Is it just me, or is Summer a lot shorter than it used to be? It doesn't seem like it was anytime at all that the kids were getting out of school for the year, and football season and the changing of the leaves seemed so far away.
I guess it's true that as you get older, time flies by. Still, I'm just a little bit shocked at how many "Back To School" displays you see when you enter a store. Can it really be that time again?
As our kids prepare for another year in the classroom, I think back to August 1980. While America was wondering who shot J.R.,and how badly Reagan would defeat Carter in November...I was getting ready to start first grade at Burns Elementary School.
I can't say that I remember too many intimate details about that day, except at one point my mother left....and I cried a lot. After all, my days were filled with Match Game and Woody Woodpecker before that, and I didn't really want my routine disrupted ...regardless of what the law said.
As my tears reached a dramatic crescendo (two words I had no idea to the definition of back then), I do remember Laverne Fisher, my first-grade teacher, telling me "If you keep crying, I'm going to start crying too." Well, who wanted to make a teacher cry? So, my tears started to slow down, and truth be told....I actually started to enjoy school.
Burns Elementary School was a magical place back in those days......except for one thing---the hallways. The hallways in the main part of that school were so tall and so wide...or at least it seemed that way when one was six years old. Still, some of the best memories and best teachers I ever had was in that old school building. There was a gym teacher there who would fire up the old popcorn machine on Friday afternoons from time to time. (That same gym teacher has been my football broadcasting partner since 1996, and also a great friend). There was my first crush--a girl named Heather, and there were teachers and principals who influenced my life in so many ways, Even prayer.....My second grade teacher, and one of my favorites still, Joan Atkeison, would lead us in the Lord's Prayer each day before lunch. (Can you imagine that today?),,,,,,And lunch....Well, even though the "Pizza Burgers" they made in the cafeteria weren't that great...Nobody, (Dickson, Charlotte, and White Bluff--that means you) made a bowl of chili better than Burns Elementary. Then, there was the fall festival. My brother Randall and I spent many a quarter on the grab boxes....even though the only thing I remember getting that got us too excited was a Bank Of Dickson cap.....Anyway, those are just a few of my thoughts on recollections....Got to get a Trapper Keeper? Who sells those anymore????
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Piece Of Americana.....
There are a lot of things that I could write about this week. First, I will tell you that I received some exciting news a week ago when I found out that my sports broadcasting career for Dickson County High School will continue...albeit for another station---The Dove 94.5 FM. I'll fill you in on the details on that in the coming weeks, but it will be the same people that you have come to know and depend on bringing you the sports from Cougar Hill---just on another station. I am looking forward to that, but as I said...more on that later!
One of the other jobs that I am very blessed is the newspaper work I do for THE DICKSON HERALD. In one form or another, I have written for the newspaper since 2002, and it's something that I like to think I have gotten better at over the years. Thursday afternoon, the phone rang. It was Chris Gadd, the editor of the paper. He wanted to know if I could make a run to Clarksville that night to cover the Burns All-Stars in their bid to make the Tennessee Little League State Championship game. It just so happened I could make the trip, so I did. Burns played Tullahoma, and knocked them off 5-0. The win meant that there would be another trip up Highway 48 north the next evening, as Burns---my hometown----would be taking on Donelson for the big enchilada....the title.
You might think that a Little League Championship game wouldn't have the same bite as say, the Super Bowl...or the Blue Cross Bowl. I wouldn't be so sure. Have you ever been? If you want intensity, this is the place. The Burns crowd was loud and proud of their youngsters, and believe me...they showed it. Dickson Countians, as a whole, have a reputation for getting a little crazy at sporting events, and people who live (hopefully) in the next Dickson County community to get a Dollar General are no different.
Burns started off with a quick 1-0 lead, and that got the crowd going. If all these kids will still be zoned for Cougar Hill, DCHS is going to be loaded in about seven or eight years. Sadly, a state title was not in the cards. Donelson came back, and eventually won the game 6-3.
Still, finishing second in the state (after falling to the losers' bracket) is nothing to be sneezed at. It was great to see the cheers get even louder after the game was over.....Though I don't get out to many Little League games during the year....I totally get why people love the competition at the purest level. Laughter, Tears, Cheers from the crowd....you will hear and see it all...and you'll be glad you did.....Plus, the food from the concession stand is usually all that it's cracked up to be! Congratulations to these young kids who showed their stuff all season long and made Burns crowd....Just get ready for next year.....Batter up!
One of the other jobs that I am very blessed is the newspaper work I do for THE DICKSON HERALD. In one form or another, I have written for the newspaper since 2002, and it's something that I like to think I have gotten better at over the years. Thursday afternoon, the phone rang. It was Chris Gadd, the editor of the paper. He wanted to know if I could make a run to Clarksville that night to cover the Burns All-Stars in their bid to make the Tennessee Little League State Championship game. It just so happened I could make the trip, so I did. Burns played Tullahoma, and knocked them off 5-0. The win meant that there would be another trip up Highway 48 north the next evening, as Burns---my hometown----would be taking on Donelson for the big enchilada....the title.
You might think that a Little League Championship game wouldn't have the same bite as say, the Super Bowl...or the Blue Cross Bowl. I wouldn't be so sure. Have you ever been? If you want intensity, this is the place. The Burns crowd was loud and proud of their youngsters, and believe me...they showed it. Dickson Countians, as a whole, have a reputation for getting a little crazy at sporting events, and people who live (hopefully) in the next Dickson County community to get a Dollar General are no different.
Burns started off with a quick 1-0 lead, and that got the crowd going. If all these kids will still be zoned for Cougar Hill, DCHS is going to be loaded in about seven or eight years. Sadly, a state title was not in the cards. Donelson came back, and eventually won the game 6-3.
Still, finishing second in the state (after falling to the losers' bracket) is nothing to be sneezed at. It was great to see the cheers get even louder after the game was over.....Though I don't get out to many Little League games during the year....I totally get why people love the competition at the purest level. Laughter, Tears, Cheers from the crowd....you will hear and see it all...and you'll be glad you did.....Plus, the food from the concession stand is usually all that it's cracked up to be! Congratulations to these young kids who showed their stuff all season long and made Burns crowd....Just get ready for next year.....Batter up!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A Very Thankful Blog Post
Over the past few months, I have really loved doing this blog. Sometimes, it gives me something to write about other than music. Other times, it gives me a chance to express my thoughts about people who have touched my life in some way over the course of time...whether directly, or indirectly...like when Dan Miller, Michael Jackson, or Steve McNair passed away, like last week's blog.
This is one of those weeks where for some reason or another, I am having writers' block. There are things I want to say or write about...but for whatever reason....I have scrapped three or four ideas before beginning this post. What I thought I would do is offer a few thoughts on things I am very thankful for. Who knows, maybe I can recycle this for November!
A beautiful and loving wife / Shannon, in the past three years, I have learned so much from you. You believe in me a lot more than I believe in myself, and I am so thankful to have you for a partner. We don't always agree....or see eye to eye....but I don't have to guess if you're in my corner or not..I hope I return the favor to you in being supportive of you and your career, which has kept Chex Cereal in the cupboard this year!..I love you very much!
A great family / From my children, my father and Marcia, and my brother and all my many close friends....I am truly blessed and humbled to have as many people who care about me as they seem to do. I don't take it for granted!
A career I love / Notice....I didn't say "full-time job." After seeing the radio station I have worked for since 1991 close earlier this year....it has been a difficult year at times. However, whether it has been a new radio show, an interview with some of today's top artists, or covering a high school sports event for the DICKSON HERALD....I have never stopped working since March, and I am truly thankful for that.....Hopefully, the work list will grow....or maybe that "full-time" job will come along...sooner than later! But I am staying busy....And, thankfully...there's still moments...whether it's interviewing TG Sheppard or Rhonda Vincent, like I have done the past few weeks...or Ronnie Milsap---which I will hopefully get to do in a couple...where I am getting to do what I love to do!
My God and Savior----Oh, he's about to get heavy...I bet that's what you're thinking.....Well, maybe I am. Over the past few years, I think I have learned the difference between being religious....and being spiritual.....I will be the first to tell you that I did something today that was wrong, and I will do something tomorrow equally as bad....and that's not to mention what I will do on August 28.....but thanks to Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made.....I'm ok. He's always been there for me.....and as the old song says...He doesn't always give me what I want.....but I always get what I need....I just need to be a better example!
Well, that's going to do it for this week....I've got seven days to figure out what I am going to write about next week...so let's start thinking.....
This is one of those weeks where for some reason or another, I am having writers' block. There are things I want to say or write about...but for whatever reason....I have scrapped three or four ideas before beginning this post. What I thought I would do is offer a few thoughts on things I am very thankful for. Who knows, maybe I can recycle this for November!
A beautiful and loving wife / Shannon, in the past three years, I have learned so much from you. You believe in me a lot more than I believe in myself, and I am so thankful to have you for a partner. We don't always agree....or see eye to eye....but I don't have to guess if you're in my corner or not..I hope I return the favor to you in being supportive of you and your career, which has kept Chex Cereal in the cupboard this year!..I love you very much!
A great family / From my children, my father and Marcia, and my brother and all my many close friends....I am truly blessed and humbled to have as many people who care about me as they seem to do. I don't take it for granted!
A career I love / Notice....I didn't say "full-time job." After seeing the radio station I have worked for since 1991 close earlier this year....it has been a difficult year at times. However, whether it has been a new radio show, an interview with some of today's top artists, or covering a high school sports event for the DICKSON HERALD....I have never stopped working since March, and I am truly thankful for that.....Hopefully, the work list will grow....or maybe that "full-time" job will come along...sooner than later! But I am staying busy....And, thankfully...there's still moments...whether it's interviewing TG Sheppard or Rhonda Vincent, like I have done the past few weeks...or Ronnie Milsap---which I will hopefully get to do in a couple...where I am getting to do what I love to do!
My God and Savior----Oh, he's about to get heavy...I bet that's what you're thinking.....Well, maybe I am. Over the past few years, I think I have learned the difference between being religious....and being spiritual.....I will be the first to tell you that I did something today that was wrong, and I will do something tomorrow equally as bad....and that's not to mention what I will do on August 28.....but thanks to Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made.....I'm ok. He's always been there for me.....and as the old song says...He doesn't always give me what I want.....but I always get what I need....I just need to be a better example!
Well, that's going to do it for this week....I've got seven days to figure out what I am going to write about next week...so let's start thinking.....
Friday, July 10, 2009
R.I.P. # 9
If you're like me, this week has been one that you won't forget anytime soon. This past Saturday afternoon, about 3:30, my quiet weekend was interrupted by the ringing of a phone call from a friend telling me that Channel 4 was reporting that Steve McNair, the QB from Alcorn State who gave Nashvillians so many great memories had been killed.
As I turned on the TV and saw that it was true, my mind raced back to 1999...and the euphoria that the mid-state was in when the Titans made their Super Bowl run. Even though there were times that season where people wanted Jeff Fisher to play back-up Neil O'Donnell, the coach was true to his QB...and it paid off with many great memories until McNair was traded to Baltimore in 2006. Even then, Steve still had one more memorable game at LP Field, leading the Ravens to a last-second win that fall.
If you have kept up with this story at all, you know it is a very tragic one indeed. I'm not going to go into the details, because it's been talked about and talked about. I do, however, want to react to the people (well-intentioned they may be) who have had their comments this week about McNair being (or in their eyes, not being) a role model for people.
Pardon me for just a second. Above and beyond all, Steve McNair was a human being----like me, like you. He was one who ,during the course of his life, did a lot of great things for Nashville and its' citizens that we know about...but some things I am sure that we don't. Even though the Cowboys have always had my heart, as time went on...you had to develop a special place for Steve McNair and the Titans. As a football player and leader, he didn't quit.
Being a human being, however, presents its' downfalls. I guess to be honest, I have some degree of problem with people who leave it up to public figures to raise their children and be their role models. I say that, fully knowing that when I was a child, I had my heroes....and I was very much aware of the outside world.....but my parents didn't let the TV or Pop culture world raise me....though they did give me the freedom to find out what right and wrong meant....
Steve McNair owed nobody anything. He owed the Titans and their fans his best efforts on the field, but he didn't have to worry about what anyone thought about him. I would say, conditions of his death aside, he did a very good job in being an influence to people....but it was optional. I know there are some children out there who didn't have the childhood that I did. I am fully aware that sometimes you have to go outside your family or inner circle for influences.....but if you think a singer, or a TV star, or an athlete always does the right thing...you're setting yourself up for a fall.
Overall, I considered and will continue to consider myself a fan of Steve McNair. I hope and pray that his life, and maybe his death teaches us all to cease throwing stones. None of us are perfect, and that starts with me.
I will close with a little bit of a history lesson. Those who sneer when McNair has been called a leader of men this week.....keep this in mind. Franklin Roosevelt might very well have been the best Chief Executive the U.S. has ever seen, but thankfully there was no CNN or Fox News around in April of 1945 when he died in Warm Springs. Who was with him on that trip, and where was Eleanor? Does that take anything away from his leadership? I don't think so. You could pretty much take any President since then, and find places where their armor was a little rusty.....but does it take away from the good that they did? I don't think so. I am not justifying or trying to hold up anything that happened.....but if 75 news reporters were snooping around in your closet....What would they find? It's something to think about!
In any case, let our thoughts and prayers go to those who truly matter at this time----the McNair family. Regardless of cause, they have lost a son, husband, brother, and father....and that's the greatest loss. Rest In Peace, Mr. McNair, you will be missed!
As I turned on the TV and saw that it was true, my mind raced back to 1999...and the euphoria that the mid-state was in when the Titans made their Super Bowl run. Even though there were times that season where people wanted Jeff Fisher to play back-up Neil O'Donnell, the coach was true to his QB...and it paid off with many great memories until McNair was traded to Baltimore in 2006. Even then, Steve still had one more memorable game at LP Field, leading the Ravens to a last-second win that fall.
If you have kept up with this story at all, you know it is a very tragic one indeed. I'm not going to go into the details, because it's been talked about and talked about. I do, however, want to react to the people (well-intentioned they may be) who have had their comments this week about McNair being (or in their eyes, not being) a role model for people.
Pardon me for just a second. Above and beyond all, Steve McNair was a human being----like me, like you. He was one who ,during the course of his life, did a lot of great things for Nashville and its' citizens that we know about...but some things I am sure that we don't. Even though the Cowboys have always had my heart, as time went on...you had to develop a special place for Steve McNair and the Titans. As a football player and leader, he didn't quit.
Being a human being, however, presents its' downfalls. I guess to be honest, I have some degree of problem with people who leave it up to public figures to raise their children and be their role models. I say that, fully knowing that when I was a child, I had my heroes....and I was very much aware of the outside world.....but my parents didn't let the TV or Pop culture world raise me....though they did give me the freedom to find out what right and wrong meant....
Steve McNair owed nobody anything. He owed the Titans and their fans his best efforts on the field, but he didn't have to worry about what anyone thought about him. I would say, conditions of his death aside, he did a very good job in being an influence to people....but it was optional. I know there are some children out there who didn't have the childhood that I did. I am fully aware that sometimes you have to go outside your family or inner circle for influences.....but if you think a singer, or a TV star, or an athlete always does the right thing...you're setting yourself up for a fall.
Overall, I considered and will continue to consider myself a fan of Steve McNair. I hope and pray that his life, and maybe his death teaches us all to cease throwing stones. None of us are perfect, and that starts with me.
I will close with a little bit of a history lesson. Those who sneer when McNair has been called a leader of men this week.....keep this in mind. Franklin Roosevelt might very well have been the best Chief Executive the U.S. has ever seen, but thankfully there was no CNN or Fox News around in April of 1945 when he died in Warm Springs. Who was with him on that trip, and where was Eleanor? Does that take anything away from his leadership? I don't think so. You could pretty much take any President since then, and find places where their armor was a little rusty.....but does it take away from the good that they did? I don't think so. I am not justifying or trying to hold up anything that happened.....but if 75 news reporters were snooping around in your closet....What would they find? It's something to think about!
In any case, let our thoughts and prayers go to those who truly matter at this time----the McNair family. Regardless of cause, they have lost a son, husband, brother, and father....and that's the greatest loss. Rest In Peace, Mr. McNair, you will be missed!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
A Love Story........
It’s a natural fact that people like love stories.
Think about it for a moment, “love,” as we know it, sells everything from movies to books to TV.
It’s an emotion that keeps one buying into it, or tuning each week.
I want to tell you about a love story that I have been blessed enough to witness first-hand. You want to hear about how love changes someone for the better? Maybe one about utter devotion? This story has got both of those ingredients and a lot more.
Let me tell you the story of Thomas (We’ll just call him Tommy) and Chloe.
I have known Tommy for a couple years. At first, he was very shy. To be honest, he really wouldn’t have much to do with you. I don’t know why he had such a quiet demeanor, but it was a personality trait that he definitely owned. It seemed like if you were to get him around someone or something new, he would fold into somewhat of an emotional shell.
Then came Chloe.
Once she came into his life, a change in Tommy started to happen. While I don’t guess you could say it was overnight, he definitely started to open up…and now, well, I guess you could say the change in him is self-evident.
There’s a twinkle in his eyes whenever he gets around her, and if you want to see the definition of protective---watch his actions. He stays by her side constantly---making sure all is well with her, because as you know, you can never be too careful these days….and it’s a two-way street. You can tell the respect and adoration that she has for him due to the way he treats her.
A lot of people turn their noses on an older man / younger woman relationship, but I think that in this case….it turned out more than alright. Did I mention that he is twice her age? No matter, there’s a bond that shows every time the two are together, but there is a catch. Tommy is all of two, and Chloe isn’t quite one yet. Still, one cannot measure the impact of a small Siamese kitten on a young cat that didn’t trust people too well, for whatever reason…and that impact has been huge!
Think about it for a moment, “love,” as we know it, sells everything from movies to books to TV.
It’s an emotion that keeps one buying into it, or tuning each week.
I want to tell you about a love story that I have been blessed enough to witness first-hand. You want to hear about how love changes someone for the better? Maybe one about utter devotion? This story has got both of those ingredients and a lot more.
Let me tell you the story of Thomas (We’ll just call him Tommy) and Chloe.
I have known Tommy for a couple years. At first, he was very shy. To be honest, he really wouldn’t have much to do with you. I don’t know why he had such a quiet demeanor, but it was a personality trait that he definitely owned. It seemed like if you were to get him around someone or something new, he would fold into somewhat of an emotional shell.
Then came Chloe.
Once she came into his life, a change in Tommy started to happen. While I don’t guess you could say it was overnight, he definitely started to open up…and now, well, I guess you could say the change in him is self-evident.
There’s a twinkle in his eyes whenever he gets around her, and if you want to see the definition of protective---watch his actions. He stays by her side constantly---making sure all is well with her, because as you know, you can never be too careful these days….and it’s a two-way street. You can tell the respect and adoration that she has for him due to the way he treats her.
A lot of people turn their noses on an older man / younger woman relationship, but I think that in this case….it turned out more than alright. Did I mention that he is twice her age? No matter, there’s a bond that shows every time the two are together, but there is a catch. Tommy is all of two, and Chloe isn’t quite one yet. Still, one cannot measure the impact of a small Siamese kitten on a young cat that didn’t trust people too well, for whatever reason…and that impact has been huge!
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