Tonight begins the celebration of the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah. It is now the year 5769, a pretty long time for a people to be around.
Rosh Hashanah is not in my 'top 3' favorite Holidays but it is one of our two High Holy Days. I'm not all that big on the food and I certainly get antsy sitting in Temple for 2 plus hours for two days. I am looking forward to the first big sermon from my friend and Rabbi, Peter Berg. He came to Atlanta as our Rabbi in July and I have had the pleasure of being friends with him for a little over 10 years. In fact, he officiated Cydney's baby naming in Dallas, Tx.
What Rosh Hashanah is good for, at least for me, is reflection over the last year and looking forward to the year to come. I have dealt with many adversities over the last year, most that I did not see coming but I have had a few WONDERFUL surprises that have shown me how much life really is worth living. That is my biggest goal for the year 5769, appreciate the life I have been given and truly LIVE it. I know that some days will be tougher than others but I also know I have the support of loved ones, near and far.
May you have a happy, healthy and sweet New Year!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Week 11 rehab update
I ended week 11 today with a 'test' on the knee. The test is designed to be done 12 weeks after surgery but since I am seeing the surgeon tomorrow Mark wanted to do it today.
Basically, they took a baseline 'strength test' of both legs right before surgery. Realize I did 8 weeks of rehab BEFORE surgery and was feeling very good.
There were four measurements; quad strength, hamstring strength, quad endurance and hamstring endurance. They hook you up to this weight machine and a computer and off you go doing leg extensions and flexions at different speeds and weights.
Today I replicated that test with just the bad leg. The average person with my ACL reconstruction has recovered 60-65% of their ability in all four categories. Mark told me afterwards that his goal for me was 80%.
Here were my scores:
Quad strength - 90%
Hamstring strength - 97%
Quad endurance - 106%
Hamstring endurance - 97%
So as you can see I am way ahead of schedule and very excited about the next phase of rehab. Assuming the check in with the surgeon goes well tomorrow then I will move on to 'functional skills' which means cutting and lateral movement :-)
Basically, they took a baseline 'strength test' of both legs right before surgery. Realize I did 8 weeks of rehab BEFORE surgery and was feeling very good.
There were four measurements; quad strength, hamstring strength, quad endurance and hamstring endurance. They hook you up to this weight machine and a computer and off you go doing leg extensions and flexions at different speeds and weights.
Today I replicated that test with just the bad leg. The average person with my ACL reconstruction has recovered 60-65% of their ability in all four categories. Mark told me afterwards that his goal for me was 80%.
Here were my scores:
Quad strength - 90%
Hamstring strength - 97%
Quad endurance - 106%
Hamstring endurance - 97%
So as you can see I am way ahead of schedule and very excited about the next phase of rehab. Assuming the check in with the surgeon goes well tomorrow then I will move on to 'functional skills' which means cutting and lateral movement :-)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
2 pics from the ball game, as promised
You can't tell it here, but I am down to 220.5 lbs!
Oh yeah, my favorite TWO words during the end of baseball season - MAGIC NUMBER - GO FIGHTIN' PHILS!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Weekend that was (mostly sports related...spoiler alert)
I left Friday evening for Knoxville and the University of Florida - University of Tennessee football game (Jonathan, I did that correctly by spelling it out for those not in the know right? ;-))? It is a very quick and easy drive from my house to my friend Marc's in the western burbs of Knoxville. The night was beautiful and I had the roof open, windows down and iPod blasting my FAVORITE mix and it just let my mind wander and prepare for what I knew would be a great couple of days. I rolled in around 10:00 and got caught up with the my friends and then went to sleep. Up early on Saturday we were out the door for a tailgate party at 10:30. Kick-off was not until 3:30 so it was going to be a long day. Marc had a buddy that hooked us up with an awesome party right outside the stadium. The Tennessee folks at the tailgate could NOT have been friendlier and really, besides a few obnoxious students the fans were hospitable all day and night. While I ABSOLUTELY love home games in THE SWAMP I really enjoy going on the road where there are 100,000+ people rooting for the other team. The atmosphere in the SEC is second to none and Knoxville is probably my favorite away game to go to for the atmosphere. Our seats were in the Florida section right under the 'jumbotron' so that would be the last row. However, it was only row 33 so it was really not bad as the pictures will attest. We had the added benefit of a great breeze all day and the Tennessee River behind us. Oh yeah -Gators romped 30-6 - "IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR".
Besides college football there was so much else going on sports wise. We are in the middle of the pennant chase in Major League Baseball, the NFL is in fool swing and the Ryder Cup was going on. Being an avid golfer and homer, I was pulling for the U.S. and enjoyed watching periodically throughout the weekend. What I did see showed great shot making from both sides and I was pleased to see the emotion and spirit the Americans played with. I give a ton of credit to their Captain, Paul Azinger, who has survived cancer and truly is inspirational.
On Sunday morning I hustled out of the door in Knoxville to make it home in time to take the family to the final home game of the year for the Braves. The girls looked ADORABLE in the pink Braves hats and their Tomahawks. I, of course, was in a PHILLIES cap but for the first time I can remember actively remember rooting for the Braves because they were playing the New York Mets. The mets and Phillies are in a battle for the division and every Met loss is a good one. The Braves battled back and won and I am almost beginning to feel comfortable that the Phillies will be in the playoffs. I forgot to download those pics but I'll add them at some point.
The only disappointing part of my Sunday sports day was hustling home to catch the Eagles-Steelers game only to find out it was not on in Atlanta.
Besides the big boys playing sports I did miss the girls' soccer games on Saturday though I am happy to report about them. Cydney's team WON their first game of the year in the 8/9 year old division. They won 4-2 and Cydney scored the game winner when it was knotted at 2. I can't tell you how proud I am of these girls as their coach. I only have 3 girls who are even 'of age' and they are new to the team. The rest of the girls will be turning 8 throughout this year. We lost our first 2 games soundly but they are playing with heart and determination and really having fun and enjoying each other. On a side note, from an embarrassment standpoint I am glad to have missed the game as Ilene apparently did a cartwheel ON THE FIELD after Cyd's goal. G-d forbid there is video of that I would love to put it on YouTube! Rachel's team also won and she scored 3 goals. They too have moved up divisions and are playing great soccer and are now 2-1. Coaching both teams is challenging yet very rewarding and as I told one of my coaches, maybe I should stay away from games more often.
Lastly, I watched some of the New York Yankee game last night as they closed down Yankee Stadium. Fortunately I got to see several games there. It is by no means a 'beautiful park' from a cleanliness standpoint but I was always truly in awe knowing the history that had preceded me being there.
I think that covers the weekend
Besides college football there was so much else going on sports wise. We are in the middle of the pennant chase in Major League Baseball, the NFL is in fool swing and the Ryder Cup was going on. Being an avid golfer and homer, I was pulling for the U.S. and enjoyed watching periodically throughout the weekend. What I did see showed great shot making from both sides and I was pleased to see the emotion and spirit the Americans played with. I give a ton of credit to their Captain, Paul Azinger, who has survived cancer and truly is inspirational.
On Sunday morning I hustled out of the door in Knoxville to make it home in time to take the family to the final home game of the year for the Braves. The girls looked ADORABLE in the pink Braves hats and their Tomahawks. I, of course, was in a PHILLIES cap but for the first time I can remember actively remember rooting for the Braves because they were playing the New York Mets. The mets and Phillies are in a battle for the division and every Met loss is a good one. The Braves battled back and won and I am almost beginning to feel comfortable that the Phillies will be in the playoffs. I forgot to download those pics but I'll add them at some point.
The only disappointing part of my Sunday sports day was hustling home to catch the Eagles-Steelers game only to find out it was not on in Atlanta.
Besides the big boys playing sports I did miss the girls' soccer games on Saturday though I am happy to report about them. Cydney's team WON their first game of the year in the 8/9 year old division. They won 4-2 and Cydney scored the game winner when it was knotted at 2. I can't tell you how proud I am of these girls as their coach. I only have 3 girls who are even 'of age' and they are new to the team. The rest of the girls will be turning 8 throughout this year. We lost our first 2 games soundly but they are playing with heart and determination and really having fun and enjoying each other. On a side note, from an embarrassment standpoint I am glad to have missed the game as Ilene apparently did a cartwheel ON THE FIELD after Cyd's goal. G-d forbid there is video of that I would love to put it on YouTube! Rachel's team also won and she scored 3 goals. They too have moved up divisions and are playing great soccer and are now 2-1. Coaching both teams is challenging yet very rewarding and as I told one of my coaches, maybe I should stay away from games more often.
Lastly, I watched some of the New York Yankee game last night as they closed down Yankee Stadium. Fortunately I got to see several games there. It is by no means a 'beautiful park' from a cleanliness standpoint but I was always truly in awe knowing the history that had preceded me being there.
I think that covers the weekend
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Milestones & Thank You's
This morning marked exactly 10 weeks from surgery, 70 days.
I walked into therapy feeling good. After doing the usual stretching Mark went to the elliptical machine and I asked him if I could do something else, something less boring. He shrugged his shoulders and I pointed to the treadmill. He took about 15 seconds and said, "ok, but let's be careful". I spent 1 minute walking at 3 miles per hour and then RAN (ok, really a jog for me) at 5 miles per hour.
Before I get to the thank you's and there are many, I need to describe what those 5 minutes were like. First, I never believed 5 minutes could fly by so quickly or seem like a lifetime at the same time. Physically it was EASY! Was there pain in my knee? I wouldn't call it pain per se but I felt it. Mentally it was maybe the best 5 minutes I have spent in a long time (at least vertically that is). So many things raced through my mind. I literally 'ran through my life', cried nearly the entire time, tears of joy, relief, overcoming and realization. To use a poor analogy I felt like Forrest Gump when he shed his braces, I could run and my mind raced with me. Cathartic ally I believe I shed a lot of weight and issues this morning, so onto the thank you's and since it was all in my head I will start chronologically:
My Parents, all THREE of them. My father, who is now long gone and never played a very active role in my life, yet now I know he loved me as best as he could and he still is there to support me today. From you Dad, I learned that there is no easy road. Also, although I can give of myself freely with love I will never truly understand and feel true love until I can love myself. Today I know that lesson all to well and I am learning every day. From my mother, you showed me strength and perseverance through adversity and that continues today. You transformed your life for your family and today you are transforming yourself in health and well being. Every milestone you pass in beating Cancer I celebrate and I can't wait to watch you complete your '3 Day Journey' in October. To Art, my DAD, you gave my sister and I unconditional love and continue to be the strength and support of our family, as silent as you may be. Your model and consistency as a parent and friend will always be my beacon as a father to Cydney and Rachel.
Carin, Tara and Todd - although we may go long strecthes without talking or seeing each other your support and encouragement is always with me. I love you and your families with all of my heart.
Enough of the history - let's get more present...
Dr. Evander Fogle and your staff. I am in disbelief as to how well my surgery went and your care and after care in the last 10 weeks. You have shown skill and caring far beyond most surgeons in your field.
Mark Wentworth, my Physical Therapist - you know when to push and when to back off. I would be no where near where I am physically or mentally without your guidance, faith and support.
Ilene, Cydney and Rachel - my wife and 2 girls. I am NOT an easy patient. It was a VERY long road to just get to surgery. You never wavered in your faith and confidence in me and when I was down you picked me up. Ilene, you have given of yourself as a mother and a friend through this more than anyone could hope for.
My oldest of friends - Gregg, Steve, Scotty, Glenn & Jackie - you have checked in, you have lifted me up and in one instance even freed up an entire weekend for me to just dump on and get everything out. I never can express how much you all mean to me adequately.
Gayle - you are in the group above but through all of this and so much more you have stood out. Even before the surgery you lit up my world as I spent a marvelous day with you and Jared in the City in March. Your phone calls, emails and responses to my posts mean the world to me.
Pam - from the funny posts on B2B, to good chats on the phone to hysterical 'someecards' you just 'get me' and to not have spoken to you in 22 years that is pretty rare. You truly are a special person and I look forward to enjoying our friendship for years to come.
Regina - my favorite B2B friend - how were we not closer in High School? It's not like we had more than 350 people in our class! You are funny, intelligent and the perfect spark when someone is feeling down!
Talbott - YOU are an inspiration and your encouragement and courage is impossible to match.
Mark Patrick - thank you for following the blog and continuing to motivate me!
Jonathan G., Alex, Jordan and everyone else in Atlanta who has checked in on me, given me inspiration, dropped off food and encouraged me throughout this rehab.
Lastly, my colleagues and friends at EventStreams who have been patient with doctor appointments, rehab and unexpected issues.
This is by no means the END of my journey, it is a new beginning!
I walked into therapy feeling good. After doing the usual stretching Mark went to the elliptical machine and I asked him if I could do something else, something less boring. He shrugged his shoulders and I pointed to the treadmill. He took about 15 seconds and said, "ok, but let's be careful". I spent 1 minute walking at 3 miles per hour and then RAN (ok, really a jog for me) at 5 miles per hour.
Before I get to the thank you's and there are many, I need to describe what those 5 minutes were like. First, I never believed 5 minutes could fly by so quickly or seem like a lifetime at the same time. Physically it was EASY! Was there pain in my knee? I wouldn't call it pain per se but I felt it. Mentally it was maybe the best 5 minutes I have spent in a long time (at least vertically that is). So many things raced through my mind. I literally 'ran through my life', cried nearly the entire time, tears of joy, relief, overcoming and realization. To use a poor analogy I felt like Forrest Gump when he shed his braces, I could run and my mind raced with me. Cathartic ally I believe I shed a lot of weight and issues this morning, so onto the thank you's and since it was all in my head I will start chronologically:
My Parents, all THREE of them. My father, who is now long gone and never played a very active role in my life, yet now I know he loved me as best as he could and he still is there to support me today. From you Dad, I learned that there is no easy road. Also, although I can give of myself freely with love I will never truly understand and feel true love until I can love myself. Today I know that lesson all to well and I am learning every day. From my mother, you showed me strength and perseverance through adversity and that continues today. You transformed your life for your family and today you are transforming yourself in health and well being. Every milestone you pass in beating Cancer I celebrate and I can't wait to watch you complete your '3 Day Journey' in October. To Art, my DAD, you gave my sister and I unconditional love and continue to be the strength and support of our family, as silent as you may be. Your model and consistency as a parent and friend will always be my beacon as a father to Cydney and Rachel.
Carin, Tara and Todd - although we may go long strecthes without talking or seeing each other your support and encouragement is always with me. I love you and your families with all of my heart.
Enough of the history - let's get more present...
Dr. Evander Fogle and your staff. I am in disbelief as to how well my surgery went and your care and after care in the last 10 weeks. You have shown skill and caring far beyond most surgeons in your field.
Mark Wentworth, my Physical Therapist - you know when to push and when to back off. I would be no where near where I am physically or mentally without your guidance, faith and support.
Ilene, Cydney and Rachel - my wife and 2 girls. I am NOT an easy patient. It was a VERY long road to just get to surgery. You never wavered in your faith and confidence in me and when I was down you picked me up. Ilene, you have given of yourself as a mother and a friend through this more than anyone could hope for.
My oldest of friends - Gregg, Steve, Scotty, Glenn & Jackie - you have checked in, you have lifted me up and in one instance even freed up an entire weekend for me to just dump on and get everything out. I never can express how much you all mean to me adequately.
Gayle - you are in the group above but through all of this and so much more you have stood out. Even before the surgery you lit up my world as I spent a marvelous day with you and Jared in the City in March. Your phone calls, emails and responses to my posts mean the world to me.
Pam - from the funny posts on B2B, to good chats on the phone to hysterical 'someecards' you just 'get me' and to not have spoken to you in 22 years that is pretty rare. You truly are a special person and I look forward to enjoying our friendship for years to come.
Regina - my favorite B2B friend - how were we not closer in High School? It's not like we had more than 350 people in our class! You are funny, intelligent and the perfect spark when someone is feeling down!
Talbott - YOU are an inspiration and your encouragement and courage is impossible to match.
Mark Patrick - thank you for following the blog and continuing to motivate me!
Jonathan G., Alex, Jordan and everyone else in Atlanta who has checked in on me, given me inspiration, dropped off food and encouraged me throughout this rehab.
Lastly, my colleagues and friends at EventStreams who have been patient with doctor appointments, rehab and unexpected issues.
This is by no means the END of my journey, it is a new beginning!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Rehab Update - Week 10
WOW! I just realized how long it has been since a rehab/weight update!
I am in week 10 and things are going amazingly. I have MAXED out the leg press machine both from a weight standpoint as well as how close I can get to the machine in full squat. I have also maxed out this machine that forces my leg to bend at the knee. I have also begun PLYOMETRICS, which is a fancy word for jumping, which means they bill me at a higher rate, and lastly I finally began some 'running'. It is basically working through a rope ladder on the floor and a little light jogging. I started this 2 weeks ago and when I left the rehab center I broke down. I had spent 10 months building up to running 10 miles then spent 163 days without any running like movement. It was a humbling and proud moment for me but also a little bittersweet as I was terribly winded after these short little bursts.
I had lunch today with a very close friend and one of my inspirations and he filled me in on his first triathlon and I got excited just thinking about it. He also commented on my continuing improving shape (yes, I am comfortable with our relationship :) ).
On that note, I am down to 222 lbs. that is a total of 27 lbs in about a year and 5 lbs. post surgery.
I am in week 10 and things are going amazingly. I have MAXED out the leg press machine both from a weight standpoint as well as how close I can get to the machine in full squat. I have also maxed out this machine that forces my leg to bend at the knee. I have also begun PLYOMETRICS, which is a fancy word for jumping, which means they bill me at a higher rate, and lastly I finally began some 'running'. It is basically working through a rope ladder on the floor and a little light jogging. I started this 2 weeks ago and when I left the rehab center I broke down. I had spent 10 months building up to running 10 miles then spent 163 days without any running like movement. It was a humbling and proud moment for me but also a little bittersweet as I was terribly winded after these short little bursts.
I had lunch today with a very close friend and one of my inspirations and he filled me in on his first triathlon and I got excited just thinking about it. He also commented on my continuing improving shape (yes, I am comfortable with our relationship :) ).
On that note, I am down to 222 lbs. that is a total of 27 lbs in about a year and 5 lbs. post surgery.
Monday, September 15, 2008
breaking through the 'block'
Time is the great equalizer
Time heals all wounds
Love knows no time
Like sands through the hourglass and all that silly stuff…
I watch the girls grow up day by day, month by month and year by year. From moment to moment they remain unchanged but over the span of 8 years so much has changed. For that matter so much has changed over what will soon be 40 years but so much remains the same.
I was once a very shy child. Today I see that shyness in Cydney. I was once overly sensitive and today I see that in Cydney (and yes I remain sensitive in some cases and not so much so in others). I once was intense and absorbed with learning; I see that intensity in Rachel. I once had fits of rage and uncontrollable outbursts; I see these in Rachel and wish they would pass and not happen for her.
Time continues to baffle me. I have had relationships that have lasted 30 plus years now that are on the level with ones crafted within the last 8 months. I have met people in the last 3 weeks that have changed my perspective on our city and world. I have loved, been loved and lost loves but my heart still yearns for peace and comfort.
I am not yet at peace in my own skin, when does time fix that? I have accomplished a lot yet often feel unfulfilled.
Time heals all wounds
Love knows no time
Like sands through the hourglass and all that silly stuff…
I watch the girls grow up day by day, month by month and year by year. From moment to moment they remain unchanged but over the span of 8 years so much has changed. For that matter so much has changed over what will soon be 40 years but so much remains the same.
I was once a very shy child. Today I see that shyness in Cydney. I was once overly sensitive and today I see that in Cydney (and yes I remain sensitive in some cases and not so much so in others). I once was intense and absorbed with learning; I see that intensity in Rachel. I once had fits of rage and uncontrollable outbursts; I see these in Rachel and wish they would pass and not happen for her.
Time continues to baffle me. I have had relationships that have lasted 30 plus years now that are on the level with ones crafted within the last 8 months. I have met people in the last 3 weeks that have changed my perspective on our city and world. I have loved, been loved and lost loves but my heart still yearns for peace and comfort.
I am not yet at peace in my own skin, when does time fix that? I have accomplished a lot yet often feel unfulfilled.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Shameless plug and I am being a bit lazy...
I spent the past weekend at an absolutely amazing retreat with a program called Leadership Atlanta (www.leadershipatlanta.org). It has left my head spinning and back in the real world my head is spinning from too many other things.
So forgive me for 'copying' from myself but this will allow those of that like my sports stuff to have another avenue.
As part of my day job I am a partner and co-creator of a site called www.thefflguru.com. As part of that site I write a weekly article on anything I want to (football related).
Here is the article that will go up later today, you my favorite people get to see it first :-)
So the first weekend of NFL has come and gone. In general, you are probably in one of three Fantasy ‘states’:
1. Euphoria – as my team(s) rock; I made all the right moves and I am hoping to go ‘coast to coast’ to win my league crown.
2. You feel ‘ok’ (insert John Malkovich Russian accent from ROUNDERS) – you team looked ok, there were not a ton of TD’s but guys performed pretty well; also, you might have seen your bench step up and look good.
3. Is it next year yet – You own TOM BRADY, one of the Bengal or Rams Wide Receivers. You won’t be the only ones in this pile eventually but right now you are dejected.
Me? I’m firmly in camp #1. My team had the high score in week 1 in my ‘Big League’ (the one with a good cash, 2 great trophies and bragging rights with guys I’ve known for decades). My biggest coup you ask? Starting my #3 RB in Michael Turner. However, just like group #3 should not get too down (hopefully they drafted well enough to stay competitive) those of us in Group #1 need not get too excited. It is just ONE week! As they say on the PGA Tour, you can’t win a golf tournament on the first. However, you can lose one .
If you are in Group 1, don’t rest on your laurels. Really evaluate your team and see where your flaws are. Identify teams in groups 2 & 3 where panic for unseasoned Owners might be setting in and see if you can shore things up. For me, I am need depth at WR. I am good 4 deep in a league where we start 3 WR’s but I need insurance. I purposely helped start the run on back up QB’s so I have room to deal either a Derek Anderson or Eli Manning since I will be gunning Drew Brees out most days.
If you are Group 2 – don’t panic! Realize your starting line up has the quality and were drafted where they should be. Guys like Addai, Santonio Holmes and Derek Anderson are going to get there’s. Now is not the time to panic and start juggling those line-ups.
Enjoy the few days between games. It is amazing how quickly this time year flies by…before you know it we will be in Week 10 and beyond!
So forgive me for 'copying' from myself but this will allow those of that like my sports stuff to have another avenue.
As part of my day job I am a partner and co-creator of a site called www.thefflguru.com. As part of that site I write a weekly article on anything I want to (football related).
Here is the article that will go up later today, you my favorite people get to see it first :-)
So the first weekend of NFL has come and gone. In general, you are probably in one of three Fantasy ‘states’:
1. Euphoria – as my team(s) rock; I made all the right moves and I am hoping to go ‘coast to coast’ to win my league crown.
2. You feel ‘ok’ (insert John Malkovich Russian accent from ROUNDERS) – you team looked ok, there were not a ton of TD’s but guys performed pretty well; also, you might have seen your bench step up and look good.
3. Is it next year yet – You own TOM BRADY, one of the Bengal or Rams Wide Receivers. You won’t be the only ones in this pile eventually but right now you are dejected.
Me? I’m firmly in camp #1. My team had the high score in week 1 in my ‘Big League’ (the one with a good cash, 2 great trophies and bragging rights with guys I’ve known for decades). My biggest coup you ask? Starting my #3 RB in Michael Turner. However, just like group #3 should not get too down (hopefully they drafted well enough to stay competitive) those of us in Group #1 need not get too excited. It is just ONE week! As they say on the PGA Tour, you can’t win a golf tournament on the first. However, you can lose one .
If you are in Group 1, don’t rest on your laurels. Really evaluate your team and see where your flaws are. Identify teams in groups 2 & 3 where panic for unseasoned Owners might be setting in and see if you can shore things up. For me, I am need depth at WR. I am good 4 deep in a league where we start 3 WR’s but I need insurance. I purposely helped start the run on back up QB’s so I have room to deal either a Derek Anderson or Eli Manning since I will be gunning Drew Brees out most days.
If you are Group 2 – don’t panic! Realize your starting line up has the quality and were drafted where they should be. Guys like Addai, Santonio Holmes and Derek Anderson are going to get there’s. Now is not the time to panic and start juggling those line-ups.
Enjoy the few days between games. It is amazing how quickly this time year flies by…before you know it we will be in Week 10 and beyond!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
RNC - Night 2 - Sarah Palin 'shines for the crowd'
Look, I'm not going to try and kid you, I am not anywhere near the Republican 'base' on almost every single social issue. However, I can certainly recognize and respect a strong performance while still getting to be a little bit critical :).
First, Sarah Palin did more than what the media expected but exactly what I expected, she delivered. No one goes from Mayor of a podunk town to Governor of a podunk State (no offense Alaska) without having a certain amount of flair and charisma. She did a very nice job of counter balancing her "I'm a hockey Mom" with I'm a tough as nails bitch and can sling mud and half truths too very well.
*side note - thankfully the RNC was in MINNESOTA where they actually know what hockey is or that might have not gone over well
Second, she had very good timing, she worked the crowd and really does have a speaking style that works well.
Third, she hit the ball out of the park for the 'BASE' and that is what John McCain needed. To the new Republican base he is a scary 'liberal' and she fits right in, especially on socially conservative issues.
Now, I can turn to some criticisms:
First, let's start with the family. Again, under 'full disclosure' I have a 8 year old nephew with Downs Syndrome. I do NOT have a favorite niece/nephew among the 9 that I have but I am pretty sure I am his favorite Uncle :). I understand and respect the entire special needs spectrum from a very personal level. What I do not believe is fair is that the Palin Family can be open on one side of their family life and then choose to stay 'closed' on another. Facts are facts and in the world we live in today what is going on is 'fair game'. A part of me REALLY despises it but I realize why it happens. Truthfully, the Republicans have run for a VERY LONG time now on the FALSE notion that Obama is a Muslim, or that he conspires with terrorists. This mud slinging stuff sucks and I wish it didn't happen but it does. Is having a 17 year old pregnant daughter make you a bad mother? No. All of a sudden to have the young man who impregnate her become her fiancee and have his life changed (see that he mysteriously no longer has a MY SPACE page) is a bit more than interesting.
Second, let's get off personal and go to the facts. Mrs. Palin, or her speech writer, was NO WHERE CLOSE on several facts. There is no single evidence that points to Obama-Biden raising taxes for the majority of citizens. Raising taxes for the majority of Republican delegates sitting in that hall, probably, but not the single mother making $34,000 a year raising 2 kids. On the War in Iraq, she talks of 'forfeit' like this were a game of kickball. That is just ridiculous. EVERYONE wants an end to war, isn't that why we fight them in the first place? Win, divide the loot and get out or take over...hmmm...the problem here, and she brought it up is that the Republicans (thanks to the President) want to WIN. Someone please tell me what exactly is winning here? Seriously, what does it look like? Maybe if we knew that we could get on board.
Third, this concept of energy and how Obama-Biden want to make matters worse by not drilling. Look, this is a policy debate. Fact is there probably is no right and wrong. Will drilling solve some problems, short and long term - YES; will drilling cause some problems, short and long term - YES. You will fall in one camp or the other but to lie and say the opponent doesn't care is RIDICULOUS. While we are on energy. When did energy become the #1 issue in America? And if the media is SO liberal how did they buy into this concept. I thought the #1 issue was the ECONOMY, which, oh by the way, the energy issue is a part of. I would think #2 would be the war, but back to #1. If the economy didn't SUCK people would not be complaining as much about energy prices. If our foreign policy was stronger we might not see the energy issue (which is ALL ABOUT MONEY, big fat oil company money). Lastly, we are in this crazy dependency not because of Republicans, Democrats or whatever, we are in it because of ALL OF US. Shut up and work together - solve problems, stop taking blame - BOTH SIDES.
So what did last night do? It kept thinks interesting. Do I think Sarah Palin will ever appeal to the Hillary Crowd? Not if they look at her record - NRA lifetime member, pro life, pro drilling, against universal healthcare, anti-environmental issues (and if you don't think so look up her thoughts on polar bears). She will shore up the Republican base and energize a DEAD campaign. Polling numbers will change, but there is a long way to go and the polls are missing a whole GENERATION. No phone based poll gets to the under 28 (or so) set that does not have a HOME PHONE. They all have just a CELL NUMBER!!!!!!
I am hopeful that the upcoming debates will be about substance and not rhetoric. I am also hopeful that thousands of people will one day rise up from reading my blog and demand that I write a National Column that makes me millions of dollars from book deals and world tours...
First, Sarah Palin did more than what the media expected but exactly what I expected, she delivered. No one goes from Mayor of a podunk town to Governor of a podunk State (no offense Alaska) without having a certain amount of flair and charisma. She did a very nice job of counter balancing her "I'm a hockey Mom" with I'm a tough as nails bitch and can sling mud and half truths too very well.
*side note - thankfully the RNC was in MINNESOTA where they actually know what hockey is or that might have not gone over well
Second, she had very good timing, she worked the crowd and really does have a speaking style that works well.
Third, she hit the ball out of the park for the 'BASE' and that is what John McCain needed. To the new Republican base he is a scary 'liberal' and she fits right in, especially on socially conservative issues.
Now, I can turn to some criticisms:
First, let's start with the family. Again, under 'full disclosure' I have a 8 year old nephew with Downs Syndrome. I do NOT have a favorite niece/nephew among the 9 that I have but I am pretty sure I am his favorite Uncle :). I understand and respect the entire special needs spectrum from a very personal level. What I do not believe is fair is that the Palin Family can be open on one side of their family life and then choose to stay 'closed' on another. Facts are facts and in the world we live in today what is going on is 'fair game'. A part of me REALLY despises it but I realize why it happens. Truthfully, the Republicans have run for a VERY LONG time now on the FALSE notion that Obama is a Muslim, or that he conspires with terrorists. This mud slinging stuff sucks and I wish it didn't happen but it does. Is having a 17 year old pregnant daughter make you a bad mother? No. All of a sudden to have the young man who impregnate her become her fiancee and have his life changed (see that he mysteriously no longer has a MY SPACE page) is a bit more than interesting.
Second, let's get off personal and go to the facts. Mrs. Palin, or her speech writer, was NO WHERE CLOSE on several facts. There is no single evidence that points to Obama-Biden raising taxes for the majority of citizens. Raising taxes for the majority of Republican delegates sitting in that hall, probably, but not the single mother making $34,000 a year raising 2 kids. On the War in Iraq, she talks of 'forfeit' like this were a game of kickball. That is just ridiculous. EVERYONE wants an end to war, isn't that why we fight them in the first place? Win, divide the loot and get out or take over...hmmm...the problem here, and she brought it up is that the Republicans (thanks to the President) want to WIN. Someone please tell me what exactly is winning here? Seriously, what does it look like? Maybe if we knew that we could get on board.
Third, this concept of energy and how Obama-Biden want to make matters worse by not drilling. Look, this is a policy debate. Fact is there probably is no right and wrong. Will drilling solve some problems, short and long term - YES; will drilling cause some problems, short and long term - YES. You will fall in one camp or the other but to lie and say the opponent doesn't care is RIDICULOUS. While we are on energy. When did energy become the #1 issue in America? And if the media is SO liberal how did they buy into this concept. I thought the #1 issue was the ECONOMY, which, oh by the way, the energy issue is a part of. I would think #2 would be the war, but back to #1. If the economy didn't SUCK people would not be complaining as much about energy prices. If our foreign policy was stronger we might not see the energy issue (which is ALL ABOUT MONEY, big fat oil company money). Lastly, we are in this crazy dependency not because of Republicans, Democrats or whatever, we are in it because of ALL OF US. Shut up and work together - solve problems, stop taking blame - BOTH SIDES.
So what did last night do? It kept thinks interesting. Do I think Sarah Palin will ever appeal to the Hillary Crowd? Not if they look at her record - NRA lifetime member, pro life, pro drilling, against universal healthcare, anti-environmental issues (and if you don't think so look up her thoughts on polar bears). She will shore up the Republican base and energize a DEAD campaign. Polling numbers will change, but there is a long way to go and the polls are missing a whole GENERATION. No phone based poll gets to the under 28 (or so) set that does not have a HOME PHONE. They all have just a CELL NUMBER!!!!!!
I am hopeful that the upcoming debates will be about substance and not rhetoric. I am also hopeful that thousands of people will one day rise up from reading my blog and demand that I write a National Column that makes me millions of dollars from book deals and world tours...
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Republican National Convention - Day 1
As unbiased as possible - I PROMISE :-)
1. The theme of the convention was established, in my opinion - Change = Reform. John McCain is his own man/maverick (though I think they will be careful with that word for their 'base) that Independents can trust. While the Obama campaign pounds 'Change', I believe the Republicans will talk about 'Reform'; taking what they see as almost working and tweaking it. They are trying to appease the base yet reach out to swing voters at the same time, I guess that is a sound strategy.
2. The President and his father - I'm not sure why our sitting President is live via satellite while his father is in the hall, oh yeah, and his wife as well. I understand that he is NOT popular at this point but the idea of his speaking is not to the 15,000 in the hall, these people are 'sold'. It is the millions supposedly watching or maybe the millions just getting sound bytes and reactions of the spin doctors. With that in mind, are they fooling anyone? They gave the guy 5 minutes and held their breath that he enunciated his words properly and didn't give that sarcastic, "I know I'm better than you chuckle".
3. Joe Lieberman - What the F dude? On every side, what the F dude? From Senator Lieberman's side; and I should preface this that I like Joe. I think his experience is great, I support many of his core issues and as a Jew I am proud that he was a VP nominee 8 years ago. However, last night was no service to your 'legacy'. You can support Mr. McCain but to be a 'puppet' on their stage where you were clearly not wanted (see the tepid applause you received) was not wise in my mind. Several times you referred to yourself as a Democrat. While I appreciate all that you have done in your years as a Democrat, you chose to be an Independent so you could win your Senate seat back. I'm cool with that, but you can't sit on that fence, Joe. Secondly, the Republican Party. What did Mr. Lieberman do for you? Do you really think that ME, and yes I mean me, a social liberal and fiscal conservative (and a Jew no less) was going to change his mind based on Mr. Lieberman's 'testimonial for McCain/Palin'? Give me a break. I don't think he has even met Sarah Palin yet and if he had he probably didn't know it.
4. Sarah Palin - I am not getting into her personal life. I have learned through lots of adventures (and no I was NOT a pregnant teen) that the world is not Black & White, there are way too many shades of grey for us to pass judgment. Fact is good parents, great parents, have kids that make mistakes and some of them are more glaring than others. Does it speak to other things? Maybe, but I won't bash her for what I don't know. However, how the Republicans are spinning her is phenomenal! I am going to TiVo her speech tonight because in all honestly I have my Fantasy Football Draft and I know my priorities :), but I am very interested in hearing her. If I were handling the Democrats I would leave well enough alone. I would applaud the Republicans for choosing someone fresh, new and a woman and I would say we are excited to get to the real issues of where we differ. I would leave the 'mud' to the media and keep their hands clean. Going after her could be a NO WIN proposition.
So, how did I do on a unbiased basis?
1. The theme of the convention was established, in my opinion - Change = Reform. John McCain is his own man/maverick (though I think they will be careful with that word for their 'base) that Independents can trust. While the Obama campaign pounds 'Change', I believe the Republicans will talk about 'Reform'; taking what they see as almost working and tweaking it. They are trying to appease the base yet reach out to swing voters at the same time, I guess that is a sound strategy.
2. The President and his father - I'm not sure why our sitting President is live via satellite while his father is in the hall, oh yeah, and his wife as well. I understand that he is NOT popular at this point but the idea of his speaking is not to the 15,000 in the hall, these people are 'sold'. It is the millions supposedly watching or maybe the millions just getting sound bytes and reactions of the spin doctors. With that in mind, are they fooling anyone? They gave the guy 5 minutes and held their breath that he enunciated his words properly and didn't give that sarcastic, "I know I'm better than you chuckle".
3. Joe Lieberman - What the F dude? On every side, what the F dude? From Senator Lieberman's side; and I should preface this that I like Joe. I think his experience is great, I support many of his core issues and as a Jew I am proud that he was a VP nominee 8 years ago. However, last night was no service to your 'legacy'. You can support Mr. McCain but to be a 'puppet' on their stage where you were clearly not wanted (see the tepid applause you received) was not wise in my mind. Several times you referred to yourself as a Democrat. While I appreciate all that you have done in your years as a Democrat, you chose to be an Independent so you could win your Senate seat back. I'm cool with that, but you can't sit on that fence, Joe. Secondly, the Republican Party. What did Mr. Lieberman do for you? Do you really think that ME, and yes I mean me, a social liberal and fiscal conservative (and a Jew no less) was going to change his mind based on Mr. Lieberman's 'testimonial for McCain/Palin'? Give me a break. I don't think he has even met Sarah Palin yet and if he had he probably didn't know it.
4. Sarah Palin - I am not getting into her personal life. I have learned through lots of adventures (and no I was NOT a pregnant teen) that the world is not Black & White, there are way too many shades of grey for us to pass judgment. Fact is good parents, great parents, have kids that make mistakes and some of them are more glaring than others. Does it speak to other things? Maybe, but I won't bash her for what I don't know. However, how the Republicans are spinning her is phenomenal! I am going to TiVo her speech tonight because in all honestly I have my Fantasy Football Draft and I know my priorities :), but I am very interested in hearing her. If I were handling the Democrats I would leave well enough alone. I would applaud the Republicans for choosing someone fresh, new and a woman and I would say we are excited to get to the real issues of where we differ. I would leave the 'mud' to the media and keep their hands clean. Going after her could be a NO WIN proposition.
So, how did I do on a unbiased basis?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
One of the many reasons I love college football
No - this is not about the Gators whipping up on Hawaii on Saturday! Though as a side note, I will officially go on the record and say that Tim Tebow will not win back to back Heisman's but I believe the Gators will be playing for the National Championship in Miami this year.
What I saw last night, late into the night is what separates college football from the NFL. The pure passion and enthusiasm of the kids playing the game and the coaches coaching these kids.
In case you missed it, last night Tennessee traveled to Los Angeles to play UCLA and their new Head Coach Rick Neuheisel, who happened to have once starred as the QB at UCLA. In his first season as coach, Neuheisel has seen his top 2 QB's go down with season ending injuries before they could ever take a snap, so they have turned to a kid who transferred from a smaller program. Last night they were up against a very good and aggressive Tennessee Defense and in the first half the young QB showed that he was overmatched, throwing for 4 interceptions. Asked at halftime what he told his young QB, Neuheisel said that he threw 4 interceptions in his first game too but things turned out ok. The second half was a complete turnaround and the kid led UCLA on a go ahead drive with 6 minutes left in the game. In what turned out to be a spectacular last 5 minutes, Tennessee had a great drive of their own to retake the lead with about 2 minutes to go. Out comes the UCLA offense again and what do they do? Drive the ball down Tennessee's throat through the AIR and grab a 3 point lead with 27 seconds to go. Of course, the story does not end there, Tennessee finds a way to get in field goal range and they send the game to overtime. It's almost 11:30 last night and I am exhausted but here I am, rooting for the 'wrong' guys. Every fiber in my body says I should be rooting for the SEC and the team we play in 2 weeks but I just can't do it. The story of this kid and the coach are too compelling for me. In the end, UCLA wins and the celebration was awesome to see.
It was the sort of game that no team 'deserved' to lose but someone had to. It was also what college athletics are all about. You will never see that passion on a professional football field or in the stands.
Clemson fans are probably wondering what it will take to get their coaches to draw that kind of passion from their kids (OUCH!)
What I saw last night, late into the night is what separates college football from the NFL. The pure passion and enthusiasm of the kids playing the game and the coaches coaching these kids.
In case you missed it, last night Tennessee traveled to Los Angeles to play UCLA and their new Head Coach Rick Neuheisel, who happened to have once starred as the QB at UCLA. In his first season as coach, Neuheisel has seen his top 2 QB's go down with season ending injuries before they could ever take a snap, so they have turned to a kid who transferred from a smaller program. Last night they were up against a very good and aggressive Tennessee Defense and in the first half the young QB showed that he was overmatched, throwing for 4 interceptions. Asked at halftime what he told his young QB, Neuheisel said that he threw 4 interceptions in his first game too but things turned out ok. The second half was a complete turnaround and the kid led UCLA on a go ahead drive with 6 minutes left in the game. In what turned out to be a spectacular last 5 minutes, Tennessee had a great drive of their own to retake the lead with about 2 minutes to go. Out comes the UCLA offense again and what do they do? Drive the ball down Tennessee's throat through the AIR and grab a 3 point lead with 27 seconds to go. Of course, the story does not end there, Tennessee finds a way to get in field goal range and they send the game to overtime. It's almost 11:30 last night and I am exhausted but here I am, rooting for the 'wrong' guys. Every fiber in my body says I should be rooting for the SEC and the team we play in 2 weeks but I just can't do it. The story of this kid and the coach are too compelling for me. In the end, UCLA wins and the celebration was awesome to see.
It was the sort of game that no team 'deserved' to lose but someone had to. It was also what college athletics are all about. You will never see that passion on a professional football field or in the stands.
Clemson fans are probably wondering what it will take to get their coaches to draw that kind of passion from their kids (OUCH!)
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