The Will Cain Show and America's White Supremacy Problem.

We need to address the very real violence in this country being carried out by fascists and white supremacists.

Right now, I assume that some people in this country think it's a joke.  That it's a bunch of hysterics being put up by people on the left and that there isn't actually a problem at all.

I know that the people of Charlottesville Virginia don't think it's a joke.  They watched as out in the open, white supremacists openly came together and killed a person protesting the occupation of the town.

The killing of two people on a train in Portland, Oregon where they were stabbed by a white nationalist after they defended two women who were the victims of an unconscionable verbal assault.

The people of Pittsburgh don't think it's a joke after a white supremacists attacked the Tree Of Life synagogue, murdering 11 innocent people out of pure hate.

The town of Gilroy California where a white supremacist killed three and injured 17 more.

The city of El Paso, where 22 people were killed, another 24 injured in the name of a white supremacist and far right conspiracy of a white genocide and replacement.   The exact same theory that inspired the Christchurch, New Zealand shooter who killed 51. 

Dylan Roof who took the lives of 9 praying southern Christians for no other reason than they were black, and to specifically spark a race war.

Now is the time for those well versed in what the far right and white nationalist are doing, to talk to the public about what is going on in our country.


However, instead, I got an ill-informed sports centric Texan giving his off the cuff opinion whether or not he thought those cadets were giving what has now become a sign for the white power movement and the trolling of others.

I assume Will Cain probably isn't aware of the long history of the far right recruiting racist sympathizers in the military going as far back as the civil war.  He probably doesn't know about George Lincoln Rockwell, who founded the American Nazi party, Louis Beam a member of the KKK who advocated leaderless resistance, but he might know a little bit about some guy named Timothy McVeigh.

I assume Will Cain has still done absolutely zero work in researching and understanding hate and extremism in America.  Because why would he want to?  This kind of thing is very depressing, it would be better to pretend it was never there and we can all go back to just like football.

Hell he's there to talk about sports.  He shouldn't even have to.

But then, sports and the world of far right extremism collided in the Army-Navy game.  And Will had to go and talk about it. 

Because Will's role on ESPN it seems is to play the conservative pundit at the network, the general tenor of his show is that where he bemoans the politics and culture getting in the way of sports and enjoyment of the game (even though he is the one that constantly brings up the material.)  I assume he does this appeal to approximately half the country.  It's no different than what Fox News does.  Give the base it's red meat.

However, in this particular exchange, Will Cain steps way out of his depth.  And while I can gather that someone at the show had the good sense to at least tell Will that maybe he shouldn't go so deep into this pool, Will instead says that there is a 2% chance that those cadets had any clue about the high-jacked hand sign.

This is dangerous because it completely misses the points of evidence that the military has had a problem with white extremism, and it's had it for a while.  He essentially tells his thousands of listeners that the military doesn't have an extremist problem, that white nationalism isn't a problem in America and that this is just some PC culture nonsense.

This bothers me.

This bothers me because people die to White Nationalism and extremists in this country. 

Black people are targets. 

Hispanics are targets. 

Jews are targets. 

LBGTQ are targets. 

Anyone perceived to be allied with them are targets.

This past October, Christopher Paul Hasson pleaded guilty to charges stemming from domestic terrorism.  He is a White Nationalist and Neo-Nazi.  He is also a veteran of the military, in this having served with Marines, the Army, and the Coast Guard.  He also believes in the white genocide conspiracy.

Right now, as I'm typing this, there is incredible evidence that Stephen Miller, the person that designed a system to rip apart families at the border as they ask to become citizens is also a believer of the white genocide conspiracy theory.

I understand for some people, maybe white nationalism and terrorism isn't scary.  That they know they're safe.  But for so many others, that have lived through lives of persecution, the idea of hate gaining traction once again is a serious one. 

So I come back to Will Cain.  Like I said, he likely has no earthly idea of the ideology of hate and it has worked in America.  He is like most white christian male figures, blissfully unaware of the connections between our military and hate groups such as Nazi's and the KKK.

We need to become more aware.  We need to understand that the white supremacists have existed within our military, withing out communities and within our leadership structure and it needs to be addressed by people who understand it and have researched the issues.

Yet Another Case For An Eight Team Playoff. The Story That Will Continue Until The Demands Are Met.

There is no reason for either Ohio State or LSU to play any starters or their starting QB next week.  It simply isn't worth it.

And that is why the four team playoff system needs to be improved to an eight team model.

Think about LSU and Ohio State, who right now are thought of as beyond reproach. 

With all due respect to the defending undefeated champs at Clemson, even though I think they're capable to repeat, right now I would think both the Buckeyes and the Bayou Bengals would be considered bigger favorites.  If they lost a game they can reasonably say, "Look at our resume. You already know how good we are; we have already been undefeated to this point, and would you seriously leave us out for losing the championship game?"

If Georgia blows out LSU, or wins a contested game, does anyone seriously think LSU wouldn't still make the playoffs?

If Ohio State loses in a revenge game against Wisconsin, wouldn't most voters STILL put the Buckeyes in as having one of the most historically dominant regular seasons in modern history?

There is nothing for those schools to gain by playing their talent and risking injury.  They have essentially locked up those two spots.

Which then goes to my next question. So long as Georgia wins, what's to stop voters from saying "Yeah, they won by essentially a forfeit by the opponent, but they only have one loss, and they were already ranked as the 4th team, so nothing really changed."

Let's say just for the sake of argument you get this Armageddon scenario.

Ohio State 34
Wisconsin 35

Georgia 31
LSU 27

Baylor 27
Oklahoma 24

Virginia 30
Clemson 21

Oregon 49
Utah 45

Now please, tell me the final four you think would be picked?

I got LSU, Ohio State, Baylor, and Georgia. (You might be able to sub Clemson into the Baylor/Georgia spot depending on how the games played out.  You can also swap this scenario if Oklahoma beats Baylor instead.)

What you will never be able to do is shake the already proven resumes of LSU and OSU.  From offensive and defensive statistical marks to wins over quality opponents, they have played from start to finish the best football of the season, and it's not really all that close.


Does anyone realistically think Ohio State and LSU aren't still playing in either the Peach or the Fiesta Bowls?  I don't.

Now let's say some teams decided to rest starters instead, and the margins become a bit more pronounced.

Ohio State 21
Wisconsin 41

Georgia 56
LSU 17

But now the other games are blow outs, in the OPPOSITE direction, meaning big chalk.

Baylor 15
Oklahoma 42

Clemson 38
Virginia 10

Utah 56
Oregon 21

To me, I still think OSU and LSU were the best two teams all year.  Do I really care about one more game they call a "championship?"  In the past they haven't.  Past playoff participants have been looked over such as Ohio State and Penn State. 

Why should this be any different?

Honestly the ONLY scenario I can see the LSU or Ohio State not making the playoff is IF their best players get hurt during the game forever altering their team AND they get blown out.  That's about it.



The eight team playoff has been suggested before, and without fail, it seemingly keeps falling on deaf ears. Imagine we had that 8 team playoff and for the first round you can have a home field advantage.  That's right, it won't be on a "neutral field" but at somebody's backyard.  The next round could be bowl games.

Now should the "nightmare" scenario unfold, the scene might look something like this.

(Imagine a bracket.)

1. Clemson
8. Memphis (The highest ranked from the "Group of Five") (In Clemson)

4. Wisconsin
5. Georgia (Georgia would have to come visit the Big Ten Champions in Wisconsin, likely in December.)

2. Oklahoma
7. Ohio State 

3. Utah
6. LSU

I love this potential scenario as it would reward champions, without disallowing for a heck of a season by a LSU or Ohio State.  It would incentivize a hard fought championship game, as a home field would be a huge motivating factor.

I am not looking forward to this Saturday's games, as I'm not anticipating the final outcomes to matter much in terms of actually affecting the playoff race.

Better For The Struggle

I remember the beginning of this season. 

It started so perfectly.  It was warm and sunny, the greens and blues looking so vibrant you thought you were walking through a heightened version of reality. 

We started the season with a boom.  A drubbing of Idaho where it seemed like every single move the team made was the right one. 

The team came out to a thunderous ovation and played like the game against this smaller program mattered to them.  That it was important to do all the little things right on a glorious afternoon and show just how good and talented this team was.

I happened to be on the sideline, using my letterman's pass when Justin Shorter caught his first pass of the young season for a first down.  The first thought that struck me was that the guy looked every bit of 6'5" and could run like a gazelle.  He seemed like an ideal future target for the new starting quarterback to work with.  One of the people working sound for the broadcast commented how unfair it looked to have someone that big run that fast. 

The sideline felt alive, like something about this team was just different.  The electricity of youth, and the fun and enjoyment of the game was palpable.  Players smiling, enjoying themselves, believing and trusting each other.  It looked like the future wasn't around the corner.  The future was right here and right now.

Over the coming months, I was able to watch every single home game in person, and most of every away game on a television.  (There was a beautiful wedding I attended that briefly broke up the streak until we could find a streaming service during cocktail hour.)

The night-time event against Buffalo where the team was down at half-time, and they came from behind and blew them out. 

The Pitt game, where it rained to start and came with a bit of a delay, ended with a satisfying win that closed the door on another chapter of an instate series. 

Then came the domination of Maryland and Purdue.

The hard fought win in an incredible and hostile environment against Iowa.

The insanity of the White-Out against a very strong Michigan team. 

The growth displayed against Michigan State in a cold and wet game that showed the toughness and resiliency of a young group that was continuing to play one game at a time.

Even after the disappointment following a tough loss in Minnesota and a hard earned a win against Indiana, I found myself happy and cheering the successes rather than wallowing in anger about the failures.

Through it all, this has been one of my favorite seasons to watch of Penn State football. 

I love the passion and tenacity of this team.  Game in and game out, I have seen a group of people that absolutely care about the product they put out on the field.  I see a group of people that play for each other and trust each other.  I see the team that I want to cheer for.

That is not to say this team is all love and no physicality.  This is a team that I've had a lot of pleasure watching become physically dominant.  Football is a game that is essentially controlled and choreographed violence, coming together in a competitive fashion.  To be good at the game, a certain level of physical prowess and mentality of finishing are extremely important.

The offensive line is finishing blocks.  The defense pushing would-be blockers into the backfield.  Running backs finishing by falling forward and with authority.  Receivers and tight ends high-pointing balls and making plays after the catch.  In this regard I feel Penn State has made large strides forward overall. 

I want to acknowledge that it hasn't been all roses. Obviously there have been difficulties along the way.  It is fair to have some criticisms.  There have been times that are obviously frustrating. 

We are better for those struggles.

This Saturday Penn State will get an opportunity to play what many believe to be either the best or second best team in the country.  Perhaps they are.  But in any event, we will get an opportunity to play against that team and see how our brand, our style, and our players will compare.

Embrace that moment and enjoy it!  After all, that's the whole purpose of the season from a player's perspective.  To challenge yourself week in and week out to perform your best against the best teams in the country.  It is a game, and if you didn't have fun, what was the point? 

I am writing this article to try and share my own excitement.  My own optimism.  I want other fans to watch this game from the vantage point not of trepidation or pessimism, but one of thankfulness that we get to watch some incredible young people doing incredible things.

Why We Cheer.

I watched with a heavy heart as Penn State's undefeated season ended un-miraculously in Minnesota. 

I watched in a living room with some friends, munching on your traditional pizza and wing affair with some chips/salsa and beverage accompaniments.  People were mad. 

By the end, if you read your news feeds through social media, it seemed apparent that the same fans that had been cheering so loudly just a few days earlier, were questioning the entire direction of the team.

The frustration came quickly.  Seemingly, within the first five minutes we were watching Penn State give up touchdowns, and more shocking, it seemed relatively easy.  As though Penn State didn't realize just how good their opponent was.  In fact, I think the team's reaction may have resembled the collective fan base. 

That fan base, which absolutely includes myself, had started to really come around to thinking that this team had a real chance at being something special, about being a potential National Championship team.  They had gotten through the three game stretch that was expected to trip them up.  Now coming off of a seemingly perfectly timed bye week they would go up against an undefeated Minnesota team, and at least from the fans perspective, show them who was boss and move on to the next week.

But that didn't happen.

To put it bluntly, from what I saw, we were simply outplayed.  Everyone and everything played at least some factor.  Whether it be from a defensive point of view, an offensive point of view, special teams, coaching and things that were under their control, I don't think anyone can be satisfied with what happened Saturday.  They shouldn't be.

However that just means it's another chance to get better.  It's time to practice with more focus, with more intention.  Keep doing the little things, and do them well.

Don't give up and wait until next year, because there is a whole lot more to this team than that. 

While Minnesota may have ended the possibility of an undefeated season, it does not mean the end of the season entirely.

Each year is its own entity; its own story and characters.  This year is no different, and as this year's tale of the football team continues, I'll be looking forward to the growth of the team.  There are still so many tests to come.  How will the team respond the very next week?  How will they respond the week after that? How will this particular group of young people, grow up right in front of our eyes? 

Right now as I write this, late on a Tuesday evening, for the players, they need to have already moved on.  But it's important I think for the fans to move on as well.


This is a new opportunity. It's another chance to join up with our family home here in Happy Valley.  To cheer the kids and the coaches who represent the best values of Penn State athletics. 

Excellence in the classroom. 

Being involved in the community. 

Being great at a sport and competing for championships.

That is what Penn State athletics is all about, and that hasn't changed.  It has, by all accounts, been overwhelmingly embraced by every staff member and every athlete.

That's the reason I cheer for them.

We don't cheer them because they're winning or losing. 

We cheer them because of how they play the game.  We cheer them because they play hard.

We cheer them because they play with class (and are disciplined when they don't).

We cheer because they're just as likely to help an opponent up as they are a teammate. 

We cheer because they care about the culture and the people they represent at Penn State.

We cheer because they remind us of the best of us.

9 Good Songs by Bands You (probably) Never Heard Of.

Just some songs I've been listening to on my Spotify's Discover Weekly.  These were the songs that stood out to me.  I hope you enjoy them in the same spirit as I did.  If not, sorry.  Just listen to more Lizzo (Who I also love). 


1.  Telepathy-Doom Flamingo

First time ever hearing the band, and I gotta say I dig their style, with this song.  It's a cruising Miami synth rock jam covered with beautiful vocals.  If you don't feel like your in an 80's action movie, then you're listening to it wrong. 

2. Surf Style-New Beat Fund

Some elements of ska, reggae, hip hop, combine to a chill after hours beach scene song.  A kinda of abrasive start is followed by smooth flowing, cannibus inducing odyssey.  You can hear the weed in the background.  Nothing crazy but not a bad song to play on vacation and your enjoying some vice.

3. Lonely-Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers

Really enjoyed the groove on this.  It has a sort of "Dancing in the Street" sound to it that harkens to some disco and soul roots.  Some elements of funk and rock as well.  For some reason, I just picture some guy with long hair and bell bottoms singing this out.  The real thing isn't much different as I googled the group up.  Definitely a song that'll make you want to dance at a party.

4.  Do Me Like That-Penguin Prison

I've actually have heard of Penguin Prison before.  When I started listening on Spotify one of the first recommended songs was "Don't Fuck With My Money" which I thought was just too damn hooky to pass up.  Do Me Like That fills that same young alt pop vibe similar to Smallpools, Passion Pit and Walk The Moon.

5.  Hearts Out-Sun Parade

This track starts out so slow that I almost skipped it entirely, as I had a bad streak with a bunch of misses that I wanted to like that just didn't fit for me, including one with the song title of "Pennsylvania" that I wanted to put in this just because of the title.  What starts out as one of the simplistic melodic songs with an enchanting refrain, continues to roll along at an increasing break neck speed to a cataclysmic ending. 

6. Summertime-Becca VanDerbeck, Matt Heath, Noel Goff

Just a feel good tune to play for summer.  Really enjoyed the chorus that is so simplistic, but when heard, can't help but bring a bit of optimism to your day.

Drifting through the days without a care in our mind
Leaving all our worries and our troubles behind
Doing what we please without a reason or rhyme
Thank God for the memories and the summer time
7.  Fantasy-Eternity Forever, Ben RosettOk, this song almost didn't make it because the vocals really through me off at first listen, I just didn't think it worked with the stunning quality of the guitar work.  However on a second and third listen, it just kept standing out.  As the tempo pushes through the middle and end of the track it becomes more enjoyable.

8. Salt (Nlmg)- Ben Hon, Daniel Loumpouridis

A bit of a haunting song that slyly hints at lust and love.  There's a sense of danger with the tone, but it still keeps a soft enough side that it blends into something altogether unique.  I really enjoyed the imagery in the lyrics the come through brightly in a few sections. 

9.  You''ll Never Work In This Town Again- BirdgangsSomething that rocks a little harder.  This week was light on the rock scene, so I was happy to find something that went a little deeper and felt a bit bluesier.  Felt like something that could have been made by The Black Keys or Jack White.

Why I Support Bernie Sanders.

To me the problem starts with ourselves.

We need to believe in ourselves and in each other and the greed of the billionaire class needs to end with it.

When a system rewards people to the extent that is has enabled them to become wealthier than the average American to the extent that an extremely small group holds the majority of the wealth.   It is morally wrong.  One person has never EVER been worth that much more than their fellow citizens right to food, to health care and education.  It is absurd that we allow for such vast sums of wealth to be be amassed by the very few at the expense of the many and the poor. 

The world can be a harsh world, but in America, I was taught they we take care of one another, and the sins of our terrible past can only be healed by kindness to those that we don't even know.  If there is a strand of unity to what is happening right now in this country it is that the system is wrong and we need substantial reform now.  The will of the people is not being heard, and even worse, it is being distorted to the benefit of the billionaire class. 

This manifests itself in a number of ways, but lets just start with healthcare.  Right now in this Country, healthcare is more expensive than anywhere else in the world.  What do we have to show for it?  Pretty much nothing.  Our patients don't heal any faster, they aren't admitted or discharged at a better rate.  In essence right now, the biggest drain on America is how the private sector has exploited healthcare to the detriment of the population at large.

Right now the US does not require paid employee maternity leave.  This is in contrast to EVERY other country in the developed world.  While it may suggest a slight cost to a bottom line (or really, the exorbitantly wealthy) in the short term, it is to the benefit of the people and the state to have substantial paid maternity leave.

When a handful of people have so much money they treat 1 million dollars the same way the average American treats a single dollar, then we have a problem with income inequality so drastic that it literally creeps it's way into everything else.  Almost every single problem we have stems from this inequality.  I believe at this stage of our existence, health care is a human right.  It is shameful that we have exploited people's desire to be healthy and live for profit.

We need to address climate change in a real and meaningful way.  It is clearly NOT a hoax, a term usually reserved for UFOs and mythical monsters.  The rising sea levels and temperatures are already leading to migration and environmental issues on a huge scale.  I believe it would be foolish to not prepare and do more to help prevent or at the very least mitigate what looks like the crisis of the next 30 years.

We need to fund and change our education system and incentivize more people to become teachers and compensate them as the professionals they are. In the classroom we need to value creativity and the arts, data and statistical analysis based math curriculum's and have programs to keep kids involved after school.

We need to look at how the abuse of free social media platforms have transformed our political process and the difficulty in discerning what is true and real.  Right now it is easy to buy targeted ads and spread disinformation for the right price.  If a politician, a Super PAC, or a foreign government wanted to buy false advertising and target those that would be most susceptible, they can.  That is a deadly recipe for a democracy.

We need to expunge criminal drug records and fully legalize and regulate cannabis as soon as possible.  It is no more harmful than the effects from tobacco and alcohol, both of which I believe can be harmful to youths, but can also be responsibly enjoyed by adults who choose to take on the health consequences.  Further, it introduces a new industry into the marketplace providing jobs and opportunities to citizens.

I think we need to rethink how our democracy works in general reforming the very structure that results and terrible tribalism and partisanship.  I believe we exist in a duopoly that has stifled the real will of its citizens and that both the democratic and republican parties should be broken up.

I support reasonable gun control laws.  I support a woman's right to choose.  I support police reform.

I believe that radicalization of people of all ways of thinking is a deadly serious problem and that we need to do more to thwart efforts of white supremacists and nationalists who are causing the spread of hate and violence.

I'm not crazy.

I think change should be gradual, thought about and implemented prudently.

If you were to ask me what candidate best represents your world view and what you hope would be the best version of a future for America, it is still one Bernie Sanders.

I don't really care for the party politics, I think they divide us more than anything else.  I try to think about the real problems of the world and what is the best way to solve them.  Others can disagree, and perhaps I'm wrong about certain things.

To me, I believe Bernie cares more about the working class than any other candidate in memory, including Obama.  That he isn't working for corporations, special interests, or to enrich himself.  He honestly wants the best for all of humanity.


To me, that means he gets my vote.

Critiquing Without Attacking.

After defeating Michigan, I was in a bit of a euphoric state, and while others were left thinking about the mistakes, I was happy with the end result and looked forward to what I'm sure will be another tough week.  It felt good, but for sure there were plenty of moments where we didn't execute well enough to win. 

For some fans, they were extremely critical, one going so far as to say we won in spite of Franklin.

And that's something I'd like to take just a quick second to remind us (myself included) just how hard this really is.

Penn State is in the midst of what could very well be a special season resulting in our first playoff birth (Michigan State).  As the eyes start to look to who will remain undefeated (Michigan State), and who can play spoilers (Michigan State), Penn State is the realistic underdog to start taking the reigns in the college football world. 

We are really just looking at them as players and not as real people with real lives outside of the game.

Those kids that just delivered an electric experience to a whole bunch of people are in class today, in meetings today, going through practice today, studying tonight and probably taking some tests and writing some papers as well. 

They are being asked to keep with a great tradition of people who are able to balance both major collegiate athletics with major collegiate academics.

One of the lessons I've learned both from coaches and professors alike is the importance of being consistent.  Trying to be great the day after you pass that first big test.  It's not enough just to pass, but something you should try to achieve again on the very next test and the next.  The test, in some ways, is in being consistent, and that can be applied to nearly everything in life as a model of self-improvement.

Over the past few weeks I've seen some commentary in newspapers, message boards, and social media from some fans that level their critiques of the team in an extremely personal and negative way.  I find it to be pretty divisive language and not something that I would endorse to help make us better as a team or a community.

To me, it does no good to be critical of a coach or kid at a personal level.   They are people, and from what I can tell, they are good people trying their best to represent themselves, their families, their coaches in the best possible light.  They have embraced a positive culture in which they can combine many forms of competition to bring out the best in themselves and each other. 

If you have a critique about something specific in a game, think about how you would talk about it as if you knew them personally and wanted them to get better. 

If you thought the line didn't get off blocks as well as you'd hoped, or they called more pass plays then you would have, that's fine, but to use hyperbole to express complete outrage does a disservice to the greater aspect of what is happening with Penn State football.  Instead, just rationally explain that you wished the team ran the ball better, and maybe stuck to more run plays in the late second to third.

A simple criticism doesn't have to involve animosity or sarcasm. 

While on the topic, I think it's important to realize that two guys, who should absolutely go down as legends here for their time, both bought into Franklin's system.  We can't lionize those guys and not also give credit to Franklin for finding them, as well as a TON of others, and convincing them that Penn State was right for them.

At 7-0, the team will rightfully be considered as one of the top programs in the country.  Whether or not they stay there will be up to them and their opponents.  And that begins today, trying to do the little things to make them ready to pass the very next test.  (Michigan State).

Knowledge Fight. The podcast to understanding the mind of the right wing conspiracy theorists.

Alex Jones is a joke to most people.  But he is not a joke to all people, and to be sure his messaging is one that does have an impact.  That is the basis of Knowledge Fight, a podcast that analyzes the once prolific media entity Infowars and it's rage-a-holic host Alex Jones in an attempt to shed truth on the lies and dangerous rhetoric used on the show.

Infowars bills itself as libertarian program that supports free speech, the second amendment and family values.  But as you listen to Jones speak in his gravely Texan draw, you realize that this show is more about white victimhood, racism and the demonization of everything that Alex doesn't agree with.  Its a place where if you feel mad at the world and feel in anyway like Alex, you will not feel alone.

I think it's important to realize that Alex Jones while seems like a small problem, or a problem you may haven't heard a lot about, those on the far right, and those that cover the news and politics absolutely do and think of him as a dangerous outlet. 

He spouted out an insane conspiracy theory that Sandy Hook was a "false flag" and that there were child actors, leading to the harassment of various Sandy Hook parents.  His guests are often sympathetic to white nationalist views.  His rhetoric is often violent in nature, and drips of misogyny and xenocentrism.  He also lies or purposefully obfuscating context in his narratives.

The hosts, Dan Friesen and Jordan Holmes are both comedians and expertly explore with incredible depth the arguments Jones attempts to make and without fail showcase the intellectual failures of the infamous blowhard.  They also do so with some bitingly good humor.  Their ability to read off one another and explore Alex's topics while staying calm and upbeat brings the listener into some serious news while giving an outlet for laughter and entertainment.

The episodes do run a bit long for me, as episodes often clock in with a close to 2 hour run time, and sometimes it feels like the episodes are retreading over some of the same material.  Still, the sheer amount of material available makes up for it.

If you are into political podcasts that maintain a left to centrist level of humor and have a bit of spare time, I think this podcast is a pretty good listen. 

Week 1 dominance.

It's tough to know exactly where Penn State stands as a top team in America after week 1, but I am a firm believer that what I saw this past Saturday was one of the most exciting teams that I've seen from a Penn State team perspective.

It's impossible to play a perfect game, but yesterday, from a statistical and emotional standpoint, was pretty close.  In fact if you wanted to pick the best performance by any team in the country, it would be hard pressed to say there was a better one than what Penn State displayed in their opener.

Idaho clearly was not anywhere near Penn State's level, but I wouldn't necessarily put them as worse than Middle Tennessee State or Florida Atlantic.  It's your typical cup cake starter game, one that hopes to establish momentum and really get an easy win.  There are pros and cons to these games that I don't want to get into, but for our purposes, let's assume that it is what it is.  An opportunity to play a team that we think might run some similar offensive and defensive schemes that our other opponents might employ. 

However, what Penn State did yesterday is almost to a tee what you want to have happen in one of these games.

Let's start with the offensive line play.  While not perfect, it was certainly the most complete and dominant game that I've seen ANY Penn State line play.  It's only one game but you have to give the lions share of the game to the offensive line.  They gave up zero sacks.  They help deliver creases and holes that allowed for big time runs by multiple backs.  While Devyn Ford will get the statistical credit in the paper, I would like to point out that his electric 81 yard run was successful due to a huge hole opened up by a strong double team by the center and guard and the tackle locking out the edge.

The quarterback position was the one that for most fans held the most interest.  Sean Clifford has been talked about as someone that has been impressive at practice but a player that fans have had smaller exposure to.  Will Levis would be getting his first real game experience.  While I wouldn't describe either of there numbers as incredible, I did think this game showcased what they were good at.  Both can run and are willing to do so, and both are willing to take shots down the field while still taking care of the football.  There were zero turnovers from the quarterback position. 

The receiving core and backs were at times electric and for the most part efficient.  I didn't see many drops, and I thought the effort to maximize plays was there.  It's clear that overall, this team might be as explosive as any team before it.  There is speed and play making talent across the entire spectrum.

But what I really loved about this game for the offense came at the very end.  When Nick Eury went legend mode and ran six times, for 44 yards and scored a touchdown.

Eury is a redshirt junior, a kid that earned his spot as a preferred walk-on and by all accounts a little bit behind the other four running backs in the room that played Saturday.  He is the underdog that every team needs to keep them grounded, keep them glued.  Because sometimes it's that spirit of the underdog that helps create championship habits.

I was enthralled to see the support of the team being constant.  When Pat Friarmeuth went down after a hard collision, he had two teammates there to pick him up and walk with him back to the sideline.  As the starters left the field they remained engaged, looking on as their replacements got opportunities to shine as well.

After Brandon Smith delivered a hard hit late in the fourth quarter that will be shown on multiple highlight reels, I saw Franklin pull him aside and coach about why it's important to wrap and to avoid tackling with just a shoulder as he was then put under review for targeting. 

I imagine while Franklin loves the enthusiasm and the ability to hit hard, he doesn't want to have his linebackers suspended or thrown out of a game.

To me, this team may have it all.  In addition to being physically one of the most gifted teams in recent memory, they seem to have the enthusiasm, camaraderie, drive, and discipline to reach those ultimate goals. 

In order to do that, they need to continue to keep pushing each other and striving to do even better this next week against Buffalo.  If want to play and beat Michigan, Ohio State or Clemson and Alabama, then they have to push on a Tuesdays and Wednesday of Buffalo week to keep making sure they're prepared and ready when that moment comes.

I'm not saying after one game, that this is the best Penn State team of all-time.  I'm not saying this team is even better than last years team.  But I am saying from a day 1 first impression of Penn State football in 2019, I have not seen a team since the early 1990's look that dominant.

Football Nirvana

The cool, seemingly ethereal air surrounds me.  The trees and wildlife still in their last throes of summer, lush and full of color.  The sun still beaming brightly as a reminder of just how brilliant life can be.

I'm out running, listening to a the song "Scrub" by Mike Fiki.  A song that both exudes confidence while still being cognizant of a struggle.  I'm feeling good, my lungs and feet in rhythm.  I'm trying to push myself, while keeping aware of what my body feels like. 


I finish running into my driveway, gasping for air and quickly taking a seat on my porch.

I'm looking up into the blue and white sky over the tops of the dense green trees.  I'm looking and feeling at a place that feels near perfection to me. 

"This, this is what I've been waiting for,"  I think to myself, looking as I watch a slow fading sunset in the distance.

It's a Friday and for the first time since the fall of 2005, I am free for football weekends.

For the first time, I feel as though I'm joining the rest of the working world and so many of my peers.

Over the past 13 or so years, I have enjoyed working in the service industry as a bartender and  manager, yet the demands of the job entail a lot of weekend work, especially during events such as home football games.

After that amount of time, you kind of forget how great weekends really are. Consecutive days away from school or work and the freedom to do whatever other activities you might enjoy.  The ability to plan and meet friends or family becomes more manageable.

To have that again feels serene.

For the first time since my freshman year, I will be able to attend almost every game in one season at Penn State. 

The sense of anticipation continues to grow, verging on a sense of near hysteria.  The optimism and energy in town feels like a pathogen bursting into our bodies and giving way to an abnormal upbeat mood swing. 

Most pundits have pegged Penn State to be the third big ten team behind Ohio State and Michigan, but I think the truth is that no one really knows.  It feels with Urban Meyer leaving Ohio State, as well as its starting quarterback, they could be had.  Michigan feels like it should be better by now since they paid Jim Harbaugh a ton of money and have had some great recruiting classes.

The reality is I think we just defaulted into thinking the teams will be where they almost always are without any real consideration as to who actually may have the best team on the field.

So to me, this season will be fun, because I think of it as a season of opportunity.  That this year could be something special as the team comes of age.  All the reports seem to indicate they have some really great players all over the field and that the athletic talent at Penn State overall is about as good as it's ever been.

I think the things that will separate them from the other teams will come down to the intangibles. 

The ability to read and understand the game as it unfolds. 

The ability to deal with adversity. 

The camaraderie, trust, and love it takes to help each other through a demanding physical and mental season.

The ability to push one another to be better.

Now for the first time in a long time, I feel more a part of that again.  It feels like a long lost connection to my past has come back to me.  A welling of nostalgia and peace seems to be putting me under a spell where the world appears without flaws.

For me that is what I feel going into tomorrow.

Football Nirvana.

Lessons From The Past.

I didn't exist during World War II.  I didn't exist during the Civil War.  Not for Vietnam or Korea.  I didn't live through the 60's and and 70's during the Civil Rights Movement or the Great Depression from 1929 to 1939. 

I live in the world of today, and what I see today has, for the first time, made me feel as though America, and maybe the world at large, is approaching a crossroads again. 

We stand in a time where the world is getting significantly warmer, there are large migrations occurring due to the corruption of governments and war.  Our ability to trust one another seems incredibly fractured, especially at the highest levels. 

I want to take the lessons of years past, and try to figure out how to come out on the other side and bring about the changes in the world that lead to peace, that lead to an improved and better world.

In those times, there was typically a leader that preached unity and passion for humanity that helped defeat those that championed greed and exploitation  While every leader in the history of civilization had faults, it is those that led with compassion for people, that acted more often in kindness than in selfishness, that are looked back upon with the most reverence.

It saddens me on a regular basis that people want to go back to ideas popularized by segregationists, by fascists, by xenophobes and racists.  It is those ideologies that I thought America has evolved to leave behind in order to help create a system where we attempt to treat all people equally.  America, in my view, has been under near constant improvement over the past two centuries.

America has never reached its ideal.  From its inception it wasn't even close to the values that are framed in the constitution.  Land would become stolen.  People from various minority groups would be treated as sub-human.  Soldiers were lied to and sent to die and kill for reasons of greed and pride. It has taken the country over 200 years to become even close to the dream that is talked about so often. 

Yet we have made strides.  Long overdue corrections were made as slavery finally became abolished, women and minorities became able to vote; that those that identify as gay to be able to become married and have the same rights as anyone else. 

It is not perfect, and prejudices and wrongs remain to be sure, but we are still improving.

We cannot give ourselves moral leniency now, and we must move forward in a way that cares about all people, and not just those that we might associate with. 

In my opinion, there are powerful people who inflame every difference and disagreement in an effort to control and shape things.  That instead of talking about the things that unite us, certain leaders continue to try and divide us, trying to use sarcasm and hate to incite outrage and emotional volatility. 

Most of the country wants universal healthcare taken care of by their tax dollars.

Most of the country wants universal background checks on guns.

Most of the country wants marijuana to be treated and regulated like alcohol.

Most of the country feels that a person's sexuality or gender should have no bearing on how they're treated or their access to employment or education.

Most of the country believes security in the voting system needs to be improved and that, in general, our elections and system needs to be far more transparent.

If we are to move forward and get better in this society and in this age, then we must take the lessons of the past and apply them. 

We move forward based on the things that unify us, the things that make us ALL human and not on the things that divide.

What is an American Today? Unalienable.

I've been busy the past few months even though on the surface it feels on some level that I haven't been producing as much as I'd like. 

I've been busy listening though.  Listening to the other side.  Listening to journalists I hadn't seen or heard before.  Listening to the whole of the problems of America.

Like it or not, this country has problems that we cannot run from.  We can't hide and duck our heads, and we can't pretend anymore that the time and place we live in, is anything like the world that existed before.

Climate Change
Nuclear Weapons Expansion
Immigration
White Nationalism/Supremacy
Medical Systems
Gun Violence
The Wealth Gap
Taking Care of Veterans
Education
Criminal Justice Reform
The Legalization of Cannabis
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic and Ending the War on Drugs.

After my last day of work, I listened to a family member talk about the financial impact of Cancer.

It seemed wrong to me that for them, and countless others that live in America today that they would have to choose between health care and financial ruin.  It seems wrong that the society of today continues to make money on the life and death of its fellow citizens.  The society I would like to be a part of would not put profits and money ahead of the health and well being of it's citizens. 

I'm sweating as I listen to how it would cost an extra $3,000 for this test or the next, or chose between doctors and hospitals, and I realize that I'm sweating.  While the sun is setting behind the trees, it still feels about 90 degrees and humid.  Everything feels sticky and heavy. 

My mind wanders to the doomsday predictions about how our climate is changing, and it's doing so faster and faster.  It was another record high today, if not here, then somewhere else.  Each month it seems like there's another unique heatwave or polar vortex caused by the ever disintegrating glaciers that continue to shed chunks of iceberg at an alarming rate.

I scroll through Facebook and find an account advocating for violence towards local protesters, suggesting they be run over like Heather Heyer who was in Charlottesville protesting Neo-Nazis.

I think of the veterans who have come home and have to come to grips with the things they've seen, heard, and at times, what they've done.  How veterans of the Vietnam and Iraq wars are still dealing with the trauma caused by the hell we had them visit.  I work with a former Navy veteran and while he empathizes with a lot of my positions, there is a feeling about the people that he sees who can't get the resources that they need.

That we need to take care of some people who already live here too.

I agree, but what is wrong with doing both?

The politicians are trying to divide us on these issues.  That having it one way is right, and the others are wrong, even when the problems are the same.

Take the issue of immigration that is going on now.  Nearly everyone would be in agreement that there is room for people to become part of a robust economy and contribute to our society.  That is what we would want to encourage.  Our ideals SHOULD attract people to our communities and we can share in our collective well-being.  We should WANT people to come over and be part of America.

Yet due to the influx and sheer amount of people it has become difficult to help these people quickly become documented citizens of the United States. 

Well, we could allocate resources to help them become citizens.  Better yet, we could offer jobs to those like returning veterans or new recruits that want to help this country become even better, by helping those that want to come to America.

I like the idea of setting up clinics and schools in the south to help assimilate more immigrants.  Sending those that would work on behalf of the state to help people become American.  More people working and creating jobs, would in turn, help our economy.

That is the America I like to think of.  A "kind" America.  One that saw the errors of its ways when it came to slavery and to segregation.  That found itself bemoaning the choices that led to the perpetual wars in Vietnam and Iraq.  That realized the camps set up to detain people of Japanese descent after Pearl Harbor and that the camps used to imprison immigrant children and families are wrong and are against the values of this nation. 

When will that America step up again?

To me an American is not bound by where they were born.  To be an American, to me, is only to be human and to believe in humanity itself. 

We often quote the famous phrase of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" but we overlook the first words of "Unalienable".

To me those words matter as much, if not more, than the others.  That no matter who you are, whether or not you were born here or you arrived here by ANY other means, you have those particular rights, and that our government was sworn to protect them.

America is more than a country; it is an idea.  An idea based on freedom, but also ensuring that every person that sets foot on its soil is treated as somebody that has those unalienable rights.  That we look at our fellow men and women from all races and religions and see a person of value and possessing the exact same unalienable rights that we have ourselves.  For we are equal in our humanity.

America has been wrong, and it has been cruel.  Yet there is another America that has been kind and has been just, and I'm hoping that as time moves forward, we will see that America again.

The Lakers Assemble Their Monstars.

For a while it seemed as though the only Championship LeBron James might get in LA was one he'd win in Space Jam 2.  That his coming to LA was going to be about making movies and money ratherer than making making a contender.

But now, as the Lakers trade a young core group of players as well as draft picks for the promise of a second mega-star, it seems destiny has come to fruition out on the west coast.

There is no more glamorous a team in basketball than the Los Angeles Lakers. 

They play and win with a certain flair. 

Magic.  Kareem.  Shaq.  Wilt.  Kobe.

Star upon basketball star has resided with the team and genuinely added to the legacy of one of the most winningest franchises in sports.

They have been the picture of success for decades in the NBA, and while they may have struggled for the past ten or so years since the injuries of Kobe Bryant took their final toll, they now have the stars that they so often covet in James and Anthony Davis.

The acquisition of  Davis for some very good, but very young pieces could pay huge dividends in the short term, and if they can get consistent play and shooting from some of the surrounding pieces, almost certainly puts the team in contention for a wide open Western Conference next year.

The Lakers have their dream pairing again and it seems like destiny that they will find themselves back on top of the NBA sooner rather than later.  There will be highlight reel passes, great dunks, incredible three's and  hard-nosed defensive plays.  In short, the Lakers are expected to look like the Lakers of old, if not better.

While Durant joining the Warriors might have been a move that nearly broke the NBA, the Davis trade and potential subsequent signing of a notable free agent such as Kawhi Leonard or Kemba Walker make the Lakers look like a team moving from lottery team to title favorites.

There are moves still to be made, as finding consistent shooters and defenders will become a priority.  But now the Lakers two stars who are versatile, effective, and play with enough flash that all of the eyes will be on them to start the year.  But without question, the Lakers have two players that will cause huge headaches for the opposing team night in and night out.

I think the roster will need to come together and understand what works best for them and how to play as a group, but the talent at the very top has a great balance to it.  Anthony Davis is just 26, with his best years about to come up.  LeBron is probably not in his athletic prime but still has an incredible skill level and is still one of the top players in the league.  And still waiting behind both is Kyle Kuzma, a young player who has the makings of a potential all-star.

The Lakers cannot afford injuries though.  The health of LeBron and Davis is paramount to their success.  There is no safety net at the moment and any help will have to come from unheralded and undrafted players.  If one of the big stars goes down for any serious amount of time, the team risks imploding on itself again, and thoughts of doubt and failure may creep into the psyche of the group.

There are those that do not want the Lakers to go back on top again.  They can be fairly viewed as a pretentious and arrogant organization with pompous and unlikable players.  These moves and the ensuing storm of media coverage will become a source of resentment  for some who see the Lakers as an evil empire that uses money, fame and geographical location as a way to gain a huge advantage over smaller markets. 

I'm excited.  I think they have an opportunity to be something special for the next few years of Lebron's  contract, but also longer if they can retain Kuzma with Davis into the future. They may also still attempt to sign Kemba Walker who is coming off an All-Star season, or even Kawhi Leonard, fresh from an NBA Finals MVP run.

It's still a bit hard to see the very end, but it's clear to see that the shine is coming back to LA far sooner than anticipated.  The last season that ended with dysfunction and turmoil is already behind them and the optimism of a return to glory is already here and now.

Welcome back to the fun of watching the best players in basketball playing in the southern California sun. 

Welcome back to the stories of drama and intrigue, where sports and Hollywood mix with big contracts, big egos and big trades.

Welcome back to the Lake Show.

The Season Of Now

It has finally become warm here in State College; the winter finally retreating with its dreary monotone color palette and being replaced by the deep blues, greens and yellows that seem to bring the world back to life.

It's a time to relax and enjoy the longer evenings with a libation of choice. 

It's a time to get up early and do that early morning exercise routine.

It can be a time to fall in love for either the first or the thousandth time.

It's summer.

I have mostly seen this season through the eyes of an adolescent. When I hear "summer," it's usually synonymous with "break," an interlude to the rest of the yearly toils and generally living care free until fall, when typically, school started again. 

The fact that I reside in a major college town only reinforces the dynamic as the economics of State College are driven by the university.  If you've ever been around the town in the summer versus while school is in session, you become acutely aware that this town can become a low key suburban oasis that hinges on a group of people that care about one another.

I think most people want to leave our cares with our winter clothes and focus on the time at hand, because we know that this season of the sun, great as it is, will not last. 

We vacation in the summer, embracing the relaxing cool, blue waters of the beach or pool.  Maybe fly from the peak of a tire swing into a creek or lake.  We invest in the stories of the blockbuster movies or dive deep into the prose of a favorite new author.

There are those projects around the house that need done; the garden needs tended, and fresh vegetables from the store or garden need grilled.  We enjoy going out to the restaurants and bars that specialize with outdoor seating and seasonal drinks.  Life seems to overflow at times, and it feels like you can sense it in the very air around you.

It's THAT time of year.

A time to take that trip that you wanted to take.  Put time into your projects that you say you want to do, and do them.  Take a lazy day and go to a park and just take in some nature.  Do what feels good to YOU, and feel fulfilled at the end of a summer's night. 

Take pictures of the memories you make, even if you chose not to share them on social media.

Take the chance on something new and different.

Don't look back, and don't second guess yourself.

Enjoy the now. 

Enjoy the summer.

Thanking Both Mothers.

Mother's Day comes every year and every year I see the same sort of messages.

 "Thank you for your sacrifices"

 "Thank you for loving me"

 "Thank you for teaching me right from wrong."

I've said them all myself and they all ring true.

This year, however, I want to honor my mom for something else that not all mothers do. I want to thank my mother for educating me about how to treat women and show my respect for the opposite sex.

I also want to thank my mother-in-law for raising a woman that has become my world and the love of my life.

As I experience this world it has become clear that while nearly all mothers care about their kids, they do not approach teaching their kids about sex and relationships in the same way.

I have run into far too many men who think of women as a lesser sex, that on some level they only exist to help make children and for the pleasure of men.

I have interacted with too many women who are taught that their value is in being pretty and to keep men happy or to attract a mate that can provide.

I've watched in horror as some men I once considered friends come from behind a woman to grab a breast or slap an ass.

I've listened to misogynistic rants from former coworkers and classmates that women need to worry more about their weight and getting on treadmills rather than valuing what they have to say and how they think.

They're called dumb or sluts and are demeaned for no other reason but for the man to feel superior.

I am proud to not be one of those men, and I owe a great deal of that to my mother.

It is not that I do not have awareness of or appreciation for physical beauty. I don't think that it's possible for a human to not be aware and conscious of those things.

When I fell in love with my wife, there was (and still remains) a vibrant physical attraction.

However if it weren't for my mother teaching me the values of respect for women and understanding and sympathizing the humanity of women, I think I would be blind to some of the most beautiful aspects of my wife.

My wife has the kindest soul that I've ever encountered.  Someone who thinks of others and would be willing to sacrifice time and money to make others happy, especially the less fortunate.

When I met my wife, she was working as a teacher for low income students in rural Pennsylvania.  She didn't make much money and the fact that she was falling in love with me, a person who wasn't exactly on the fast track to wealth working as a barback in a college bar, told me that character mattered more to her than material things.

I credit her mother for teaching her that a man is more than a job and a source of provision.

My wife has strength that sometimes even she doesn't recognize thanks to a mother that taught her to refuse to back down.

Not all women have the courage that my wife displayed when she told me about how my drinking would make her scared and that it was becoming a problem.

In some circles of this society women are taught to be passive by example and they endure physical and mental abuse because of it.  My wife refused to be one of those women.

It is because my mother taught me how to have empathy for women and to see beyond sex appeal that I get to experience true happiness with my wife.  It is because my wife's mom taught her to stand up for herself in a relationship, that ours was saved.

Mothers in this world have a difficult job teaching morality, self sufficiency, and constantly giving love.

Today I want to thank the mothers in my life that went further by helping educate a son to not see women as objects, and helped raise a daughter that sought equality in a relationship. And as a team, unbeknownst to them, created a couple that is based on pure love.

2.75 Miles On A Tuesday.

I trudge out, the sun hitting me just enough to remind me I'm alive.  I'm still a little sore from my short run that I did the other day, but I feel good and energetic as the solar warmth touches my face.

The music is pumping through my Bluetooth headphones thanks to the incredible technological advancement of modern society.

In my hand I carry a device capable of streaming music over vast spaces without any physical cord connecting it.

I am feeling lucky, and I'm feeling good.

Still the first few steps around the block are among the hardest, going immediately uphill.  My body not yet completely warmed up save for some minimal stretching, each stride feels like a slow, methodical ache.

When I reach the top of the first hill, I feel better; balanced and ready to really face the rest of the run, knowing full well the most difficult part is yet to come.

Soon I have a gradual and easy descent that helps to widen my stride further, and with the wind at my back, makes me feel a bit more confident as I close in on the upcoming climb.

As I tap the STOP sign at the bottom of the hill and change direction to climb, my mind wanders to the Penn State basketball team.

Here I am, just your average guy trying to get in shape and attain a healthy lifestyle, my lungs and legs beginning to feel the fire and fatigue associated with failure, and I think of what is thought of as the lowest performing athletic team at my Alma Mater.

I use them for motivation.

I think about how they've been beat up by their fans, by their coaches and by each other, yet they keep fighting.

They keep pushing in hopes that if they push hard enough, they push long enough, then they will succeed.

It's not easy to do it in the face of failure, to admit that you haven't been at your best, but sometimes it's those trials that give rise to a new sense of strength and determination.

I near the top knowing that I will reach the summit, not simply because of ability, but also self determination and motivation.

I'm headed back down now, and I have a sense of calm, but I realize that the climb has definitely taken a toll on my legs and the run isn't quite over yet.

I have made it to the local park that sports a track that I like to briefly run on.  It's flooded and still has remnants of ice and snow that demands my attention.  The song "Apollo" by St. Paul and the Broken Bones plays loudly in my ears.

My feet are cold and mud trudges on to my sweat pants, and I'm thinking about what to write about these days and what matters to me.

And I think about the hills.

These hills will always be there in life.  Some will be steep and some will be shallow, but there will always be an up and down nature to our experiences on this earth.

I'm almost back to my house now, fatigued and soaked with sweat, but I feel good too.  As though I'm ready to keep climbing and finish the journey that was started.

Take Good Care by The Revivalists. An album for people who want to feel good.

I've been listening to The Revivalists for about the past two years with a good amount of regularity.  Their breakthrough single of Wish I Knew You put them onto the pop culture map and was featured in national Blue Moon commercials.  As it turns out we've all been late to the party, and in many ways still are.

While released in early November, I'm just now getting around to listening their latest full album Take Good Care. 

What I found was an album that's positive and full of confidence without being braggadocios.  To me the Revivalists are hitting a the right notes and hitting them hard.  The feelings of soul music, southern swamp rock, and new age Americana all come home in a gorgeously produced soundscape.

While the album opens with a softer intro pack, it quickly opens up into a quick pacing sing-along rock song that encapsulates the whole album. 

"All My Friends" is about being rebellious and confidant, while at the same time knowing that the relationships that have been forged that truly keeps them afloat and positive.  While the voice and lyrics shape a lot of the sound, you can't but also hear all of the surrounding band pieces working together to push the song along.  

Quickly following that is a delightfully sultry number in "Change" that is starts slow and quiet but after about a minute breaks down into a solid rock song with images of alcohol and drugs balanced with ego and money.

After this I found myself a bit bored by the next three tracks.  They aren't bad songs, perfectly fine little numbers that slow down the energy of the album and tried to add some musical variety and depth while remaining true to their roots.  They still "fit" in the album but aren't as memorable as some others.  Where as "All My Friends" and "Change" might be played at a party or a workout, you might play these songs during an afternoon lunch for background music but they lack the energy that I think the band really excels with.

The pace gets picked back up with songs like "Oh No" and "You and I" and while there are a few more slower paced songs they still unpack nicely. 

Then, at nearly the end of the album the band unloads "Celebration".  If there is a song that will undoubtedly fall into the category of "songs to be played by every wedding band capable going forward", pay attention to "Celebration" a song that sounds so quintessential to weddings that you swore you've heard it before.  There is nothing new in the song, nothing particularly incredible musically other than the fact that it just seems so perfect in terms of how a wedding celebration should sound. 

All in all, if you want to listen to a band that is producing great independent and soulful rock, you really need to Take Good Care.

The Ex-Athlete.

I am no longer the Penn State athlete I used to be.

I'm almost 35 now, and I can't run or jump like I used to.  I'm not as strong, and my body has definitely turned a little more puffy in places.

I have a chronic arthritic condition in the form of gout, a horrible disease that attacks my joints, inflaming them to the point of prescription medicated pain relief.

Anytime I do decide to compete in a pick-up basketball, softball, or base level adult competition, my brain starts to fire, like I'm ready to go, but the body can no longer do the things that it used to do.

It hurts to feel this way for the first time.  To really feel as though your days of being a Penn State athlete are over.  That you may never be what you once were.

Right now, it's January 2nd, the day following a Penn State loss to Kentucky in football, and I feel a bit depressed.  The team I used to be a part of had an unsatisfying year, as the goals that were set for the team, didn't get achieved.

If  Keegan-Michael Key was here, he'd be saying that right now I'm feeding the negative wolf.

It's time to start feeding that positive wolf again.

While I am not the Penn State athlete I was, I am STILL a Penn State athlete.

Being a Penn State athlete after college may be more important than being one while in school.  We become the examples that the next generation of student athletes will decide on whether or not to emulate.

I may never be the athlete I was, but because I was that athlete, it has helped me become the person I am today.

I'm able to pick myself up after getting knocked down.  I'm able to set goals and take the necessary steps to achieve them.  I understand that with the help and support of others, I am capable of more than I am on my own.

I am humble in knowing that while I may have some unique talents or skills, that doesn't make me a better person than someone else.

Life can be a difficult thing to navigate.  Try though we might, bad luck and bad decisions are nearly inevitable to avoid.  However, thanks to my opportunities as a student-athlete, I feel that I'm better equipped to attack my problems with a balanced approach and perspective.

While I can no longer dunk a basketball or run a 4.9 forty-yard dash, I am the guy that will willingly stay late to help with work, volunteer at a church or lend an ear to someone else's plight.

I am not the athlete I used to be, but I'm not the same person either.

I've grown by leaps and bounds over that 18 year old version of myself.  I have pushed myself into leadership positions in the workforce, got back up after personal tragedies, and given love and support to my friends and family.  To me this is what being a Penn State athlete means when you can no longer physically do the things you used to be able to do.  To do more as a person with your time and spirit than with your body.