More Random Ruminations

It has been a very busy past couple of weeks......There's a lot of things to talk about......So in honor of Joe Biddle, here's my Random Ruminations of the week....

The NFL / Well, it’s over. The lockout has come to an end. Now, we can concentrate on the truly important things about the league – Where will Brett Favre play? This time, I think he is actually…..well, maybe, retired. After last season, why would he put himself through that again? He is familiar with Andy Reid’s scheme, having played under him in Green Bay. But, I don’t see “Favre-watch” being Ed Werder’s assignment in August. I hope he doesn’t come back to play for the Eagles, though. I rooted for him as a Viking for a lot of reasons, but if it came down to the Philadelphia Eagles winning a Super Bowl, or the lockout continuing….I would choose the latter. In other NFL news, the Tennessee Titans have signed Matt Hasselbeck to a 3-year, $21M deal. Seven million a year? To Hasselbeck? I have a feeling before it’s all said and done, some fans in Middle Tennessee are going to wish that Jeff Fisher was back in town. Nothing against Mike Munchak, but the Titans seem to me as exciting as a cardboard dinner!

Country Music Hall Of Fame: Nobody has asked my opinion on this, but I will offer it. 2012 is just a few months away, and if any voters for the Hall are reading this, I know that the revolving category for induction next year is Musician. So, with that said, if 2012 is the year of the Picker? What about Ricky Skaggs in the post-1980 category? Strait, Reba, and Alabama are all in – so should he. Jerry Reed in the pre-1980 category, as he was one of the most dazzling talents of all time, and was much more than a comedy actor. And, in the Musician category….Donald Eugene Ulrich, better known as Don Rich, leader of Buck Owens’ Buckaroos. Was there any musical performer that was so much a key part of another’s sound? I don’t think so. Reed and Skaggs are fairly good bets, but I hope the Hall realizes that there was some great musicianship that took place away from Music City. Nothing against Buck, but I don’t know if Don Rich doesn’t have as many admirers in the business as the Boss Buckaroo.

BACK TO SCHOOL: It’s been twenty years since I have went “Back To School,” but is it weird that I am looking forward to hopefully going to Wal-Mart this weekend to get my daughter’s Back To School stuff? Maybe it’s just getting it out of the way, so I’m not running around in too many circles the week after next……but, I can’t wait to hit the store this weekend!

CONGRATULATIONS – Two of my good friends, Sheila Wooten and Tommy Vann, from Kix 96 in Centerville tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Hickman County last week. OK, maybe it wasn’t so lavish, but they couldn’t have made better choices. Best wishes for a long and happy life together.

PASSAGES: On the other side of that fence, Burns Church of Christ lost two longtime members this past week with the passing of Elsie Crumpler and Christine Alheit. I was proud to say that I knew them both. My sympathy to their families.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Though this appears to be the first year since 1994 that I won’t be behind a microphone for High School Football on Friday nights, I will still have my pen and keyboard in hand. I will be covering Bacon County High School football for the NEWS COURIER in Alma, GA. They’ve got a new head football coach named Bobby Johns who lives and breathes football. I’ll have more updates as the season goes along.

WASHINGTON DEBT CEILING: Who knows how this debt situation will end up. What amazes me is how stubborn both political parties are being about this. I have never seen a situation where the Democrats or the Republicans were totally right or totally wrong on an issue. Boehner seems like he won’t cooperate with anyone, and President Obama looks like he won’t budge either. A compromise needs to be had. Who will be the first to blink?

AMY WINEHOUSE: I won’t tell you that I was her biggest fan. Had nothing against her, but “Rehab” was the only song that I was familiar with. I just found it sad that I saw a lot of conversations this past week with a lot of “Better than thous” condemning anyone who had a self-destructive life. I doubt very seriously that any of the “27 Club,” as they are now being referred to as, set out to die. But, one thing to remember. Before Amy Winehouse was a star, sex symbol, addict, or whatever….she was someone’s daughter. And, for those who want to point the finger, were it not for the grace of God, she could have been yours.

JORDAN HILL HAS LEFT THE BUILDING – Though I continue to work for various publications in Tennessee, since last October, I have been one of the contributing writers for THE NEWS COURIER. Tuesday was a sad day as Jordan Hill left the paper to embark on her college career at Valdosta State. Write the name down, folks. She’s just eighteen, but you know how you have a feeling about certain people. She’s going places. I might end up working for her one day! The best of luck to you Jordan, and remember….”Where’ve You Been!”

A Bucket List, Part 3!

This week, work-wise, has been a very interesting week. From an interview standpoint, the cup runneth over. I was beginning to wonder where my next round of interviews for stories were going to come from. Now, with ten this week, and one already lined up for next, I'm in good shape.

As I've often written, if I could pick out one of the things I do that I love more than anything else, it would be the interview process. First of all, as unprofessional that it might be for me to say, I'm a fan--of a lot of people. I truly look at it as a blessing to have gotten to talk to as many people that I admire that I have. Secondly, I love asking an artist a question that they're not expecting. That pause you get when you've asked Kenny Rogers about a 1978 album cut rather than "How did you feel the first time you heard 'The Gambler'...is one of the greatest feelings in the world....

My theme this month has been "Bucket Lists." So, I thought I would apply that to interviews. Who would I like to sit down and talk to that I haven't? Some of these, I never will...but it doesn't hurt to dream! I broke this down into four categories, because I didn't want to turn it into "Ten Musical Acts I've Never Interviewed," but that's where I'll start.

MUSIC: Reba McEntire: She's one of the top performers that I've never talked to. I would love that opportunity sometime in the future. An actress, a singer, and a businesswoman, there's so many angles.

Dolly Parton: Speaking of angles...You know, even if she didn't have a massive amount of sex appeal and charisma, she still would be the greatest female songwriter in Country Music history. Between those songs, Dollywood, and the fact that she keeps creating great new music like her latest, Better Day, the possibilities are endless.

SPORTS: Jimmy Johnson: OK, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. You all know that one. But, I don't think I have any more admiration for a public figure than Johnson. Simply put, I think he's an absolute genius. Cocky? Sure. Maybe a little over-the-top at times? Sure. But, having observed his coaching and television work, I would love to sit down and talk to this man and see what makes him tick.

Joe Gibbs: OK, Cowboys fans, I'm sorry. No, I'm really not. While I could never root for Gibbs' Redskins when they were playing "America's Team," how could you have anything against this man. He's one of the nicest guys that has ever coached in the NFL, and talking to him about character, I think would be a great conversation. He definitely knows a lot about it!

POLITICS: Lamar Alexander: As a Tennessean, I was a child during his term as Governor. I've always admired the work that he did, but also he was the link between the "Good Ole Boy" days of old in Tennessee and the modern-day era. Those old days weren't so bad. He could agree with a Democrat like the late Ned McWherter, and disagree with someone in his own party. That's bi-partisan!

Bill Clinton: No matter what one thinks of the 42nd President's personal life, I don't think that anyone could disagree with him being one of the greatest politicians of all time. He knows people, and it shows. The man seems equally at home at the U.N. or a Hickman County Football game, and you don't see that every day---from either party.

MEDIA: Dan Rather: I was seven when Walter Cronkite retired, and with CBS being the most-watched network during most of my TV addict years, Rather was the newsman of my youth. JFK. Chicago '68. So many events, and he was the one transmitting the news to the people. It would be neat to hear his thoughts as he watched history unravel.

Bill O'Reilly: Some of you aren't going to like this one, but it's my list. The man fascinates me. I don't always agree with the FOX nighttime host, but I love watching him. I guess my favorite part of his show is the mailbag at the end. Is he smug or just confident? So are the mysteries of life!

Well, I've got to think about a couple more of these lists....So I will do that now. Have a good week, everyone!

A Bucket List, Part 2!

This month has become the one of the “Bucket Lists.” Last week, I gave you twelve of the twenty-four states that I have not been to yet that I would like to the most. With that said, here are twelve cities that I would love to visit. A few of them I’ve been to, but some leave the impact on you…..

Places I Have Been

Los Angeles, CA – I will say that while I could never live in L.A., I would love to have reason to go there three-four times a year. I love landing at LAX (The small-town boy in me is coming out), and the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best trips I have ever taken. Throw in Hollywood and Disneyland, and I will forever be hooked. Just leave me a day to drive to Bakersfield and have the “Don Rich Steak” at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Savannah, TN / Iuka, MS – As a Christian, I wonder what Heaven might be like. I can’t imagine it being any more beautiful than this area down in Southwest Tennessee / Northern Mississippi. You haven’t ate catfish till you got to Pickwick Landing (a.k.a., “Paradise”) and Iuka is a gorgeous retro-looking town that has what I believe to be as the only old-time Wal-Mart in the area. Would love to live there one day!

Mackinaw City, MI – I’ve been there twice, but the last time was 1986. One of Northern Michigan’s treasures, it has one of the longest bridges in the world, and is adjacent to tourist attraction Mackinaw Island, where you will find some of the best fudge that has ever been made!

Western Kentucky – I have always loved this area. From the gorgeous shimmer of Kentucky Lake to the delicious food of restaurants like Patti’s 1880’s Settlement (http://www.pattis-settlement.com/) and the Brass Lantern, it’s an area that I miss a lot. There’s also some great antique spots, including one with a Hee Haw and Grizzly Adams lunch box. I would still love to have those.

Fayetteville, AR – I love SEC Football, and I would love to hit all the SEC cities before my time is up. I have a few close friends in “Hog Country,” and would love to see it. Heck, Jimmy and Jerry went there, and that’s enough for me!

Dallas / Fort Worth, TX – I’ve been there twice, and was there for an hour last week, but there’s something magical about the land of the Dallas Cowboys and Southfork Ranch. Some of the best Mexican food you’d ever want to eat, and just one of America’s most beautiful cities! I would also have to drive into Fort Worth to see the Stockyards and Billy Bob’s.

Green Bay, WI – While my blood runs Cowboys blue and white, with a little bit of Vikings, Titans, and Jets thrown in, unless you’ve been to Green Bay, it’s one of those towns that will make an impact on you. People there don’t just love their team—they own it. I’m not going to compare a football stadium to a religious experience, but there is something very special about Lambeau Field.

Four That I Haven’t

Phoenix, AZ – It’s one of the biggest cities that I have yet to visit, plus the area is beautiful, and I’ve got a standing dinner invitation from a good friend there that I would love to take him up on, even if I were to ask a ton of questions about his former boss---the one with the Red, White, and Blue guitar!

Key West, FL – I can count on my finger the number of alcoholic beverages I consume per year, but who wouldn’t want to go to “Margaritaville.” Don’t we all want to be like Jimmy Buffett?

Chicago, IL – While my father is from the other end of the northern part of the state, I have only spent about 90 minutes in the state’s biggest city---at O’Hare. I would love to see so many things in this city, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and the Sears Tower? Oprah, can you make it happen?

Las Vegas, NV – It would be neat to see one of the cities that never sleeps. The music, the food, and…the shopping. I will throw money away, (a bad habit when I have it), but you won’t see me doing any more than quarters in the casinos…Hear the outlet shopping there is incredible. (Yes, I am a man!) And, would love to see that guy named Garth that plays there from time to time!

Next week, I have been very fortunate and blessed to have interviewed a lot of people, but who have I not talked to that I would love to? I’ll give you that “Bucket List” next week!

On The Other Side Of The Hill: A Bucket List, Volume 1

As I write this, I sit in the boarding area at Houston, Texas. I was very blessed to have gotten a chance to do some work in Oklahoma over the weekend. With this trip, I now have went over the halfway mark in states that I have visited. Seeing the beautiful ranches and prairies here has made me realize again how much I love to travel. I haven’t gotten a chance to do much of that lately, but would love that to change. With that in mind, I am 26 states down, 24 to go……Here is my bucket list of states I would love to visit before I go to that big airport in the sky…..

Hawaii----For obvious reasons. Don’t know if the finances will ever be there for a trip like this one, because I hear that it is expensive. But, I love the ocean, and where better to experience it!

Minnesota-----You’re probably thinking that by first two choices are a contrast. They are, but I like it where it’s cold. Plus they have the Mall Of America, where I would love to go to once, and Brett Favre played there….What else is there to say!

Alaska-----Lobster, Crab, and some of the most beautiful scenery amywhere. I’ve seen pictures!

Maine----Everyone who has ever gone talks about the beauty of it, but would love to make the trip!~

Massachusetts-----Would love to see Boston, Kennedy Country, and have some Clam Chowder there before I die….

Vermot-----I worked for some great friends of mins a few years ago, who always talked about flying me up there for a weekend. I would still take them up on it…..I have heard the fall is majestic up there.

Connecticut------Would love to see at least one Men’s or Women’s College Hoops games from there, and if Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols were visiting, that would be fine with me!

Arizona----I have a couple friends out there that I would love to meet from my radio promotion days. I like it out west, and I bet they would have some great Southwest cuisine.

Pennyslvania-----Well, I don’t care for the Eagles or the Steelers, BUT….I do like Hershey’s, and would love to go to the Candy factory….but would I make it out alive?

Nebraska---I can’t say I have a huge fascination with the state, but in College Football, the Cornhuskers are legends…..If nothing else, to buy a Nebraska T-shirt…

South Carolina----Because of its’ location, it’s the only southern state I have never been to. One of my best friends and former co-workers lives in Charleston, and would love to see Myrtle Beach!

Kansas-----Again, like Nebraska. It’s a sports state, and if Kansas or K-State were playing hoops, I would love to be there. Plus, Pittsburg has the funniest radio guy in America….with 100,000 watts of humorous power! I bet he loves that pun!

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FYI…..The other twelve states left would be

Delaware

Idaho

Montana

New Mexico

New Hampshire

North Dakota

Oregon

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Utah

Washington

Wyoming