We Are....Not Done Yet

We are here.

We have arrived.

They still may want to not believe it, but it's true.

The Penn State football program has another great team that has come together, and a town and community that has been coming together and despite what feels like the rest of the world coming apart we understand that it is OUR unity and combined abilities that WE are something special. 

The way that we play is simple. 

It's for one another.  We know that every part will depend on another, and though we may have individual greatness like no other, it is our ability to bring the most out of each other that has taken us to this point. 

In countless ways and in countless times I have seen great play from every single position.  I have seen effort from every single position, and when opportunities came to either blame one another or help one another, we chose the latter.

This is why we've been successful.  Yes most of us will also have won some measure of genetic lotteries or pure individual will power, but at the same time, it's how we all work together, push one another to be better, and do it despite different backgrounds, different belief systems.

That's why I believe team sports are special. 

While in all sports there is no where to truly hide (you either perform better than your opponent or you don't.)  Team sports have the added requirement that you to adapt to others around you to succeed.  

The dual realities of College athletics is unique further still as it is the first time for most young adults to be away for extended times from their original environment, seeing perhaps for the first time a bit of global perspective, despite the modesty of a small town such as State College.

But through it all we've kept that faith, that belief, that we are on a good path, one that may or may not result in trophies, but will certainly benefit those that follow it.  We believe in enjoyment of life, and certainly that of physical activity.

It's clear they are putting in the kind or work that will lead to a great attitude in life.  That they would give their all if they go into medical fields, aspiring journalists, community leaders and educators.  

The adrenaline rush of sport can rarely be captured quite the same way in other endeavors, though we often try.

Now we sit at the doorstep of something no one thought would happen this soon; a Big Ten championship.

One more opportunity to show who We Are.

Regardless of the outcome I'm confident of one thing, that we will give it everything we have, one last burst of energy to show the world that Penn State isn't waiting for anyone else.

We are ready to be the best right now.

Still Fighting - Penn State's Community and Football program back in the spotlight.

Years ago I wrote an article entitled "Fight" dealing with how to respond to the sanctions levied against the Penn State Football program and the resulting shaming of a community.

I believed that by bonding together; that by collectively, as a community, attempting to become the best students, the best sons and daughters, to become the shining examples of what Penn State really was to us, we could put Penn State on the map for all the right reasons.

More so, we could do so while holding true the principle tenants of the School (and some might argue of life).

That we do so while acting humble and taking pride in our work and in our effort.  That when we might fail, we do so knowing we attempted to get better, to improve.

It's been five years since that article and I feel that by and large everyone in this community has improved, and for the past 5 years, with a few hiccups along the way, I don't think I've ever felt as optimistic about being a part of this community.

The Penn State Wrestling Program is the current undisputed best program in the country under the guidance of Cael Sanderson.  Our Women's Volleyball Program with Russ Rose at the helm is among the best in the country.  Our basketball teams continue to be competitive and perhaps are just a year or two away from breaking out.  Countless educational achievements have been made, and THON continues to an incredible benefit and event.  Our hockey programs are beginning to garner serious interest.

Developers are taking notice, building downtown. They are building and believing in this community.  Our hospitality industry seems to be thriving in a competitive business.  For myself, I don't think I've been more satisfied at the job that I have.

In my personal life I feel as though I've done a pretty good job at following my own advice.

I feel closer to my family and friends than I have in a long time, I've built and trusted those relationships more and more.  I've been more open and available to my longtime love, best friend and now wife.

I've made healthier choices in my diet overall, and continue to exercise regularly.

In fact, overall, I don't think I've ever felt better.

But that doesn't mean that we, or I, am satisfied yet.

Because I know I have made mistakes, I have been deficient in some areas.

I know I can improve.

That constant drive; that knowledge that life won't stop for you or your latest achievements. That life has a way of being unpredictable and leveling things out and that while you may be on top now, if you don't keep up the habits that got you there, you will inevitably fall.

This Saturday, the Penn State Football team, a long-time beacon and symbol of everything positive about this university will get the spotlight along with what many believe is the best (or among the best) football team in the nation in Ohio State.

People across the country, and certainly in the the North East and Mid-West will look out at our team, at our environment, at US and from that moment in time make a decision as to how they feel about Penn State and who we are as a community.

Regardless of the actual outcome of the game, I want those watching at home or visiting us to watch from the stands or a bar and know that we aren't scared of the light being back on us, that we aren't scared of being on the field and we aren't scared to support or cheer for our team.

We do this all in a way that is passionate, that is morally and ethically good.  We don't do it to brag, we don't do it so that we can point to our championships.  We do what we do because it makes us a better place.  Because what matters at the end of the day are two things.

Are you coming together?  And are you getting better?

I'm confident, that when ESPN's cameras capture this community, when they go and try to capture the spirit of this town, they'll find a place that embodies the best in university culture.  That we are passionate, yet respectful.  That we believe in each other and pick each other up when we fall.  That we don't quit.

As Ohio State's fans come down may our exchanges begin as welcoming, and may we be civil and respectful.  We live in a civilized world beyond the sophomoric gates of rival high-school behavior.  I hope that the fervor of fandom doesn't take hold to a negative effect.

We have come a long way in 5 years.  And the spotlight is going to be here again.  And when it lights up Beaver Stadium and all of Penn State, they'll shine a light on a group that's still fighting for everything we can be.

Still fighting to be the best.

Faith.

I never thought that my story would be a love story.

I never thought I'd ACTUALLY fall in love.

I watched my parents from a young age, saw the struggle, the pain and the ache's, and felt in some part, that I (and my sister for that matter) made life so much more difficult.

I have suffered from depression for most of my life, and had an acute bout with it right after I had quit the Penn State football team, to focus on my studies and not end up just another jock.

I felt I had failed.

I felt my dream end, and with it to some extent, who I believed I was.

I fell in and out of love with various aspects of my own choices and my own reality.

I watched best friends marry, achieve financial success.   I saw them all happy.


I felt alone.


You then came into my life.

You smile in honest.

You first came to me with what I could detect as a mutual sense of eagerness and caution.  Something that made me both confident and scared.

You made me sense who I was again.

Your brightness in the world I find inescapable.

You are someone I feel I cannot and will not be without.  I feel your presence even in your physical absence.

You make me want to be my best, despite whatever condition the world puts me in.

You give me my Faith in the world.

You give me Faith in the future.

You give me Faith in myself.

So I promise to Love You Forever.

" Because the Democratic Party is The Only Effective Institution to Implement Policy"

I think the guy at the end (Mark Malouf) is more important than 90% of this video so if you want, just skip until the last 30 seconds.

Sanders supporters walk out

This is what's wrong.  I hate this.  This is how we keep get a Trump and a Clinton.  We keep lying and saying

"F it. Whoever is playing on the winning team is who I want to back.  Yeah I like rooting for those guys that don't win but I really want to pick a Winner that I like the most.  And as long as those two teams are red or blue (in this case) I can live with the results.  Besides it's worked for the past 150 plus years right?

We have to begin as a public expect more of our leaders and more importantly more of ourselves.

We let this happen.

Civilization may have been briefly lost with the advent of technology such as the Internet but now I believe it's time we begin to move and trust our own beliefs a little more and not cower in fear that we may lose.

On Robots and Policing.

This article has to do with robots and domestic policing policy.  It doesn't touch on any of the racial tension surrounding the events that triggered the scenario in Dallas.

While I don't have a problem with the robot killing the suspect in this particular case, I believe we must establish a very clear policy for deadly force using robots and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

This is what I think we know so far.

The suspect was confined, the area was secure of known civilians, and they could potentially communicate to the suspect. 

 

In this particular occasion it appears the suspect was emotionally disturbed.  There was also alleged taunting and singing which I would deem irrelevant to a professional force, but I know they're human too.  The suspect also allegedly said he had plans for more, if setting off any remote bombs seemed a possibility I again SUPPORT the officers decision.

However to use the same technique again should again require extreme circumstances that should be later REQUIRED to be proven true.  (The State has an obligation to provide all evidence after the fact in most cases anyway.)

I have fear that we will begin to use the robots to bomb suspects without doing the correct police work.

For example we believed on what we thought was good intelligence and been wrong before.  Specifically in our ward with terrorists where we mistakenly have bombed schools and other innocent civilians.

I also believe on occasion that police officers can be corrupt.  That on some level there is always the potential for a good officer to become or be a bad one.  

To remotely bomb a space should be an ABSOLUTE last resort for those two reasons alone.

This will kind of set a precedent. 

 If some one is on a drug bust some kind of raid and they say they fear for their lives for a breach, it is conceivable that the state could freely bomb almost any building at any time.

 What if we suspect a domestic terrorist is at a home making bombs right now, and we say he is heavily armed, and we bomb that area.  Then we later find out that the state was wrong and they kill a civilian?

This is why it's a complex issue and a bit of a big deal.

I believe it's also important in this day and age for all police to film their interactions.  While on duty nearly all of their actions should be recorded, and would think especially using explosives to kill.

Optimism In A Pessimistic Age.

I know there are problems in the world.

I know that thing like terrorism, economic inequalities, civil rights injustices, and more seem to be omnipresent in the news.

Sometimes I watch the political discourse used on message boards, facebook, twitter, and even from the politicians themselves and it feels like the world wants to tear itself apart.

Yet I still have hope.  I still love everything about this world and for all the faults that exist in myself and in the world around me I seem now to be hopelessly happy.

At the end of the month I will marry the woman I love.  I have met so many great people and feel as though through it all I'm mostly made a positive impression on the world.  I have a job where I work with good, talented and unique people.  I have the ability to travel to see my fiends and family on occasion and on occasions they can come and visit me.

I find myself constantly reminiscing over my past, reflecting on how I got here and sometimes I just find it incredible.  Life isn't easy, constantly missing potential pitfalls and battling our own battles.  Yet through it all, I feel as though I've made it.  A sense of happiness seems to have settled in that somehow feels permanent.  Or at least that I understand the path to create my own happiness.

Optimists seems rarer and rarer these day.  But I'm one of them.  I believe that even today in world rife with cynicism, fear, and rage that we can still come together and overcome our differences in the name of peace, community and love.  

I don't believe in any one religion.  I am an Agnostic.  But I believe in people.  I have faith in the unreal emotion of love. I have faith that most people do not want to cause others harm, that instead the inverse is true, and if given a simple opportunity to help, one would do so.

That while we are hopelessly flawed, we shall forever attempt to improve upon ourselves and create a better future for all to live peacefully.

The Most Important Moment In History

We are in the midst of a changing of the guard and we all know it.

The world is as contentious as can be.  Isis is a worldwide problem.  There is distrust towards our own government in many sections of America. 

I'd say tonight's votes on the West Coast will be very telling as to how America feels. I'd suspect record turnout's the rest of the way, as this election now feels like it's the most important we've ever had to do as United States Citizens.   Let's be thoughtful about this and please vote. I have to say I think Bernie's plan is the best. I'm sure everyone will have a say about it. I encourage everyone to represent their views because they're important. Support what you believe. But at the end of the day be ever so grateful we get this opportunity. This may be the most important moment in America's history.   

Go America Go.

As of now I'm on Sanders side, but I will hear out all candidates as to what they want to do about the WORLD problem that is ISIS and religious zealotry . I feel Sanders is the most honest Candidate in his desire to want to unite Americans to be the best it can be.. He has no part in special interests and isn't controlled. He want's to raise taxes on the super wealthy to put more into the American system. I'm fine with that. He wants rational thought put into war, and wants to take care of our troops. At the same time, I'm sure, like ALL of us we need to stay aggressive in our pursuits of educating and keeping safe territories that we feel our friendly.  And he believes that funding our severely underfunded

One thing I know for sure, this event and timing is unlike anything I can remember in history and everyone in those states should get to vote Wednesday and Thursday. This event and timing is crazy. But every legal person should get a chance to vote.  Besides, this also is a great sort of unintentional screening to see who votes and who doesn't.  Who wouldn't want to vote in the future of the Country they live in other than those who don't actually live here or eligible.  That would easily help you identify illegal immigration.  It also pushes voter turnout to unbelievable record numbers.  I would suggest a second day of voting.  I don't believe the State was able to adequately handle the turnout.  Stories of incredible lines and polling places running out of ballots were abound.   This would affect ALL candidates from BOTH parties.*

I would move to petition that due to an incredible event affecting the world, an extension should be given for states going forward.  Obviously, this may hurt/help someone's particular candidate, but I still feel that given the circumstances throughout the day we should allow at least a second day to consider All Candidates seriously. **

*Assuming there aren't already provisions on the books to allow this.
**Again Extreme Circumstances,  I'd say the same thing if all of a sudden we got attacked by aliens. Enormous earthquake, A Terror Strike, Global Sickness.   You get a second day to vote.  

 

10 Years of Pickles.

I got home and immediately put on The Offsprings "Why don't you get a job".

For the past 3 years I had been a full-time college student, with my "job" being a plasma donor at Bio-life.  Other than that I relied on, as my late grandfather would call it, "Parental Welfare" to help pay for books, food etc.  My tuition was paid largely by my grandfather, a former economics professor at PSU, Yale, and Michigan among others.

The conditions for his payment were simple, that I maintain at least a B average and that in the summer I work for him at his property in Michigan.  The work was mostly manual labor, hard and physically draining in the summer sun.

Sadly, during my senior year, my grandfather suffered a stroke and passed.  The usual routine of making a trip to Whitmore Lake for 3 months would end, and I would need to find a new way spend my summer time.

Now, I had always been a night owl.  Even when I was in grade school I remember not feeling tired as I would stay up watching Monday Night Football (or listening to it on the radio), often staying up until midnight despite having to wake up around 7 to go to school.

My sister came to visit while I worked the door.

Lately, I had found myself staying up late doing nothing at all productive, often playing online poker or other video games.  The time I wasn't staying up late doing nothing, I would be out with my friends visiting our favorite bar at the time, the Lion's Den.

The Den, at the time, was mostly staffed by State High classmates of mine, as the older brother of one of my good high school friends was the owner and General Manager.  I thought it would be a great place for me to work a part time job as a doorman.

However, when I asked about an employment opportunity, I did so in poor form, while out drinking myself and I doubt I was taken very seriously (rightfully so).

Undeterred from getting a night time job, I also applied to the now defunct Sports Cafe and the Hotel State College with a preference for Zeno's as my older cousin said he knew the manager there and he was a good guy to work for.

Travis,  Rodney and I working a game day with smiles

The HSC (Hotel State College) got back to me first as they had a property that needed doorman and they thought I would fit that bar the best. I had a few contacts at this bar too, as two of the servers were from my graduating class, though at the time we were probably more acquaintances than friends.

That would change quickly.

The first thing I noticed about Bill Pickle's from the beginning was how quick the staff was to make me feel like family.  In fact, it was the first thing the General Manager, Michael James, impressed upon me.

Immediately after my hiring, head door man Evan Klesius greeted me with a warm smile and talked to me like we had been long lost friends.  It made me feel like I was joining a team, and that we were all part of the same brotherhood.

Now, at the time of my hire, I had been in Pickle's zero times.  In fact the one time I did try to go in to Pickle's to meet my friends, they stopped me at the door and said it was too late to come in.  I was frustrated and angry as I just wanted to meet my friends, but they were adamant that I was not coming in.

Pat, Josh and I hanging out at Josh's place before the company Christmas Party

Pickle's was also known primarily for Country Night, of which I would not count myself as a fan.  Of all the genres of music I enjoy, which covers multiple genres and artists, the one thing I did NOT enjoy was country music.

When I interviewed with the two assistant managers, Michael Olmstead and Caroline Mangam, they asked whether I enjoyed Country and I believe I answered "Maybe that one track that has Nelly on it!"

With pretty much no real expectations, I was quite curious how everything operated from the business side of the bar.  My shifts started over spring break where I would stay at the door seemingly for hours on end while it seemed no one came in.  The job at the time certainly seemed easy enough and I wondered how many shifts I would have that seemed so boring.

However, due to how slow it was, I was also able to make lasting impressions on the staff that remained in town over break.  I distinctly remember one server, Jackie King seemingly always smiling and hanging out with me at the door to keep me engaged and not dying of boredom.

It was also during Spring Break that I had to kick out my first customer, which can be a bit of a nerve wracking experience.  On a slow night, one of our relief managers and bartenders, Mark asked me to remove an overly drunk patron who was harassing two women at the bar.  My adrenaline spiked and had no idea what to actually expect.  Would he react as expected from my training?  Or would it be a scene of out of Road House?

Me in my official Jersey with MO, bartending on a gameday.

Yet the way I had been trained was correct, a simple cordial request for the patron to leave was enough, and the situation was resolved without incident.  I simply requested the individual go, and he obliged.  The methodology of conversing with patrons deemed either VIP (visibly intoxicated patrons) was far more effective than yelling or using any kind of physical touching of any kind.

And so my life went on, and I was quickly adopted into this group and culture.  My weekends no longer included going out to house parties or the bars, but rather working the cover register (Where I got told to "Fuck Off" for asking for a dollar cover to one of the busiest bars in town) and on one occasion having my ass grabbed by an older woman who was as we say..."Feeling It".

But after the shift, after all the work, we would get together as a staff at 3 in the morning and have ourselves a few libations ourselves.  This bonding for "late nights" or "after hours" is one of the best things about the bar industry.

Way back probably in 2008 or 2009

My first "Late Night" was arguably the best in our history.  Despite being held (if memory serves me right) in a small crummy Meridian apartment, we packed both assistant managers, a relief manager, servers, barbacks, and door staff in the small living room.

We drank SoCo, cheap beer, some vodka, and some more as we bonded through the night.  The level of energy and camaraderie was unlike anything I had experienced until then.  If there was ever a time that you could "feel the love in the room" this was it.

There are a ton of crazy late night experiences that I could tell you about.  6 AM runs to waffle shop or McDonalds.  The climbing of street lamps or going down dry water slides.  The bringing back of one large ice sculpted Native American head after State College's First Night (Some A-Hole already broke the thing.  We/I felt we were saving it, by placing it in a bathtub).

As time moved forward, I graduated from Penn State with a degree in Communications with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in English.  However, once I graduated I really was at a loss for the right direction after school.  I did, however, really enjoy working at the bar.  Over the past year or so I had become a barback, which in our environment felt like an apprenticeship to bartending.

I would wash glasses, stock and re-stock the cooler beer, change kegs, wash more glasses, move and put away large liquor orders, wash MORE glasses, and eventually learn to take customer orders.  Oh and wash glasses.

Then in an attempt to provide me with more hours, and to provide some help for the daytime, I also started to train as a server.

My buddy Sam and I.  I had shaggy hair for a bit.

Serving to me was a bit nerve wracking at first, but it became one of the biggest catalysts towards my confidence in social situations.  While I wouldn't say I'm a huge introvert, I'm certainly not the most outgoing personality.  The experience I gained serving pressed upon me the importance of being able to read and empathize with the customers and people in general.

After about year or so, I realized that a lot of my happiness involved either working or being around those I worked with.  That indeed, most of the people of Pickles, had become family.  Year after year I worked in multiple roles for the bar, appreciating all of them.  Enjoying the company of the other eccentric individuals who worked with me.

So for the next 6 years, I would be either serving, barbacking, or bartending 5 days/nights a week.

Then like something out of a movie I would meet my future wife at the bar.

I, of course didn't know that she would become my wife, She was simply a girl out with her friends for a drink.   My night was going horribly.

I had been serving a table that had the parents of a kid I knew in high school.  After giving what I thought was great service, I came back to the table to find a note that had been passed and left on the ground.  (The customers had left and I'd rather not embarrass that family.)

The note read "Ben was never the sharpest knife in the drawer...dumber than a box of rocks."

I was incensed. The fact that I was working as a server seemed to be a mark of failure and validation to that family's claims in their minds.

After proposing we came back to the start

Yet I had my degree from Penn State.   I knew I was making more money in this profession than almost every introductory job I could conceivably get in my field.  The fact that I had chosen to ensure I had good grades rather than play football at Penn State still weighed on me as I felt like I always had to battle the 'dumb jock' stereotype.

So when an attractive blonde woman asked me if I wanted to leave and get Taco Bell at 1AM the answer was a resounding yes.

I alerted my coworkers I would be stepping out for a minute to cool off (they all understood and were extremely supportive.)

As we started our walk towards the fast food joint, she told me her friend had a crush on me and wondered if I'd talk to her.

I agreed and after being cut at the end of the night was able to talk her into giving me a date next week.

And the rest as they say is history.

As I entered my eighth year in late 2013/14, I was approaching 30 and I started to become acutely aware that I was significantly older than most of the staff outside of management.  I was also aware that many new employees came to me to solve a lot of work related issues.  I felt at the time, I was no longer willing to operate at this same capacity.

For the first time in 8 years, I felt I needed more, and that I had earned the opportunity to do more.  If not at Pickles, perhaps it was time to explore other options.

Halloween only, I'm a Zeno's guy

As fate would have it, 2 of our long time managers felt they also wanted to explore other opportunities, opening the door for myself. 

Finally, after eight years, I had become a full-time relief manager and bartender.  The feeling of pride was quickly followed by a sense of responsibility.  To help make one of the best bars in State College even better.

All the things I had learned about bar business I had learned through those around me and my own experience working in it.  I felt in many ways that I was the culmination of the culture of Pickles.  Someone who had fun and enjoyed the relaxed nature of the bar, but still understood it takes hard work and a level of professionalism to ensure that things do not break down.

I wanted to break every sales record we possibly could.  My competitive nature in full force.  I finally had an opportunity and I wanted to make sure I didn't waste it.  I applied all the principles that had been taught to me, and tried as best I could to instill those same principles to others.  The result was our best year from a sales perspective ever.  I had felt that my promotion was not only validated, but an unmitigated success.

The Hotel State College Company Christmas Party.  A one of a kind experience

Over the past Summer, I was approached about an opportunity to go to the Grill to assist with the management there.  While multiple people did attempt to talk me out of it because of how happy I was at Pickle's, I looked at it as both an opportunity and a challenge.  I did not want to leave Pickle's and as part of my arrangement, I would be able to continue working there during the week, while Fridays and Saturday nights I would become part of a new team.

However shortly into my new role at the Grill, I suffered a rather traumatic injury in the form of a herniated disc in my back.  This would prevent me from bending at the waist, as each time I did, sent a sharp shooting pain all the way down my leg.

The disc prevented me from exercising, which has been a key component in my battling depression.  As such, the stress from trying to manage two places at once began to build, and I started to feel increasingly inept at both jobs.

We're clearly confused here, Spot

At Pickle's I felt more distant, as though despite having been there for 9 years, I now felt out of place.  I was no longer there helping out during the busiest times that require the most attention.

Meanwhile, I felt I could not fully integrate with the staff upstairs.  By only being there on the busiest weekend nights, I felt like I was on some level short changing the employees who were there every day.  I wasn't there for the grind, and in many ways, the slower days are when you are able to build on your relationships.

I felt badly that after only 4 months, I had to admit to myself, and those who entrusted me to do the job, that I was incapable of doing the split.  That I did overextend myself and my abilities, and on some level that I had failed.

Thankfully, everyone was supportive of my return back down to Pickle's full-time, where I am now.  I think the experience first taught me some humility, but also served as a growing experience that helped me reaffirm who I am.

 I am a Pickle's employee.  I have been for 10 years now.  And I wouldn't trade any of those years, to be anywhere else.

 

Finally got that EOY trophy.  Yeah, mine broke too. 

 

Our Best "New" Tradition. Team Ream Day 2016 (THIS SUNDAY!)

Photo Credit to the Collegian.com

I try to explain to others what the day is about to me.  Why as an outsider, they should care about who Brandon Ream was, and why State College and Penn State as a community has come together in an attempt to honor his memory.

I tell them simply that he was one of the best kinds of people.  In my particular case, I remember someone who would come and look out for you, whether it be offering tickets to games or showing up on your 21st birthday.

When I joined the PSU football team in 2002, he and I were the lone two from our class.  While he was an invited walk-on, I had to try-out, but thankfully made it.  Being a late addition was hard and I looked to Brandon to help show me around, and he was always extremely helpful.

He had the ability to be genuinely self-less in a seemingly overtly selfish world.  

He was the ultimate teammate.  

Despite our best efforts, the number one thing to talk about during team sports are the individuals. We regularly rank our top quarterbacks and NBA players. We compare 40 times and height and weights.

Brandon always seemed to be more interested in the team's success and what role he could play to help get them there.

While Brandon's playing career was based on football, arguably his favorite sport was basketball.

Basketball in many ways is one of the most intimate of team sports.  Every player touches the ball and is in constant motion.  With only 5 members of the team on the floor, you must become part of the group, as playing like an individual will typically lead to frustration.

Unlike football or baseball, rest and downtime are very little and on almost every possession multiple players can make dynamic decisions to alter the game.  The structure of baseball, football, and soccer limit the opportunities based on the rules governing the game.  A lineman in football, for example, is not allowed to run or throw the ball.  Just because you're 7 feet tall doesn't mean you can't shoot threes.

In other words, just like in life, you must be quick to recognize movements as well as have the stamina to endure.  However, just like in life, you are free to choose your own path despite whatever gifts or curses you may have been born into.

The interconnectedness and freedom of basketball is a great metaphor for what I believe Team Ream is all about.

The Team Ream charity and organization is about helping those within the local community battle cancer.  They are essentially playing point guard within the community, attempting to help galvanize the incredibly talented power forward that is the Penn State community at large.

Cancer has taken my friend's life.  But it will not take his spirit.  We will continue to work and help one another and make our community the best it can be.

This Sunday, I hope you join us in our response.  Support our basketball team, but more importantly, support each other.

Oscars, Race, and Spotlight.

I stayed up last night, relaxing on a day off and happened to have the Oscars turned on while I was browsing E-Bay for fun orders (Didn't pull the trigger on those Adult Moon boots).

Over the past few months the Oscars, and Hollywood in general, are being criticized again for their lack of diversity.  With so few nominations for Black actors and actresses despite movies that were headliners such as "Concussion" and "Straight Outta Compton" 

Rock didn't hide from the Elephant. 

Rather than comment on the actual controversy, I'd like to comment on what happened at the theater itself.  It felt on some level uncomfortable for those celebrities in the room to feel somewhat guilty about their craft. No matter who was about to pick up their trophy, there seemed to be an air of tension and that one should say something to attempt to diffuse the situation and spread the idea of love and appreciation.

Awards shows are on many levels a facade in the first place, and we all know it.  How do you really judge a performance such as DiCaprio this year in the The Revenant vs Cranston in Trumbo?   It's all subjective, the things we think that are dramatic, that are funny, may not be to someone else.  The stories are different, but maybe no less important.

Still, I thought Chris Rock did an excellent job navigating some very rough waters.  Not wanting to bite the hand the feeds him, yet still insisting that there be more opportunity for black and minority actors.

As white winner after white winner took home an Oscar presented seemingly often by a black presenter (including best picture which, incidentally, features no prominent dark skinned roles), one couldn't help but feel how each winner wanted to acknowledge something positive yet be sympathetic to a very real problem that exists within their community. 

In the middle, Rock had a "man on the street" type piece where he asked people near a Compton movie theater about the movies and about the controversy.  The piece missed the audience mark, but was one I found that represented how much certain communities are simply not interested in certain Oscar movies.  I too had never really heard of Spotlight, and had someone surprised me on the street, 2 weeks ago the only movies on my mind were Star Wars and the Leonardo movie.

In fact all I heard about going into the show were The Revenant and The Martian because of the star power behind those two in Matt Damon and Leo.

 Eventually as Gold Confetti rained down in the air it seemed as though everyone had come together, that everyone that had watched this experience was exposed to the very real issue of race relations in America and was better for it.  I wondered if this best picture winner was markedly better than Straight Outta Compton, which was one of my favorite movies in the past few years.

While I must agree with most critics that it was a tremendous movie, it was no better or worse than Straight Outta Compton, though they do both share a similar theme.

Both movies deal with an outsider theme.  Outsiders trying to stop or topple the system.  While one could certainly be judged as more serious, and with more known and experienced actors, both stories felt authentic and well produced.  If I were a critic, I would recommend both equally, yet without it being nominated, Hollywood is suggesting that is not the case.

 I'm hoping that just like the movies, Hollywood will eventually practice the equality it has preached about.

Will Rock Ever Be Cool Again

Competition

The rush of the win.

The pride in the effort and work.

The respect and relationships forged.

In games, or athletics, or even in certain life goals, the aspects of competition seem to fill my life.

This is probably the result of both the environment as well as my genetic coding that I am a 'competitive' person.

It started when I was a young child, I remember playing games of 'memory' where you flip the cards and then must match with a corresponding matching card. While I was happy to win, I would become devastated at losing.  I hated it.  I would cry and sob that I lost.  

As I became older, I found that I had a pretty good aptitude for athletics and as I joined sports teams, I enjoyed rising through the ranks based on skill and not politics (for the most part.)

Every sport I started to play I was bad at to start.  In fact I remember I hated basketball at a young age because I couldn't get the ball all the way to the rim.

Now, as I go through my adult life, I attempt to guide my competitive nature to more contemporary goals such as savings and workouts.  While the rewards change the spirit and enjoyment of the process thankfully remain.

Nostalgia reigns supreme in 'The X-Files' return

Yesterday I revisited my past, jogging down memory lane with the moment I really fell in love with the game of football which was brought about by, well, the video game of football.

Blast from the Past

Today I'm reminded of the Sundays of my youth as I binge watch the X-Files current mini-series airing on Fox.

The first two episodes hint at the continuation of their main plot line involving government conspiracies and extra-terrestial life.  While these episodes were often well done and left me feeling like I wanted to learn more, I was even happier to watch the next two episodes that featured some fun, tongue in cheek humor.  

The writing is superb, delivering both witty jokes from one of the best smart-ass playing actors, as well as deep emotional portrayals such as when Scully questions the morality of her own decisions.  

I remember that my parents, and sometimes even my sister (who is not the biggest fan of long form media) would gather around and watch every Sunday evening as Mulder and Scully would solve paranormal mysteries. 

In that way I can't help but be complimentary of the show as all the same things that made the series great, return.

The show was creative, exciting, dramatic and fun, and to have it all come back even if only briefly is a welcome hit of nostalgia. 

Falling in Love in '92. Even Though John Madden was a Liar.

There was something to watching how the game unfolded, almost like a set of live domino's that just took hold of me.  These little Green, or Blue, or Red digital men seemed to be able to do anything.  And better yet I was in control.

These gladiators relied on all of their physical gifts, combined in a team environment, all in front of a grand stage.  The idea of it all was just awesome to me.

This game probably started my 20 plus love affair with Football

At age 8, and proud new owner of his first ever video game system in the SEGA Genesis, my first game (at least to my recollection) was Madden 92.

I loved it.  It kept track of the statistical achievements and thus I began to have a bit of a small obsession with the sport.

I, like probably every kid in the 90's in those days, I wanted to play running back.  Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith dominated the NFL headlines.  And I loved the idea of blending speed with power, running through the field.

Barry was the first guy that probably got compared to a video game.  The incredible change of direction and speed defied physics.

But I really liked the green team from Philadelphia.  I remember my parents taking me to the zoo there once, and my Uncle lived there, so it sounded good.  Besides, they were rated really highly.  Even better than the Cowboys, who incidentally would go on to win 3 Super Bowls in the 90's.

Sometime I wonder, if John Madden actually ranked Seattle better that year I may have been a Seahawk fan.

However on some level I never truly thought the violence in the game was ever brutal or real.  Tackles were always simple animations and the most exciting plays were always on the offensive side of the ball.  Even while watching games on television I thought the tackles were rarely malicious or meant to hurt someone (although I could be a bit naive as a child).

Players always got back up.  There were no injuries just yet as far as I could remember.  In fact a neat little thing would happen where in later years injuries were dealt with in rather comical fashion via player running over ambulances.

Now watching it all years later, it blows my mind the development in computer and game technology.  I should imagine in another 20 years a near photo like realism will be pretty close to being achieved. 

Failure and Bouncing back. A Tale of the Solo Bachelor Weekend, (and THON...Kind Of)

"It's 6:30 PM, the energy is low this Friday night as I sip my Manhatten.  But I'm anxious.  I can't stop my leg from nervously tapping.  I want to try and be social but I'm torn as most of my friends are working for the moment.

My fiance is out of town.  

Most of my best friends in cities and states away.

I'm home alone in my hometown."


That was the beginning of what I was hoping to be an ambitious project to write about an evening out while it was happening.  A live mobile blog, which I still might do, but obviously it being Monday and the fact that this my next post after a relatively long break.

The goal of the blog was to be a catalyst for me, a personal challenge to write creatively every single day for 40 days.  It didn't have to be long.  The words don't have to be correct, but I had to post.

It started out alright, a few introductory posts, and then some longer pieces on politics and sports.  But then the fatigue and the repetition began to get to me.  I felt like I deserved a break.  I had been so good for the past few weeks I deserved some me time.

And my solo bachelor weekend began.

3:00AM Friday Morning

I had no plans for the weekend and plenty of off time.  My fiance is leaving town to go visit her mother for her birthday, bringing along her aunt as a surprise.  As I crawl into bed I have visions of video games, eating some good pub food and hanging out on the other side of the bar until late in the night.

9:30 AM Friday Morning

There is so much time in the day.  In the feel that it's overwhelming I start by just playing a few games on the computer (Heroes Of The Storm for you nerds out there).  I do a workout, I watch some television, and a movie and all of a sudden it's

5:30 PM Friday Evening

It happens just that fast.  The day is gone, and while the workout was healthy, I did not produce anything of substance for my blog.  Something I was trying to be consistent with.  Something I am very publicly trying to make a priority.  Around this time I hatch the idea for the 'live from the mobile phone' idea.

7:30 PM Friday Evening

I'm back at home.  I think about going out but my time out for dinner has made me feel tired.  My entire day has mostly revolved around occasional beers, food, and occasional cocktails.  I had moved the living room recliner to directly in front of the television to give myself literally the best possible view.  Then, inexplicably, I have an intense craving for more food.  Specifically pizza.

There may be no other food I fear more than the well made pizza.  The blend of cheese and red sauce, with fresh bread, the taste of pepperoni and bacon makes my mouth instantly water.  Feeling no particular pressure to go out (It was THON weekend and it had been slow the previous two nights at work) I stayed in housing pizza and watching X-Files until....

11:30  PM Friday Night

I feel awful, like a puddle of pizza grease and shame.  While my indulgences at the time felt great, I now feel as though the only thing I want to do is feel better by tomorrow morning.

10:30 AM Saturday Morning

I feel better but not great.  I decide on a double workout today.  Working out is in many ways my best medication for mental stress.  Picking up my energy levels really sparks everything else including my mind.  I still get in a little television and video games (now becoming my favorite past time), but I put off writing.  I figure I may still be able to get my entry in later when my shift ends tonight.  Besides, I figure why not just make this weekend mine.  It's free of almost any obligations, other than the ones I made to myself.

6 PM Saturday Evening

The bar is busy but winding down from all indications.  All of my co-workers are on the same page and delivering the effort needed to have a successful evening.  Eventually as we get later in the night it becomes pretty evident that the night will not have that pop that we might typically see on a Saturday night.  Eventually the idea of a possible cut is introduced to help with payroll efficiancy as well as to make everyone's time more valuable.    I take the cut after another coworker declined it.  I'm pretty ecstatic to get to enjoy more freedom.

So what if my recliner is a foot away,no one is here to judge me.

What did I do with my said freedom?  While tempting to possibly stay around and socialize, or possibly go out to cover THON for a possible article and keep with the idea of keeping this blog with the original values of the project, I again chose to go home, indulge and fall asleep.

Sunday  11AM

I had failed all weekend to produce an article for the blog.  I tried, briefly, but it didn't work out.

I know on some level that I will be judged, and should be judged negativly for not doing the things I had set out to do.  I had plenty of time and opportunity to succeed.

Today, as my Fiance was due to return from her trip, I picked up the house in an attempt to atone for the rampant indulgence and procrastination.  Over the next 5 hours I clean every nook and cranny of the place, do the dishes and the laundry, knowing full well that while the work will be appreciated, it does not fulfill my actual obligation.

So then I wondered, should I give up on the project altogether?  Should I put the pen down and admit defeat?

Then I watched the THON results being displayed on Facebook.  The philanthropic endeaver run and organized by the students of Penn State.  For the past two the students sacrificed their time that could have spent getting ahead in class or socializing or doing a great many things to help generate money to help children with cancer and the Four Diamonds fund.

They are the spirit of this town and spirit I try to emulate as often as possible.  They raised over 9 million dollars and while some news articles will remind you that they fell well short of the records previously set, the lack of canning weekends were clearly seen.  Yet while they may not have achieved their ultimate goal, the process for them and money they were able to bring was real.

Sometimes life will beat you.  You will not attain  all of your goals, no matter how noble or forthright you are.  If you want to truly become great at something, you will fail along the way.  Because on some level, you may have never tried everything.

So I pick up my pen again this Monday, trying to recover from my weekend of indulgence, willing and ready to push again.  

Day 8: I write Poetry. I don't share it on Facebook. Anymore. Maybe later.

Some poetry.  And by poetry, I mean I want one of my musician friends to STEAL THESE SONG LYRICS AND PUT THEM TO MUSIC so we can get famous and rich.  I'll settle for 10%.  Probably.  

Dancing Late at Night With Jack and Mary

Blood flows into a vessel of mind and action

Find the beast in the bed of rhythms and rapture

But we can't find the heart to tell you the truth

We'll live in the movement, in the forever of youth. 

(Oooooh, the river of youth) <---------(For Song only.   Lol)

Promised forever, but we'll settle for the night

The Spirits, they take us for ride of our lives

Oh we've lost our minds with the sense of time

Dancing late with Jack and Mary we'll always shine

Sometime later the morning comes

And we'll wonder where it all came from.

And where we lost it all

Sometime later the morning comes

Promised forever, but we'll settle for the night

Find the beast in the bed of rhythms and rapture

Oh we've lost our minds with the sense of time

Dancing late with Jack and Mary, we'll always shine

Bad Timing

Tell me a story; she said 'please'

She asked "How'd you come to be'

Tell me a story; she said 'please'

Then I told her how I came to be.

I've been on beaches of golden sand

Weathered the hurricanes of Isolation

I've never been the Ringo of the Band

Loving another is my full time Institution

But I hope you never ask to see my hand.

Sing a song, he said 'please'

He asked, "why did she have to leave"

Sing me a song, he said 'please' 

Then she sung the song of 'me'

Day 7: Benz Buzz Fed. Quick little stories, etc.

Short stories and commentaries.

Deadpool--It's something I'm sure every comic book geek over the age of 15 has been waiting for.  The first legitimate R rated Super Hero Movie.  Where the Super Powers result in the blood and gore they're capable of.  That the Super Heroes and Villains curse and the fantasy of being a superhero takes an interesting turn that breaks the "4th wall."

The story of Deadpool is played out in Satirical fashion, with Reynolds playing what should have been his role to play all along.  As a Franchise, don't be shocked if this takes off.

Politics--In my estimation I believe only Sanders would look out for American citizens rather than special interests.  Every other candidate I have severe trust issues with.  

Personal-- I shot 3 air balls in my last game, all of which turned into layups for my team.  I'm not sure that analytics wouldn't suggest I keep shooting since they all resulted in points.

Also, I took out the trash, and I find it amazing how braving cold weather to empty a 2 pound plastic bag somehow made me feel like I was tough.  How pampered is the world today?

Bar-- We've had a great last few weeks at work.  It's been busy, and everyone seems to be happy to be there.  Pretty solid meme contest held in house.

TV and Pop Culture-- Master of None is one of the best new comedic shows I've seen in a while, and the return of the X-Files reminds me so much of my childhood that I bought a giant comic book off Amazon.com

Day 5 and into Day 6. Welcome Home, Jordan Norwood.

There are many success stories coming from the State College Area, but there are few that play out as publicly as Jordan Norwood's recently has.

This past February 7th, he played for the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, playing Wide Receiver for the team as well as handling the Punt Return duties.  

Now while most of the media may have been caught up in the hoopla of the Panthers, here in State College we were looking forward to the side story of watching one of our own get an opportunity after overcoming various obstacles.  

There were numerous mentions before the broadcast that in the history of the Super Bowl there had been no Punt Returns for touchdowns and that the Carolina Panthers featured Tedd Ginn Jr.  An incredible highly touted athlete from Ohio State that was the ninth overall selection in NFL draft in 2007.  With 7 career touchdowns to his credit and the pedigree of being considered one of the best athletes on the field, his path was one that seemed to be pre-ordained for greatness.

By contrast, Jordan was seemingly lightly recruited out of high school, his slight stature making it seem as though the physical demands of playing major College Football may be beyond him.  That even if he did bulk up, it may take away his biggest asset, his incredible quickness and athleticism.  

He almost took a scholarship to play both football and basketball at Bucknell, but at the last minute a spot opened up for him at Penn State.

I believe I met him at Sea World while I was a Walk-On myself in 2002 (He'll have to forgive me if that's not the case as my memory gets hazy about 14 years ago.).  His father, Coach Norwood to me, was in charge of guiding me along to the rest of my teammates as I was a late arrival due to my status as a non-invited walk-on (I had to try out). 

I felt slightly alone at the time, 18 and traveling essentially by myself (as a late introduction I was still in process of finding friends and trying to see where I could fit in with a group of highly competitive people).  Coach Norwood helped me feel at home in a place far away from where home really was for me. 

Jordan's father was coaching special teams at the time and he offered to help guide me around for a bit, while I attempted to contact some of my other State College contacts on the team.

I also distinctly remember Coach Norwood holding me accountable when I failed at a drill by doing push-ups, but he seemed to do so with a smile on his face that said to me "I'm going to try and make you better." 

While with the group of Norwoods, the details are now fuzzy thinking back some 14 years ago, but I always felt the sense of altruism that existed within the family.  That doing the right thing is important, and necessary for one's success.  

Later on in his Collegiate career he began getting some playing time, eventually playing a starting role in a spread style system that had dual threat QB Darryl Clark throwing to Norwood, Deon Butler, and Derrick Williams.

His collegiate career ended sadly with a vivid reminder that his stature could leave him vulnerable as an extremely vicious and ILLEGAL hit by USC safety Taylor Mays knocked him from the game.  He then went through the draft process having been passed on by every team.

Still he tried to pursue his NFL dream.  He chose to persevere and continue to try and make a career playing the game he loved.  Perceptions be damned, he was going to try and achieve his dream.  

He went from practice squads with the Eagles and Browns, to finally finding a home on the Broncos.

Then, when it seemed like he might be ready to start making regular contributions to the team, he tore his ACL.  Again he would battle back, getting into the receiver rotation with other stand-outs such as Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.

So to see Jordan take center stage on the Super Bowl that night was nothing short of one of the best feel good stories of the year.  

Then he made the play that he will be remembered by those who grew up here, for all time. The one we are all probably still talking about.  The record setting play that helped push the momentum further for the Broncos and helped set them up to win the Super Bowl.  To some, that might be all they know.

But within the community Jordan is known as just an all-around good guy.  Someone that is incredibly appreciative of what he's been blessed with and remains humble and polite.  Someone who knows he was part of some extremely special teams (Did I mention he also was part of a State Championship for State High in 2003?)

This past Friday night, I heard through mutual friends that he would be coming out in a rare appearance to celebrate.  Having got word of this I wanted to stop by and congratulate him on behalf of all the other guys that might not be there in person to say just how awesome his personal story was and how proud I was to call him a friend. 

I had imagined that we would get together, share stories of playing at the IM building, and our experience at Penn State or how the town of State College helped mold some incredibly talented, yet humble and warm people.  Maybe share Joe Paterno stories, both legendary and personal. Maybe talk about how his Dad is doing as a coach and how life is for his siblings. 

But before Jordan entered the bar, I found out the main reason for his coming out in State College, may not have been as much for himself to celebrate any of his achievements, as much as it was to celebrate another friend's birthday.

This celebration wasn't even really for him, it was for somebody else, which really goes to show the type of person Jordan is.  As I approached him, a fellow patron and fan asked him for a selfie pic, and as the crowd grew, I got a sense of paranoia wash over myself.  I didn't want him to feel like he was in a zoo, nor did I want to be an active participant in creating a zoo-like atmosphere when they're just trying to celebrate a friend's birthday.

We exchanged hello's and I introduced my fiance to him (she always wants to meet people I have stories about from my past).  Instead of peppering him with any long form questions, I just gave him Congratulations and room to operate and celebrate with his closer peer class and friends. (I'm about 3 years older).

And in the end that's why his story is so special.  Not because he is a Professional Athlete, or that he is famous all the way to Brazil.

His well deserved "hero's welcome" may never truly come because Jordan Norwood won't let it.  He appears far more satisfied being just one of the group than revered as something more than anybody else.

And that is what I believe this community is all about.

Congratulations Jordan.  You've earned everything. 

Day 4: I didnt go to sleep yet so its still Saturday to me dammit.

Posted, ethical Lent maintained.    Up next, Hometown Athletics.

Day 3: Politics on Facebook suck. Now In 4 Flavors!

If you were ever interested in politics and how our government works, Facebook and politics to me has the potential to be great.

In some ways, the internet age and social media has given us all unprecedented access to candidates, their supporters, and most importantly, an exchange of ideas.

So why is it that instead the majority of what I see on my news feed is meme's designed to be both humorous, as well as serve as propaganda for a given candidate?  Instead of long form debate about our judicial system as a whole, we simplify the equation to only 2 possible answers.  Whatever the red team wants vs whatever the blue team wants.

Here are some that I found with some pretty basic search criteria:

I chose these simply because of their name recognition.  I'm sure there are thousands more of the other candidates or past presidents.  

These are simple lampooning attempts, reasonably harmless enough, meant to get a laugh, and maybe a "like" from like minded people.  However, what seems to be abundantly clear is that the actual dialogue between people isn't that much more advanced.  That the election, as elections are wanted to do these days, is about rhetoric more than it is ideas.  

Most of our discussion in politics deal with demographics and talking points.  How does one appear on camera, do we think the economy will or won't improve under their policies?  Yet there is so much information that it becomes overwhelming and we settle for the quick little blurb that can easily be digested in seconds.

I believe we, as private citizens, owe a bit of a civic duty to educate ourselves on the issues and explain our positions without resorting to simplistic rhetoric and propaganda often shared today. Sometimes it can prove difficult to explain your position in a timely fashion, that other people may disagree even with your long, thought out opinion. 

But your full opinion matters, and it is worth expounding on, if not on Facebook, then in table discussions and work banter.  The point is to keep it civil, and to keep the dialogue beyond a 2 second digestible meme.

Day 2. Straw-Ber-Rita's and Natural Supplements

My morning started around 10:26 AM, with a Coffee, a water, a Straw-Ber-Rita, and a little of natural supplements to keep me healthy.

Then it's right into the writing process at 10:45.  I start and stop a few times trying to get the momentum of the moment.  The feel of my voice going to the pages so that when I'm writing, I'm coming across in such a way that it feels like I'm talking.

A lot of things I love in one picture

If I can first accomplish this, then I can go on to tell my story, whatever it might be.  This process actually can take a while and it's a part that I feel many writers and journalists can struggle with.
Anyway...on to today's subject: me!

Because you're probably Facebook friends with me, you probably know at least the basic tenants of my personality.  I'm mostly polite.  I'm tall and athletic (sometimes I may not look it lol).  I graduated from Penn State. I was able to "walk-on" to the PSU football team my freshman year.  I also left of my own volition within that year. I graduated with a degree in Communications with an emphasis on Journalism with a minor in English.

Now, I work as a bartender and relief manager at the Hotel State College, where I write on the side and oh yeah, I'm getting married.  I think most of my immediate audience probably knows all of this, thanks mostly to the advent of social media.

BUT I think the real me, is the me that gets behind this computer and writes about myself and the world as I perceive it with honesty and hopefully a sense of style.

See, I love stories, whether they be in the forms of news articles, books, or television, video games or movies.  Often I find the best stories to come from athletics.  They tell of underdogs, of love, of passion, of defeat.  There are so many metaphors with sports that they become an endless boon for this media age.  In fact, sports are covered with more veracity than pretty much any other subject.

Other than Sports stories, I love the Spice of Life stories.  The stories of people who don't take life as seriously and try to enjoy its splendor. Stories of late night shenanigans with a

Because, why not.

rock band, or an escapade with a group of friends in Atlantic City or Las Vegas.  Even the simplicity of a family vacation to Michigan or San Francisco could have its own unique tale.

My other favorite form to write about, or in, is poetry.  I think of my love of music, and a lot of it deals with the lyrics and how a writer will build a story around rhymes and rhythm.  So you'll probably see a few of those over the next few weeks.

Over the next 38 days, I hope to write articles that will grab your bored social media browsing attention and give you a form of entertainment.  At the very least I hope to get into the groove of writing regularly again for my own benefit.




Up Next.  Day 3.  The First Real Article.

Day 1.  For Me, This Will Be A Religious Experience


This July 30th, I, the actual real person behind these words, will be getting married.  I presume that it will be one of the happiest days of my life, barring anything profoundly stupid or tragic happening that might be out of my control.

From the time I've proposed until now, I've had a bit of writers block.  I couldn't find the the thing to write about that I really, truly cared about, at least not in a way that could be truly heard.

I felt badly that I couldn't (or didn't) write anymore, but no experience I could write about seemed appropriate.  I had also, at the time, been taking on more responsibilities at work and had multiple health problems in the late Summer and early Fall.

In short, it never felt right.

The concept for this particular blog came to me a few days after meeting the Deacon that is to perform the marriage.  Thoughts of Faith and Love, and Spirituality and the timing of it all.

That perhaps writing, like love, is never forced.

EVERY DAY for the next 40 days, (as some call it, Lent) I will be posting a piece of writing dealing with any number of topics.  The writing may be an essay on sports or pop culture, it may be a poem, or heck, maybe I'll throw in a fictional short story.  This is done mostly for my own benefit as a writing exercise, but I hope that you, my potential audience, gets some enjoyment out of the content as well.

Some topics I'll likely touch on.

-Bar Work/Something Bar Related
-Actively changing mindsets, from 20's to 30's or Holy Shit, Ryan Reynolds looks kinda old now.
-The Business of Athletics
-Am I Doomed to Hate New Music?
-Kobe and Jordan vs Curry and LeBron?  Kobe and LeBron vs Jordan and Magic?  The difficulty in cross comparing eras.
-What it's like to walk away from a dream.  My experience leaving Football.
-First Fictional Heroes

Plus More!

Not that I'm really selling this.  It's all free.  I'll be trying to figure out fancy graphics or something later. But really, you probably just clicked because you're bored and this showed up on your social media feed.

Should be fun.

Up Next: Day 2. A proper introduction.