston, South Carolina, Johns Island will always be considered my home. Growing up as a small boy there, I had no worries at all. All I ever wanted to do was ride on top of a wheelbarrow load of pine straw pushed by my papa or just ride my Western Flyer around "my roads" I made in the yard. Yes, I said "my roads." I rode my Western Flyer so much around my Johns Island yard, there was perfect ruts where grass had once grown. And those roads took me places where only my imagination could take me. I didn’t know who Dale Earnhardt was then, but I did know who Cale Yarborough was and I used to pretend that I was him as I would fly around "my roads." My papa used to watch me as he sat in the rocking chair on the front porch as I would pretend to be Cale fighting the high banked turns of Daytona. Yes, those are memories I will always cherish.

All too soon though, those days were gone and I had grown into a teenager and graduated from high school. That was a not a task for me, but it was a special moment for my family. As I was the only person in the Hewett family to ever graduate from high school. Well, in true form I was the only Hewett, but technically, my grandmother was actually a Hewett when she graduated from high school. My grandmother was already married when she graduated, but she had to keep it quiet because in 1946, a person was not supposed to be married and in school. Shows you just how much the times have changed. To date, my grandmother, me, and my cousin Kathy are the only "Hewett’s" to every graduate from high school, but me, well, I am the only one to go to college and get a degree. That has taken me limits I never could have imagined, although it was a rather rocky start.

In a commute from Johns Island through the downtown streets of Charleston, I attended the College of Charleston thanks to scholarships I was awarded upon graduating high school. Talk about a commute. It was not bad, it just got tiresome, and being back on Johns Island recently gave me a new perspective. I would not want to make that commute now. I always hated downtown Charleston and still do. With the growth of both cities, it is almost impossible to even pull out into traffic.

College of Charleston was fun for a while, but it got very tiring. Then my grandparents fell into ill health, so I quit, found a job, and helped my parents take care of them. I worked while keeping up with them. It was a job in itself. All the while I was doing that, as young as I was, one would have thought I kept up with the changing time. I didn’t. I had no idea that the place I called home was beginning to change. To tell you the truth, I think my family was one of the causes of that gradual change and we just didn’t know it. We decided to sell our house; the house my mother called home since she had been two years old. I believe we sparked something on that island that has now grew into a metropolis.

In the almost 13 years since moving to the property my mama was born on in Hendersonville, a small village outside of Walterboro, South Carolina, I now appreciate what it was like living on Johns Island as I grew up. I went back to college, got a Bachelor’s degree, and I have a very good job. Never in my life did I think I would graduate from the University of South Carolina since I am a Clemson fan, but I guess a good education is better than no education. I have done all of this while living in a small area with no growth around us. Nothing like what has happened to my home place.

But, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be a young boy once again. It would be different however. I would be growing up in a different era than I already have. I would see things that I didn’t see. I think that’s what made it even more fun growing up in the late seventies and early eighties as I did. I didn’t see progress as that. I was just growing up and didn’t care that Johns Island was getting a McDonald’s. I just wanted to be a boy, although the Mickey D’s came along after I was 18. But still, when I was there, Johns Island was still sort of a country town.

Although I am not ashamed to say that I am from Johns Island, South Carolina, and I am not ashamed that it is now a growing community, it’s just that it is no longer what I remember. Hendersonville is what I remember growing up. Quiet, serene, and down home. Where everybody knows everybody and everybody is your friend. If one looks around when they visit, they would see that Hendersonville is the time of ice cream and puppies.

Celebrity in the Family?

2008-10-09T13:32:00.000-04:00

I always wondered when someone would ask me if I was related to a certain celebrity.
With my last name being "Hewett," I would have thought it would have come sooner. It never did though. Today, however, it finally happened.

I was finally asked if I was related to the actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. I wanted to laugh, but couldn't. I just merely looked at the young woman asking me that, and said, "I wish, but no, I'm not."

The young woman looked at me and said, "That has to be awesome though, sharing the same last name and being asked that." I looked at her, smiled and said, "Actually, you are the first one to ever ask me that. It would be nice, but she spells her last name differently. Her's is spelled with an 'i' and mine is spelled with an 'e.'"

That girl looked me and said, "I wasn't sure how it was spelled, but I can't believe you have never been asked that. I mean, she is a very popular actress, having been in all those teen movies and the star of the 'Ghost Whisperer.'"

I told her, "Yeah, you would think someone would have already asked, but look on the bright side, be honored that you were the first!"

She smiled at me and gave me my order and that was that.

It would be awesome to be related to her. I mean, I could go around telling everyone that Jennifer Love Hewitt is my sister! That would be a hoot. I could tell everyone that that hot brunette, the sexiest actress on television, that stars in one of my favorite shows, is my sister.

On second thought, I don't know if that would be a good thing or not. It would be weird saying my sister (if I had one) is hot and sexy.

It's a good thing she isn't. 'Cause if she was, I'd have to stop watching the "Ghost Whisperer" for that very same reason! :)

I Know a Man

2008-10-09T13:23:00.000-04:00

The following was written on August 7th, 2007, in honor a man I knew and came to love. His name was Dale Berryman.

I Know a Man

I know a man. Not just any man; a man with convictions, morals, and values. A man that cannot be described in the mere words I type here. One has to know this man. Then, and only then, can one begin to truly describe him, if one even dares try doing so.

I was blessed to be introduced to this man about ten years ago, and to tell you the truth, I wish I would have known this man before that. If I never had started working for his wife, who is another honest soul in herself, I may have never had the opportunity to know this gentle giant. No, he is not a big man, but he has a big heart and for that, he is definitely a gentle giant. I am privileged to know this man and I will always be privileged for having known him.

Let me now reveal who this great man is. His name is Dale Berryman, I call him "Mr. Dale." Yeah, I know, he is not a household name over the nation, but to many, this man is a celebrity, especially in the small town in which we both live. He may not see himself a celebrity, but in so many eyes of the people he has been blessed to know and come into contact with, he seems like it. Okay, maybe "celebrity" is not the correct word to use here. Maybe I should use "star" or "public figure" or maybe even "icon" instead. Yeah, there it is; "icon." Mr. Dale Berryman is an "icon" in this town. Not just for the folks he knows and the gratitude that all of them have shown him, but most of all, for the many displays of his work around Walterboro, South Carolina.

Jesus may have been the true carpenter, building and establishing a reputation where one day, we will all see the mighty mansion He built for us to live in eternally, but if one looks around this small town nestled in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the great displays of carpentry from Dale Berryman can be seen by all. From the county courthouse to the historic Bedon-Lucas house, Dale Berryman has contributed countless hours of his handy work to preserve the legacy of greatness these buildings have in Walterboro.

Colleton County, where the city of Walterboro resides, has a historical society that hired Mr. Berryman for various jobs. One of the many jobs he had in preserving the history of Walterboro was reconstructing the windows of the courthouse. By hand, this carpenter reconstructed, one by one, the windows of this county seat and made them look as if the original windows were still in place. Now, since the courthouse recently went under a total renovation, I am sure the windows he handmade and installed are not there now, but on second thought, maybe they are because they realize what an "icon" we have in this town. If so, isn't it great to know that his handy-work is still visible in such a place of prestige?

But Mr. Berryman is not only known for his work with the historical society; he is also known for doing odd jobs for many folks around town. From restoring antique furniture or building things to accommodate others' needs and satisfaction, Dale Berryman is a man of woodworking knowledge. I have proof of this, as he reconstructed and replaced a rocker foot for a rocking chair for one of my neighbors. It looked as if the original was still on the chair, like it had never been broken or replaced. It was amazing how one little piece could be replaced and not look like it had been. But, having that kind of knowledge gives him all that he needed to make a living working with wood and his hands. Dale Berryman can look at a piece of wood, and just by the grain and color of it, can tell what type it is. I know that he is not the only person that can do this because I have that same knowledge as well, as I used to work in a cabinet shop. I, however, do not have the knowledge that Mr. Berryman has in that area. Working with so many different types of wood over the many years he has done so, gives a person vast knowledge and perception. Mr. Berryman has that knowledge and perception that made him do work at a top-notch level.

There is one little thing though that I will always remember that Mr. Berryman did. I don't think he will remember this, but he might. It showed me just what kind of man he was and how much his work meant to him. In the summer of 1998, where I live in Hendersonville, just outside of Walterboro, there was a horrendous thunderstorm, but before the bottom fell out, it hailed. I don't mean just little sized hail either; I mean hail bigger than a golf ball, but smaller than a fist. It was unbelievable. The ground looked like a sea of white ice rocks. It wasn't until October that my family realized that our house's roof had damage. So, we did what we needed to do and from there, after the insurance had it all straightened out, we were able to hire a contractor. The contractor we hired was, of course, Dale Berryman. Just like he had always done, he went to work with the knowledge God had given him to do so.

Half way through the job of replacing the shingles on our roof, I was actually standing outside with him as he was taking a brake. At the time, we were both standing beside the old light blue Ford truck he drove at the time. I noticed him looking up at the roof and the new shingles he had just placed up there. Suddenly, he shook his head and said, "Damn, I just hate that!" I looked at him and said, "Why, what's wrong?" His answer was not what I expected. His answer showed exactly what type of man and what type of person he is. He looked at me and said, "That row of shingles there isn't exactly straight." I would have never noticed it if he hadn't said anything. I looked at him and reassured him that it was okay, but he shook his head again, and then looked at me, and said, "But Lamar, it's a pride thing." Then, and only then, did I really realize the measure of a man that Mr. Dale was. To this day, I can look at my roof, see that line of shingles he was referring to, and laugh because I think it so petty; however, to a man of worth and knowledge, it meant more than that. It meant his livelihood of being a top-notch contractor.

Besides that, Dale Berryman is a man of many things that is so much longer than words can describe. One just has to know him to realize what I am saying and writing. Now, this man is dealing with something more; something that some people in this world deal with on a daily basis, and sadly, takes the life of each one. That thing is cancer. He is not only dealing with cancer, but also emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Those, however, are besides the point here, and that is not the point of this editorial.

The point of this editorial is to tell about the man I have come to know as "Mr. Dale." While there is so much more to be said about Dale Berryman, more than I even know about this "icon" in the Walterboro community, it is best that I leave this short and just share a tidbit of what I know about him. From my standpoint, I feel that I have given everyone just that. The only thing I have actually neglected to mention here is his wife, and my boss, "Ms." Marge Berryman. As I said earlier in this passage, if it had not been for her, I would never have had the privilege of knowing such a great man of stature. In my experience of being friends with both of them, not only is Mr. Dale an "icon," but also Ms. Marge is an "icon" all by herself. Not only is she my boss or supervisor as we call her at work, but she has been a friend. There are not too many "icons" in this town, and I am blessed with knowing the best two that make this community a better place. If I was to write a history of Walterboro, which I never plan to do, these two "icons" will be at the top of the list of "honorable mentions."

God Bless the Charleston Nine

2008-10-09T13:16:00.000-04:00

When something happens close to home and I feel strongly about it, I usually can sit and write about it immediately. When the Sofa Super Center, in Charleston, South Carolina, caught fire on June 18th, 2007, and we lost the nine heroes in that tragedy, I thought I could do it again. I was wrong. I was numb. I couldn't even think because it hit close to home for me. So, now, I sit and I write this for what it is worth.

My uncle, my father's brother, was a firefighter, so when the fire of the Sofa Super Center was announced on the television, I thought it was just another fire. That was until I heard the news of the of the nine firefighters that were missing. That's when it hit close to home. If my uncle was still a fireman, he could have been one of the ones missing. He could have lost his life in that horrendous disaster. I say this because he was a firemen with one of the teams that fought to put that fire out. He had to retire from that many years ago because of medical reasons, but I am sure, if he was able to still be a fireman, he would be. I have no doubt in him. Even if that meant he lost his life putting out the fire and saving the lives of ones trapped inside; that's just the type of man my uncle is.

Today, it has been more than a year since the tragedy of the Sofa Super Center. It's hard to believe it has been more than a year. See, I told you I was numb and couldn't write. Well, now I am. I went to Charleston today. Not with the intent of going to pay my tributes to the fallen nine, but for a trip I make every weekend. It just so happened I had to pass by the former center. When I drove by and saw the memorial and the ruins, it was like a dream. It was like I was dreaming as I was driving by. To see it was just unfathomable. I turned around and pulled into the gas station next door to get out and have a look.

The shirts, the flowers, the memorials, the roses and the crosses placed at the site honoring the fallen nine firefighters was spine tingling. Hard to believe people are still paying homage to those nine men that lost their lives at this site and it's been over a year. Just standing there amidst the ruins where they lost their lives would make anyone cry. I saw people there from Florence and another person from Myrtle Beach. They came from all over just to pay their respects the way I did today. It was a moment worth beholding.

I stood there, paid my respects and walked back to my Trailblazer with a heavy heart. I thought of my uncle again. It could have been him. He could have been a heroe that day. Instead, we lost nine courageous heroes that deserve all that God will give them. God bless all nine of them and their families. May they rest in peace and may the family seek comfort from those that cared to pay their respects at the site like I did today. I know I found comfort just being there.

Animal Abuse

2008-10-09T13:13:00.000-04:00

Some people have no brains. Some people just don't give a fuck. Furthermore, some people don't have a heart.

I was watching an animal show on the Animal Planet I believe. It was one of those animal rescue shows. I was apalled at what I saw and heard. This gentleman brought in this yelping puppy. It had been burned really bad on its belly and on its tail. The puppy was in so much distress I hurt for it just watching the television. I felt its pain. Unfortunately, the puppy's tail couldn't be saved and it had to be amputated.

Come to find out, the reason it had been burned was not just apalling, but also inconceivable. I just wanted to reach through the television and strangle the people who did what they did to the little puppy.

What happened was a gang member initiation. The person wanting into the gang, had to put the puppy inside a gas grill, close its hood, and then light the grill with the puppy inside it. That is just fucking wrong. FUCKING WRONG!

What were these idiots thinking? Obviously, it was with their asses. I would just love to get that person being initiated into that gang, strip him bare, stuff his ass under the hood of a grill and light the flames and see how that son of a bitch liked his ass being burnt.

An innocent little puppy. That's all it was. Thank God for the person who found the puppy running, yelping, and helpless. At least we know he has a heart.